Message summary: God is able to provide a deletion of memory but that is not always the case. But we can "be transformed by the renewing of our mind."

Note: Due to busy schedule a podcast was not prepared for this message.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1,2).

The delete key on the computer keyboard is a helpful feature we often use.  It would boggle our minds if we ever saw how much we have written over the years that we delete even as we write. Of course we have all deleted emails although we hope people read ours before they hit the delete button! And if you've never deleted any files you probably have a very cluttered computer.

On Sunday we heard an interesting testimony from a young lady who was being baptized. Though she was raised in a Christian home she shared about her years of being addicted to pornography. Finally she fully committed her life to Christ and experienced deliverance from her dark world of pornography. Wouldn't it be great to have a delete button to erase pornographic images and other destructive content that we have stored in our memory. One of the earliest Christian teachings I recall was based on Romans 12 and the transformation of the mind. Although we may be unable to delete everything we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

The brain has an amazing capacity to remember. As we get older we are more likely to experience short-term memory loss rather than long-term. That is we tend to forget where we placed the keys or wallet. But looking back it seems some events in life or images stored in our memory just can't be forgotten.

Of course God is able to provide a deletion of memory but that is not always the case. But we can "be transformed by the renewing of our mind."

A fundamental teaching is that God is pleased and honored when we follow the pattern for living as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for His people. But in opposition to this pattern for living as set forth by God is "the pattern of this world".

Paul Fritz observes, "There is always a danger of giving in to the temptations of the world to just feel like being “normal” in our modern society. Today it is easier to try to fit in, blend in and give in to the popular trends in the world rather than to live by Biblical principles. We are faced with a choice today. We can either decide to give in to the patterns of self-indulgence, carnality and selfishness or we choose to prosper by obeying God’s Word."

We have a responsibility in not conforming any longer to the pattern of this world and in renewing our minds. This transformation is not for a season, but a lifelong commission. We are being transformed and it seems that this phase will not be complete until the next stage of our existence, when we go to heaven.

Bible teacher J.C. Philpot who lived in the 1800's writes, "In proportion as we are conformed to the spirit of this world, our understanding becomes dull in the things of God, our affections cold and torpid, and our consciences less tender and sensitive."

Today's text is one of the very first Scriptures I put to memory in my early days of walking with Christ. In fact I recall when I was in High School an older mentor named Dave sat down with me in a restaurant in Independence Missouri. He taught from this verse using a paper napkin with the outline of a head. Dave described how in our sinful nature we had been conformed to the pattern of this world with a variety of clutter that fills our minds.


He stressed how we need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and the various means by which our mind is renewed. Now that was long before we would have known about the delete key but he was certainly sharing principles of deletion.


The struggle is ever before us as the tempter never fully leaves us alone no matter how much transformation takes place or how long we've walked with God. Bad habits visible to others may be broken but dealing with inner attitudes can even be more difficult, those attitudes we don't want others to see. Yet the transforming of the Spirit must take place within and without, for "everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).

We must daily come before the throne of God, confess our sins, acknowledge our weaknesses, and ask His help to keep us from sinning. We can align our desires with His by drawing near to Him daily as James 4:8 tells us, "If we draw near to Him He will draw near to us."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we invite the work of Your Holy Spirit to descend upon our heart, to wean it from ungodly attitudes, destructive habits, and worldly passions. In love and compassion You stooped to our weakness, mighty as You are, in the person of Jesus Christ who lived a life of holiness, and willingly laid down His life that we might be forgiven, that our hearts and minds might break conformity from this world and be transformed into the pattern of holy living. As we surrender our heart, soul, and mind to You we see the cross of Jesus, and as we cling to His cross we deny ourselves, take up our own cross, and follow in His footsteps wholeheartedly. We thank You for the wooing of Your Holy Spirit that assists and encourages us as we withdraw our allegiance from the affections of this world. It's through the power of Christ that we are able to make this mighty, eternal transformation. Amen.

---

"Cleanse Me"  Video  The Cathedrals

"Make My Life a Prayer to You "  Video   Keith Green

Finally today: