Romans 12:2

And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

'be not' -first from the negative point of view. Notice: This is something that we have control over.

'fashioned' -4964. suschematizo soos-khay-mat-id'-zo; from 4862 and. derivative of 4976; to fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern (figuratively): -conform to, fashion self according to.

'Do not live according to the fashions of the times' (Nor); 'You must not adopt the customs of this world' (Gspd);. Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold' (Phi). 'To conform to another's pattern' (Robertson p. 402) 'Do not adopt the external and fleeting fashion of this world.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 688)

'according to this world' -i.e. society that is opposed to the will of God. (1 John 2:15; Galatians 1:4) 'Pictures the sphere or form of life from which God is excluded, the spirit of which is selfishness.' (Erdman p. 144)

Points to Note:

1. There is no such thing as. true individual. There is no such thing as. non-conformist. Everyone is imitating or copying another's behaviour. In the final analysis everyone is. follower of someone or something. Everyone 'conforms' to some standard. (Romans 6:16)

2. The word 'conform/fashion' here suggests that you don't have to completely line up with the world, to be guilty of conforming to it. Lenski says that the word 'conform', here means, 'outward conformation' (p. 749). Christians are not to even talk or dress like the world. (Ephesians 5:3) Neither are we allowed to 'run with the pack', merely on the weekends. (1 Peter 4:3)

'but be ye' -the positive. Christianity is. lot more than. bunch of 'thou shalt not's' (2 Timothy 2:22)

'transformed' -3339. metamorphoo met-am-or-fo'-o; from 3326 and 3445; to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose"): -change, transfigure, transform. The same Greek word is used of the transfiguration of Jesus. (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2)

While the word 'conformed' suggested 'external conformity', this word suggests 'inward change', 'radical change'. 'The former denotes outward fashion, which may be fleeting...the latter is used to express essential form, in virtue of what. thing is....to undergo. change of essential form..' (P.P. Comm. p. 343)

'Which demands complete and fundamental inner change' (McGarvey p. 489)

'by the renewing' -this is how the transformation process takes place. We must COOPERATE WITH GOD, if His will is going to change us.

'renewing' -342. anakainosis an-ak-ah'-ee-no-sis; from 341; renovation: -renewing. 'By your new attitude of mind' (Gspd); 'by the complete change that has come over your minds' (TCNT).

'mind' -'involved in mind is the inner thoughts, drives and desires.' (McGuiggan p. 358) 'No one can transform his character while holding to the same old stock of ideas and ideals.' (Whiteside p. 249)

Points to Note:

1. True change demands. change in the way we think.. change in our goals, in what we consider to be important, in what we expect from others and from life,. change in our priorities,. change in what we think will make us happy. Often, 'attitude change' is placed before behavioral change in the Scriptures. (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:17 ff; Colossians 3:1 ff) Paul has already pointed out, that such is true also in the opposite direction (Romans 1:21 ff).

2. This also reveals why people don't change and grow. There is. problem in their attitude/view/perception/convictions about life. (Luke 8:14)

'and ye may prove' -'that you' (NASV), with the result that.

'prove' -1381. dokimazo dok-im-ad'-zo; from 1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve: -allow, discern, examine,. like, (ap-)prove, try.

i.e. discern in their experience, what the will of God is. (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 688). 'To test out'. (Lenski p. 751)

'what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God' -'what the will of God is, that which is good..' (NASV)

In lining my thoughts and actions up with God's will, by experience. will find that the will of God, expressed in the Bible is:

'good' -i.e. good for me. It is wholesome, it is good for you. What God wants for us is best. (McGuiggan p. 358) (Ephesians 6:1; 1 Peter 3:10; Deuteronomy 6:2; Deuteronomy 6:24)

'Acceptable' -God's way of doing it, is always the 'acceptable' way. Hence those that feel that the Bible is 'unacceptable', demonstrate themselves as being people who lack. 'renewed mind'. Only 'renewed minds' are those who can truly appreciate the will of God, only renewed minds see it as 'good, acceptable and perfect'.

'Perfect' -5046. teleios tel'-i-os; from 5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with 3588) completeness: -of full age, man, perfect.

'That form which nothing is left out or is neglected. The will of God is ethically adequate. Nothing we need is left out. Not only have we been told all we need to know, we have been told what we need to know.' (McGuiggan p. 359) (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3)

Hence the 'renewed mind' realizes, that the Bible does have all the answers to my problems. It does contain all the true solutions for living.