Feb01 - Fresh Start: Renewed in Christ

Israel Perdonsin

01/02 - Mind Renewed, Life Transformed

Moment of Tithing and Offerings

As we consider the profound idea of renewing our minds and stepping into a new beginning in Christ, let’s also reflect on our giving.

Our generosity is an act of worship that flows from a transformed heart. A simple yet powerful verse that connects to this is

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT): “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”

This verse reminds us that when our minds are renewed, our giving becomes an overflow of joy and trust in God, not a burden.

It’s about cheerfully investing in God’s kingdom, knowing He will provide.

Welcome to New Visitors

Welcome to The Way! We are genuinely thrilled to have you worship with us today. Whether this is your first time stepping into a church, or you’re just visiting, we want you to feel completely at home and experience the warmth of God’s love.

Our church family is passionate about building authentic connections and growing together in faith. We invite you to connect with us beyond Sunday service.

Join our engaging conversation clubs during the week, where we discuss life and faith in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Explore our various small groups spread throughout the city, offering deeper fellowship, support, and spiritual growth.

And for all our latest updates, inspiring content, and ways to get involved, please follow us on social media.

To mark this special moment, here’s a Bible verse dedicated especially to you: Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Introduction

Star Moment:

Imagine waking up one morning and realizing you have the power to completely reset your mind – to shed every negative thought, every limiting belief, and embrace a fresh, hopeful perspective.

That’s not just a dream; that’s the incredible offer God extends to us today!

Today, we’re diving deep into a life-changing truth from Romans 12:1-2, titled “Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind.”

This topic is incredibly relevant because our thoughts are the blueprints of our lives.

They shape our emotions, our decisions, and ultimately, our destiny.

I remember a season in my life where I was constantly battling worry and self-doubt. It felt like a heavy cloud followed me everywhere.

But then, I started intentionally focusing on God’s promises, on His truth, and slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, that cloud began to lift.

My perspective shifted, and my life began to change. It was a true renewal of my mind.

Let’s explore how God can do the same, or even more, for each of us, paving the way for powerful new beginnings.

Main Bible Verse

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT): “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Christians in Rome, a diverse community made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

The book of Romans is a foundational text that systematically explains God’s plan for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and then transitions into how believers should live out that faith.

In chapters 1-11, Paul lays out the theological groundwork, and then in chapters 12-16, he shifts to practical Christian living.

This particular passage, Romans 12:1-2, serves as a pivotal bridge, urging believers to respond to God’s immense mercy by dedicating their entire lives to Him.

It’s a call to radical discipleship, emphasizing that our spiritual transformation begins internally, with the renewal of our minds.

This fits perfectly with our theme of “new beginnings” because it highlights that true change starts from within, moving away from worldly patterns and embracing God’s transformative power.

Point 1: Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1 (NLT): “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

Original Terms:

The Greek word for “sacrifice” here is thysia (thetaυsigmaίalpha), which refers to an offering made to God.

In the Old Testament, this often involved the ritualistic offering of animals. However, Paul uses it in a profound new sense, calling us to offer our entire lives – our bodies, our time, our talents, our passions – as a daily, ongoing act of worship.

It’s a living sacrifice, not a one-time event, meaning we continually surrender ourselves to God’s will.

Supporting with Biblical Characters:

1. Abraham: In Genesis 22, Abraham demonstrated ultimate surrender when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac.

This act wasn’t about literal child sacrifice, but about Abraham’s complete trust and obedience to God, showing that he held nothing back.

His willingness to give his most precious possession led to God’s incredible blessing and a new covenant.

2. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of a living sacrifice is Jesus Himself.

He willingly laid down His life on the cross, not just in death, but in His entire life of obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:5-8).

His life was a continuous offering, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice that brought new life and new beginnings for all who believe.

Insights from Commentaries:

Matthew Henry beautifully articulates that true worship isn’t just about rituals or going through the motions; it’s about a daily, conscious surrender of our entire being to God.

He emphasizes that this “living sacrifice” means we are to be alive for God, actively serving Him.

Warren W. Wiersbe adds that this sacrifice is “living” in contrast to the dead sacrifices of the Old Testament, meaning it’s an active, dynamic faith expressed in our everyday choices, our attitudes, and our actions.

It’s about making our lives a continuous offering.

Quote:

Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.”

This quote resonates because presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is fundamentally about building character and living a life of faith that impacts generations.

Illustration (Warm Moment):

You know, sometimes we take ourselves a little too seriously. I heard a funny story about a man who tried to “sacrifice” his old, worn-out couch by putting it out on the curb with a “Free” sign.

But every time he looked, it was still there! It kept coming back!

