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Romans 12:2
Verse
Context
Living Sacrifices
1Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And be not conformed to this world - By this world, αιωνι τουτῳ, may be understood that present state of things both among the Jews and Gentiles; the customs and fashions of the people who then lived, the Gentiles particularly, who had neither the power nor the form of godliness; though some think that the Jewish economy, frequently termed עולם הזה olam hazzeh, this world, this peculiar state of things, is alone intended. And the apostle warns them against reviving usages that Christ had abolished: this exhortation still continues in full force. The world that now is - This present state of things, is as much opposed to the spirit of genuine Christianity as the world then was. Pride, luxury, vanity, extravagance in dress, and riotous living, prevail now, as they did then, and are as unworthy of a Christian's pursuit as they are injurious to his soul, and hateful in the sight of God. Be ye transformed - Μεταμορφουσθε, Be ye metamorphosed, transfigured, appear as new persons, and with new habits, as God has given you a new form of worship, so that ye serve in the newness of the spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. The word implies a radical, thorough, and universal change, both outward and inward. Seneca, Epis. vi, shows us the force of this word when used in a moral sense. Sentio, says he, non Emendari me tantum, sed Transfigurari; "I perceive myself not to be amended merely, but to be transformed:" i. e entirely renewed. By the renewing of your mind - Let the inward change produce the outward. Where the spirit, the temper, and disposition of the mind, Eph 4:23, are not renewed, an outward change is of but little worth, and but of short standing. That ye may prove - Εις το δοκιμαζειν, That ye may have practical proof and experimental knowledge of, the will of God - of his purpose and determination, which is good in itself; infinitely so. Acceptable, ευαρεστον, well pleasing to and well received by every mind that is renewed and transformed. And perfect - Τελειον, Finished and complete: when the mind is renewed, and the whole life changed, then the will of God is perfectly fulfilled; for this is its grand design in reference to every human being. These words are supposed by Schoettgen to refer entirely to the Jewish law. The Christians were to renounce this world - the Jewish state of things; to be transformed, by having their minds enlightened in the pure and simple Christian worship, that they might prove the grand characteristic difference between the two covenants: the latter being good in opposition to the statutes which were not good, Eze 20:25; acceptable, in opposition to those sacrifices and offerings which God would not accept, as it is written, Psa 40:6-8; and perfect, in opposition to that system which was imperfect, and which made nothing perfect, and was only the shadow of good things to come. There are both ingenuity and probability in this view of the subject.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And be ye not conformed to this world--Compare Eph 2:2; Gal 1:4, Greek. but be ye transformed--or, "transfigured" (as in Mat 17:2; and Co2 3:18, Greek). by the renewing of your mind--not by a mere outward disconformity to the ungodly world, many of whose actions in themselves may be virtuous and praiseworthy; but by such an inward spiritual transformation as makes the whole life new--new in its motives and ends, even where the actions differ in nothing from those of the world--new, considered as a whole, and in such a sense as to be wholly unattainable save through the constraining power of the love of Christ. that ye may prove--that is, experimentally. (On the word "experience" see on Rom 5:4, and compare Th1 5:10, where the sentiment is the same). what is that--"the" good and acceptable--"well-pleasing" and perfect, will of God--We prefer this rendering (with CALVIN) to that which many able critics [THOLUCK, MEYER, DE WETTE, FRITZSCHE, PHILIPPI, ALFORD, HODGE] adopt--"that ye may prove," or "discern the will of God, [even] what is good, and acceptable, and perfect." God's will is "good," as it demands only what is essentially and unchangeably good (Rom 7:10); it is "well pleasing," in contrast with all that is arbitrary, as demanding only what God has eternal complacency in (compare Mic 6:8, with Jer 9:24); and it is "perfect," as it required nothing else than the perfection of God's reasonable creature, who, in proportion as he attains to it, reflects God's own perfection. Such then is the great general duty of the redeemed--SELF-CONSECRATION, in our whole spirit and soul and body to Him who hath called us into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. Next follow specific duties, chiefly social; beginning with Humility, the chiefest of all the graces--but here with special reference to spiritual gifts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And be not conformed to this world,.... By this world is meant, either the Mosaic dispensation, and