Transformed

“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

High theology.
High Christology.

That is the make-up of the first 11 chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans. And then, here in chapter 12, comes a shift. Paul moves to the practical.

The “So, what!?” of his letter.



There are two verbs that I want to focus on in this passage. Both are imperatives, and both have to do with how we are being changed into the image of something. The first is the word for “conformed.” The word literally means to “shape one's behavior” after something. [1]

With this particular word, Paul is commanding the believers to not let their lives continue to be transformed by the things of this world. Interestingly enough, since this verb could be either middle or passive, this is shaping of their behavior is done through what seems to be their own actions.

This leads to the second word: Metamorphoō.

This is where we get the English word “metamorphism.” It means to “transform the essential nature of something.” [2] It is the same word that is used in Matthew 17:2 when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain. This word carries the force that believers must be transfigured into the image of something or someone. We are going to assume this is Christ, because that is what the context indicates. This verb is passive, so the transformation is being done to the individual by the “renewal of your mind.” Contextually, this seems to indicate that the passive transformation is done when a person presents their body as a living sacrifice to God.

In this, God begins to transfigure that individual into the very image of Jesus Christ his Son.

The context of this passage carries the idea that the transformation occurring in the person is something that is done in cooperation with the Holy Spirit of God. As we present ourselves to God – He transforms us by his great work and grace. This same grace that was poured out on the cross for our salvation.

This verb also carries the force that the transformation (or, even, transfiguration) is something that is happening here and now. It is not something that we wait to happen at the consummation of the age. We are to be transformed into the image of Christ as we walk with him daily.

As his image is formed within us we become his image bearers – meaning that the image of God is projected off of us onto the world so they may see his love and grace.

This is a call to self-examination.
Does your life look more like Jesus today than it did when you first came to know him?

This is a call to repentance.
Are you walking in obedience to the Son of God?

This is a call to be transformed.
Are you willing to be transformed into God’s image?
Are you willing to let go of everything that keeps you from looking like Jesus Christ?

+   ---Notes---   +

[1] – Swanson, James. Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament). electronic ed. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

[2] – IBID.




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Thomas Montgomery  


resides in Joplin, Missouri where he studies Psychology and Counseling at Ozark Christian College. Thomas is a pastor at Nashville Christian Church. He enjoys watching football and NASCAR (Go Dale Jr!). His hobbies include hiking, cooking, reading, and talking to people about the person of Jesus Christ. He loves people, evidenced by his service to the Church and those who do not yet know Christ. Thomas, who was an EMT for some time, wants to counsel firefighters and paramedics in the future.

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