12 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.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
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.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself
with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of
you.
4 For 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, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If
your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if
it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if
it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously;
if it is to lead,do it diligently; if it
is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
When Life Becomes Worship
Romans 12:1-8
There are many definitions and understandings of what worship is. Paul states his definition in Romans 12.
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.
Paul looks at worship as being a living sacrifice. We need to be holy and acceptable, but what does this living sacrifice look like.
First, it is not a dead sacrifice. It does not mean we take our lives. This worship is also not a once a week worship of a few hours. We need to set our minds and hearts on Jesus and not this world.
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.
By focusing on God, we can understand the will of God more. If we focus on the world, we will focus on ourselves and try to please the world. We start to worry about our finances, our reputation, our family obligations instead of trying to understand the will of God and living in faith. The world will have us compare ourselves with others and try to reach ever-changing standards and put ourselves first.
This brings up another important point Paul makes, which is we need to know our place in the church
Romans 12:4-5 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.
Not everyone can be a bishop, or the head pastor. Whatever gifts God has given us, we need to do this to the utmost of our ability. We should not be jealous of others or resentful of where we are. We need to ask ourselves, "What is it that God wants from me to please Him?"
God's Everything
for Us Romans 8:32-39 When you love someone, you want to give to that person whether it is
your time, attention, or resources. God did not just love us in words, He demonstrated
His love through actions. Romans 8:32 ESV [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how
will he not also with him graciously give us all things? In fact, God gave us His everything. Jesus was God's everything. Jesus
died but also was raised from the grave by God and now He sits next to God advocating
for us. Romans 8:33-34 ESV [33] Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
[34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was
raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. When we sin, we put doubt in our minds. We feel that we will be separated
from God's love. Yet, this and no other situation will separate us from God's love. Romans 8:35 ESV [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation,
or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? The victory God talks about is the restored relationship that we have
with Him because of His Son's obedience. Romans 8:37-39 ESV [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers,
nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Other victories may give us joy, but it will last for a short time. The
victory we experience through Jesus's salvation is everlasting. This is why Paul
says, "...we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
4 What then shall we say that Abraham,
our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?
2 If,
in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not
before God.
3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God,
and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a]
4 Now to the one who works,
wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.
5 However,
to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith
is credited as righteousness.
6 David says the same thing when
he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart
from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose transgressions are
forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will
never count against them.”[b]
The Gifts You Can't Earn - Why Faith Beats Your Resume Romans 4:1-8 Paul tells us about faith in many different
ways in Romans. Faith begins when we understand that it's nothing that we possess
or do makes us righteous. Paul brings up Abraham whom people regard as
righteous Romans 4:2 ESV [2] For if Abraham was justified by
works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. Before God and His perfect holiness,
when we are compared to God we are a speck that is barely noticeable. God does not
remember our sins when we come to God in the humility, acknowledging that we cannot
earn our salvation. Psalm 32:1-2 ESV [1]
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
[2] Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit
there is no deceit. Paul goes on to say that our righteousness
cannot be earned since our salvation is a gift. Romans 4:4-5 ESV [4] Now to the one who works, his wages
are not counted as a gift but as his due. [5] And to the one who does not work but
believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
True faith shows up in life and needs
to be practiced if it is to grow. We are saved when we accept this gift and yet
we need to continue to abide in Christ. We will be blessed when we can distinguish
between faith and works. We are blessed when we realize that God will not count
our sins against us. This is a great blessing, but we need to remember this is precious
and not to be taken for granted. Romans 4:6-8 ESV [6] just as David also speaks of the
blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: [7] “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered; [8] blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not
count his sin.” We easily forget what God has done for
us. Although we did not purchase our salvation, Jesus did. Our salvation is not
cheap; it came with a costly price. We should value it like a treasure. We need to choose obedience over convenience.
We need to choose truth over profit. We need to practice our faith and treat that
gift of salvation by faith like a precious treasure.
16 For I am not
ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to
everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel
the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from
first to last,[a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”[b]
[a] Or is from faith
to faith [b] Hab.
2:4
The Gospel
: From Faith to Faith
The book of Romans, was a letter written by Paul
in his third mission trip while he was in Corinth . In Paul's letter, the first
part of Paul's letter presents the Gospel which is the whole world is under sin,
but that God can take our sins through his Son, Jesus. Paul later goes on to explain
in his letter sanctification and justification as well as problems between Jews
and Gentiles.
Paul tells us the Gospel is the power of God.
This gospel allows us to be transformed because it is God's power. It is not our
power or man's power which will only bring small changes.
Even when the world looks dark and dismal, the
Gospel will win. Even when we fail and the church seems inept, the Gospel will succeed.