Jewish church state, so called in opposition to , "the world to come", the Gospel dispensation; in which there were a worldly sanctuary, and the rites and ceremonies of which are styled the rudiments and elements of the world; to which believers in the present state are by no means to conform, there being sacrifices and ordinances of another nature, it is the will of God they should observe and attend unto: or else the men of the world are designed, carnal and unregenerate men, among whom they formerly had their conversation, from among whom they were chosen, called, and separated, and who lie and live in wickedness, and therefore should not be conformed unto them: which is to be understood, not in a civil sense of conformity to them in garb and apparel, provided that pride and luxury are guarded against, and decency and sobriety observed, and the different abilities of persons and stations in life are attended to; or to any other civil usages and customs which are not contrary to natural and revealed religion; but of a conformity in a moral sense to the evil manners of men, to walk vainly, as other Gentiles do, to go into the same excess of riot with them; for this is contrary both to the principle and doctrine of grace, which teach men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts: and of a compliance with the men of the world in a religious sense, by joining with them in acts of idolatry, superstition, and will worship, and in anything that is contrary to the order, ordinances, and truths of the Gospel. But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind; which regards not the first work of conversion and renovation; for in this sense these persons were transformed, metamorphosed, changed, and renewed already; but the after progress and carrying on the work of renovation, the renewing of them day by day in the spirit of their minds; see Eph 4:23; which believers should be desirous of, and pray for, and make use of those means which the Spirit of God owns for this purpose, attending to the spiritual exercises of religion, as reading, meditation, prayer, conference, the ministration of the word and ordinances, which is the reverse of conformity to the world: and the end to be attained hereby is, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God; by which is meant not the secret will of God, which cannot be searched into, proved, and known, till time and facts discover it: but the revealed will of God, both in the law, as in the hands of Christ, which contains nothing but what is good; and which when done in faith, from a principle of love, and to the glory of God, is acceptable through Christ; and is perfect as a law of liberty, and rule of walk and conversation; and which is to be proved and approved of by all the saints, who delight in it after the inward man: and also that which is contained in the Gospel; as that all that the Father had given to Christ should be redeemed by him, that these should be sanctified, and persevere to the end, and be glorified; all which is the good will of God, an acceptable saying to sensible sinners, and such a scheme of salvation as is perfect and complete, and needs nothing to be added to it; and is, by such who are daily renewed in the spirit of their minds, more and more proved, tried, discerned, and approved of, even by all such who have their spiritual senses exercised to discern things that differ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:2 this world (literally this age): The division of history into two ages was typical of the Jewish worldview. Early Christians adapted this point of view, identifying the coming of Christ as the time when the new age of salvation began. Unexpectedly, however, the new age did not bring an end to the old age. The old way of thinking and living continues, and it is a source of temptation even to Christians who seek to conform their lives to the values of the new age.
Romans 12:2
Living Sacrifices
1Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church
By Paul Washer68K1:56:35EXO 25:9MAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 4:71TI 4:162TI 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsibility for our actions. The speaker urges believers to align their lives and the church with the clear direction given in the Word of God. He encourages humility and a willingness to change, even in the later stages of life. The sermon also addresses the younger ministers, urging them to approach these truths with love and humility when implementing them in their churches.
Spiritual Treason
By A.W. Tozer16K35:39New ExperiencesROM 12:21CO 1:18COL 1:151TH 5:212TI 3:161PE 1:221JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's attitude towards God, Christ, the scriptures, self, other Christians, the world, and sin. The speaker encourages the audience to persevere in their faith and to continually seek a deeper love for God and a greater understanding of the scriptures. He also emphasizes the importance of discernment and testing the spirits to ensure that any doctrine, blessing, or experience aligns with God's truth as revealed in the Bible.
Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 1
By Keith Green15K44:14PSA 37:4PRO 3:5PRO 16:3PRO 16:9JER 29:11MAT 7:7ROM 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the journey of faith. They encourage listeners to seek solutions and growth in their spiritual lives, rather than simply relying on external factors. The speaker also addresses the need for a welcoming and inclusive environment for those who may not have a strong religious background. They emphasize the importance of personal growth and choosing a path that aligns with one's dreams and aspirations. The sermon concludes with a reminder to continually learn and grow in one's faith.
God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1
By Jackie Pullinger14K43:07ServicePSA 46:10PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 4:32PHP 4:13JAS 1:19The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of any specific biblical teachings or references. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a summary of the video in four sentences.
Soldiers of Christ Arise
By A.W. Tozer13K31:34WarfareEZK 33:32MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:2EPH 6:122TI 2:3JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker criticizes certain leaders who he believes are leading young people astray by portraying the Christian life as a game. He argues that this mindset affects various aspects of Christian culture, such as music and magazines. The speaker also mentions that he will be speaking at a convention of religious writers and editors, where he expects to have a more challenging and confrontational discussion. He emphasizes the importance of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ and willingly embracing hardship for the sake of the faith. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of John Bunyan's "Christian entering heaven" from "The Pilgrim's Progress."
Mental Attitude
By Kathryn Kuhlman13K12:48AttitudePRO 23:7MAT 7:12MAT 22:39MRK 11:24ROM 12:2PHP 2:31JN 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so they are. The preacher highlights that the desire for love, friendship, and admiration from others must begin within oneself. He encourages self-reflection and taking inventory of one's own character. The sermon also emphasizes the power of God and how one's attitude can limit or unleash that power in their life.
How to Find Your Place
By Derek Prince12K32:01PoorRUT 2:12MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 3:18EPH 2:81TI 1:92TI 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding and fulfilling the good works that God has prepared for each individual. He contrasts two different approaches taken by Christians - some pursue personal ambition and worldly success, while others seek to align themselves with God's purpose. The speaker encourages Christians to understand their worth and significance in God's eternal plan, which can help overcome low self-esteem. The message is applicable to all Christians and lack of understanding in this area can lead to frustration in their lives. The sermon is based on 1 Timothy 1:9 and 2 Timothy 1:9, highlighting the idea that God has called and saved believers according to His own purpose and grace.
Deeper Waters - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill12K25:54Depth of Relationship with GodSanctificationMAT 5:8JHN 1:1JHN 14:6JHN 17:17ROM 12:22CO 6:171TH 4:3HEB 12:14JAS 1:51PE 1:16Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He argues that the Gospel is not merely a collection of four accounts but a singular narrative revealing the essence of Christ. Ravenhill highlights the importance of understanding Jesus' prayer in John 17, which he considers a sacred moment that showcases the need for believers to seek wisdom and sanctification in their lives. He challenges the church to move beyond superficial spirituality and to embrace a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing the necessity of separation from worldly influences. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to holiness and a deeper understanding of God's majesty.
Intercessory Prayer - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill12K29:32Intercessory PrayerMAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 12:22CO 12:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different perspectives of Jesus presented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew portrays Jesus as a king, while Mark emphasizes his role as a servant. Luke presents Jesus as a man who is dependent on his Father and is known for his deep prayer life. The preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and obedience in the Christian life, using examples from the Bible such as Moses and Abraham Lincoln. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting and obeying God.
A Passion to Know Him
By Charles Stanley10K1:03:41Knowing GodMAT 6:33ROM 12:2PHP 3:3COL 3:2JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ not only as Savior but also as Lord. Many people are content with knowing Jesus as their Savior because it means they are forgiven and redeemed. However, few are interested in knowing Him as Lord, which requires submitting their will to Him and allowing Him to guide their lives. The speaker encourages listeners to be observant of how God works in their own lives and in the lives of others, and to learn from these experiences. Finally, the speaker urges listeners to look for evidence of Christ in every circumstance of life, even if they don't always understand it.
"His Plan for Me"
By Leonard Ravenhill9.7K00:50PSA 37:5PRO 19:21ISA 64:8JER 29:11ROM 12:2This sermon reflects on the poem 'His Plan for Me' and delves into the concept of surrendering to God's will. It explores the idea of standing before Christ at the judgment seat and realizing the missed opportunities and blessings due to not yielding to God's plan. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering our will and allowing God to mold us according to His divine purpose, even if it means letting go of our own desires and plans.
Either Pentecost or Holocaust
By Leonard Ravenhill8.7K1:12:00HolinessEXO 13:21ACT 2:4ACT 2:36ROM 12:2HEB 12:29In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of God leading the children of Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. He emphasizes that our God is a consuming fire, highlighting the power and presence of God. The speaker then shifts to discussing Peter's preaching, noting that it was powerful, pointed, and painful. He shares an anecdote about a little boy demonstrating the importance of watching and praying. The sermon concludes with a story about a small gathering where the speaker is encouraged by a message from his father about a woman and her son with a physical ailment, prompting him to preach a simple salvation message and offer healing.
Be Ye Holy for I Am Holy
By Keith Daniel7.6K1:13:04Practical HolinessROM 12:22CO 6:17EPH 5:81TH 5:23HEB 12:141PE 1:141PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being transformed and renewed in our minds to align with God's will. He quotes from 1 Peter 1:14, urging believers to be obedient children and not conform to their former lusts. The preacher emphasizes that holiness is a personal choice and not influenced by external factors such as peer pressure or societal corruption. He shares a personal story about a man who was burdened by the moral decay in society and eventually preached at a convention, moving the young people to tears. The sermon highlights the need for believers to maintain their holiness and not compromise their faith.
Questions & Answers
By Warren Wiersbe7.4K59:18PRO 4:23MAT 6:33MAT 11:28LUK 24:32ROM 12:22CO 10:5REV 21:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of creativity in preaching the word of God. He shares a humorous anecdote about two farmers discussing their church service, highlighting the need for sermons to be creative and engaging. The preacher also talks about the importance of renewing the mind and guarding against negative influences that can affect our thoughts. He encourages listeners to focus on doing what is right and not worry about what others say. Additionally, he mentions his plans to write a book on the Old Testament and the blessings that come from living a life of faith.
Guide Posts and Warning Signs
By Paul Washer6.8K1:09:25TestimonyPRO 3:5ISA 2:22JER 2:5JER 9:23MAT 6:33ROM 12:2PHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal relationship with Him, rather than being distracted by worldly success or achievements. The speaker also highlights the need to bring our thought life under the Lordship of God and conform to His will. He emphasizes the importance of following the steps laid out in the Bible and not skipping over any of them in order to truly build a life of conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a challenge to prioritize eternal matters and to let go of personal dreams and desires in order to align with God's will.
Forget Not His Benefits
By Vance Havner6.5K30:18HealingMAT 6:33MAT 10:34JHN 3:16ACT 17:6ROM 12:21JN 4:17REV 1:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse 1 John 4:17, "as he is, so are we in this world." He emphasizes that John, as a New Testament writer, has a unique ability to convey profound truths in simple terms. The preacher breaks down the verse into three divisions of three words each, highlighting its simplicity and importance. He discusses how Jesus, as the same yesterday, today, and forever, calls for believers to live in the reality of their identity in Christ and not treat it as a fairy tale. The preacher also emphasizes the need for believers to be actively engaged in the world, sharing the love of Christ and winning others to Him.
