Untitled Sermon

From Change to Transformation

Scripture: Romans 12:1–2 “Therefore I exhort you, brothers, through the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may approve what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.”

Romans 12:1–2 “Therefore I exhort you, brothers, through the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may approve what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.”

Overview of Saul of Tarsus

Background and Early Life:

Birth and Heritage: Saul, later known as Paul, was born in Tarsus, a city in the region of Cilicia (modern-day Turkey). Paul was of Jewish descent and identified himself as being from the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5). This indicates that his parents were Jewish and adhered to Jewish customs Paul was born a Roman citizen, which was a significant status in the Roman Empire (Acts 22:28). This suggests that his family had some standing or influence, as Roman citizenship was a privilege that could be obtained through various means, including service to the Roman state, purchasing citizenship, or inheritance.

Education: Saul was well-educated and studied under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law in Jerusalem. He was zealous for the traditions of his ancestors and well-versed in the Hebrew Scriptures (Acts 22:3, Philippians 3:5-6).

Paul's early education under the renowned Pharisee teacher Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3) implies that his parents valued education and were likely devout in their faith, ensuring that Paul received rigorous religious training.

Trade: Paul was also known to be a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3), a skill he likely learned from his family, as it was customary for Jewish families to pass down trades from one generation to the next.

Persecutor of Christians:

Initial Opposition: Saul was a fervent persecutor of the early Christian church. He was deeply committed to upholding the traditions of his ancestors and believed that the teachings of Jesus and the spread of Christianity were contrary to the Mosaic Law (Philippians 3:5-6). Early Christians proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, which was considered blasphemous by many Jews, including Paul. This claim was seen as a direct challenge to the core tenets of Judaism.

Paul, like many other devout Jews, believed that the best way to defend the Jewish faith was to actively oppose what he saw as false teachings. This conviction drove him to take aggressive actions against Christians, whom he viewed as spreading dangerous and misleading doctrines.

He approved of the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and actively sought to arrest and imprison Christians, believing he was serving God by doing so (Acts 7:58-8:3, Acts 9:1-2).

Conversion to Christianity:

Road to Damascus: While traveling to Damascus to arrest more Christians, Saul had a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus. A bright light from heaven blinded him, and he heard Jesus’ voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:3-6).Transformation: After being led to Damascus, Saul regained his sight through the prayers of Ananias, a disciple of Jesus. He was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of his transformation from a persecutor to a preacher of Christ (Acts 9:17-19).

Impact: Paul is considered one of the greatest apostles and theologians in Christian history. His missionary work and writings played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and shaping Christian doctrine and practice.

Inspiration: Paul's life exemplifies the power of transformation through Christ, demonstrating how God can use even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes.

Legacy: Paul authored 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament. These letters, including Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and others, form the core of Christian doctrine and ethics.Pastoral Letters: His letters to Timothy and Titus provide guidance on church leadership and pastoral care.

Missionary Work:

Spreading the Gospel: Paul’s missionary journeys took him across the Roman Empire, from Jerusalem to Rome, planting churches and spreading the message of Jesus Christ to Jews and Gentiles alike (Acts 13-28).Cultural Integration: Paul advocated for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring them to follow all Jewish customs, significantly shaping the universal nature of Christianity (Acts 15, Galatians 2:11-21).

Impact on Church Structure and Practice:

Church Planting: Paul established numerous churches in key cities throughout the Roman Empire, creating a network that facilitated the growth and spread of Christianity.Leadership and Organization: Paul’s guidance on church leadership, including the roles of elders and deacons, helped shape the organizational structure of early Christian communities (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1).

Overview of the Book of Romans.

Roman Empire’s Dominance:

The Roman Empire was at its height, under the rule of Emperor Nero (reigned AD 54-68). The Empire was marked by relative political stability and extensive territorial control.Rome, the capital, was a bustling metropolis and the center of political power, culture, and commerce.

Social and Religious Context

Diverse Population:

Rome was a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. The Christian community in Rome was diverse, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile converts.

Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome due to disturbances associated with "Chrestus" (likely a reference to conflicts within the Jewish community about Christ). By the time Paul wrote Romans (around AD 57), many Jews had returned to Rome after Claudius’s death in AD 54, leading to a reestablishment of the Jewish Christian community alongside Gentile Christians.

Tension Between Jewish and Gentile Christians:

The reintroduction of Jewish Christians after Claudius’s expulsion likely led to tensions within the Christian community regarding the observance of the Mosaic Law and the integration of Gentile believers.Issues of dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and circumcision were points of contention, as evidenced by Paul’s discussions in Romans about weak and strong faith, the role of the Law, and mutual acceptance (Romans 14-15).

Christianity was still in its formative years, spreading rapidly across the Roman Empire but not yet officially recognized or systematically persecuted as it would be in later decades.The Christian community in Rome, though relatively young, was influential. Paul recognized its strategic importance for the spread of the gospel further west, including his planned mission to Spain (Romans 15:24).

Paul, having completed his missionary journeys in the eastern Mediterranean, was preparing for a visit to Rome. His letter aimed to clarify his gospel message and address theological issues to unify the church and gain support for his mission to Spain.Romans presents a thorough exposition of Christian doctrine, addressing themes such as human sinfulness, justification by faith, sanctification, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.

Paul wrote his letter to the Romans around AD 57 during a time of relative political stability under Nero’s early reign, following the return of Jews to Rome after Claudius’s expulsion. The letter addressed the diverse and potentially divided Christian community in Rome, aiming to unify Jewish and Gentile believers under a common theological framework. Paul sought to explain the gospel, promote mutual acceptance, and prepare for his planned visit and mission to Spain, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Roman church in the broader mission of spreading Christianity throughout the empire.

Romans 1-4 (Reveals God’s Righteousness

Romans 1-4 lays the foundational theology of sin, judgment, and justification by faith. Paul establishes that all humanity is sinful and in need of salvation, which cannot be achieved through the law but is freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham is presented as the exemplar of faith, showing that righteousness comes from trusting in God’s promises.

Romans 5-8 (Creates A New Humanity

Romans 5-8 explores the transformative power of justification by faith, the believer’s new identity in Christ, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes freedom from the power of sin and the law, life in the Spirit, and the assurance of God’s unwavering love and future glory for believers. This section reassures Christians of their secure standing before God and encourages them to live in the power and hope of the gospel.

Romans 9-11 (Fulfills God’s Promise to Israel

Romans 9-11 addresses the complex relationship between Israel and the Church. Paul expresses his sorrow for Israel’s unbelief but affirms God’s sovereignty and righteousness in His dealings with humanity. He explains that while Israel has largely rejected the gospel, this has allowed Gentiles to come to faith. However, Paul anticipates a future restoration for Israel, emphasizing that God’s promises and gifts are irrevocable. He concludes with a doxology, marveling at the wisdom and knowledge of God’s redemptive plan.

Romans 12-16 (Unifies The Church)

Romans 12 calls believers to a life of radical devotion to God and selfless service to others. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual transformation through the renewal of the mind and the proper use of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ. The chapter provides a blueprint for Christian living characterized by genuine love, humility, hospitality, and a commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Transformation: The biblical concept of transformation involves a profound change or renewal that occurs in an individual's life through the power of God. It goes beyond mere outward behaviors or appearances and involves a fundamental change in one's heart, mind, and character to conform more fully to God's will and purposes.