Answer Request:
Is it possible that Romans 12:2 is saying that to fully know the mind of God, an individual must not love the pleasures of this world in order to be reborn of the spirit?
Just off the bat, I don't think we will ever be able to fully know the mind of God. The book of Job, chapter 38, confirms that absolutely. On the other hand, I know the Bible says, "We have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor.2:16), but this is only thoughts that the Holy Spirit shares with us daily based on knowledge or wisdom for life decisions and guidance.
Nevertheless, let me pose an answer based on my views.
When one gets saved, it is the beginning of a life-long journey of sanctification. The habits and desires of that worldly life you knew does not instantaneously disappear when you come to salvation. It is your spirit that is regenerated! Your mind is not touched! So, all those habits and 'bad' desires are still lingering around and will remain there unless you replace them with something else. (Note: You are saved and will remain saved. No worldly pleasures can ever 'unsave' you. To think this is to believe that the cross-work of Christ and His blood shed for you is weaker than your desires and actions. Even after salvation, our flesh remains prone to sin. It is only our positional stance before God that is perfectly righteous, (until that day when we shed this corrupt body for our eternal bodies. Only then is our complete salvation final)).
This is where the Word of God comes in. We need to renew our thinking. We need to reprogram our mind, so that it affects our thoughts and actions and behaviours. The more we learn the Word, the more we start to know God's mind. But none of this affects the work of salvation and our eternal state through the grace gospel.
Below is a bit more detail on conform and transform (if you are interested).
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.
The Greek of "be conformed" says that we are not to "allow" outside influences to influence us. "Conformed" refers to assuming something from the outside. It does not come from inner conviction.
Transformation changes the essence of the person from within.
The English word "transform" comes from two words:
- (1) trans —across and
- (2) form
Transformation is to cross over to another form. Our character in other words, should slowly cross over to an entirely different form as we renew it with God's Word.
The Greek word for "transformed" is the word from which we get the English word "metamorphosis." Transformation is a total change that works from the inside out.
2 Co 3:18, But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Transformation comes through the "renewal" of the mind. The "mind" here is the center of our thoughts, emotions, will, and attitudes. Our minds need "renewal." It is not enough to think about God's values occasionally. We need to fill it and meditate on it regularly. The mind is the inner direction of thought and will.
Eph 4:22-23 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
"Renewal" indicates that fundamental values must change in the believer. This is more than mere outward disconformity to the world system; it is an inward transformation which can only happen when truth compels you and changes you. Remember, this cannot be forced!!! It is a life long journey and a slow process. (A worm does not change into a butterfly overnight.)
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