(Basics) 12. God's Word Renews Our Mind
By Zac Poonen6.5K13:24GEN 1:26EXO 20:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 12:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the Word of God and the Holy Spirit can transform our chaotic and dark lives into something excellent and very good, just as God did with the earth in Genesis. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus coming in human form made it easier for us to understand and follow the Word of God. The key to experiencing this transformation is by allowing God to renew our way of thinking so that we can think and act like Him. By submitting to the Holy Spirit and studying the life of Jesus in the scriptures, our sinful nature gradually becomes more like Christ.
How to Tell When a Thing Is From God
By A.W. Tozer5.8K49:19Will Of GodMAT 22:37JHN 14:21ROM 12:22CO 6:141TH 5:212TI 3:161JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encourage believers to prove all things and try the spirits. The speaker shares a spiritual treasure that was given to him, which helps discern whether something is from God or not. He emphasizes the need for believers to be discerning and not easily accepting everything they hear, especially when it comes to their spiritual lives.
(Om Orientation) Discipline - Part 1
By Jonathan McRostie5.6K38:13OrientationPSA 119:11PRO 23:7ISA 26:3ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 4:8COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of disciplining our thoughts. He highlights that our thoughts play a crucial role in shaping our actions and words. The speaker encourages filling our minds with good and truthful things, rather than leaving them empty. He also discusses the discipline of meditation and the need to focus on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report, as mentioned in Philippians 4. The speaker acknowledges that disciplining our thoughts is not easy, but it is a necessary process in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Christian in This World
By Vance Havner5.3K30:28Holy CharacterMAT 6:33JHN 17:6JHN 18:36ROM 12:22CO 6:17PHP 3:201JN 2:15In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of attending an old-fashioned Methodist camp meeting where they were singing and praising God. He highlights the importance of gravitating towards what truly lures us and where we belong in our hearts. The speaker explains the difference between the world that God loves, which refers to lost souls, and the world that we are warned not to love, which refers to the sinful aspects of the world. He emphasizes that as Christians, we have been saved out of the world to go back into the world and win people over to Christ. The main message is that our purpose in this world is to be a light in the darkness and to tell the world goodbye, leaving behind everything that is wrong.
Man as You Are
By Major Ian Thomas5.3K37:07ManGEN 3:6ISA 14:12MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ROM 12:2EPH 3:14COL 2:9In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing man in his innocence and perfection, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. However, the focus of the sermon shifts to man as he is, highlighting the reality of human sin and failure. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding what happens when man fails in sin and how it affects the human spirit. He then references Ephesians 3:14, where Paul prays for believers to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts. The sermon concludes with the invitation for listeners to surrender their whole humanity to Christ and experience a revolutionary transformation.
A Certain Sound
By Manley Beasley5.2K1:04:44Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 13:81CO 14:9EPH 4:142TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking for prayers for the upcoming multimedia presentation in Europe. He then reads a passage from the Bible and discusses the importance of being aware of certain issues in the world today. The speaker emphasizes that he is not trying to provide a structured teaching, but rather wants to raise awareness and encourage listeners to seek guidance through Bible study, prayer, and personal experiences. The sermon highlights the significance of staying balanced as a Christian and the need to recognize and combat the strategies of the devil, particularly his attempts to create uncertainty among believers.
"Ye Shall Be as gods." That Was Not Christ’s Ambition
By Hans R. Waldvogel5.1K23:43Humbling YourselfISA 6:5MAT 16:24MAT 18:3ROM 12:21CO 11:28PHP 2:8JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God. They share a story about a woman who found joy in doing the dishes because she saw it as an opportunity to serve God. The speaker also mentions the deceitfulness of the human heart and the need for transformation through the renewing of the mind. They encourage listeners to seek God's will and to have faith and love in their approach to Him. The sermon concludes with a reference to a biblical passage about finding the way in the midst of challenges.
The Wearing Down of the Saints
By David Wilkerson5.1K1:02:20AntichristEXO 18:13DEU 5:22EZK 14:3DAN 7:28MAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 10:14In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people waiting in line to be prayed for and seeking a touch or word from a man instead of seeking God directly. The speaker refers to the story of Moses in Exodus 18, where he sat to judge the people and they stood in line from morning until evening. Moses' father-in-law questioned why he was doing this to the people instead of for them. The speaker emphasizes that God never intended for there to be a division between the pulpit and the pew, and that people should seek God directly for their needs.
