The Word Transforms Us from Iniquity and Godliness

The Word Transforms Us from Iniquity and Godliness

We are all walking according to one of two principles: iniquity or godliness. There is no middle ground. Every soul born into this world arrives with no understanding, yet over time, we all develop a way of thinking—a wisdom shaped by education, culture, and influences from the world. The problem? This wisdom is not God’s.

Scripture tells us that through the course of this world, men walk according to the prince of the power of the air, the very spirit that operates in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). This world system does not lead anyone toward truth or righteousness but toward iniquity—away from God’s way of thinking. The only solution? Transformation through the renewing of the mind.

Many people walk in a form of godliness while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). They attend church, sing in choirs, and outwardly practice religion, but the true working of Christ within is absent. They maintain a visible form, yet there is no inward transformation. True godliness is not built on effort, but on transformation—the inward formation of Christ, as His Spirit is poured into our hearts through faith.

Paul wrote that God has made us able ministers of the New Testament—not of the letter, but of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6). The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. A changed life is not about external morality or self-improvement but about Christ Himself being formed within us. 

But how does this work? Through the written Word!

True godliness begins when our mind is renewed by the Word of God. Paul instructs that before believers can walk in godliness, they must grow up spiritually—no longer carnal, tossed to and fro (Ephesians 4:14). In Corinth, Paul confronted believers who, though saved, still walked as men, driven by their old ways of thinking.

Romans 8:7 tells us that the carnal mind is enmity against God. The natural way of thinking is not just a little off—it is completely contrary to God. Our renewal begins with exposure to His Word, as believers read, believe, and submit to it. It is the Word that washes, edifies, and renews the mind.

Christ formed in you does not produce a glamorous, comfortable existence—it produces His life manifest through your mortal flesh (2 Corinthians 4). That means:

• Power in weakness
• Rejoicing in sorrow
• Making many rich through poverty
• Life working through death

The world sees struggle as defeat, but Scripture reveals that true godliness manifests in ways contrary to human reasoning. As we yield to Christ, (through gaining knowledge and understanding of the written Word and yielding to its working within us) He transforms us—not by our own works, but by His power and instruction within our hearts.

The call today is not to strive for an external display of righteousness but to allow the Word to work within us. As we receive and believe it, the Spirit of God renews our thinking, and shaping us into His image. The outward form means nothing unless the inward man is transformed.

Be encouraged! The Word is living and powerful. It works effectually in those who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13). As you yield to the working of the Word within you, allow it to influence your thoughts, speech, behaviours and actions. It is then that you start to bear the fruit of righteousness and love, transforming your character day by day towards true godliness, not a form of godliness through willpower and effort, but through the undeniable power of Christ within.