Bible Verse
Romans 12:2
Paul is transitioning from theological teaching (chapters 1-11) to practical application (chapters 12-16), showing how the gospel transforms daily living.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
— Romans 12:2 (NIV)
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Other Translations
"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."
— ESV
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
— KJV
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
— NLT
Understanding the Context
Book Context
Romans 12 begins the practical section of the letter, showing how God's mercy (11:36) should lead to transformed lives. This verse follows the call to offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
Historical Background
Written to first-century Christians living in Rome, the capital of a pagan empire. Believers faced constant pressure to adopt worldly values and practices.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world"
'Conform' (Greek: suschematizo) means to be shaped by external pressure, like clay in a mold. 'This world' refers to the value system opposed to God. Christians are called to resist worldly pressures and values.
"but be transformed by the renewing of your mind"
'Transformed' (Greek: metamorphoo—where we get 'metamorphosis') implies deep, internal change from the inside out. It's not behavior modification but heart and mind transformation through the Holy Spirit and God's Word.
"Then you will be able to test and approve"
A renewed mind can discern and evaluate. 'Test' means to prove or examine. As our thinking aligns with God's, we develop spiritual discernment to recognize His will.
"what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will"
God's will is described with three adjectives: good (beneficial), pleasing (acceptable, well-pleasing to God), and perfect (complete, mature). Knowing God's will flows from a transformed mind.
Key Themes
Applying This Verse to Your Life
- 1
Regularly evaluate what influences are shaping your thoughts—media, relationships, culture—and align them with Scripture.
- 2
Immerse yourself in God's Word daily to renew your mind and think according to God's truth.
- 3
Resist cultural pressures to compromise biblical values, even when it's countercultural.
- 4
Seek transformation from the inside out rather than just modifying external behavior.
- 5
Develop discernment by asking 'What is God's will?' in decisions, not just 'What do I want?'
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you being conformed to worldly patterns rather than God's truth?
- What practical steps can you take to renew your mind daily?
- How has your thinking changed as you've grown in your relationship with God?
- Are you actively seeking to discern God's will, or living by cultural default?
Related Scripture
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image."
Ephesians 4:22-24
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self... and to put on the new self."
Colossians 3:2
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right... think about such things."
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