911 Tradegy
By K.P. Yohannan4.9K49:56TradegyMAT 10:23LUK 14:26ACT 20:24ROM 12:21CO 2:4PHP 3:102TI 2:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own life and ministry, realizing that he has become complacent and lacking in passion for sharing the gospel. He is convicted by the fact that thousands of people die every day without hearing about Jesus. He acknowledges that he needs a change of heart and asks God to transform him. The sermon also shares a powerful story of a young brother who risks his life to preach the gospel in a dangerous place, only to be met with opposition and threats. However, through his calm and peaceful response, he eventually gains the respect and curiosity of the village chief, who invites him to his house to learn more about his beliefs.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And be not conformed to this world - By this world, αιωνι τουτῳ, may be understood that present state of things both among the Jews and Gentiles; the customs and fashions of the people who then lived, the Gentiles particularly, who had neither the power nor the form of godliness; though some think that the Jewish economy, frequently termed עולם הזה olam hazzeh, this world, this peculiar state of things, is alone intended. And the apostle warns them against reviving usages that Christ had abolished: this exhortation still continues in full force. The world that now is - This present state of things, is as much opposed to the spirit of genuine Christianity as the world then was. Pride, luxury, vanity, extravagance in dress, and riotous living, prevail now, as they did then, and are as unworthy of a Christian's pursuit as they are injurious to his soul, and hateful in the sight of God. Be ye transformed - Μεταμορφουσθε, Be ye metamorphosed, transfigured, appear as new persons, and with new habits, as God has given you a new form of worship, so that ye serve in the newness of the spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. The word implies a radical, thorough, and universal change, both outward and inward. Seneca, Epis. vi, shows us the force of this word when used in a moral sense. Sentio, says he, non Emendari me tantum, sed Transfigurari; "I perceive myself not to be amended merely, but to be transformed:" i. e entirely renewed. By the renewing of your mind - Let the inward change produce the outward. Where the spirit, the temper, and disposition of the mind, Eph 4:23, are not renewed, an outward change is of but little worth, and but of short standing. That ye may prove - Εις το δοκιμαζειν, That ye may have practical proof and experimental knowledge of, the will of God - of his purpose and determination, which is good in itself; infinitely so. Acceptable, ευαρεστον, well pleasing to and well received by every mind that is renewed and transformed. And perfect - Τελειον, Finished and complete: when the mind is renewed, and the whole life changed, then the will of God is perfectly fulfilled; for this is its grand design in reference to every human being. These words are supposed by Schoettgen to refer entirely to the Jewish law. The Christians were to renounce this world - the Jewish state of things; to be transformed, by having their minds enlightened in the pure and simple Christian worship, that they might prove the grand characteristic difference between the two covenants: the latter being good in opposition to the statutes which were not good, Eze 20:25; acceptable, in opposition to those sacrifices and offerings which God would not accept, as it is written, Psa 40:6-8; and perfect, in opposition to that system which was imperfect, and which made nothing perfect, and was only the shadow of good things to come. There are both ingenuity and probability in this view of the subject.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And be ye not conformed to this world--Compare Eph 2:2; Gal 1:4, Greek. but be ye transformed--or, "transfigured" (as in Mat 17:2; and Co2 3:18, Greek). by the renewing of your mind--not by a mere outward disconformity to the ungodly world, many of whose actions in themselves may be virtuous and praiseworthy; but by such an inward spiritual transformation as makes the whole life new--new in its motives and ends, even where the actions differ in nothing from those of the world--new, considered as a whole, and in such a sense as to be wholly unattainable save through the constraining power of the love of Christ. that ye may prove--that is, experimentally. (On the word "experience" see on Rom 5:4, and compare Th1 5:10, where the sentiment is the same). what is that--"the" good and acceptable--"well-pleasing" and perfect, will of God--We prefer this rendering (with CALVIN) to that which many able critics [THOLUCK, MEYER, DE WETTE, FRITZSCHE, PHILIPPI, ALFORD, HODGE] adopt--"that ye may prove," or "discern the will of God, [even] what is good, and