In a Nutshell 6-6-10
I started the lesson on Sunday by talking about two incredible creatures in nature. The first was the chameleon. The chameleon is incredible because of its ability to mimic its surroundings. The chameleon can change colors and blend in to its environment. In the picture above there is a chameleon but it camouflages itself so well that you can’t see it. It’s in the middle to the left. If you still can’t see it the picture at the bottom may help. The second incredible creature I mentioned was the caterpillar. The caterpillar is incredible because it transforms into a butterfly. After eating for a while, the caterpillar will get into a cocoon and emerge a completely different thing: a butterfly.
Believe it or not, both these creatures are found in the text we looked at on Sunday: Romans 12:1-2. In verse 2 it says, “Do not be conformed (chameleon)…but be transformed (caterpillar).” The word used for transform is where we get our word metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is the process that a caterpillar goes through to transform into a butterfly. What this verse says is that there are two kinds of Christians: chameleons and caterpillars.
Some Christians blend in to their surroundings like a chameleon. If it were a crime to be a Christian these people would never be convicted. They are so much like the world that no one even knows about their faith. Other Christians are like the caterpillar. They are being transformed into a new creature and everyone sees the difference in their lives. The verse says that we should not be a chameleon but a caterpillar. I spent the rest of the time teaching students the importance of being a caterpillar Christian and how they can become one.
First, I discussed why we should be caterpillars in a world of chameleons. The main reason is that God demands it. There are two imperatives in verse 2. The first is negative and the second is positive. They are, don’t be conformed and do be transformed. I explained to the students that “imperative” means it is a command. That means this verse is in the same category as the 10 commandments. Simply put, God says so.
The second reason why we should be a caterpillar is because of what Paul has taught us so far. The first word in the Greek in verse 1 is the word “therefore.” This word refers back to everything that Paul has said from chapters 1-11. He is referring back to chapters 1-3 when he talked about Sin. He said we are evil, wicked, filthy, putrid people deserving punishment from God. He is referring back to chapter 3-5 when he talked about Salvation. He taught us how that Jesus died for us in spite of our sin. Jesus took the punishment that we deserved. Paul is referring back to chapter 6-8 when he talked about Sanctification. He showed us how God made a way for us to overcome sin after salvation. He is also referring back to chapters 9-11 when he talked about God’s Sovereignty. He showed how God elected us by grace before the foundation of the world. Now Paul is saying based on all these things we must do something. So in chapters 12-16 Paul talks about Service. He talks about our duties in light of doctrine.
Thirdly, we must be a caterpillar because of the compassions of God. Last time we met, we talked about God’s compassion as revealed in election. But Paul is also referring here to God’s compassion as revealed in salvation and sanctification.
The fourth reason Paul gives us for being a caterpillar is that it is our “reasonable service.” The word for reasonable is where we get our word logical. The hymn writer said it this way, Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. It just follows that if God saved us we owe Him our lives.
Second, I discussed how we can become caterpillars in a world of chameleons. Paul says that we must first present our bodies as a sacrifice. We should be acceptable to God. Too many Christians try to be acceptable to the world and that’s what makes them a chameleon. Sacrificing ourselves involves our time, treasure, and talent. All these things should be directed first and foremost to God. Secondly, Paul says we must renew our minds to become caterpillars. The problem with living in this world is that we are constantly indoctrinated by it. Our minds are polluted by this worlds thinking so we must renew them. We renew them through the Word of God. Renewing our minds is like refinishing furniture. First, you’ve got to strip the old stain and varnish from the wood. Then you’ve got to put on the new stain and new varnish. It’s a long process. We’ve got to remove the evil things of this world from our minds and replace it with the pure Word.
Lastly, we looked at the results of becoming a caterpillar in a world of chameleons. First, It gives us discernment. This year we’ve been trying to build discernment into the students by studying Proverbs. This is also known as wisdom. It’s being able to make the right choice. Many students ask for help in this area but they need to realize that discernment is a direct result of presenting themselves as a sacrifice and renewing their mind.
Becoming a caterpillar also results in a knowledge of God’s will. Many people think that knowing God’s will means finding out what He wants them to do for a living or who He wants them to marry. Studying the Word will not give you the name of the person you should marry but it will tell you their characteristics. Christians often ignore God’s will as specifically revealed in the Bible and then expect to find His will in unrevealed areas. It just doesn’t work that way. We’ve got to first follow His will as revealed in the Bible. Renewing your mind will help you know exactly what God wants you to do in everyday situations.
Becoming a caterpillar Christian helps us pass the tests. Verse 2 says, “That by testing you may discern.” Every day we are tested. Every choice we encounter is a test to see if we will obey God or an idol. If we have a renewed mind we will easily be able to pass the tests. This means success. It means coming to the end of your life happy with the job you’ve done. It means getting a good review from God.
I challenged the students to spend this summer renewing their minds by studying the Word. Most students spend the summer failing in their Christian walk. I warned them not to fall into the same rut. I handed each student a 30 day devotional in Romans to help them get into the habit of renewing their minds right away. Please encourage your child to stay in the Word all summer long.
