Romans 12

Intro

Tonight we will cover one of my favorite verses that I have held onto as a Worship Pastor for over ten years. As a music minister I needed to understand what worship truly is. I love music and if I thought of worship only through song I would be missing the point and failing as a worship pastor. To grow a team and lead others into worship I needed to know what worship really is.

Romans 12 is the passage I always turn to when I need a clear definition of worship. Yes, music can honor God and it is a blessing to stand together, proclaiming how awesome He is. But worship cannot be reserved for those who love to sing or appreciate music—it is for every person. It challenges those who do not enjoy music or prefer to remain silent, because the psalms themselves—over one hundred songs—call us to lift our voices to God. It also challenges those who feel they are great worshippers because they raise their hands or sing loudly yet allow their daily lives to contradict the words they sing.

Tonight we hold fast to the importance of true worship and how it unites us as one body, one church that serves, encourages, gives generously, shows affection, loves with joy, practices patience, prays without delay, comforts quickly, welcomes others, and ultimately reflects Christ in every situation. That is worship to God. I am grateful I do not live in the days before Jesus when animal sacrifices were required. Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all time. Yet just as their obedience symbolized their faith, we are called to a similar offering—to present ourselves alive, holy, and acceptable to God. This is why we live. This is our purpose and His will for us. This is what is good, acceptable and perfect.

Why We are Alive (Verses 1-2)

I often tell our English Services community that the reason we’re alive—and the reason we exist—is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. That simple line, borrowed from the Westminster Catechism of the 1600s, carries more weight than it first appears. I know many of you wrestle with dark thoughts, anxiety, anger toward friends, insecurity, jealousy, and more, and at times you’ve probably asked yourself, “Why am I here?” Maybe it wasn’t a truly suicidal thought, but it was a question that echoed in your mind, one I believe we’ve all faced at least once.

I remember a close friend from high school who battled that same question every single day. After going through a painful breakup and facing several difficult personal issues, he felt like all the old hurts he’d tried to ignore were coming back stronger than ever. Some nights we texted late into the night, me asking simple questions like “What are you feeling right now?” or “how are you truly doing?” or “is everything okay?” and him pouring out every dark thought. Other times we would go disc golfing or took long walks around some sketchy areas, or just drive, just talking through each worry one by one. He was great with words and could explain exactly what was going through his mind—but in the moment, the hope I shared often seemed too big to really believe. Gradually, though, he began to hold onto one simple truth: God had a purpose for his life. Over days and weeks, that promise started to grow in his heart, reminding him that no matter how heavy his struggles felt, there was a plan for him that was far greater than any pain he faced. He ended up writing these words one night and sent them to me:

I will live a life worthy living I will serve you where you need me I will lean on you when there pushing Cause you’re a God worth dying for That’s a life worth so much more Cause you’re a God worth dying for That’s a life worth so much more

Rather than thinking of giving up, he realized his life has meaning and purpose—for God and for God alone.

God is patient and kind.

God is filled with grace and offers it to us, undeserving creatures.

God is love and died and resurrected for us so that our relationship would be restored.

God made hope possible through what He has done and what He continues to do.

We have meaning and purpose. Let’s read what Paul says our purpose is.

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.

The “therefore” at 12:1, is a summation of the first 11 chapters:

Sin and wrath (ch. 1–3)

Justification by faith (ch. 4–5)

New life in the Spirit (ch. 6–8)

God’s faithfulness to both Jew and Gentile (ch. 9–11)

And now calling us to respond and what true believers do and act like.

The words “living” and “sacrifice” almost seem to contradict each other. How can I be living and dying at the same time? But if you’ve been following Jesus for even a short time, you start to understand what Paul means. There were sins in my life—especially during high school and college—that I wasn’t willing to lay down. I held onto certain things, sometimes out of stubbornness, other times out of comfort. I wasn’t fully surrendered.

To be a living sacrifice doesn’t just mean dying for Christ if someone held a gun to your head and asked, “Do you believe in Jesus?”—and if you say no, you live. That scenario is extreme and intense, and I hope every one of us would say yes, even if it cost us everything. But the truth is, being a living sacrifice is much more than that. It’s daily. It’s not just a dramatic moment of death—it’s a thousand small moments of obedience.

Because here’s the hard truth: if you don’t live for Christ now, you won’t die for Him later. It’s hard to die for someone you don’t spend time with. Hard to die for someone you constantly ignore. Hard to die for someone you don’t know well. Hard to die for someone you haven’t truly learned to love.

Paul’s call in Romans 12:1 isn’t about a one-time decision—it’s about a lifestyle of surrender. Every day, we lay ourselves down. Every day, we live for Him. To lay down our desires and obey Him. To sacrifice addictions, shows, even friends for Him. To live a life that is Holy. What does holy mean? Set apart. This is what is acceptable to God. This is our spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 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.

