Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind

So many times I find myself wondering what the point of doctrine is. Why does the Apostle Paul always talk about some kind of vague concept before he talks about how we are supposed to live?

I am becoming increasingly aware of the fact that God cares so much about the thought process behind our actions, not simply the result. In Paul’s books he is constantly establishing doctrine BEFORE he starts talking about Christian living!

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Doctrine, our thought process, drives our actions. This is why it is so essential to have a strong, sturdy doctrine, because out of this flows what we, I, do. Paul never just tells believers “HEY STOP SINNING!” No, he wishes to change our modes of thinking; he challenges believers by explaining to them what God has done, that they may ACT in accordance with what God has done. If God did not care about the thought process behind a choice, then he would never have given the church doctrine with which to live by. He would have given us a set of rules, some ‘does’ and ‘don’ts’.

A solid understanding, grasp, on God's word is so essential because this is the element by which God begins to transform a Christian's mind, begins to transform a Christian's way of thinking. The Bible is not just a rule book to tell us what to do and what not to do, it is the tool by which God begins to make our thinking closer to His own.