It reminds us that true sacrifice isn’t about getting rid of something unwanted; it’s about willingly giving our best, our very selves, to God.

And when we do, it’s not a burden, but a joyful offering that brings a smile to God’s face and a warmth to our own hearts.

It’s about letting go of what holds us back, with a sense of humor and a spirit of generosity.

Reflective Questions:

What part of your life, your time, or your talents do you feel you’re still holding back from God?

How might offering your entire self to God change your daily walk and your perspective on life?

Practical Applications:

This week, identify one specific area of your life (e.g., your morning routine, your spending habits, your social media time) that you can intentionally “sacrifice” or dedicate to God. Replace that time or habit with prayer, Bible reading, or serving someone else.

Write down how it feels after a few days of making this intentional offering. Notice any shifts in your mindset or peace.

Point 2: Don't Copy the World

Romans 12:2a (NLT): “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world…”

Original Terms:

The Greek word translated as “copy” or “conform” is syschēmatizō. It means to fashion oneself according to a pattern, to conform to the outward shape or superficial appearance of something.

Paul is warning us against letting the ever-changing, temporary patterns and values of the world mold us, rather than allowing God’s eternal truth to shape us from within.

It’s about resisting the pressure to blend in with a culture that often stands in opposition to God’s ways.

Supporting with Biblical Characters:

1. Daniel: In the book of Daniel, we see a powerful example of not copying the world. Daniel and his friends were captives in Babylon, a pagan empire.

They refused to defile themselves with the king’s rich food and wine, which likely had religious implications or violated Jewish dietary laws (Daniel 1).

Later, Daniel refused to stop praying to God, even when it meant facing a den of lions (Daniel 6).

He stood firm in his faith, demonstrating that true strength comes from resisting worldly pressures and staying true to God.

2. Moses: When Moses was a young man, he chose to identify with his enslaved Hebrew people rather than enjoying the privileges of Pharaoh’s palace (Hebrews 11:24-27).

He refused to be defined by the power and customs of Egypt, choosing instead to suffer with God’s people.

His decision to not copy the world’s power structures led him to become the deliverer of Israel and experience a profound new beginning with God.

Insights from Commentaries:

Matthew Henry emphasizes that the “patterns of this world” lead to emptiness, dissatisfaction, and ultimately, spiritual decay.

He warns that conforming to the world means adopting its values, its priorities, and its ways of thinking, which are often contrary to God’s kingdom.

Warren W. Wiersbe highlights that this transformation is a process of renewal, a continuous choice to allow God to reshape our inner being rather than letting external cultural forces dictate who we are.

It’s about having a distinct, Christ-like identity.

Quote:

John C. Maxwell wisely noted, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”

This quote perfectly fits our point because while the world around us is constantly changing and trying to pull us in different directions, choosing not to copy its patterns is an intentional act of growth.

It’s a decision to grow in God’s direction, not the world’s.

Illustration (Competence Moment):

Consider the fascinating field of social psychology.

Studies have consistently shown that peer pressure and social conformity are incredibly powerful forces.

For example, the Asch conformity experiments in the 1950s demonstrated that individuals would often deny what they clearly saw with their own eyes just to conform to a group’s incorrect answer.

More recent research, like studies on social media influence, indicates that people are 30% more likely to adopt behaviors or opinions if they see their peers doing so.

Upon completing 18 rounds with all 123 subjects, the experiment came to the following conclusion. 23% of the students always gave the right answer. 72% conformed to the majority at least once. And 5% completely succumbed to peer pressure and always gave the obviously wrong answer.

This scientific data underscores how easily we can be swayed by “the behavior and customs of this world.”

However, the same research also shows that even one dissenting voice can significantly reduce conformity.

This illustrates that choosing God’s ways over worldly habits isn’t just a spiritual principle; it’s a powerful act of intentionality that builds stronger, more resilient minds and characters, allowing us to stand firm against the tide.

Reflective Questions:

What specific “worldly habits” or cultural trends are currently shaping your thoughts or actions in ways that might not align with God’s truth?

How can you intentionally replace those influences with God’s wisdom and perspective?

Practical Applications:

Identify one “worldly” influence in your life, such as a specific type of media, a negative social circle, or a habit that pulls you away from God. Limit your exposure to it this week.

Instead, intentionally fill that void with something that builds your faith, like listening to worship music, reading an encouraging Christian book, or spending time in prayer.

Point 3: Let God Transform You

Romans 12:2b (NLT): “…but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Original Terms:

The word “transform” here is metamorphoō, from which we get our English word “metamorphosis.”

This is the same powerful word used to describe Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain (Matthew 17:2), where His appearance was dramatically changed from within, revealing His divine glory.

