Audio commentary on this verse

Note 6 at Rom. 12:2: Many people would think that if we fulfill the conditions of verse one that everything else would automatically work out. Yet Paul goes on to state that we also have to renew our minds. There have been many people who have had a genuine commitment to the Lord but they didn't renew their minds through God's Word and they suffered many problems that they didn't have to.

Note 7 at Rom. 12:2: The Greek word that was translated "conformed" here is the word "suschematizo" meaning "to fashion alike; i.e conform to the same pattern." This scripture is telling us that we should be different than the unbelievers. Most Christians recognize this but they seem at a loss of how to accomplish it. This verse goes on to give us the answer. The key is our minds. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7).

If we think on the same things that the world thinks on, we are going to get the same results. If we keep our minds stayed upon God through the study of His word and fellowship with Him, then we'll have perfect peace (Isa. 26:3). It's that simple.

Note 8 at Rom. 12:2: The Greek word that was translated "transformed" here is the word "metamorphoo" and is the same word that we get our word "metamorphosis" from. It is describing a complete change like to that of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly. This word is also the same word that was used to describe Jesus' transformation when His garments became white as the light (Mt. 17:2).

Making our thinking line up with God's Word will effect this complete transformation in our lives.

Note 9 at Rom. 12:2: When anyone gets born again (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92), they become a totally new creation in their spirit. Their spiritual salvation is complete. They don't need any more faith, joy, or power. They are complete in Him (Col. 2:9-10; see note 3 at Mt. 26:41, p. 507).

However, it is not God's will that we just be changed on the inside. He wants to manifest this salvation in our physical lives. That takes place through the renewing of our minds.

Man is a spirit, soul, and body (1 Th. 5:23). Our spirits are as perfect as they will ever be in heaven (see note 1 at Rom. 8:18, p. 797). If we will change our thinking so that we believe what God says in His Word about who we are and what we have, then this agreement between our spirit and soul forms a majority and our flesh will experience the life of God that has been deposited in our spirits.

If we fail to renew our minds, we can live our entire time on this earth without experiencing the abundant life that Jesus provided for us (Jn. 10:10).

Note 10 at Rom. 12:2: The dictionary defines "prove" as "to establish the truth or validity of by evidence or argument; to be shown to be; turn out." Therefore, this is speaking of how to physically display God's will in our lives. This is a promise that if we fulfill the requirements of these two verses, we will prove, not might prove, but "will" prove the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Finding God's will for our lives is not hard when we do what these verses instruct us to do. As a matter of fact, it would be impossible to miss God's will once we commit ourselves to God as a living sacrifice and begin to renew our minds. Finding God's will for our lives only becomes hard when a person is not totally committed to God.

Note 11 at Rom. 12:2: There is a difference of opinion among scholars whether Paul is using "good, and acceptable, and perfect" to describe the will of God or if Paul is saying that there are stages in walking in the will of God (i.e. good, then acceptable, then the perfect will of God). Either of these cases would be doctrinally correct.

God's will certainly is good, and acceptable and perfect. It is also true that no one moves immediately into everything that God has for them but there is always growth into the things of God.

Note 12 at Rom. 12:2: This is a wonderful promise that we can prove God's will in our lives (see note 10 at this verse). The first step is to make a total commitment of our lives to the Lord (a living sacrifice-v. 1). Actually this is the will of God for everyone. Our vocation is secondary. God's will for every individual is to be a living sacrifice to Him. Once that is accomplished, more specific direction will come as we renew our minds.

If we try to find God's vocation for us, but don't present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, then we are frustrating God's plan. God doesn't just want our service, He wants us. Once He gets us, He'll get our service.