June 29, 2019
What does it say?
Paul urged his readers to be living sacrifices for the glory of God, transformed by a renewed mind and using their spiritual gift(s) to benefit the body of Christ.
What does it mean?
Chapter 12 marks a turning point in the book of Romans. “Therefore” takes into account everything Paul discussed in the first eleven chapters about how to believe. Now he will apply those truths and discuss how to live differently from the world. This requires a new way of thinking – transformed rather than conformed. A renewed mind sees self and others from God’s perspective, using his or her own gifts with humility and appreciating the gifts of others. The sincere believer is an authentic display of Christ to the world. Every situation is met with sincerity rather than hypocrisy.
How should I respond?
The book of Romans forces us to wade through very deep spiritual water. Understanding doctrine is important because you’ll never act right until you believe right. What is your reaction to the mercy and grace you’ve encountered in Romans 1-11? Paul thinks it’s logical to be utterly devoted to God and voluntarily surrender all that you are. Are you humbly offering God your body, your mind, and your gifts? Where are you letting the world mold your thinking and affect your behavior? Transformation starts from the inside and results in God’s “good and acceptable and perfect will.”