The Transformed Life
The Transformed Life – From Caterpillars to Butterflies
Bro Chin Ah Soon | Romans 12:1–2 | 31 August 2025
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
This morning, we celebrate the blessing of worship as children of God, giving thanks that we can gather in His presence. Just as our nation has seen great transformation before independence and after independence, from black-and-white television to colour, from an agricultural economy to an industrial and commercial nation—so too must Christians undergo transformation.
As believers, our transformation begins at baptism. Before baptism, we confessed our sins, repented, and declared our faith in Christ. In baptism, we were buried with Christ in His death and raised with Him to walk in newness of life. As Paul reminds us: “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.” (Romans 6:3–5 NKJV).
There is a change. There should be a change. Our identity is no longer the same—we are no longer who we once were, but people transformed by the will of God. Transformation means we no longer conform to the ways of the world but adopt a renewed mindset, one shaped by Christ. “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13–14 NKJV).
How to Have a Transformed Life
Motivated by Mercy
Transformation begins with God’s mercy. The Greek word charis means showing sympathy to the needy or helpless and its core meaning is to forgive a person who has committed a crime regardless of his transgression.
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 NKJV).
We cannot save ourselves. But because of His mercy, we can take “the cup of salvation” (Psalm 116:12–14 NKJV) and respond with gratitude.
Living Sacrifices
Our bodies are not our own; they belong to God.
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit… you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NKJV).
Living sacrifices are holy, pleasing, and useful in His service. Glorify God in your body.
Not Conformed but Transformed
Paul warns us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV).
As Christians, we live and work in the world, but we are not to adopt its values. The world promotes the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15–17 NKJV). These things are temporary and passing away, but the one who does the will of God abides forever.
There is often a tension between worldly success and godly living. To succeed in the world, many are willing to compromise and do “anything and everything,” but God calls us to choose what is right, even if it costs us recognition or advancement. Friends may pressure us to follow their ways, but before we act, we must ask: What does God think of this?
The truth is, friends can be temporary—they may fade when the benefits are gone. Even worldly success is fleeting: wealth, achievements, and possessions cannot be taken with us. When sickness comes, we realise that money or luxury cannot buy health or eternal security.
God never said not to succeed, but He warns against loving money and allowing the world to become our master instead of Him. What we chase after in youth will not last; all these things will pass away. When we are humbled, even by visiting a hospital, we learn what truly matters in life.
This is why transformation is necessary. We must move from a life shaped by worldly values to a life shaped by Christ—choosing the eternal over the temporary, the spiritual over the carnal, and God’s approval over man’s.
Renewing the Mind
Transformation happens through renewal of the mind. Paul urges us to think differently:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report… meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).
Worldly honour fades like a cup of tea that grows cold once you leave the room (Chinese saying), but a renewed mind seeks God’s lasting approval.
Proving the Will of God
A transformed life discerns God’s will and lives it out:
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent… being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11 NKJV).
Our conduct should make Christ attractive, not repulsive, to others.
Serving the Body of Christ
Every believer has spiritual gifts meant for service:
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God… that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:10–11 NKJV).
Romans 12:3–8 NKJV reminds us that though our functions differ, we are one body in Christ. Even our attendance in church gives encouragement to others and strengthens the church.
With Christian Graces
Transformation is shown in character:
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate… fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” (Romans 12:9–13 NKJV).
As Peter adds: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue… to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5–7 NKJV).
Overcoming Evil with Good
A transformed life responds differently to hatred and persecution:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… Repay no one evil for evil… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:14–21 NKJV).
Jesus Himself commanded: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you… pray for those who spitefully use you… that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43–48 NKJV).
Summary
The transformed life means:
· Motivated by Mercy (Romans 2:4).
· With Bodies as Living Sacrifices (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
· Not Conformed to the World (1 John 2:15–17).
· Transformed by Mind Renewal (Philippians 4:8).
· Proving the Will of God (Philippians 1:9–11).
· Serving the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3–8; 1 Peter 4:10–11).
· With Christian Graces (Romans 12:9–13; 2 Peter 1:5–7).
· Overcoming Evil with Good (Romans 12:14–21; Matthew 5:43–48).
Like the caterpillar that becomes a butterfly, Christians are called to live changed lives—no longer bound by the world but renewed by the Spirit, showing forth the beauty of Christ in all that we do.
