The sovereignty of God, the responsibility of man
“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (NLT) Romans 12:2.
One distinguishing feature that differentiates the tripartite man (a being that comprises the spirit, soul, and body) from animals is that God created man in His own image and also a free moral agent (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:16-17). It is for this reason why all tripartite men will give account of their deeds here on earth and face the consequences of their actions, on the day of reckoning (2 Corinthian 5:10).
The second part of Romans 12:2 says, ‘but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.’ The use of the word ‘let’ explains that man has to freely avail himself for God to use him for His purpose. That is the responsibility of man. True transformation can only be occasioned by God. It is God who transformed Saul to Paul and made him a great witness of the gospel to the gentiles (Acts 13:47). That is the sovereignty of God.
Concluding, we should bear in mind that for us to experience God’s will in our lives, which is good, pleasing and perfect, we should be non-conformist in relation to the standards of the world and we should avail ourselves freely for the sovereign transformation of God.