Romans 12:2

“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.”

Whatever way “the pattern of this world” tells us to think, God wants us to think differently. He wants our minds renewed and transformed so we can know His perfect plan for our lives. ~ What are ways our world encourages us to think? How does God want you to think? What is “God’s will”?

Our world says think anyway you want about anything you want. This philosophy leads every direction except closer to Jesus. Only by setting our minds and hearts on God and His Word do we actually draw closer to Him and His perfect plan for our lives. ~ Why does it matter what you think about? What transforms and renews your mind? Would you rather follow the world’s pattern or God’s way?

Paul wrote:  “Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6). ~ What two outcomes does this passage teach? Which do you prefer? What are some ways we set our minds on “what the flesh desires”? How do we set our minds on “what the Spirit desires”?

We give God all our minds when we decide to think about: “Whatever is true… noble… right… pure… lovely (and) admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). ~ Are you thinking about things like this? On what will you set your mind? Let’s pray!

Romans 12:2

“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.”