Transfigured by a Renewed Mind
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being transformed by the renewing of our minds, resulting in a holy and acceptable life to God.
George Warnock emphasizes the transformative power of a renewed mind as described in Romans 12:2, urging believers to not conform to worldly standards but to be metamorphosed through the Spirit. He explains that by yielding our hearts and minds to God, our mortal bodies can become holy and acceptable as living sacrifices. Warnock highlights the necessity of cleansing ourselves from impurities and perfecting holiness in reverence to God, which he describes as our reasonable, priestly service. He encourages believers to anticipate a profound transformation in their minds, facilitated by the grace and power of Christ, as they submit to His will. Ultimately, this renewal is essential for living a life that pleases God.
Text
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2).
Again the word is "metamorphoo." With hearts and minds yielded to God, these bodies in which we dwell though still mortal are no longer unholy or unclean. By the application of the blood of Christ and the washing of the Spirit they become a fitting habitation for the Spirit Who is holy--and He comes to make us holy. This body in which we dwell must be so presented to God that God may accept it as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable [well-pleasing] unto God." By His sacrifice and indwelling Spirit, and according to His promises, we are to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1). Paul tells us that in doing this, it is our "reasonable" service; but he is referring to a priestly service, a worship service to God.
I know we have fallen far short of this, but it is there in the New Covenant, and we must believe and anticipate this kind of holy living. And having done this we are to expect a "metamorphosis" experience in the mind--a transfiguring, transforming renewal of the mind. We can't make it happen, I know. But our Mediator is there in the heavens to minister the grace and power and life to make it happen... if we are willing to submit to His dealings...
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Transformation
- Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2)
- This transformation is a result of yielding to God
- The body becomes a holy habitation for the Spirit
Key Quotes
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2).” — George Warnock
“By His sacrifice and indwelling Spirit, and according to His promises, we are to 'cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God' (2 Cor. 7:1).” — George Warnock
“We can't make it happen, I know. But our Mediator is there in the heavens to minister the grace and power and life to make it happen... if we are willing to submit to His dealings...” — George Warnock
Application Points
- We must submit to God's dealings in order to experience transformation.
- We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit to perfect holiness in the fear of God.
- We must present our bodies as living sacrifices to God, holy and acceptable to Him.