Untitled Sermon

Romans 12: 1-2

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

We come now to what is usually called the “practical” section of Romans

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

The practical, however, must of necessity rest upon a solid theological foundation. Otherwise it is little more than advice about how to get along in a religious community

the sacrifices of the new order do not consist in taking the lives of others, like the ancient animal sacrifices, but in giving one’s own.

Romans

F. F. Bruce, The Letter of Paul to the Romans, 2d ed., TNTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985), 213.

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

The popular cliche “He is Lord of all or not Lord at all” is absolutely right

Let’s talked about the verse 2. Because in the verse 1 Paul speaks of a specific act in which we offer ourselves to God.

v. 2 tells us of two ongoing activities that carry out the intention of the living sacrifice. The first is negative; the second, positive. Believers are no longer to conform themselves to the present age

Paul reminded the Galatians that the present age is evil (Gal 1:4). It cannot, and must not, serve as a model for Christian living. Its values and goals are antithetical to growth in holiness.

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

Believers are to be salt and light (Matt 5:13–14), purifying and enlightening contemporary culture

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

Paul told believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your minds.” From without there is a continuing pressure to adopt the customs and mind-set of the world in which we live

We must “let ourselves be transformed

Pay attention to the word that Paul uses here.

μεταμορφοῦσθε is a present passive imperative. Although God brings about the transformation, we must voluntarily place ourselves at his disposal so it can happen.

How do we place ourselves in the correct way so we can be transformed?

He will not “transform” us against our will. The present tense suggests that the process is to continue throughout life. Transformation is not instantaneous.

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

The transformation of which Paul spoke in Rom 12:2 is not a change effected from without but a radical reorientation that begins deep within the human heart

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

The mind renewed enables us to discern the will of God