Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome (and to us) that we can know the will of God.  Many want to know how this can be done.  We need to “be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind” (Romans 12.2).  Yes, it involves presenting ourselves as “living sacrifices.”  Then there is the tough part of not being conformed to the world.  In fact, he goes on to say that we are to be transformed (μεταμορφοῦσθε/metamorphosis).  We use the English form of this word to define the radical transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.  So how does this type of transformation relate to the renewal of our minds?

By the way, one of the key words for the change that we are called to make is repent.  The Greek word is μετανοέω (metanoia).  It is a compound word meaning to change one’s way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude.  It, too, is a call to change/renew our mind.

Renewing our Minds

I love the book Your Mind Matters: The Place of the Mind in the Christian Life (IVP Classics)by John Stott.  In it he has written, “Knowledge is indispensable to Christian life and service. If we do not use the mind which God has given us, we condemn ourselves to spiritual superficiality.”

It seems rather obvious.  God has given us a mind and he expects us to use it.  I know I am switching to the King James Translation to suit my purpose, but I like Paul’s reminder to young Timothy.  He writes, “Study to show thyself approved unto God.”  We are called to do our best when we are handling God’s Word.  We have a lot of tough work before us for which we need to be prepared.

Eat this Scroll 

“Eat this scroll”

There is an image/metaphor that comes up twice in the Scriptures that can help us get a hold of what we are being called to do.  The first time is found in the Old Testament.  Ezekiel has received the call of God.  He has something God wants him to know and to speak to the people.  How can Ezekiel learn/know the will of God.  Chapter three begins, “And he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat.” (Ezekiel 3:1-2, ESV)

He surely wasn’t being asked to literally eat the scroll.  Nor was John, the Seer of Patmos, which is the other time the metaphor is used (Revelation 10:8-11).  What God wanted was for Ezekiel and John to devour the message.  They were to digest every word contained on both sides of the scroll so that it would become a part of his total being. 

Psalm 119:11 was often used to remind us of the need to know God’s Word: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  When we know God’s Word, we know God’s will.  When we know God’s Word, we know how we can stay if fellowship with God.  If we don’t know God’s Word, we need to get busy studying.  Our minds need to be renewed in order for us to be transformed.

How hungry are you?

So let’s get to it!  There are many passages we might not have tasted.  Others we have tasted, but we really haven’t really savored the “flavors.”  Hope this is making you hungry.  Are you ready for a blessing?  Do you remember what Jesus said? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6).