Transforming Minds: Embracing the Creator-Creature Distinction

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound transformation that the Apostle Paul calls for in Romans 12:1-2. This transformation is not merely a superficial change but a deep renewal of the mind, enabling us to discern God's will and live in a way that is good, acceptable, and perfect. The world often presents a distorted view, where creation is mistakenly revered as divine, leading to a mindset that cannot truly understand God's will. As Christians, we are called to rise above this by cultivating a discerning mind, one that is not swayed by the sentimental or mystical but is rooted in truth.

Paul contrasts two types of minds: the discerning and the undiscerning. The undiscerning mind, as described in Romans 1, is one that suppresses the truth and is given over to futile thinking. In contrast, the discerning mind recognizes the fundamental distinction between Creator and creation, a concept Paul refers to as "twoism." This understanding shapes our theology, morality, and spirituality, affirming that God is distinct from us and that we are called to worship Him, not the creation.

This transformed mind affects every aspect of our lives, from how we view God and ourselves to how we understand morality and redemption. It acknowledges the Creator-creature distinction, which is foundational to understanding our place in the universe and our relationship with God. This distinction also preserves the notion of personhood, allowing for genuine relationships and respect for others.

In terms of meaning, twoism provides a framework for understanding the world, offering a basis for rationality and morality. It acknowledges that history has a beginning and an end, and that morality is not a human invention but a reflection of God's character. Redemption, then, is not about self-salvation but about recognizing our need for a Savior who is distinct from us and who offers genuine freedom from guilt.

Finally, in spirituality, twoism allows for true communion with God, where prayer and praise are directed towards the Creator, not ourselves. This perspective challenges the oneist view that denies sin and guilt, instead affirming that we are in need of a Savior who brings us a pure mind and a holy body. In embracing twoism, we find a comprehensive understanding of God, the world, and our place within it.

Key Takeaways:

- Transformed Mind: A transformed mind is essential for discerning God's will. It requires a shift from the world's distorted views to a mindset rooted in truth, recognizing the Creator-creature distinction. This transformation is not just intellectual but spiritual, affecting how we live and worship. [00:21]

- Discerning vs. Undiscerning Mind: Paul contrasts the discerning mind, which acknowledges God's truth, with the undiscerning mind, which suppresses it. The discerning mind sees the world through the lens of twoism, understanding the fundamental distinction between God and creation. [02:46]

- Twoism and Personhood: Twoism preserves the notion of personhood, allowing for genuine relationships and respect for others. It affirms that God is distinct from us, which is foundational for understanding our identity and dignity. [11:23]

- Meaning and Morality: Twoism provides a framework for understanding meaning and morality. It acknowledges that history has a beginning and an end, and that morality is a reflection of God's character, not a human invention. [14:07]

- Redemption and Spirituality: Redemption is not about self-salvation but recognizing our need for a Savior. Twoism allows for true communion with God, where prayer and praise are directed towards the Creator, affirming our dependence on Him for salvation. [17:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Transformed Mind
- [00:59] - Engaging the Rising Generation
- [01:22] - Structural vs. Sentimental Response
- [02:11] - Discerning vs. Undiscerning Mind
- [03:06] - Radical Transformation
- [04:17] - Truth vs. Falsehood
- [05:11] - Two Kinds of Minds
- [06:07] - Fundamental Question of Origins
- [07:19] - The Delusion of Onest Vision
- [08:18] - Hetero vs. Homo Cosmology
- [09:38] - Theology and Human Dignity
- [12:00] - Meaning and Morality
- [17:41] - Redemption and Spirituality
- [23:01] - The Good News of Romans 8

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:1-2
- Romans 1:21-25
- 2 Corinthians 3:18

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 12:1-2, what is the purpose of having a transformed mind, and how does it relate to discerning God's will? [00:21]

2. In Romans 1:21-25, what are the consequences of having an undiscerning mind, and how does it contrast with a discerning mind? [02:11]

3. How does 2 Corinthians 3:18 describe the process of transformation, and what biblical events does Paul reference to illustrate this transformation? [03:06]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the Creator and creation, and how does this understanding affect our worldview? [06:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "twoism" help believers understand their identity and dignity in relation to God and others? [11:23]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a transformed mind impacts our understanding of morality and history? [14:07]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of redemption in the life of a believer, and why is it important to recognize our need for a Savior? [17:41]

