CONFORMATION AND TRANSFORMATION
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
I. Worldly conformation…the “ easy and popular way”
“Enter in at the narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be who go in that way. Because narrow is the gate and hard is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
How manifested:
Having a "love affair" with the world: "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." I John 2:15 "For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." II Timothy 4:10
Accepting the world’s standard of morals and conduct.
Adopting the world’s habits; language and values.
Serving the world’s gods: praise of men; earthly riches, etc.
II. Transformation…the “vital transition”
How accomplished:
Not man’s doing: “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The new birth (regeneration) “ye must be born again”. John 3:3 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6
III. Godly conformation: “conformed to the image of His Son.”
“And whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
How manifested:
A righteous and godly life dedicated to serving God: "...present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1
A life characterized by “brotherly love”: "We know we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren." I John 3:14
A kind and forgiving spirit: "And be kind one to another, tender- hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
