Be
not conformed to this world
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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.
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Be
transformed by the renewing of your mind
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[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.
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Prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will
of God.
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[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.
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