4. What are the implications of viewing spirituality through the lens of twoism, and how does it differ from a oneist perspective? [20:19]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current mindset. Are there areas where you feel conformed to the world rather than transformed by God's truth? How can you begin to renew your mind in those areas? [00:21]

2. Consider a time when you struggled to discern God's will. How might a deeper understanding of the Creator-creature distinction help you in future decisions? [02:11]

3. How can you cultivate a discerning mind in your daily life, especially when faced with cultural pressures that promote a oneist worldview? [06:07]

4. In what ways can you affirm the dignity and personhood of others in your interactions this week, recognizing the Creator's distinct role in their lives? [11:23]

5. Think about your understanding of morality. How does recognizing morality as a reflection of God's character change the way you approach ethical decisions? [14:07]

6. How can you deepen your communion with God through prayer and praise, focusing on the Creator rather than yourself? What practical steps can you take to make this a regular practice? [20:19]

7. Identify one area in your life where you need to acknowledge your dependence on a Savior. How can embracing this need lead to genuine freedom and transformation? [17:41]

Devotional

Day 1: The Mindset of Transformation
A transformed mind is essential for discerning God's will. It requires a shift from the world's distorted views to a mindset rooted in truth, recognizing the Creator-creature distinction. This transformation is not just intellectual but spiritual, affecting how we live and worship. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that this renewal of the mind is crucial for understanding what is good, acceptable, and perfect in God's eyes. By embracing this transformation, believers can rise above the world's superficial values and align themselves with divine truth. [00:21]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What specific worldly mindset do you need to let go of today to allow for a deeper transformation in your life?


Day 2: The Power of Discernment
Paul contrasts the discerning mind, which acknowledges God's truth, with the undiscerning mind, which suppresses it. The discerning mind sees the world through the lens of twoism, understanding the fundamental distinction between God and creation. This perspective allows believers to navigate life with clarity and purpose, avoiding the pitfalls of futile thinking. By cultivating a discerning mind, Christians can better understand their role in God's plan and live in a way that honors Him. [02:46]

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 (ESV): "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to discern God's truth, and how can you seek His guidance to gain clarity?


Day 3: Twoism and Our Identity
Twoism preserves the notion of personhood, allowing for genuine relationships and respect for others. It affirms that God is distinct from us, which is foundational for understanding our identity and dignity. This understanding shapes how we view ourselves and others, fostering a community that values each person's unique role in God's creation. By embracing twoism, believers can cultivate relationships that reflect God's love and respect for all individuals. [11:23]

Psalm 8:3-5 (ESV): "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."

Reflection: How does recognizing the Creator-creature distinction influence the way you treat others in your daily interactions?


Day 4: The Foundation of Meaning and Morality
Twoism provides a framework for understanding meaning and morality. It acknowledges that history has a beginning and an end, and that morality is a reflection of God's character, not a human invention. This perspective offers a stable foundation for ethical living, guiding believers to make choices that align with divine principles. By understanding that morality is rooted in God's nature, Christians can navigate life's complexities with confidence and integrity. [14:07]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What moral decision are you facing today, and how can you ensure it aligns with God's character?


Day 5: Redemption and True Communion
Redemption is not about self-salvation but recognizing our need for a Savior. Twoism allows for true communion with God, where prayer and praise are directed towards the Creator, affirming our dependence on Him for salvation. This understanding challenges the notion of self-reliance and highlights the importance of a relationship with God that is based on grace and truth. By embracing this perspective, believers can experience genuine freedom and spiritual growth. [17:41]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: How can you deepen your communion with God today, acknowledging your dependence on Him for redemption and guidance?

