1. Whole thinking begins with total surrender.
…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…(Rom 12:1)

2. Whole thinking requires new thoughts, not worldly patterns.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Rom. 12:2)

Conform – to be or become behaviorally or socially similar to; conceived of as being or becoming shaped or molded to a certain pattern. [1]

[1] Brannan, R. (Ed.). (2020). Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Transformed – to be or become changed in outward appearance or expression as manifesting a change in nature or essence.[2] (used 4x in NT, Mt 17:2, Mk 9:2, Rom 12:2, and…)


[2] Brannan, R. (Ed.). (2020). Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

3. Whole thinking is rooted in sober thinking.
…think of yourself with sober judgment… (Rom 12:3)

Sober - to be soberly — to think and live wisely in self-control over one’s passions and desires. [3]


[3] Brannan, R. (Ed.). (2020). Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

a. God
i. Is faithful and true (Ps 33:4)
ii. Wants you (2 Pet 3:9)
iii. Is a refuge (Ps 18:30)
iv. Understands (Ps 147:5)
v. Cares about what you care about. (1 Pet. 5:7)

b. Others
i. Are not your enemy (Eph. 6:12)

c. Self
i. You have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)
ii. You are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)
iii. You are a priest (1 Pet 2:9)

5. Check what…
a. You listen to
b. You watch
c. Circle you run with