Transformed Not Conformed- Romans 12

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 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. -Romans 12:1-2

Have Christians been conformed to the world? The people of God are offended at the thought! After all, the church is supposed to be the “pillar and support” of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Do we stand for the truth or have we adopted the world’s outlook? Before simply dismissing the thought, consider this example.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. -Romans 12:16-18

How do we handle disagreements arising within the local congregation? Unity is what is called for. How do we see fellow Christians? Paul says that we should not think too highly of ourselves. How do we treat the poor? Biblically, we should spend time with them. What do we do when people take advantage of us? God tells us not too seek revenge. How do we define “right?” Our definition should be God’s definition. How do we deal with people when problems arise? Peacemakers are called sons of God (Matthew 5:9).

Paul calls the church to unity, humility, forgiveness, and peace. The church should aim for these attitudes daily. In contrast, the world has fallen victim to Satan’s reading.

Be of the same mind toward one another as long as everyone agrees with you; humility is for the weak, there is no need to waste your time with the lowly. You are as wise as you think you are. Treat people the way they treat you. Respect those who respect you. If possible, so far as it depends on others, be at peace with all men.* 

Unfortunately, the church often agrees with the world’s selective and alternate reading of Scripture. This conformity needs to stop. It is imperative that we seek to do God’s will in every situation. The beginning of a new year is when people resolve to do better. Christians must decide to be transformed into the living, holy sacrifices God wants us to be. Conformity does not please God. Christ died to free us from the patterns of the world, opening the door for something far better—a peaceful, repaired relationship with God (Ephesians 2:11-16). Let the transformation begin!

-Kevin W. Smith

*Romans 12:16-18 rewritten from Satan’s viewpoint.

Confident Faith- 2 Timothy 1

Life is challenging to say the least. Our courage and even our faith can be rocked when we or those we love are called to suffer for the gospel. However, our confidence in Jesus can serve as a mighty stalwart aiding us whenever struggles come calling. The Apostle Paul confronts this issue in 2 Timothy, beginning with the young evangelist’s roots.

For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,  -2 Timothy 1:5-8

When it came to Jesus, Lois and Eunice were apparently confident and convinced. After all, they passed their faith down to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to have this same confidence and faithful conviction by telling him that God has not given His people a spirit of timidity. Paul uses the word δειλια (deilia) which can also be translated “cowardice.” God has not made us cowards, but given us a bold, powerful Spirit to help Christians deal with whatever suffering and challenges surface.

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. -2 Timothy 1:9-10, 12

Paul’s confidence is based on who God is and what He accomplished through Jesus, not on his own ability or standing. After all, he is in a Roman prison as he writes this! For His own purpose, God has granted us grace; His Son has abolished death, illuminated life and offered immortality. Paul wants Timothy to know his confidence is based on Jesus and His competency to safeguard what Paul has entrusted to Him.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).  He has not changed since Paul declared confidence in His power and ability. Christians today have the same Spirit of power lodging inside them. We are capable of standing firm in our faith through sufferings and challenges as long as Jesus is the stalwart we are holding on to.