Hopefully everyone is recovering from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and is beginning to settle in the “normalcy” of the new year. Then again, maybe settling in is not always the best idea ….
Today’s verse comes from a section of the Bible called Romans. It is actually the apostle Paul’s letter to a church in Rome… one of the, if not the most important cities in the world at that time. They were growing like crazy, yet their understanding of God’s Word was shallow. To that group of people, Paul writes the following:
2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God – Romans 12:2
Paul issues here a clear warning about conforming to the world around us. Let’s be honest, we have all at least been in danger of doing this. The way we think about the world around us, the actions of others, and life in general is constantly being shaped by what we see, hear, read, experience, etc…. It is part of the human experience. Things that once abhorred us, now are just commonplace around us and we sometimes find ourselves saying, “well, that is just the world is now”, much to our dismay.
But is that how it is supposed to be? Certainly not. The truth is, God’s standards have not and will not change. If we are followers (and I recognize not all who read this may be), then we have an even bigger responsibility. Let’s back up one verse and get an even broader picture of what Paul is trying to teach here.
1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God – Romans 12:1-2
There is a lot here, let’s dig in:
Verse 1: A Call to Sacrifice
“In view of God’s mercy”: In the preceding chapters of Romans, Paul explains that God’s grace and salvation is offered through Jesus Christ. This verse is defining a proper response to this mercy. Basically, “if you have called on Christ to save you, then this is how to live from now on” (John’s paraphrase).
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice”: Paul calls believers to dedicate their entire lives (mind, body, and actions) to God. Unlike the dead animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, believers are called to be “living” sacrifices, actively serving and honoring God daily. This flies directly in the face of how many of us view our “life” in God’s will, it is not passive …. it is VERY ACTIVE!!!
“Holy and pleasing to God”: The sacrifice is to be pure and set apart, aligning with God’s will and bringing Him joy. Only by the grace of God is this remotely possible.
“True and proper worship”: Worship is not limited to rituals or ceremonies but involves a lifestyle of devotion and obedience to God. Every minute, every day, everywhere… all that we are and all that we do is either true worship or false worship (bad, evil, abhorrent to God).
Verse 2: Transformation Through Renewal
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world”: Believers are urged to resist adopting the values, behaviors, and mindset of a secular, self-centered world.
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”: Transformation happens through a change in thinking, driven by studying God’s Word, prayer, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It’s about adopting a Christ-centered worldview.
“Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is”: By aligning one’s mind and heart with God, believers can discern and embrace His will, which is described as “good, pleasing, and perfect.”
Key Takeaways:
Response to Grace: The passage emphasizes that a life dedicated to God is a response to His mercy, not an attempt to earn salvation.
Holistic Worship: True worship involves every aspect of life, reflecting God’s presence in all we do.
Inner Transformation: Change starts within, requiring a renewed mind and heart aligned with God’s truth.
Discernment: By living this way, believers gain clarity and wisdom to navigate life according to God’s plan.
This passage challenges Christians to live counter-culturally, offering their lives to God in gratitude and service
We are called to be rebels, in a very specific way…. to NOT conform to the world around us… to NOT give in to be like everyone else. People may look at us and call us “strange” or “old fashioned” or “out of touch”, yet God may look at us and call us obedient… and what more could we ask for.
I would like to recommend a recent movie, one based on a true story that exemplifies this kind of radical obedience to God. It really inspired me, and I hope it will inspire you as well. It is called Jesus Revolution. Below is a synopsis and some more details:
“Jesus Revolution” is a 2023 American Christian drama film directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle. The film is based on the autobiographical book of the same name co-written by Greg Laurie.
Set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the movie chronicles the origins of the Jesus Movement in Southern California. It follows the journey of Greg Laurie (portrayed by Joel Courtney), a teenager searching for truth and meaning amid the counterculture era. Laurie becomes involved with a community of young hippies who embrace Christianity, led by charismatic evangelist Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie). Their movement gains momentum with the support of Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), who opens his church to the youth, leading to a national spiritual awakening
The film delves into themes of faith, redemption, and the transformative power of love, capturing a pivotal moment in American religious history. It portrays the challenges and triumphs of a movement that sought to bring together traditional churchgoers and the emerging counterculture, ultimately sparking a nationwide revival.
“Jesus Revolution” offers a nostalgic look at a significant cultural shift, highlighting the impact of the Jesus Movement on contemporary Christian practices and its enduring legacy in American society.
Happy New Year to all of you and your families. God loves you and has a plan for you.
PastorJohn96 