Scripture:
Romans 12:1-2 ESV
[1] I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Observation:
I can’t help but continue with the teaching that has been put in front of me. Over and over in GOD’S Holy Word, we see that the way we think and the ability of our mind is a big portion of what needs to be changed. Paul is speaking to the Romans in a little that presents the plan of salvation in such a way that the layman can understand it. So first, let’s look at what it means to worship the Father. Some of us might think that worship is 3 songs before the pastor comes out and explains what the bible says. That is not it. As Paul explains here in Romans, worship is how you live. It’s what you do with what GOD has given you. Peter expresses in 1 Peter 4 “the whoever does” not live for the flesh is done with sin. So what I’d be presented here in Romans chapter 12:1 is that the way we live matters. Not as a means of salvation but as a means of worship. Saying we worship GOD is one thing. But remember, faith is action. Now that being said, let’s move to verse 2… again, I want to talk about the way that we think. Paul presents a way to change it. By GOD’S living word. We need to renew our minds searching and seeking what GOD’S will is for us. We know that as Pastor Chad has said, the GOD’S will is found in GOD’S word… so if you want to know what GODwants from, you read it. HE wants us to have the mind of Christ. A renewed mind, not one that thinks like the world but one the lives out the word.
Application:
I think back to when my life really started to change. When I started wanting to live differently when others started to matter more than me. It all started with a desire to read the bible. I want to remind you that when I picked it up, I didn’t know how to read very well at all. But I had to know what this book said… I had to find out for myself. I struggled through it and didn’t understand much. Asking friends things like What’s this word, and how do you say that? I’m telling you I did NOT know how to read… but I wanted to know GOD. As my thinking changed due to the Holy Spirit teaching me how to read. I fell in love with GOD’S word it did what I could not. My life became different. My mind renewed, and my thinking changed. The ways of this world are no longer a desire of mine. Now that being said, I have not put the book down since it has become a part of my life. It’s how I find out what GOD wants from me. It’s all in the book. Every answer I have ever looked for for every question I have ever had is in the book. GOD’S word had allowed me to present my body to HIM as a living sacrifice. The way we live matters. To worship GOD, we must allow the spirit to lead in truth. That’s what Jesus was saying at the well. If we take the time to read GOD’S word, the Holy Spirit will do its job and start renewing our mind, changing it, shaping it, and molding it to be conformed to the mind of Christ. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen over time. Over the past 8 years, I have become a totally different man. That’s not something I have to say to convince you because even if you don’t know me, you can see it in the way I live. GOD owns my life. HE bought it with the blood of HIS SON. Therefore, I am HIS slave, and I am happy about it. I live a life beyond my wildest dreams, and HE is not done yet.
Prayer:
Father. Thank you… you are so good to us. You have renewed a right spirit within us. Thank you. Help us to continue on the path that you have laid out for us. Show us how to worship you. We want our lives to reflect you. Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. Not just reading your word but living it. What good is knowledge without application? Give us wisdom and discernment so that all we do is to glorify you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.