Spiritual Transformation Romans 12:1-21 & Selected Cross Creek Community Church, Pastor Dave Martin – Sept 27, 2015
Introduction
Romans 7:22-23 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.
Therefore… Romans 12:1 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy… I’m justified and saved from sin with no condemnation The Holy Spirit indwells me and I’m assured of eternal life
Application:
1. Offer your Bodies Romans 12:1-2 “… to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…”
Bodies represent our “old” sinful humanness “… to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
“The redeemed soul must reside in a body of flesh that is still the beachhead of sin, a place that can readily be given to unholy thoughts and longings. It is that powerful force within our "mortal bodies" that tempts and lures us to do evil. When they succumb to the impulses of the fleshly mind, our "mortal bodies" again become instruments of sin and unrighteousness… The body is still the center of sinful desires, emotional depression, and spiritual doubts.” ~ John MacArthur
Not “conformed” to the world: The vehicle used by Satan “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…” 1 John 5:19 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
2. Renew your Thinking Romans 12:2 “… but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Renew your Thinking Mind represents our “new” nature in Christ: Control Center “… but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Renew your Thinking Transforming us in knowing and doing the will of God “…Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Matthew 17:2 2 There he [Jesus] was transfigured before them Matthew 17:2 2 There he [Jesus] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
3. Use your Giftedness Romans 12:4-8 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
4. Relate in Love Romans 12:9-18,21 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
4. Relate in Love Romans 12:9-18,21 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone… 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Spiritual Transformation! Impact Your World for Christ!