Lesson 23: Immersed in the Word of God - Part 1
Question 3
The other thing we are encouraged to do in Romans 12:1-2 is this: “do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
Our only two options in life are either to be conformed to the world or be transformed by the Word. This transformation happens when the Holy Spirit immerses us in Scripture, and it is powerful and life-changing.
The transformation we go through when immersing ourselves in God’s Word is much like what happens to popcorn when it is immersed in heat. In the beginning, there is just a small, hard kernel of popcorn which contains a tiny bit of water, but when the kernel is immersed in heat, the water inside it turns into steam causing the kernel to expand to nearly double its size until…Pop! The small kernel transforms into something entirely different. In fact, the now popped corn does not even resemble its former self, it has been entirely transformed into something new. The previous kernel is now unrecognizable as it has been overwhelmed with its new self.
Spirit-infused, cross-centered Bible study acts upon us in exactly the same way. We were once small in our sin, our thoughts were small and self-focused. But as we meditate on God’s Word and fix our eyes on the cross of Christ, the fire of the Holy Spirit grows within us which brings an explosion of God’s love and grace within our hearts. We become transformed by the renewing of our minds.
The change is so powerful that it affects every area of our lives: our hearts and consciences are cleansed, our minds are renewed so that our thoughts flow freely with Scripture, we know and discern God’s will for us and our actions are entirely different. This is nothing short of a transformation that is miraculous. “The old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV).
Question 3. Have you experienced this kind of popcorn-like transformation that comes from renewing your mind? Please share your thoughts:
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Tori writes, "1000% even a month ago I look back at who I was and everything in me in my mind and essence seems new and changing and growing. Even next week I think I will be better than I am today. God is always making new things as he transformed my mind to the mind of Christ! Thank you God so much! This truly is a blessing and I am grateful for this."
Wendy writes, "Yes. There was a time when all I felt and saw was pain. Now I can laugh again and be more of a part of my children's lives as I pray for them each day."