Romans 12:1-2. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Throughout the first 11 chapters of Romans, the Apostle Paul has written about the mercies of God. In chapters 1-3:20 Paul wrote about Condemnation: The need for God’s Righteousness. In 3:21 – the end of chapter 5 he wrote about Justification: the provision of God’s righteousness. From chapter 6 through the end of 8 he wrote about Sanctification: the demonstration of God’s Righteousness. From 9- 11 he talked about the restoration of the nation of Israel. And now in chapter 12 he talks about application.
The word beseech is a call to action. Paul is saying to us, look I’ve told about the mercies of God and now you have to act on it. With that in mind, let us look at the actions to which we are being called.
The first Action God want us to take is To PRESENT OUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE.
In the Old Testament priests for the sins of the people made sacrifices to God. Since Christ became the ultimate sacrifice of atonement, animal sacrifices are no longer necessary. What Paul means here is that we are to give our bodies over to God for his service.
The second call to action that we have been given is to NOT CONFORM TO THIS WORLD.
Verse 2. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed….
Conformity is assuming an outward expression that does not reflect an inward reflection. How often do we side with everyone else even when we know that they are wrong? Conformity is paying 150 dollars for the latest athletic wear and wearing them because they are in style even if they make your feet hurt.
The third call to action that we are to be TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF OUR MIND.
Picking up again in verse 2. …But be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
A transformation can only occur if we open our hearts and minds to God. How do I do this?
First is to deal with the inward. If the inward is changed, the outward will follow. In order to change from the inside out you must first recognize that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:10- There is none righteous no not one.
Romans 3:23- All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Second, understand that Jesus is the Only way.
John 14:6 I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Romans 5:8- But God demonstrated his love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us
Third, confess your sin and accept Christ as savior for your sins.
Romans 10:9-10 If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
That’s it. No more no less. Your cannot change your life to how God wants you to live on your terms it must be on his terms and his terms mean going through Christ.
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