My Dear Friends:

Today I will like to encourage you with a compelling word out the Greek annals of our New Testament. The word is “transform” as found in Romans 12:2.

Romans 12:2 And <2532> be not <3361> conformed <4964> ) to this <5129> world <165>: but <235> be ye transformed <3339> ) by the renewing <342> of your <5216> mind <3563>, that <1519> ye <5209> may prove <1381>) what <5101> is that good <18>, and <2532> acceptable <2101>, and <2532> perfect <5046>, will <2307> of God <2316>

If you notice the numbers within the brackets< >, these are the numbers found in your Strong’s concordance that help you expound on the Greek word translations. I encourage you to use them. “Transform” or # 3339 is our word “metamorphosis”. Remember the example of the lowly caterpillar being transformed into the beautiful butterfly. Metamorphosis? What about the tadpole being transformed into a frog? Total and radical change! Guess what? That is exactly what the Lord wants out of our lives. The death of ourselves on the cross and the resurrection life of our Lord within us should be so extraordinary, that indeed we all become lovely and free butterflies for His glory. Unrecognizable as a tadpole is from a frog because Jesus lives so big in us, should find us with no former remembrance of our “tadpolish” existence. At least that should be our goal.

Matthew 17:2 And <2532> was transfigured <3339>) before <1715> them <846>: and <2532> his <846> face <4383> did shine <2989> as <5613> the sun <2246>, and <1161> his <846> raiment <2440> was <1096> white <3022> as <5613> the light <5457

Do you remember the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus before the apostles? Look at the Strong’s number. We see the same # 3339. In other words, Jesus was “metamorphosized” before his disciples. This type of spiritual transfiguration should be ours. Then all men will be drawn unto Jesus. Look at the next instance of metamorphosis:

2 Corinthians 3:18 But <1161> we <2249> all <3956>, with open <343>) face <4383> beholding as in a glass <2734> the glory <1391> of the Lord <2962>, are changed <3339> into the same <846> image <1504> from <575> glory <1391> to <1519> glory <1391>, even as <2509> by <575> the Spirit <4151> of the Lord <2962>.

I must tell you that the “open face” in this passage describes the believer that is totally yielded and surrendered to the Lord. Only then is his face totally open and full of light, with no lurking sin or disobedience that will cause him to hide or close his face in shame or guilt to Jesus.

Let me direct your attention back please to our first scripture, Roman 12:2. The word “conformed”(#4964) is defined as our word “schematic or drawing”. Metamorphosis produces an inward change, while a drawing changes only the outward picture. Paul then admonishes us, not to follow the world that will change only the outward form of our lives and that adversely, without producing a beneficial and permanent inward change. On the other hand a life centered on God’s word will metamorphosise us from the inside out.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For <1063> such <5108> are false apostles <5570>, deceitful <1386> workers <2040> , transforming themselves <3345> <1519> the apostles <652> of Christ <5547

2 Corinthians 11:14 And <2532> no <3756> marvel <2298>; for <1063> Satan <4567> himself <846> is transformed <3345> into <1519> an angel <32> of light <5457>.

Now please at look at the two previous highlighted scriptures with # 3345. This Greek word is another off shoot of the word “schematic or drawing”. We can see the perils of only being changed superficially. The first scripture describes “wolves in sheep clothing” while the second one shows us one of Satan’s ploys. In both instances there is no true inward change, but only the superficial alteration of something that eventually deceives. May we never be this type of Sunday or “Christianesee” believer.

How can we achieve “transformation”? In conclusion let me direct you to several instructions that Jesus left us.

Matthew 10:39 He that findeth <2147> (5631) his <846> life <5590> shall lose <622> it <846>: and <2532> he that loseth <622> ) his <846> life <5590> for my <1700> sake <1752> shall find <2147> it <846>.

Please look at the phrase “loseth his life”. Simply defined, it means total destruction, laid to ruin, waste, and annihilation. Wow!!

Matthew 16:24 Then <5119> said <2036> Jesus <2424> unto his <846> disciples <3101>, If any <1536> man will <2309> come <2064> (5629) after <3694> me <3450>, let him deny <533> himself <1438>, and <2532> take up <142> (5657) his <846> cross <4716>, and <2532> follow <190> me <3427>.

“Denying ourselves,” tells us that we must lose sight of ourselves, and everyone of our interests that do not glorify Jesus. Only then can we be his disciples!! How few disciples are there really are according to Jesus’ stringent definition. Scary!!

My brethren if this price seems high, it is a much higher cost to remain in bondage. How beautiful it is to become a “statue of liberty” in the Lord, clean, holy, and filled with His power, so much so that we can raise seventeen people from the dead as the great Smith Wigglesworth did. I want that desperately, don’t you?