Romans 6:17 (NET)

The Greek word used here for ‘pattern’ is translated as ‘form’ in the NKJV, but the word pattern used in the NET seems to bring a little more clarity to the verse. The picture presented is of making something that looks like or conforms to an original. Here the Roman believers were allowing themselves to be molded and shaped to the teachings of the gospel through the daily process of sanctification.

Picture molten metal being poured into a mold and the molten metal taking the shape of the mold. The believer is the molten metal, and the mold is the doctrine and teaching of the gospel. Molten metal does not retain any of the form that it had before being melted down. As we walk with the Lord, He will work to melt down any remaining fragments from our old life in order that we become more Christ-like. This refining process is not easy, but it is necessary so that God can use us to the fullest as we serve Him here on earth. Let us yield to God’s work in our lives, leaving behind the old man and putting on the new man (Ephesians 4:22–24).

Jeff Mericle