Be not conformed to this world

The word rendered "conformed" properly means to put on the form, fashion, or appearance of another. It may refer to anything pertaining to the habit, manner, dress, style of living, etc., of others. ~Barnes The world that now is-"THIS present state of things," is as much opposed to the spirit of genuine Christianity as the world was then. 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. ~Clarke Note: Earlier in Romans and in our previous study [Romans 8:29] we are instructed to be conformed to the image of Christ.  Here Paul continues in his letter by instructing us not to be conformed to the image of the world and its ways.  Clearly we are IN the world physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually we are of Christ...IN Christ.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

[Be ye transformed] The word from which the expression here is derived means "form, habit" morfee (NT:3444). The direction is, "put on another form, change the form of the world for that of Christianity [Christ]." This word would properly refer to the external appearance, but the expression which the apostle immediately uses, "renewing of the mind,." shows that he did not intend to use it with reference to that only, but to the charge of the whole man. The meaning is, do not cherish a spirit. devoted to the world, following its vain fashions and pleasures, but cultivate a spirit attached to God, and his kingdom and cause. ~Barnes [Be ye transformed] The word implies a radical, thorough, and universal change, both outward and inward. ~Clarke [By the renewing] By the making new; the changing into new views and feelings. The Christian is often represented as a new creature; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Eph 4:24; 1 Peter 2:2. ~Barnes [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. ~Clarke [Your mind] The word translated "mind" properly denotes intellect, as distinguished from the will and affections. But here it seems to be used as applicable to the whole spirit as distinguished from the body, including the understanding, will, and affections. As if he had said, Let not this change appertain to the body only, but to the soul. Let it not be a mere external conformity, but let it have its seat in the spirit. All external changes, if the mind was not changed, would be useless, or would be hypocrisy. Christianity seeks to reign in the soul; and having its seat there, the external conduct and habits will be regulated accordingly. ~Barnes Note: The conclusion here is clear.  We withstand being conformed to the image of the world by putting on another form.  We pour in Christ into our minds and the elements of the world are forced out.  We change our views by adopting the views of Christ.  We change our feelings by finding out the feelings of Christ.  We do this by getting into His mind and His mind is the Word of God.

Prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

[That ye may prove] The word used here dokimazoo (NT:1381) is commonly applied to metals, to the operation of testing, or trying them by the severity of fire, etc. ~Barnes [That good ...] This part of the verse might be rendered, that ye may investigate the will of God, or ascertain the Will of God, what is good, and perfect, and acceptable. The will of God relates to His commands in regard to our conduct, His doctrines in regard to our belief, His providential dealings in relation to our external circumstances. It means what God demands of us, in whatever way it may be made known. They do not err from His ways who seek His guidance, and who, not confiding in their own wisdom, but in God, commit their way to Him. "The meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach His way," Ps 25:9. The word "good" here is not an adjective agreeing with "will," but a noun. "That ye may find the will of God, what is good and acceptable." It implies that that thing which is good is His will; or that we may find His will by finding what is good and perfect. That is good which promotes the honor of God and the interests of his universe. ~Barnes [Perfect] Free from defect, stain, or injury. That which has all its parts complete, or which is not disproportionate. [Acceptable] That which will be pleasing to God. or which he will approve. There is scarcely a more difficult text in the Bible than this, or one that is more full of meaning. It involves the main duty of religion to be separated from the world; and expresses the way in which that duty may be performed, and in which we may live so as to ascertain and do the will of God. If all Christians would obey this, religion would be everywhere honored. If all would separate from the vices and follies, the amusements and gaieties of the world, Christ would be glorified. If all were truly renewed in their minds, they would lose their relish for such things, and seeking only to do the will of God, they would not be slow to find it. ~Barnes Note: Take a look at the structure of the verse again: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  The end product God is looking for is an individual who is focused on His will for us.  In the first phrase, God makes it clear that He does not want us with the image of the world.  In the third phrase He wants us to know what the good, acceptable and perfect will of God is.  How this is attained is found in the second phrase: "by the renewing of the mind."  We see this as the second phrase transcends into the third..."by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove..."  That is, one must fill their mind with the mind of Christ, forcing out the elements of the world and giving us the foundation or tools by which we ascertain the will of God.  Without the mind of Christ working in us, we cannot know that good, acceptable and perfect will.