Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Bible Study
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Reference:  Romans 12:2

Topic:  “A Change Must Take Place

How long does it take for change to occur?  Many still marvel at the change that butterflies go through.  Metamorphosis is still a mystery.  It takes a caterpillar three weeks to be transformed into a butterfly.  Transmutation is “change into another nature, substance, form, or condition”.  A great example of this amazing occurrence is the butterfly.  As believers we go through a spiritual transformation.  However, no one can really determine how long this process takes from start to finish.

The lesson aim is to identify the phases of transformation.  More importantly, we must be willing to complete the process and fulfill our God-given purpose.  (Hebrews 12:1-3) 

Each time we revisit this text a deeper understanding is revealed by God.  There seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the process of spiritual transformation.  We , the believer, must submit ourselves to the course of action designed to rescue us from bondage.  The first phase of the transformation process is to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God”.  (Read: Romans 6:13, 16, 19)

Key word: servants- doulos (doo'-los) a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):

The second phase of the transformation process is to “be not conformed to this world”.  (Read: II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 2:2-3)

Paul challenges the church to consider moving away from their ways of living.  He charts a course to transformation by transitioning from “doctrine to duty”.  Transformation requires a willing spirit on the part of the one being transformed.  (Matthew 26:41)  Of course there is no timetable associated with transformation.  But, we must remember Paul’s testimony to Timothy, II Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”  Paul concludes if we’re going to complete this process we must be intentional and focused.

Paul’s final statement to the church is to “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”.  The renewing of the mind is third phase of the transformation process. 


No comments:

Post a Comment