So, yes—songs can be a part of our worship. Music has a powerful way of shaping not just our emotions, but also our thoughts. The lyrics we sing, especially when paired with melody, can help us dwell on truth and even transform how we see the world. There is real power in what you listen to.

That’s why I often challenge our students with this: try going one week without secular music. Just one week. Replace it with Christian music—worship, gospel, Christian rap, whatever connects with you—and see what happens. You might be surprised at how much your perspective changes. When you're constantly feeding your mind with lyrics that glorify God, it starts to shift your mindset. On the flip side, if you're regularly listening to songs filled with vulgar language, toxic relationships, or messages that normalize sin, it starts to wear on you. It can dull your conscience, soften your moral sensitivity, and slowly conform your heart to the ways of the world—without you even realizing it.

Now, I’m not saying that every non-Christian song is bad or that you can never listen to secular music. But there should be limits. Especially with songs that are blatantly inappropriate or celebrate things that go directly against God’s character. Ask yourself: Is this music helping me worship? Is this helping me love God more or love sin more?

And this goes beyond just music. The same principle applies to anything—or anyone—you give your time and attention to. What you fill your mind with will shape your heart. What you consume regularly will either conform you to the world or transform you into the image of Christ.

That’s why Paul follows up his call to be a living sacrifice with this in Romans 12:2:

Romans 12:2 ESV

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.

Don’t blend in. Don’t live on autopilot, just going along with what everyone else listens to, watches, or chases after. Instead, let God renew your mind. Fill it with truth. Test everything. Ask Him, “God, is this pleasing to you?” Ask your mentors, your leaders, your friends: “Does this help me grow?”

Because the goal isn’t just behavior change—it’s heart transformation. It’s living a life that truly reflects the goodness, the beauty, and the will of God. That’s what Romans 12:2 is calling us to.

Remember, this is why we are alive.

This isn’t a set of rules you have to follow so you can make it to heaven. God has a plan for believers. He has a will and that will is for you to become like Jesus. We often won’t know when we will die, what’s going to happen tomorrow, or what God’s plan for our life is and how that plays out. However, we do know that He wants us to live a life of worship to God and in doing so, you become the very image you were created like. The Image of God. This is why we are alive.

Use Your Gifts

Romans 12:3–8 ESV

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Twelve years ago, I joined the youth worship band at my church. It was the first time I ever served in a consistent way. I helped organize songs, gathered a band when I could, and led worship—kind of like how our youth worship team does every Wednesday night. I didn’t have a mentor walking me through the process, no formal training. I was just kind of thrown in—but I was down. I liked singing, and it felt like a fun and meaningful way to get involved.

So I started listening to a bunch of worship songs, making playlists, and planning out sets… sometimes even on the drive over to youth group. (Not exactly the most professional start.) But I learned a lot. And that’s one of the biggest blessings of serving—you grow in your gifts. You get better, more confident, and more intentional about how you use what God has given you.

But it didn’t just help me musically. It changed me spiritually. I became consistent with attending youth group every week. That consistency eventually led me to love Sunday services too. I built real friendships. I found a sense of purpose. I felt like I belonged. All of that started because I decided to serve with the gift God had placed in me.

And that’s what Romans 12 is talking about. We each have different gifts, different functions in the body of Christ—but every one of them matters. When you use your gift, not only does the body get stronger, you get stronger too. You grow. You belong. You worship—not just in song, but with your whole life.

Paul touches on this very idea in Romans 12:3–8. And what I love is that before he dives into all the gifts, he starts with something essential for a unified church:

Be Humble

In verse 3, Paul says not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but to think with sober judgment—each according to the measure of faith God has assigned. In other words, whatever gifts or abilities you have are not from your own greatness. They’re from God, and they’re to be used with faith in Christ.

You might have natural talents and skills that you’re really good at—and yes, those can absolutely be used in the church. For me, music has always come naturally. And for over 12 years, God has used that part of me to serve His church. But through the “measure of faith” Paul talks about, God has shown me there’s more in me than I realized. When I accepted the call to become the Youth and Worship Pastor, I stepped into familiar territory leading worship—but I also started teaching weekly, something I hadn’t done regularly before. That new role helped me discover another gift I didn’t know I had.

And honestly, sometimes trying something is how you do discover whether you’re gifted in it—or not. It’s also how you figure out where others are better equipped. That’s not a loss—it’s how the body works.

Romans 12:4–6 ESV

4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.

Paul then lists the different gifts God gives His people, all rooted in the same truth: these gifts are from God, by His grace, and used through faith—faith that trusts Him to provide the strength, opportunity, and clarity needed.

