As we continue with our study, let us look at ways we can avoid the trap of becoming like the world. The apostle Paul lamented this flaw in his ministry colleague Demas, who forsook the work of God for the world. Here is what wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith.
“for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica…. 2 Timothy 4:10
It appears no one saw this coming, because Demas was mentioned by Paul in a positive light in two of his other letters. (See Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24). However, somewhere along the line, Demas began to crave the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life that pulled him back into the world. This should be a stark warning to us all.
Remember, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. Jesus and the apostles were in the world, but certainly not of the world. Jesus said the world would hate them and cause them to be put to death.
As we mentioned in our last post, God desires for us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). This word transformed is a Greek word metamorphoō, and it means to change into another form or transfigure.
We see this same word used when it describes Jesus being transfigured on what is called ‘the mount of transfiguration.’
The Oxford language Dictionary describes metamorphosis as:
(in an insect or amphibian) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
How amazing that we can be changed through the process of renewing our minds and not being conformed to this world.
Being Born-again takes place the instant we repent and turn our lives to Christ. Renewing the mind, however, is a lifelong process. We must daily make decisions to follow God’s plan for our lives and to become more like Jesus Christ.
How can we practically implement this process? What is our part?
The scripture has much to say, and we will look at some ways we can begin renewing our minds and growing the stature and likeness of Christ.
The book of Psalms has much to say about reflecting upon God’s word, and the affect it will have on our souls and minds.
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
The process of renewing the mind begins with meditating upon God’s word day and night. I believe this is one of the greatest weaknesses of many sincere Christians. They may love God but are busy with their lives and seldom take time to truly meditate upon His word.
Another verse along these lines is found in Joshua 1:8-9. God told Joshua to meditate upon His word day and night, that he might do according to what was written therein. Meditating upon God’s word allows it to germinate in our hearts and allows us to grow spiritually to accomplish God’s will for our lives.
Meditate upon God’s Goodness
The psalmist wrote:
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Psalm 63:6
Having a sleepless night? Try meditating on the goodness, grace, and power of our God. Not only will it refresh your mind upon His character and nature, but it will boost your faith and confidence in Him.
The apostle Paul was a spiritual father to young Timothy. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul admonished him by saying:
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1 Timothy 4:15
It was not uncommon for Jewish rabbis’ and spiritual leaders to tell their proteges to study, which Paul did in his second letter, but here Paul specifically addressed Timothy’s crucial need to meditate upon the things he instructed him to do in the church. Well, if it was good enough for Timothy, it is good enough for us today. Time and modern culture have not abolished the need for all believers to meditate upon God’s word.
The next important step in renewing the mind involves becoming a doer of the word of God. The apostle James stated this way:
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
Readers can only go so far in type of skill and learning. Doers not only read but they execute on what they have read, thus they have experiential knowledge that goes beyond mental assent and head knowledge.
There is a three-tiered learning approach that originated from William Stewart Halsted, a professor of surgery at John Hopkins University. He coined the phrase “See one. Do one. Teach one.”
It greatly impacted learning and application of knowledge in the medical field and is based on experiential knowledge gained through doing.
What a simple, yet powerful concept. You cannot ‘do one,’ unless you have ‘seen one,’ but once you have personally experienced doing it, you have the skill and authority to ‘teach’ someone else.
Meditating upon scripture allows our minds to be renewed and transformed to such a place, you are a doer of the Word, and not just a hearer. It is impossible to be transformed with the process of renewing our minds through meditating upon God’s word and doing God’s word. That is the way it will become a ‘rhema’ that produces faith.
In one of our next series we will dive more into meditation in the Word. But for now, take time to ponder what the Word of God is saying to your heart and mind. That process will begin to mold your character and nature to become more like Christ.
Until next time, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown CST 08/20/2023