TRANSFORMATION

Romans 12:2

1. Conformed vs Transformed

• Conformed = (syschematizo; syn denotes union with/together; + schema defining a figure as a mode or circumstance; by implication: external condition or fashion.)

 To fashion alike, i.e., conform to the same pattern; fashion oneself according to (i.e. one’s mind and character) another’s pattern.

 Dictionary: to act in agreement/accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, character, etc., of society or a group.

• Transformed = (metamorpho; meta denoting accompaniment + morpho meaning to fashion or form) To transform literally or figuratively; to change, transfigure.

 Dictionary: to change in appearance, structure, nature, substance, condition, or character.

Scriptures where this word is used:

True Transformation:

1) Romans 12:2 – gives the purpose of transformation and how it should affect us – renewed mind; able to prove (give evidence) to God’s will in our lives (it is good, acceptable, and perfect.)

2) II Corinthians 11:15 – (speaking of false & deceitful workers who transform themselves into what they are not) – Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

• True transformation causes us to walk as ministers of righteousness and good works.

• I Cor. 3:12-15 – Build on foundation with gold, silver, precious stones (which are refined when going through fire); or wood, hay, stubble (which are destroyed in a fire) – These represent the ‘works’ which prove whether we are transformed inwardly.

3) I Cor. 3:9-4:6 – (READ)For we are God’s fellow worker, you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it but let each one take heed how he builds on it – build with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw…the fire will test each one’s work, what sort it is…you are God’s temple – Let no one deceive himself…wisdom of this world is foolishness…it is required of stewards to be found faithful!...things hidden will be brought to the light – counsels of the heart.

• Paul ‘figuratively transferred’ to himself and other ministers the responsibility of laying foundation in people’s lives; building with the truth and character of Christ; stewarding the mysteries of God; and remaining faithful to God in that assignment.

• In Phil. 4:2 – Paul implores Syntyche and Euodia to get along, to be of the same mind in the Lord – i.e., to put away contention, disagreement, dislike, strife, and/or competitiveness!

4) Phil. 3:17-21 (READ) – …I seek the fruit that abounds to your account – a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus – The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

• Ultimate transformation occurs in eternity when our physical bodies become glorious undying bodies.

• We should, in the meantime, abound in fruit works that may be sacrificial but beneficial to all.

5) Matt. 17:2 – We get a glimpse of Jesus’ transfigured/transformed body during his mountain top experience. – His face did shine as the sun and his raiment was white as the light and Moses and Elias talked with him.

• Mark 9:2-3 – His raiment became shining, exceeding the whiteness of snow, which cannot be reproduced by a launderer on earth.

• Rev. 19:8 - fine linen, clean and white, which is the righteousness of the saints. We are clothed with the righteousness of Christ Himself.

False Transformation:

1) II Corinthians 11:13-14 – false transformation: those who disguise themselves as what they are not – examples: false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into apostles of Christ, Satan disguised as an angel of light (speaking truth mixed with lie that sounds reasonable)

2) Phil. 3:18-19 – For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame – who set their mind on earthly things.

• these false Christians are enemies of the cross serving their own desires, functioning with a worldly mindset. The result is shame and destruction. (Pride comes before.)

• v. 20-21 – For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. – This is good news!!

3) I Peter 1:14 – As obedient children, not fashioning yourself according to one’s own selfish desires as in your ignorance; or the desires of those around them.

4) The major difference has to do with where our mind and heart is focused – on the world around us or on Christ in heaven’s Kingdom realm.

• How do you demonstrate the transformation of yourself to Christ’s image in your interpersonal relationship?

• Col. 3:1-2, 14, 16 – If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth…above all things put on love, which is the bond of perfection…let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

• Is it easier for you to live a transformed life around Christians or around Unbelievers? Why

• Phil. 4:4-9 – Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Do you view yourself as ‘conforming’ to life and people around you or as a ‘transformed’ person?

How will you intentionally give Jesus permission to transform you in mind and behavior?