But here’s an important reminder: just because you’re gifted in one area doesn’t mean you’re excused from the others.

You may not be the one who teaches on a Wednesday night, but that doesn’t mean God won’t use you to teach in smaller ways. Maybe not a sermon—but what about a one-on-one conversation where you explain a verse, or help someone understand God’s grace more clearly?

You may not be naturally inclined to serve behind the scenes, but that doesn’t mean you never serve. Some people are just especially gifted in that area—I think of people like Charlie, Lisa, and Brent. Brent especially was always willing to help with anything, and he did it joyfully. But his gift doesn’t mean we’re off the hook. The beauty of the church is that we complement one another. We’re not all the same—but we are equal, and we each have a role to play.

What Believers Should Look Like

We are going to go verse by verse and I think you all should be thinking of this question:

Am I living like a true Christian?

You are saved by grace through faith. You have to understand that you would never be able to save yourself. But real faith is transformative. So as we go through this, say a quick prayer if you need help in these areas:

Verse 9 - True Love Hates Evil

Romans 12:9 ESV

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Paul starts off this statement by what I mentioned earlier. How do you know if you would die for someone? Well if you love them. However, this love must be genuine. Authentic. Real. Rather than explaining what genuine love is, write this down or think about it, how would you want someone to love you?

Hate evil. Do good. Confession time. I’m still working on this. There are moments where I don’t hate evil and it bothers me. I pray to God, help me desire you. Help me hate the evil inside. The thoughts, intentions, emotions. But do you hate evil? All evil? I can’t quite process this because we get a bit more philosophical, but I would say if you dislike or hate evil, you have no choice but to do what is good. However, you may not hate evil and still choose to do good.

Verse 10 and 16 - Love All, Not just your best friends

Romans 12:10 ESV

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:16 ESV

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Knowing how you want to be loved and treated, show this love to others. You won’t always want to do it, but that’s love. And I don’t just mean your buddies, but do you try to talk to other people at Youth Group beside your best friends? More on this in verse 16.

Respect one another. In fact, out do the respect. Show everyone around you with honor, not just your favorite people at youth group but everyone.

Strive for unity and peace in relationships.

Don’t be prideful or cliquish—befriend the overlooked and humble.

Avoid arrogance; don’t think you’re always right.

Verse 11 - Don’t Be Lazy

Romans 12:11 ESV

11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Don’t be lazy or apathetic in your faith.

Be passionate and enthusiastic, letting the Holy Spirit drive your service.

All your effort is ultimately for God.

Verse 12 - Hope. Patience. Prayer.

Romans 12:12 ESV

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Paul connects this well. Rejoice in hope. That is how you can be joyful. You can be joyful because you know of the hope of God. What is one thing that we can hope for as believers?

Patience means long-suffering. Yes, you will need to be patient in tribulation because that is the time to be patient. It’s easy to be patient when no one is annoying you. It’s hard to be patient when someone is annoying you. You all know that annoying person in your life? Two things, be patient with them, don’t get upset or frustrated. But two, love them.

Pray always. I don’t have to elaborate much on this. We all need to be better at praying constantly.

Verses 13 - Be Hospitable

Romans 12:13 ESV

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Take care of others! This is something that I am hoping to do on the Serve Fest where we will be able to attend to the needs of some of church members and either keep them company, provide meals, landscape for them, or whatever they need. This should be a priority. Great plug for you all to be at the Serve Fest July 10th through 12th.

Verse 15 - Empathize

Romans 12:15 ESV

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

The first one comes easy to me. Second one is hard. I like to fix and change people’s perspectives but sometimes you do just need to weep with your friends and just be with them. Cry with them. I’ve had to learn this with Berkley and I’ve grown in this area with other friends.

Verse 14, 17-21 - Overcome Evil with Good

Romans 12:14 ESV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Romans 12:17 ESV

17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Romans 12:18 ESV

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:19 ESV

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Okay, I’m not gonna name names, but I know some of you like to fight back or respond back in anger when someone upsets you. A believer does not respond in such a way. In fact, a believer should not only be patient, but bless them! Blessing them simply means to ask God to bring about favor in their life.

Do not curse them. It is good to be honost to God because He wants you to go to Him, but He is going to challenge you in blessing them. Don’t go to God and say I wish they would die. Go to God and pray that they would know their heavenly father and the love He provides. Because if they experienced this Love, they wouldn’t need to react so poorly.

Blessing them changes your heart. No one actually wants to live in anger or hate. It is a terrible place to live.

It is not your job to avenge, but God’s.

Conclusion

He is a God worth dying for and that is a life worth so much more.