Pulpit Curriculum: Transformed; Not Conformed
March 9th – March 15th, 2025
Want to have this page read aloud to you? Click here for instructions
Sermon Summary
Today we continue from where we left off last week, and dive into Romans 12:2 as a natural continuation of last week’s message “A Call to Holistic Worship”. The call to Holistic Worship was Paul’s admonishment to offer ourselves as living sacrifices in light of all of God’s mercies. Last week we explored the “what” we should do as Believers. This week’s sermon explores the “how”, where Paul presents a profound contrast between two ways of life: conforming to the world or being transformed by God. This verse sits at the heart of Christian discipleship, calling believers to a radical change not just in behaviour, but in the very way they think and perceive the world.
Romans 12:2 is a powerful call to live distinctly as followers of Christ. Transformation is not passive—it requires constant resistance to worldly influences, intentional renewal of the mind, and actively discerning God’s will.
Verse of the Week
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Going Deeper
This section of the Pulpit Curriculum is meant to support Bible reflection, and encourage readers to come away with a high view of Scripture.
Review: Romans 12:2
1) How does the apostle Paul contrast “conforming” with “transforming”?
a) Based on your research into the meaning of the two words, what is the major difference between the two?
b) Where else in the New Testament are these words used?
c) The preacher shared the Greek words for conformed and transformed as syschēmatizō and metamorphoō respectively. Research the expanded English meaning of these two words (bonus question)
2) Cross-reference Romans 12:2 with the following scripture verses: 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:10.
a) What are the key themes of these verses?
b) How do they complement Romans 12:2?
3) What role does “renewal of the mind” play in transformation?
a) What scripture verses can you cite to support your position?
b) What specific aspects of “this world” might Christians be tempted to conform to today?
c) How does mental renewal lead to discerning God’s will?
Assess Your Life
The following questions are meant to encourage personal reflection and identify areas for spiritual growth in your relationship with God. Ask yourself the questions, respond honestly, write down your responses, and then prayerfully seek God’s conviction and guidance to move forward to repentance and restoration. In discussions with your friends and family, or in your Small Group, be open to sharing your responses with others in a spirit of accountability and transparency.
1. In what ways do you find yourself conforming to the patterns of this world/age?
2. What challenges do you face in resisting conformity to worldly values?
3. What areas in your life still need to be transformed? How can you surrender them to God?
4. How does this verse challenge your current approach to spiritual growth and decision-making?
5. How has your understanding of God’s will changed over time as your mind has been renewed?
Application
A key objective of this Pulpit Curriculum is taking God’s truth as exposed in the sermon and helping people apply that truth in practical and intentional ways to plot a course toward obedience and transformation. This section is intended to achieve that objective.
What are some ways I can identify worldly thought patterns in my life? Journal and share.
What are some practical steps I can take to renew my mind daily for the next week? Journal and share.
How can I differentiate between God’s will and worldly influences in my decision-making?
Ask a trusted friend to help keep you accountable in these commitments.
Sermon Main Points
-Do Not Conform
-Be Transformed
-Prove / Test / Discern Everything
Quotes
📖 “The world wants to shape you, but God wants to transform you.” How will you respond?”
📖 You have the potential to fly, why would you want to remain in the DIRT?” .
📖 Conformation does not sit on its own. Conformation must be to something
📖 Conforming to the World Means Adopting Its Sinful Patterns .
📖 Conforming Happens When We Follow the Majority .
📖 The Mind Governs Our Decisions and Responses
📖 Mind renewal is an active, ongoing process.
📖 It is transformation that provides the ability to successfully Prove, Test and Discern.
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for me in this sermon?
What can I do to remember this?
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)
Day 1 - Ezekiel 36:25-27
God will purify Israel from their sins followed by the impartation of new life
What I learned / How I will Respond?
Day 2 - Psalm 51:10-12
David petitions God for inward renewal
What I learned / How I will Respond?
Day 3 - 1 Peter 1:13-16
A call for Christ followers to be holy even as God is Holy.
What I learned / How I will Respond?
Day 4 - 2 Corinthians 3:15-18
A picture of Believers being transformed into Christ’s image.
What I learned / How I will Respond?
Day 5 - Matthew 17:1-2
Jesus’ transfiguration—glowing with divine glory.
What I learned / How I will Respond?
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow