The word transformed means a dramatic change in someone’s character or appearance. It also means to convert into something different, to be unrecognisable.
None of us can overcome our sins and shortcomings and fully obey God without His divine help. Even if we could by our own will alter our actions, only God can change our hearts. Transformation starts with acknowledging that we need a Saviour and that we cannot do it on our own. It, therefore, starts with accepting Jesus as our Saviour and the Holy Spirit as our Guide and Helper.
Paul appeals to us not to adapt to this world, but to be changed by the renewing of our minds through the power of God’s Spirit. That Spirit is the power God uses to transform our lives and renew our minds!
Romans 12:1-2(AMP) Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Ephesians 1:19-20(TLB) I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven,
Paul uses the Greek word for power, dunamis, which is the root of our word dynamite. So, Paul is saying, God wants to give you dynamite power that can transform your life.
Romans 8:13-14(AMP) for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Ezekiel 36:26-28(MSG) I’ll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You’ll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You’ll be my people! I’ll be your God!
The initial turning point in our lives is when we commit our lives to Christ. We are no longer the same anymore; a new life has begun. Therefore, the Bible calls that step born again.
2 Corinthians 5:17(AMP) Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
Romans 12:2(PHILLIPS) Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.
“The same Jesus Who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life, your family, and your future. He is still in the miracle-working business, and His business is the business of transformation.” – Adrian Rogers
I conclude with: “Program your mind with what God says about you and a transformation will take place.” – Joel Osteen