“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.”
Do not conform 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 — good, pleasing and perfect. — Transformation (metamorphoō, metamorphosis, the exact word for transfiguration) comes through anakainōsis (renewal) of nous (mind, reasoning center). The pattern of this world (schēma tou aiōnos toutou, age's configuration) is being displaced by God's. Dokimasia (testing, proving, approving) of God's will becomes possible only through renewed mind. Thelēma (will) is good (kalos), pleasing (euarestos), and complete (teleios).
Church Fathers on Romans 12:2
“And be not fashioned after this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” For the fashion of this world is grovelling and worthless, and but for a time, neither has ought of loftiness, or lastingness, or straightforwardness, but is wholly perverted. If then you would walk upright (or aright ὀ ρθὰ), figure not yourself after the fashion of this life present. For in it there is nought abiding or stable. And this is why he calls it a fashion (σχἥμα); and so in…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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