Renewed Minds, Transformed Lives

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe for Your wondrous creation and Your boundless love. As we gather here today for we seek Your presence and guidance.

Open our minds and hearts to receive Your word. May Your Holy Spirit move among us, renewing and transforming us as we explore the mysteries of the new humanity You have created in Christ.

Let this time together be a blessing, drawing us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction to the Sermon:

Welcome, everyone, to this special session of our Vacation Bible School 2024! This year, our theme is "Breaker Rock Beach." We are excited to explore God's word together and see how it is to be applied to our lives.

The theme passage for this year's VBS is Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

But before we look closer a v.2 of Romans 12: let us first look at v. 1

Romans 12:1 states, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

Romans 12:1 NKJV

1 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.

This verse marks a pivotal transition in Paul’s letter to the Romans, shifting from theological foundations to practical applications. Here, Paul calls believers to respond to God's immense mercy—demonstrated through salvation and grace—by dedicating their lives wholly to Him.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters”

Paul’s use of "therefore" connects his previous theological teachings with the practical exhortations that follow. The term "urge" (or "beseech") conveys a strong appeal, emphasizing the importance of the action he is about to recommend.

"In view of God’s mercy"

This phrase underlines the motivation behind the call to action. It is because of God's mercy—His compassion, forgiveness, and grace—that believers are inspired to live in a way that honors Him.

"To offer your bodies as a living sacrifice"

The idea of sacrifice was familiar to Paul’s audience, rooted in Jewish tradition where sacrifices were offered to atone for sins. However, Paul redefines this concept, urging believers to present themselves, not as dead sacrifices, but as "living" ones. This signifies a continual, active dedication to God.

"Holy and pleasing to God"

The sacrifice believers offer must be holy, meaning set apart for God's purposes, and pleasing to Him, reflecting a life lived in accordance with His will.

"This is your true and proper worship"

Paul concludes by stating that such a self-offering is the true and proper form of worship. The Greek word for "worship" here can also be translated as "service," suggesting that genuine worship is not limited to rituals but encompasses a lifestyle of obedience and devotion to God.

Romans 12:1 challenges believers to consider how they live in response to God’s mercy. It calls for a holistic dedication, where every aspect of one's life—actions, thoughts, and behaviors—becomes an act of worship. This verse encourages a daily commitment to live in a way that honors God, highlighting that true worship extends beyond church services and into everyday life.

Then he comes to the next part of which is v.2

Romans 12:2 NKJV

2 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.

This verse builds upon the previous call to present our bodies as living sacrifices, urging believers to undergo a profound internal transformation that affects their outward behavior.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world"

Paul warns against adopting the values, behaviors, and customs of the secular world. The "world" here refers to the present age that is often in opposition to God's ways. In fact more often than not it is opposite to God’s ways.

"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind"

The transformation Paul speaks of begins with a change in thinking. The Greek word for "transformed" (metamorphoo) suggests a complete metamorphosis, a fundamental change in form and nature.

Now focusing closer on the phrase...

"Renewing of your mind"

The concept of renewing the mind involves a continual process of being made new in one’s thinking and understanding. This transformation is essential for spiritual growth and aligning oneself with God's will.

Ephesians 4:23–24 NKJV

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

"To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Not like God in a sense where we become gods our self, no, but like God in His nature. To be conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29) That is the true metamorphosis.

This passage emphasizes that renewing the mind is attached to putting on a new self that mirrors God’s righteousness and holiness. It highlights an inner change that reflects outwardly in righteous living.

Colossians 3:10 NKJV

10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

Here, Paul connects the renewal of the mind to acquiring knowledge that aligns with the image of God. This renewal process involves growing in understanding and wisdom as one learns more about God and His ways. How does one learn more about God and His ways…READ THE BIBLE. Yet nothing is done by our own righteousness or goodness.

Titus 3:5 NKJV

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

"He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

This passage indicates that the renewal of the mind is a work of the Holy Spirit. It is not something achieved by human effort alone but through the Spirit’s transformative power.

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Paul instructs believers on what to focus their minds on, suggesting that the renewal of the mind involves dwelling on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This positive focus helps in the transformation process.

APPLICATION

Renewing the mind means constantly aligning one’s thoughts with God’s truth as revealed in Scripture. This involves:

1. Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

- Immersing oneself in God’s Word helps replace worldly thoughts with divine truths.

2. Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit

- Seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength is crucial, as the renewal process is powered by the Spirit.

3. Guarding Against Negative Influences

- Being mindful of what we consume—media, conversations, environments—can help prevent conforming to worldly patterns.

4. Practicing Gratitude and Biblical Thinking

- Focusing on God’s blessings and maintaining a positive, God-centered outlook fosters a renewed mind.

5. Community and Accountability

- Engaging with fellow believers for encouragement, support, and accountability can aid in the transformation process.

By renewing our minds, we begin to see the world from God’s perspective, enabling us to discern and live out His will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. This transformation leads to a life that glorifies God and aligns with His purpose for us.

Let us prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank You for the time we have spent together exploring Your word. Help us to apply what we have learned and to allow our minds to be renewed by Your truth. Give us the strength and wisdom to live in a way that honors You. Guide us each day and fill us with Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.