acceptable, and perfect." God's will is "good," as it demands only what is essentially and unchangeably good (Rom 7:10); it is "well pleasing," in contrast with all that is arbitrary, as demanding only what God has eternal complacency in (compare Mic 6:8, with Jer 9:24); and it is "perfect," as it required nothing else than the perfection of God's reasonable creature, who, in proportion as he attains to it, reflects God's own perfection. Such then is the great general duty of the redeemed--SELF-CONSECRATION, in our whole spirit and soul and body to Him who hath called us into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. Next follow specific duties, chiefly social; beginning with Humility, the chiefest of all the graces--but here with special reference to spiritual gifts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And be not conformed to this world,.... By this world is meant, either the Mosaic dispensation, and Jewish church state, so called in opposition to , "the world to come", the Gospel dispensation; in which there were a worldly sanctuary, and the rites and ceremonies of which are styled the rudiments and elements of the world; to which believers in the present state are by no means to conform, there being sacrifices and ordinances of another nature, it is the will of God they should observe and attend unto: or else the men of the world are designed, carnal and unregenerate men, among whom they formerly had their conversation, from among whom they were chosen, called, and separated, and who lie and live in wickedness, and therefore should not be conformed unto them: which is to be understood, not in a civil sense of conformity to them in garb and apparel, provided that pride and luxury are guarded against, and decency and sobriety observed, and the different abilities of persons and stations in life are attended to; or to any other civil usages and customs which are not contrary to natural and revealed religion; but of a conformity in a moral sense to the evil manners of men, to walk vainly, as other Gentiles do, to go into the same excess of riot with them; for this is contrary both to the principle and doctrine of grace, which teach men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts: and of a compliance with the men of the world in a religious sense, by joining with them in acts of idolatry, superstition, and will worship, and in anything that is contrary to the order, ordinances, and truths of the Gospel. But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind; which regards not the first work of conversion and renovation; for in this sense these persons were transformed, metamorphosed, changed, and renewed already; but the after progress and carrying on the work of renovation, the renewing of them day by day in the spirit of their minds; see Eph 4:23; which believers should be desirous of, and pray for, and make use of those means which the Spirit of God owns for this purpose, attending to the spiritual exercises of religion, as reading, meditation, prayer, conference, the ministration of the word and ordinances, which is the reverse of conformity to the world: and the end to be attained hereby is, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God; by which is meant not the secret will of God, which cannot be searched into, proved, and known, till time and facts discover it: but the revealed will of God, both in the law, as in the hands of Christ, which contains nothing but what is good; and which when done in faith, from a principle of love, and to the glory of God, is acceptable through Christ; and is perfect as a law of liberty, and rule of walk and conversation; and which is to be proved and approved of by all the saints, who delight in it after the inward man: and also that which is contained in the Gospel; as that all that the Father had given to Christ should be redeemed by him, that these should be sanctified, and persevere to the end, and be glorified; all which is the good will of God, an acceptable saying to sensible sinners, and such a scheme of salvation as is perfect and complete, and needs nothing to be added to it; and is, by such who are daily renewed in the spirit of their minds, more and more proved, tried, discerned, and approved of, even by all such who have their spiritual senses exercised to discern things that differ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:2 this world (literally this age): The division of history into two ages was typical of the Jewish worldview. Early Christians adapted this point of view, identifying the coming of Christ as the time when the new age of salvation began. Unexpectedly, however, the new age did not bring an end to the old age. The old way of thinking and living continues, and it is a source of temptation even to Christians who seek to conform their lives to the values of the new age.