Romans 12:2

be not conformed Same word as 1 Peter 1:14; (E. V. "not fashioning yourselves") The Gr. noun (schema) on which the verb rendered "conform" is based indicates a formexternal rather than internal, transient or unreal rather than solid and lasting: a "figure." It occurs 1 Corinthians 7:31, (E. V. "the fashionof this world,") and Philippians 2:8, (E. V. "in fashionas a man.") In the last passage the reference is to the Lord's Manhood not as unrealbut as, in a certain sense, external, i.e. as distinguished from the real but invisible Deity which lay, as it were, within the veil or robeof the real and visible Humanity. Here the verb indicates that a true Christian's "conformity to this world" could only be (1) conformity to a transientthing, a thing doomed to destruction, and (2) illusoryin itself, because alien from the man's true principles and position. A similar reference is plainly traceable in 1 Peter 1:14.

this world Lit. this age. Same word as Matthew 12:32; Luke 16:8; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 1:21; 1 Timothy 6:17; 2 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:12. The antithesis is "the world to come," "the coming age," "that age:" e.g. Matthew 12:32; Luke 20:35; Ephesians 1:21. The passages quoted (and many might be added) shew that the meaning is rightly conveyed in E. V. "This age" is the present order of things, the period of sin and death, and (by a natural transference) the contentsof that period, the principles and practices of evil. The antithesis is the Eternal Future, the resurrection-life, (Luke 20:35-36,) in which sin and death shall have no place for ever. Thus the exhortation here is, to live as those whose lives are governed by the principles and hopes of a holy eternity in prospect.

be transformed Same word as Matthew 17:2, ("was transfigured;") 2 Corinthians 3:18, ("are changed") The root-noun (morphè) is different from the root-noun of "conformed" just above, and forms an antithesis to it. In such antithetical connexions it indicates an essential, permanent, and real form. It is used e.g. Philippians 2:6; Philippians 2:8; in which verses the essential reality of the Lord's Deity and Servitude respectively are emphasized. Here the point of the word is manifest: the Christian, by the Divine "renewal," is to realize an essential and permanentchange; to prove himself, as it were, one of a new species; a "new man," not the "old man" in a new dress.

For masterly discussions of the differences between Schemaand Morphèsee Abp Trench's New Testament Synonyms, under the word μορφὴ, and Bp Lightfoot's Philippians, detached Note to ch. 2. Abp Trench vividly illustrates the difference thus: "If I were to change a Dutch garden into an Italian, this would be [a change of schema; but if I were to transform a garden into something wholly different, say a garden into a city, this would be [a change of morphè.] [44] "

[44] We translate the Greek nouns, used by the Abp in this sentence. He paraphrases the present passage: "Do not fall in with the fleeting fashions of this world, out undergo a deep abiding change, by the renewing of your mind, such as the Spirit of God alone can work in you (2 Corinthians 3:18)."

Observe that the Gr. word translated "conformed" in Romans 8:29 is based not on schemabut on morphè. This passage is illustrated by that. The predestinating will of God is carried out, as we here see, through the real efforts of the renewed wills of the saints, to which the appeal is here made. See Philippians 2:12-13; (where render "for His good pleasure's sake.")

by the renewing of your mind As the quasi- instrumentof the transformation. The regenerating power of the Holy Spirit had rectified their intelligence, which they were now to use in "purifying themselves as the Lord was pure." As the Divine change had enabled them to use their intelligence aright, the change is spoken of as if itself the instrument to be used. The word rendered "renewing" occurs Titus 3:5; and the cognate verb 2 Corinthians 4:16; Colossians 3:10. It may denote, according to context, either the initial "renewing," when man definitely becomes "the child of God through faith in Christ Jesus," and "the Spirit of Christ" takes up His dwelling in the soul; or the progressive "renewing" consequent on this, as thought, will, and affections "grow in grace," and the man is (according to the appeal here) progressively "transformed." Such is probably the reference in 2 Corinthians 4:16; Colossians 3:10. Here the other reference is more probable, as we have indicated above: the "renewing" here is already a fact, and is usedin the process of "transformation."

your mind Here probably, in a strict sense, your intelligence, renewed or rectified by Divine grace, so as (in the following words) "to prove what is the will of God." Observe that the "mind," as well as other parts of the being, is assumed to have needed"renewing." Cp. Ephesians 4:18.

that ye may prove may assay, or test. Same word as Romans 1:28, (E. V., "like,") Romans 2:18; Romans 14:22 ("allow;"), 1 Corinthians 3:13 ("try;"), 2 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 5:10 (a close parallel;), Philippians 1:10 (where render, "test things which differ;), &c." Where the context allows, the word often includes (and sometimes wholly adopts) the idea of preference, of approval;e.g. 1 Corinthians 16:3. Here the meaning is that the Christian's intelligence has been so "renewed" by grace that he now, by a holy instinct, can discern, in conflicting cases, the will of God from the will of self or of the world. And on this perception he is to act.

acceptable Same word as in Romans 12:1. His will is "acceptable" to the saints, because the will of their Father. It is also "acceptable "to Himself, both in itself, and because as done by His childrenit results in acts pleasing to Him.

perfect In wisdom and love, whatever perplexities becloud it.