What Does It Mean to Be Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind?

The phrase “transformed by the renewing of the mind” is found in Romans 12:2. One of the first of Paul’s exhortations in this letter to the church in Rome was to be renewed in their minds: “ Do not be conformed to this world (any longer with its superficial values and customs), but be transformed and progressively changed (as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your mind (focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His plan and purpose for you). (AMP)

Paul is using the word world here to refer to the spirit of the age. In other words, world refers to the popular worldview that rejects God and His revelation. As unbelievers, we are naturally conformed to the world. As believers, rather than continuing to conform to this world, we are to be transformed by having our minds renewed. 

It is interesting to note that Paul says that we must be transformed by the renewing of our “minds.” The mind is the key to Christian life. Our thinking must be changed (transformed) from old, ungodly ways of thinking into new, godly ways of thinking. This includes recognizing and refusing the lies of the enemy that we often buy into. What we know in our minds to be true forms a conviction in our hearts of that truth, and that conviction in our hearts translates into action. Therefore, we must first renew our minds. 

The only way to replace the error of the world’s way of thinking is to replace it with God’s truth, and the only infallible source of God’s truth is His revealed Word, the Bible. Transformation through renewed minds comes as believers expose themselves to God’s Word through the faithful exposition (or explanation) of it each week in church, personal Bible study, and group Bible study. A solid church that believes in preaching the Word, reading the Word, and singing the Word is invaluable in helping us renew our minds.

There are no shortcuts. There is no magical formula for renewing our minds. We must fill our minds with God’s Word. Memorization is key. As Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth (set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy); Your word is truth” (John 17:17 AMP)

Are you actively renewing your mind with truth?
Make space this week to read God’s Word with intention. Join a study, memorize a verse, or reflect on Romans 12:2 daily. Transformation begins with the mind—and God’s Word is where that journey starts.