That FORM of Doctrine (Part 4 - Conform)

That FORM of Doctrine (Part 4 - Conform)

Start this lesson series at with the Introduction here.

Conform (Grk: schematic) 

There is one schematic, one image that God wants you to conform to; the image of His Son!

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.

Conformation in word and deed can only occur by transformation of the mind, concerning what you believe. The problem and solution are in the mind of man.

Gal 5:19-23  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  (20)  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  (21)  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  (22)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

There is nothing in your flesh except sin and death. The works of the flesh is your natural state. It is the way your mind operates in its default state. Isn’t it interesting to note that what the Spirit produces in you is not called ‘works’ but rather ‘fruit’? The fruit of the spirit is NOT works. You cannot work up love, you cannot produce joy in yourself, you cannot strive for peace. These things come by the operation of the spirit which is of God, 1Cor 2:12, which is present in you through the knowledge and inspiration of the word of God.

A practical analogy teaching how to study the Bible and walk in the Spirit

A practical analogy teaching how to study the Bible and walk in the Spirit

A famous chef had passed away, yet everyone was still trying to master his recipes. No matter what anyone did, from the Executive Chefs to the kitchen moms, their dishes just never had that sought after perfection that this chef produced in his day. He had authored a few books concerning his life and recipes, and one could follow his published recipes to the tee, but it never produced the same standards of taste and quality that he was renowned for. 

Then, one day, in a humble soup kitchen, in a backwater town, a social worker prepared a meal that ignited a frenzy. It was discovered that the simple meal he dished out to the homeless and destitute had the exact signature markers of that famous master chef. The aroma, the flavours, the textures, the quality and appearance. How did he do it? How did he crack the code? Reporters hounded him for answers.

This is what they learned:

DM#12: Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind

Doctrine of the Mysteries #12

The Roman epistle is the foundation laying epistle for the grace believer. It lays four cornerstones that will stablish the believer in ‘the faith’; and set them up to build upon this foundation with the doctrine presented in the rest of Paul’s letters.

The first cornerstone of the Romans foundation is understanding God’s righteousness opposed to the depravity of men. The second is understanding God’s free justification and grace through faith in Christ. The third is to gain knowledge of God’s dispensational wisdom and His purpose for both Israel’s prophecy program and the mysteries of the Body of Christ. In the fourth and last cornerstone, from chapter 12, Paul lays out the characteristics and outcomes of the application of his doctrine in the grace believer.

Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind 

Rom 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (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.

Follow me as I follow Christ

All through the gospels, Jesus proclaimed, "Follow me ...". Here are a few examples, (Matt.4:19, Matt.9:9, Matt.16:24, Matt.19:21, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21, Luke 9:23, Luke 18:22, John 10:27, John 12:26).

As one can deduce from these examples, the phrase wasn't so much an invitation to follow Him where ever He walked, but rather to copy Him in lifestyle, in attitude, in deeds and in manner. To become a disciple and imitate Him and devote ones life to His example. 

Not many people are aware however, that Paul also said, "Follow me ...". Let's have a look at an example,