Reflection on Rom 12:2

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.

Today’s world is characterized by many inventions which meet people’s needs quickly and easily: instant foods, instant electronic communication, instant information stored in high speed computers, etc. These are the hallmarks of today’s ‘instant’ generation. Christians must remember, however, that there is no such thing as ‘instant maturity’ in the Christian experience. Becoming a Christian begins a lifetime adventure of knowing God better and loving Him more.

God’s Word says: “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.” (Rom 12:2) Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.

MOVING TOWARD MATURITY

1. You took your first step toward spiritual maturity when you put your faith in Christ. List the important points of the Gospel message that impacted your life. Include Scripture references:
2. Read Ephesians 4:11-16.

a) What is God’s desire for you? 13,15

b) What are some characteristics of immature Christians? 14

c) According to this passage, what characterizes a spiritually mature person?

3. Contrast man’s old nature with the Christian’s new nature. Eph 4:22-24

                       New nature                            Old nature

4. Consider 2 Corinthians 3:18.

a) Into Whose image are you being changed?

b) Who brings about this change?

c) Are you completely changed all at once?

5. What do the following verses tell you about your relationship to Christ?

a) What has already happened to you? Rom 5:8-9

b) What should you be doing now? Rom 6:19

c) What can you expect in the future? Rom 8:16-18

The following three aspects of salvation in Christ will help you to understand God’s plan for believers: to become like Christ.

Justification

I have been saved … from the penalty of sin.

(Past tense)

I have been redeemed in Christ.

Sanctification

I am being saved … from the power of sin.

Glorification

I will be saved …  from the presence of sin.

(Present tense)

It enables me to become more and more like Christ.

(Future tense)

I will be like Christ.

Question for reflection:

Think carefully about Colossians 3:2-4.

How do these verses relate to the preceding chart?

YOUR STARTING POINT

6. Examine Colossians 2:6-7. How did you begin your life in Christ? How should you continue to grow?

7. Because of your justification by faith in Christ, what practical benefits are yours to experience? Rom 5:1-5

Question for reflection:

Read Ephesians 1 and list several things which you have “in Christ”.

verse

verse

verse

verse

verse

THE PROCESS OF GROWTH

8. A revealing parallel exists between physical life and spiritual life. What can you learn about this parallel from the following references?

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

1 Timothy 4:8

Hebrews 5:13-14

1 Peter 2:2-3

What other illustrations of this parallel do you know?

9. What things listed in Romans 5:17 can you receive?

What will this enable you to do?

10. Reflect on Romans 6:11-13.

a) What should you count as true about yourself? 11

b) What should be your present relationship to sin? 12

c) What must you not allow? 13

d) What action should you take? 13

11. God intends for sin not to reign in your life (Rom 6:13-14). What application do these verses suggest for your life?

12. Paul stated that Christians are saved through faith (Eph 2:8-9), but your relationship to God does not end there.

a) According to Ephesians 2:10, what are you?

b) Is God still working in you?

c) What is God doing? Phil 1:6

As you reflect on your life, be thankful for all that God is doing in you. Conflicts in your life should encourage you because they indicate that God is still working in you, changing you to be like Christ. Take a moment to express your gratitude to God for what He has done, is doing, and will do for you.

Our outer person is merely God’s frame – the real picture is the inner person which God, the Artist, is still creating.

HOW TO LIVE

13. What guidelines for your life as a Christian do you see in these verses:

Rom 8:4

2Cor 5:7

Eph 5:2

1Jn 2:6

14. Using 1 John 1:6-10, contrast those who walk in fellowship with God and those who do not.

THE MATURE LIFE

15. What attitude should a mature Christian possess? Phil 3:12-15

16. Read 1 Corinthians 15:58. While awaiting eternity with Christ, what should Christians be doing?

What fact can motivate you to do this?

17. What are some areas in which you can experience spiritual growth?

2Pet 3:18

1Jn 4:16-17

18. Consider 2 Timothy 4:7-8. What statement was Paul able to make concerning his earthly walk with Christ?

What did he expectantly await in the future?

SUMMARY

Moving toward maturity

God intends Christians to mature and become like Jesus Christ. God has saved Christians from the penalty of sin. They are presently engaged in a conflict with sin, but can anticipate a sinless future with Christ.

Your starting point

Faith in Jesus Christ marks the beginning of Christian growth. The believer has God’s resources available to him to help him grow.

The process of growth

Spiritual growth is similar to physical growth. It takes time as God works in the believer’s life. Christians should reign in life, recognizing that God is bringing to fulfillment the work He began in them.

How to live

Growing in Christ is similar to walking. Led by the Spirit, Christians are to walk in faith and love and in fellowship with Christ.

The mature life

A mature Christian is one who continued to follow Christ, abounding in His work and experiencing His grace and love. God does not forget the work of the believer and will one day reward him.

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