COMPLETE THE RENOVATION 1

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Sharing the True Gospel of Grace
2. The Desire for Transformation
3. Understanding Romans 12:2 – Be Transformed
4. From Law to Grace – The New Age in Christ
5. The Meaning of “Transformed” and “Renewing”
6. Renovation: A Picture of Mind Renewal
7. The Power of the Gospel – Romans 1:16–17
8. Renewing the Mind through Grace, Not Works
9. Righteousness by Faith – Romans 3:22–24
10. Conclusion and Preview of Part 2

Introduction: Sharing the True Gospel of Grace

Pastors Leonard and Lori begin by expressing their joy and calling to share the message of God’s grace. They emphasize that their ministry centers on revealing the true gospel of grace, the believer’s new identity in Christ, and the realities of being a new creation. This message, they say, is not their own but one given by God to change lives. Through understanding God’s love, righteousness, and holiness, believers find everything they need for life—whether it be financial blessing, strong relationships, or healing.

The Desire for Transformation

Pastor Leonard explains that every believer desires transformation—the kind that makes us reflect the likeness of Jesus Himself. Referring to 1 John 4:17, he reminds us that “as he is, so are we in this world.” Christians long to live in the fullness of this truth—healed, whole, and blessed. The key question is: what does it take for this transformation to take place?

Understanding Romans 12:2 – Be Transformed

Paul answers this question in Romans 12:2, saying, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Pastor Leonard explains that “conformed” means “fashioned like.” Paul urges believers not to be fashioned after the “world,” but the original Greek word for “world” here is not “cosmos” but “aion,” meaning “age.” Thus, Paul is saying, “Do not be fashioned after this present age.”

The context of Romans reveals that Paul was contrasting the age of the law with the new age of grace. Everywhere Paul went, Judaizers followed, trying to persuade believers to live under the laws of Moses. Paul resisted this fiercely, even suffering beatings and imprisonment for defending the gospel of grace. Therefore, Romans 12:2 calls believers not to be conformed to the old system of law, but to be transformed by renewing their minds to the gospel of grace—the gospel that reveals God’s power for salvation.

From Law to Grace – The New Age in Christ

The transformation Paul describes happens when we stop identifying with the old system of law and works and instead embrace the gospel of grace. The gospel, as Paul writes in Romans 1:16-17, is “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth… For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.” Pastor Leonard stresses that transformation begins when believers shift from striving under law to resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of “Transformed

The Greek word for “transformed” is “metamorphoo,” meaning metamorphosis—a complete change from one form to another, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Pastor Leonard connects this to Mark 9:2 3, where Jesus was transfigured before His disciples: “And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can whiten them.”

Just as Jesus’ inner glory shone outward on the mount of transfiguration, devotees too are meant to let the inner glory of Christ—already deposited within—shine outward through renewal of the mind. The goal is for what God already sees in our inner man—healed, whole, and righteous—to be manifested in our lives.

Renovation: A Picture of Mind Renewal

Pastor Leonard points out that the word “renewing” in Romans 12:2  literally means “renovation.” He likens it to home renovation shows, where old, broken houses are completely transformed. After thirty days of work, what was once unrecognizable becomes new and beautiful. In the same way, renewing the mind brings healing, provision, and blessed relationships. Transformation—metamorphosis—comes through the continual renovation of our thinking.

The Power of the Gospel – Romans 1:16–17

Paul explains in Romans 1:16-17 that “the gospel of Christ… is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” Pastor Leonard notes that salvation here is not limited to forgiveness of sins but includes total wholeness—spirit, soul, and body. When we renew our minds to this truth, we begin to experience transformation from the inside out. The gospel is not about the law of Moses or our human effort; it’s about what Jesus Christ has already done.

Renewing the Mind through Grace, Not Works

Pastor Leonard clarifies that renewal happens not through trying harder but through believing the Word. Pastor Lori adds that she is transformed simply by reading the Word—the Word itself does the work. She doesn’t need to study harder or strive to be a better person. The Holy Spirit reveals truth through the Word and brings transformation from within. Pastor Leonard affirms: Jesus did all the work. Our role is to rest in His finished work and allow the Word to renovate our minds.

Righteousness by Faith – Romans 3:22–24

The third scripture they examine is Romans 3:22–24- “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe… Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Paul declares that righteousness cannot be achieved by works but only through faith in Jesus Christ. To be “justified” means to be declared righteous—as if we had never sinned. This righteousness is freely given by grace through the redemption that is in Christ. Believers must renew their minds to this truth: righteousness is not earned but received. It’s no longer about “I must” or “I have to.” The covenant of grace focuses entirely on what Jesus has already accomplished.

Conclusion and Preview of Part 2

Pastor Leonard concludes that these are the first two ways Paul teaches believers to renew their minds:

1. By embracing the gospel of Christ instead of the law of Moses.
2. By understanding righteousness through faith, not works.

They announce that this is part one of a two-part message. In the next teaching, they will explore additional scriptures where Paul shows how to continue renewing the mind and experiencing transformation through grace.
Pastors Leonard and Lori end by expressing love and gratitude to their listeners: “We hope you were blessed. We love you. Thank you for all you do for us. Amen.”

We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching from Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola to help others discover the transforming power of God’s grace through the renewal of the mind. Stay tuned for COMPLETE THE RENOVATION Part 2, where the journey of transformation continues.