Romans 12:2 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—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The world has a pattern of thinking characterized by selfishness (Romans ch. 1) and pride (Romans ch. 2). God can change us so that we do not have to follow this pattern anymore. There is a new way possible. Paul describes this way as new life in Christ. We must make a choice about this decision, as Paul indicates here with the imperative “do not conform.” The letter has few imperatives before ch. 12 but many after. The king hinge point is right here. We must make a decisive decision to follow a different pattern. God helps us become from from the bondage of sin, but we must respond in obedient faith. The key theme of Romans is “the obedience of faith.” We must respond in faith to God’s offer of full salvation in Jesus Christ. The “faith” part of this is trusting and placing our lives in consecration and humility before God, leaving aside our old lives and their enticements and control, and choosing a different direction of Jesus’ lordship. The “obedience” part is that this faith is an action. It is something we must do. It is a direction we must take. It is a decision we must make. It is a road we must travel. It is not trying to live the law in order to be righteous but it is living righteously because the law has been written on our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This verse brings these two together. “Be transformed” is a passive verb. God the Holy Spirit brings this transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our part is to say “yes” to the guidance of the Spirit each day as we live out our faith. The result is knowing God’s will for us. How can we know God’s will? The answer is simply the obedience of faith: listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit who will lead us down the paths of righteousness in conformity to God’s purpose for us in Jesus Christ. This is God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
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