More Thoughts on Romans 12: 2 and Transformation

I want to share some continuing thoughts from Romans 12:2 and the idea of spiritual transformation.    Suffice it to say this one verse may be as pregnanted with essential and fundamental truth for believers as John 3:16 is for the lost.

I want to press the idea that "knowing the Word" is not sufficient for this transformation that must occur in all believers' life.  In fact, Judas "knew" the Word.; yet he only knew Jesus as a teacher ("Rabbi") instead of Lord (Matthew 26:22,25).  Knowing Him as Lord means we say "yes" by changing our thoughts and ways instead of saying, "Good teaching, I'll think about it." 

There is one thing knowledge does to a person; it puffs them up (I Corinthians 8:1).  But knowledge alone does not transform. Only when Jesus is Lord and not just mere teacher will we be transformed.

Now you can't be transformed without knowledge.  It is in the beginning stages, but it is not enough of itself. 

Neither is experience.  Again, Judas had experiences.  He saw the dead raised, many healed and demons subject to the disciples.  But he was not transformed.  In fact, he was not even saved.

Our "experience" of being baptized, walking an aisle or doing service in the church will not transform us.  Neither will the experience of just "reading the Bible" or going to church transform us.

But personally obeying the Word delivered to us from God through the Holy Spirit will.  That Word may come through a preacher, a book or our own personal study (the most likely and most used place).  But knowledge plus obedience will result in Christ-honoring transformation.

Jesus declared that the entrance into the "kingdom of God" is open to those who "do the will of the Father in heaven."  (Matt. 7:21) Who?  those who do - not just know.  In Matthew 12: 48-50 Jesus indicated in a response of His mother and brothers that "whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." The Great Commission tells us "to observe all things that I have commanded you;..."  (Matt. 28:20.  Paul said David "was a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." (Acts 13:22)

Russ Foxx (a dear brother in Cullman who writes a daily Bible study) wrote:  "Knowing and doing the will of God is the test of a true follower of Christ."  Amen.

Johnny Hunt said August 5 "It's not the truth we know that transforms us; but the truth we obey."

"The Devil had rather get you to think wrong than to do wrong." Dr. Adrian Rogers.

The hymn writer was right:  "When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way!  While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.  Trust and obey, for there is no other way; to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."