Do Not Be Conformed to this World
Author: Stephen Weller
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
To conform to is to comply with the rules, standards, or laws of this world; to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc., of society or a group (Web search). There are certain rules, standards, laws, and practices that don’t conflict with the Scriptures that are necessary for people to follow to maintain a peaceable society, but there is a higher standard that God wants his children to follow. That higher standard is achieved through being transformed (a dramatic change) by the renewal (regeneration, rebirth) of our minds.
Before salvation we were conformed to this world but with the advent of spiritual birth, we have become a new creation in Christ in which old things are to pass away and be replaced by new things (2 Corinthians 5:17). That transformation is the process of sanctification and includes the renewal of our minds which occurs when we feed it with good material. One good way to do that is to live out 2 Timothy 2:25 ESV: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” As we study the word our minds are renewed.
“By testing” carries the idea of finding out the worth of what you have been learning from the Scriptures by putting it to use. Through learning from the word and applying it we become more acquainted the will of God because we know and understand him better.
What is the will of God? “To know “what is good and acceptable and perfect.” It is [our] sanctification: that [we] abstain from sexual immorality’ (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Having been a Christian for nearly 75 years, I have come to understand the value of trials, for through them I may become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2 – 4). I also have learned that I must be a student of the word to form a proper mind attitude to benefit from its application to these trials. I have had time to test these principles and find there is no other way, but a life committed to allowing Jesus Christ to live his life in and through me (Galatians 2:20).
Father, thank you for adopting me as your child. Lord, thank you for being my savior. Father, thank you for the promise of being conformed into the image of your Son (Romans 8:29).
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Summary Theme
Transformation through the renewal of the mind leads believers to discern and live according to God’s will rather than conforming to the patterns of the world.
Summary Paragraph
In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul calls believers to resist conforming to the patterns and values of the present world and instead to experience inward transformation through the renewal of their minds. This renewal occurs as God reshapes a believer’s thinking through His truth, enabling a new way of understanding life, purpose, and morality. Rather than being molded by culture, desires, or worldly systems, Christians are called to allow God’s Word and Spirit to reshape their thoughts and priorities. As the mind is renewed, believers gain the ability to discern what pleases God, His good, acceptable, and perfect will, and are empowered to live lives that reflect His character.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers
1. What does Paul mean by “do not be conformed to this world”?
Answer:
To be “conformed” means to be shaped or molded by external pressures. Paul warns believers not to allow the values, priorities, and behaviors of the world to shape their lives. The “world” in this context refers to the fallen system of thinking that operates independently of God, prioritizing self, pride, materialism, and sinful desires. Christians live in the world but are not to adopt its mindset or standards. Instead of letting culture determine truth and morality, believers are called to live according to God’s revealed truth. This requires awareness, intentional resistance to ungodly influences, and a commitment to biblical principles.
2. What does it mean to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind”?
Answer:
The word “transformed” comes from the Greek word metamorphoō, the same term used to describe Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). It implies a deep, internal change that results in outward transformation. Renewal of the mind occurs when believers continually allow God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to reshape their thinking. As Scripture replaces worldly ideas with God’s truth, attitudes and behaviors begin to change. This transformation is not merely behavioral modification but a spiritual change in perspective, desires, and understanding. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God’s commands, the believer’s mind becomes aligned with God’s perspective.
3. How does renewing the mind help believers discern God’s will?
Answer:
When a believer’s thinking is shaped by God’s truth, they develop spiritual discernment; the ability to recognize what aligns with God’s purposes. Paul describes God’s will as “good and acceptable and perfect.” As the mind is renewed, believers increasingly understand what pleases God and what does not. Instead of relying solely on personal feelings or cultural norms, they evaluate decisions through the lens of Scripture and God’s character. This enables them to make choices that reflect God’s values in everyday life. Over time, renewed thinking produces a lifestyle that consistently seeks and follows God’s will.
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