It signifies a complete, radical change of nature, not just an outward adjustment.

It’s a deep, internal renewal that affects every aspect of our being, especially our thinking.

Supporting with Biblical Characters:

1. Saul (who became Paul): Perhaps one of the most dramatic transformations in the Bible is that of Saul of Tarsus.

He was a zealous persecutor of Christians, filled with hatred and religious fervor.

But on the road to Damascus, he encountered the risen Jesus (Acts 9).

This encounter completely revolutionized his thinking, turning him from an enemy of Christ into His most passionate apostle.

His mind was profoundly renewed, leading to a new identity and purpose.

2. Zacchaeus: In Luke 19, Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector, despised for his dishonest practices.

When Jesus came to his town, Zacchaeus eagerly sought to see Him. After an encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus’s heart and mind were so transformed that he immediately pledged to give half his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times over.

His actions demonstrated a radical change in his values and priorities, a true metamorphosis of his character.

Insights from Commentaries:

Matthew Henry sees this transformation as God’s active work within us, a divine process that renews our inner person.

He emphasizes that this change is not something we can achieve through sheer willpower alone, but rather by surrendering to God and allowing His Spirit to work in us.

Warren W. Wiersbe stresses the crucial role of the mind in this spiritual renewal, stating that a renewed mind is essential for understanding and embracing God’s will.

It’s through this mental transformation that we begin to see the world, ourselves, and God through His eyes.

Quote:

C.S. Lewis famously wrote, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

This powerful quote perfectly captures the essence of God’s transformative power. It reminds us that no matter our past, God offers us a fresh start, a new beginning where our minds can be renewed, and our future can be completely rewritten according to His good and perfect plan.

Illustration (Awe Moment):

I once heard an incredible testimony from a man named David, who had spent over two decades battling a severe drug addiction. His life was a cycle of broken promises, despair, and self-destruction.

He had tried everything – rehab, therapy, even jail – but nothing seemed to stick.

He felt trapped, his mind consumed by cravings and guilt.

One night, at his absolute lowest point, he cried out to God, not knowing what else to do.

He prayed specifically for a renewed mind, for God to take away the obsessive thoughts that controlled him.

What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. He described a profound shift, a sense of peace and clarity he hadn’t felt in years.

The cravings didn’t disappear instantly, but his mindset changed.

He started seeing himself as God saw him – loved, forgiven, and capable of change.

Today, David is not only sober but is a counselor helping others overcome addiction, sharing his story of God’s incredible, awe-inspiring power to transform even the most broken minds and lives.

His testimony is a living example of the metamorphosis God can bring.

Reflective Questions:

In what specific areas of your life do you most desperately need God’s transformative power to renew your thinking?

What would a truly renewed mind look like for you in those areas?

Practical Applications:

Commit to a daily practice of inviting God to renew your thoughts. Start each morning by praying, “Lord, transform my mind today. Help me to think Your thoughts.”

When a negative or ungodly thought enters your mind, consciously identify it, and then immediately replace it with a Bible verse or a truth about God’s character. You might even write down one negative thought you often struggle with and find a corresponding scripture to counter it.

Conclusion

Today, we’ve journeyed through Romans 12:1-2, discovering the incredible path to new beginnings.

We’ve learned that true transformation begins when we present our entire lives as a living sacrifice to God, when we intentionally resist the pull of worldly patterns, and when we allow God’s Spirit to profoundly renew our minds.

This isn’t just about minor adjustments; it’s about a complete metamorphosis from the inside out.

Remember, your thoughts are incredibly powerful – they shape your reality.

Choose God’s way for real, lasting change. The key takeaway for us today is: renew your mind, start fresh today.

Appeal

Will you commit to letting God transform your thinking, to truly embrace this new beginning He offers?

Let’s pray together right now:

“Lord, we surrender our minds to You. Renew us, transform us, and help us live as new people in You.”

If you feel God’s call stirring in your heart, if you’re ready to make a fresh start and allow Him to renew your mind, I invite you to stand right where you are as a sign of your decision for Jesus.

Lord's Supper Moment

The Lord’s Supper is a sacred time when we pause to remember Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

It’s a powerful reminder of His boundless love and the new covenant He established for us. This act of remembrance deeply resonates with our theme of new beginnings because it points to the radical transformation Jesus offers.

Just as His body was broken and His blood was shed to give us a fresh start, the bread and wine symbolize our ability to leave behind our old ways, our old thinking, and embrace a renewed life in Him.

It’s a moment to reflect on how God’s transformative power is actively at work, changing our hearts and minds daily, preparing us for a truly new beginning.