As we are transformed by the renewal of our mind (informed by Scripture and illuminated by the Spirit), we will be better able to discern and choose what God wants us to do and how to obey the instructions that follow this passage in Romans.

Romans 12:1–2 is a fun text to study. It’s easy to notice three imperatives that guide the passage (present, do not be conformed, be transformed) and also two sets of three descriptors—one for “sacrifice” (living, holy, acceptable) and the other for “the will of God” (good, acceptable, perfect). In short, this passage teaches us to present ourselves to God on the basis of His mercy, a life of worship to Him (Romans 12:1). This presentation involves not being conformed to this present and passing age but being transformed from the inside out in order to discern the will of God, that is, whatever He considers good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).

It’s also a fun text to show how a couple of the Greek words carry over into English. “Conformed” is from suschēmatizō, which sounds like our English schematic. “Transformed” is from metamorphoō, which sounds like our English metamorphosis. You can even kind of capture an idea of the passage by saying something like, “Don’t be shaped by the schematic (do not be conformed) of this present age, but let your mind undergo a metamorphosis (be transformed) as guided by the Bible.”

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