A Transformation (metamorphosis) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom 12:

A Transformation (metamorphosis) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom 12: When we “walk by faith and not by sight” When we “trust in the Lord with all our heart and don’t lean on our own understanding.”

The Transformation Revealed Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Phil. 2:3-9

The Transformation Revealed Do nothing from selfishness (rivalry faction ambition) empty conceit (more highly than we ought) The foolishness in the heart of a child. Others live to serve and please me. with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; The exact opposite attitude than that of the infant. do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Broadening our Horizons

The Transformation Revealed Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Phil. 2:3-9

Reasons/Motivations to Transform Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy Phil 2:1-2

Phil 2:1-2 Renewing of the Mind

anything about being in Christ that would exhort and encourage us? Exhortations In Christ Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Phil 2:1-2 anything about being in Christ that would exhort and encourage us?

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) agape love: suffers long, and is kind; seeks not its own; is not provoked, takes no account of evil; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (I Cor. 13:4-7). Consolations: Persuading; arousing and stimulating, calming and consoling Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. (Gal. 2:22-23).

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

Tender Mercy “splanchna,... bowels, intestines b. in the Greek poets … the bowels were regarded as the seat of the more violent passions, such as anger and love; But by the Hebrews as the seat of the tenderer affections, esp. kindness, benevolence, compassion....hence tender mercies, affections” (Thayer, p. 584-585).

CompassionTender Mercy “oiktirmos,... ...(the viscera, which were thought to be the seat of compassion...), compassion, pity, mercy:...bowels in which compassion resides, a heart of compassion … manifestations of pity,” (Thayer, p. 442)

This one thing will lead Paul to feel great joy to the fullest.

Destination of the Transformation by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2:1-2

Goal of the Motivations: Be of the same mind. Have the same love. Be of one accord. 4. Of one mind. 5. Do nothing through faction or vainglory. 6. In lowliness of mind. 7. Each counting others better than himself. 8. Not looking each to his own things. But each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you that was in Christ

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1Cor. 1:10 Romans 14 Phil 2:1-2 Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Mutual agape love (1Cor 13) manifested equally by all and to all - No givers and takers …

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Of one soul … Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Sam 18:1-2 Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Faction: What’s in this for me Faction: ambition, self-seeking, rivalry; selfish; mercenary Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Vainglory: Empty pride; groundless self-esteem

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Not more highly than we ought to think but soberly Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

Thus says Jehovah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glories glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knows me, that I am Jehovah who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, says Jehovah. (Jer. 9:23-24).

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2) Timothy Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Phil 2:19-22

It’s not just about me. the interests of others is equally important

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. Phil 2:19-22

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

Being Transformed (Rom 12:1-2)

An Example to Follow Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, Phil 2:5-9

in proportion as You Love As I Have