Quotes


well the second thing I think that the Apostle Paul wants Christians to bring to a pagan world is a transformed mind a holy body says uh Romans 121 and 122 says well I'll read it to you do not be conformed to the 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 some folks have been asking me how you engage uh in the training of young people in this day and age and I think this is the key to what we need to do with our Rising generation of kids teach them what it means to have a trans form mind [00:10:39]

Paul has in mind a massive transformation of human thinking the only other time he uses this term transform is in 2 Corinthians 3:18 we all with unveiled faces beholding the glory of the Lord are being transformed he's recalling Moses being having his face transformed but also recalls the glory of God revealed on another Mount the Mount of transfiguration where Jesus was transformed before them and his face Shone like the Sun so Paul has in mind a radical transformation having to do with the glory of God revealed in a sinful world through good sound thinking [00:191:44]

and this is doubtless where you get this famous question and it's really the only fundamental question you can ask does the world create itself or is there a Creator who creates it that's the only question you can really ask about Origins and those are the two ways of thinking isn't that interesting this is fundamental is the answer one or two and uh it will affect the way you think about everything as Paul shows in Romans 1 the way you think about spirituality and Theology and sexuality in particular [00:365:16]

and we are now living in a world committed to a onest vision of universal justice pansexuality Interfaith and we believe that we can produce a paradise of human flourishing where old people get along it it's polanish isn't it it fails to take into account sin and how undiscerning we really are about the true nature of the world so that this will be a delusional fantasy and will become a planetary nightmare because based on the LIE Jesus himself said there are only two ways the broad way and the narrow way [00:409:599]

Tu ISM brings us sound Minds it teaches us a number of things that I'd like to display before you first theology then meaning then morality then Redemption then spirituality Tu ISM in terms of theology as I've been saying affirms the Creator creature distinction and that massive distinction makes it so obvious that God is the Lord Sovereign Transcendent that there is such a thing as hierarchy of being which of course is the basis of classic theology as we've learned we celebrate the mystery of the great other God is so totally other than us [00:570:12]

and this notion of Distinction you see gives us a sense of calling and value in what we do we are Vice Regents we serve God who is other than us in the world distinct from the world we're always creatures never God always submitted to God and to the structures he made but in that we find our dignity as well in our calling to work under God to have dominion so who God is will determine who we are isn't that interesting theology is so practical in in the end that if you want to really know who you are you better know who God is [00:765:16]

twoism gives us the notion of Revelation also that God who is other than us must reveal himself to us we cannot function by going within and asking ourselves who we are and what the world is all about we will never solve that problem but in Revelation we have have a word from the outside from the other we're not left with fallible insights from within but we are given God's word about the nature of existence isn't that a wonderful blessing [00:879:24]

Redemption is not self salvation but the act of a creator for helpless Sinners and it brings freedom from guilt I don't know what to do with my guilt except just live with it but that will drive me nuts as well but God who is other who is Holy can deal with my guilt in his atoning work as well in terms of redemption it's a love story God loves those he saves he loves The Sinner but it presupposes a person God as personal to make any sense of redemption [00:1079:48]

prayer is not Naval gazing on one's on one's Divine self uh but it is communion with the Creator there is somebody who he is if I thought that my spirituality dependent upon what I was telling myself I think I'd be of most men most miserable there's one part of spirituality that can only be practiced by tourists and that is praise don't you hate people who praise themselves I mean you want to go out of the room when this person walks in and starts telling you how wonderful they are [00:1179:559]

we affirm twoism over against oneism which refuses all these Notions particularly Notions of sin and guilt and believes that we are it that we are the solution to our own problems we know though don't we that we have sin stained bodies and messed up Minds there's not much we can do when we come to a savior who brings us his pure mind and His holy body twoism is a wonderful notion it includes ontology who is God cosmology the nature of the world [00:1275:64]

God the Eternal son takes on human flesh but in so doing doesn't destroy twoism how is this well the church Council of Caledon in Asia Minor in 451 showed us how the Incarnation solves the problem of God and Humanity the Creator and the creature where it says the Incarnate son is co-essential with the father according to the godhead co-essential according to manhood before the ages begotten of the father as the godhead but in the last days for us and our Salvation born of the Virgin Mary [00:1315:679]

the good news is if God is for us who can be against us we're on The Winning Side folks we're on the side of truth and truth will win but in what way is God for us remember I told you that in I'm going over here that in Romans 1 talks about God giving over it's the verb in Greek paren you must know that because in Romans 8:32 it says he who did not spare his own son but gave him over paraden for us all other words The God Who is the judge of sin also takes sin on himself in the person of the son [00:1381:48]

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Transcript
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