transformation (renewal)- from the Greek words metamorphoo (to transform), meta (with, among, after) and morphoo (to form); to change in form, appearance, nature or character; a renewal of the mind that occurs in the awareness that we are a new creation; a metamorphosis in nature from one of sin to one of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul tells us, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
Paul describes three stages of transformation in Ephesians 4:22-24, "that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of the mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."
Where do we begin? How do we enter into the transformation process as born again believers?
1) lay aside the old self- begins with the complete surrender of one's will to God's will. Pray to God: Lord empty me so I can be filled with you.
2) be renewed in the spirit of the mind. Read God's word daily; talk with God, He will guide your thoughts. Take every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul tells us, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."
3) put on the new self. In Colossians 3, Paul describes how to put on the new self.
Some highlights:
Colossians 3:1-3 Paul says, "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:9-12 Paul continues, "Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him- a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;"
Colossians 3:14-17 "Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
Romans 12:2 Paul states, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Renewal is a process. It takes place day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 "For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Renewal is a process. It takes place day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 "For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Renewing of the mind begins with revelation, then a
feeling of chaos, then a discomfort and slight suffering, then a settling down,
then a rest, then you are established in Christ in your thinking. God renews
the mind to heavenly realities.
feeling of chaos, then a discomfort and slight suffering, then a settling down,
then a rest, then you are established in Christ in your thinking. God renews
the mind to heavenly realities.
1 Peter 5:10 "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."
