Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Be not conformed to this world

The word used “conformed” means to put on form, fashion or appearance of another. This can be used to pertain to habits, manner, dress, style of living. The “world” meanwhile refers to the material universe or the “cosmos.” Though it can mean here that it pertains to a race or generation of people.

Christians are encourage by Paul not to appear the same with what the present people are doing in their days, such as their habits, feelings, wickedness and love of material things. They, as we are, should conformed solely to what the laws of the gospel says. Christians should have a different outlook of what life and living are all about. Thus, they should have different ways of living not similar to the present generation of people. The manners of many people are always in-contradiction to the laws and will of God, therefore, Christians should never be seen living as the way they live their lives.

This is very logical since if there are no differences with how the people of this world live and the Christians, then there is no use of calling them as Christians. Christians should therefore, live differently because they know God, they know His teachings, laws and commandments. The people of this world don’t know anything about God’s will.

Christians should be governed also by the words of God and to fashion their lives not after the way of life of this world but according to the examples of Jesus Christ.

Be ye transformed by renewing of mind

The word from which the expression here is derived means “form, habit” μορφή  morphē. The direction is, “put on another form, change the form of the world for that of Christianity.”

Be transformed would mean that Paul urges us to change our ways of lives. He uses “renewing of the mind” because he intend to teach us that not only that we live a different life, but transform our lives in a holy way of life. The meaning is, do not cherish a spirit, devoted to the world, following its vain fashions and pleasures, but cultivate a spirit attached to God, and his kingdom and cause.

Renewing of mind would mean that we need to change our views and feelings. As Christians, we are often represented as as a new creature.

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gal 6:15  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Eph 4:24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

1Pe 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

The word translated “mind” denotes intellect, as distinguished from the will and affections. The change that God wants us to see is not only to the body but to the soul as well. It is not only a conformity on the outside appearance. All changes will all be useless and can be regarded as hypocrisy if it changes will only appear externally and not on the inside.

Christianity is within the soul, it reigns in the soul and not on the outside look.

That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

Once we have conformed to the will of God and transformed our minds and body according to what God wants us to become, then we may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Proving is an act of trying to test by means of investigating, exploring the certainty of  a thing.

A true Christian who had been renewed has all the opportunity to know all what is essential as a Christian. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God,” John 7:17. The heart that is renewed is best suited to appreciate and understand the will of God.

The will of God relates to his commands in regard to our conduct, his doctrines in regard to our belief, his providential dealings in relation to our external circumstances. It means what God demands of us, in whatever way it may be made known.

“That ye may find the will of God, what is good and acceptable.”

What is good? Only God’s words and laws are good, nothing else. (Romans 7:12) Therefore, it is essential for every Christian to know that which is good and acceptable. Acceptable means pleasing to God, or which He will approve. Anything that is not acceptable is called abominable and do not conformed to His laws and commandments.