PROOF POSITIVE

READING: ROMANS 12:1-6

Verse 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.”

There are times when it is not enough to merely be removed from a destructive situation. Sometimes more than removal is needed to offset damage that has occurred. Here is an illustration. Ed was a member of an arctic exploration team. Trouble came when he accidently fell into freezing water. Ed promptly got out of the water, but he was soaked and had no dry clothing or shelter to use. This was a fatal situation for him in which just escaping from the water was not enough. Ed needed more! Verse 2 instructs the people of God to not be conformed to this world, but it doesn’t stop there. Just as Ed needed more in his crisis, we also need more. It is not sufficient for us to only stop conforming to the world. That will not correct spiritual damage that has already been done. To merely stop conforming falls short of what it takes to be established in the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. In order to experience our victory in Jesus, transformation is required. It is transformation that will reverse our former conditions. This necessary transformation is granted to all who have their minds renewed through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What would happen to someone who stopped conforming but did not gain a renewed mind?

2. What happens after a mind is renewed that proves the good, acceptable and perfect will of God?