God's saving power never fails.
This saving power is for everyone who believes.
It is for the strongest and weakest, the smartest and dullest, and the most righteous
and least righteous. Paul reminds us that the Gospel is for everyone. This also
includes people who have not accepted Jesus, yet. Even those whom we do not like.
When we face our enemy, we need to remember this.
Before we were rescued by Jesus' saving grace, we were God 's enemies, we need to
remember that the Gospel for them, too.
There is, of course, one condition: faith You need to believe. That is you need to practice
faith that God has saved us. Jesus died for everyone and we need to tell everyone.
Do you have the experience, "I have heard about God, but now I have seen him."?
If we do not use our faith, it is like having a car, but no key to turn it on. Yes, you have a car, but it is useless if you cannot turn it on.
Do you really believe in the Gospel, or do you simply know about the Gospel. Will you surrender all to Jesus? Will you let Jesus control your life?
The book of Roman's was a letter written by Paul
in which his original intention was asking for money. The church in Rome was well
known for its faith, and yet Paul still wanted to preach the Gospel.
In chapter 8, Paul talks about how the Holy Spirit
is with Christians. Paul also talks about the Law. The law is not a bad thing to
burden us, but how to live in God's righteousness. Not following the law will lead
to death. The fact is that obeying the law will lead to life.
When God saw that man could not keep the law,
God did not dismiss the law. If God had abolish the Law there would be no need to
send Jesus. Indeed God sent Jesus to fulfill the law. Jesus did not have to face
Judgement. He came down to bear the burden of man.
God is just. The law had to be upheld. It was
part of God's kingdom. When Jesus fulfilled the law, he took our punishment. The
law can no longer condem us since Jesus paid the price.
The law of the Spirit requires faith. The Holy
Spirit gives us faith.
The outcome of how we share the gospel is determined
by whether or not the Holy Spirit is present or not. The method is not important
as is whether the Holy Spirit is present.
Jesus commanded us to go. We should pray because
no matter how much we prepare or work, it is only the Holy Spirit can give faith.
Romans 8:5 ESV
[5] For those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the
Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
This is more than doing good works. Having faith
does not come from doing good deeds. Having faith will give us a desire to do good
deeds. Living according to the flesh does not include God. They live their lives
without accepting or acknowledging God.
It is not enough to want to be a Christian. We
need to have the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:6 ESV
[6] For to set the mind on the flesh is death,
but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Accepting Jesus is just beginning. We have to
continuously pray. We have to learn and hear about the Gospel. We have to practice our faith.
Fulfilling
the Law Romans 3:23-28 In the Old Testament, the law is emphasized. In
the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes faith. However, Jesus never came to remove the
law, but to fulfill it and bring a new covenant. The law is like a manual. We need to follow the
law so as to not damage ourselves and our relationship with God. After sin entered
the world, God restored our brokenness, but we still need to follow the law. Romans 3:27 ESV [27] Then
what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works?
No, but by the law of faith. Paul is not suggesting that we need to only follow
faith. Paul is addressing the legalistic Jews who argue that only the Law could
save. Romans 3:23-24 ESV [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus, The only way you can be saved is grace. Romans 3:8 ESV [8] And why not do evil that good may come?—as
some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. We do not need to sin so grace will come. Only
sinners can receive grace and only grace can make us righteousness. We do not need
to sin to experience grace, we are all sinners. If you do not have faith, you cannot keep the
law. True faith will bring about genuine response to the law. Matthew 5:17-18 ESV [17] “Do
not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to
abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly, I say to you, until heaven and
earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
If someone truly has faith, they would work towards
fulfilling the law in gratitude of the grace. It is faith that encourages us to
follow the law. We will want to serve God and expand His kingdom.
Kingdom building comes when King Jesus becomes your ruler over your
whole life so that Jesus makes you more like him and uses you to bring
healing, reconciliation, and spiritual growth.
We can love and bless people without overtly telling others about Jesus.
When their hearts are touched, they want to know more about why we have love
and compassion for them and others. Then we can tell them
about Jesus. The others will also be touched and although they may not be ready
for Jesus, it could happen later.
Do we want die for God or to live for God? What does it mean to live for God? Paul tells
us to present ourselves as living sacrifices. We are to live for the Lord as a
living sacrifice. There may not be a definitive answer, but we probably can
agree that we live to glorify God.
This does not mean that we should do more, but that our new life is
living for God. It is not with their words, with their mouth or their mind. It
is with our body. We need to act. We need to give our time and resources.
With a willing congregation, God can do great things.
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.
Romans 12:1 ESV
This is not just coming to church once a week. It is an appeal to
live completely for God by God's mercies. We need to build our lives on
the mercies of God. When we experience God's love, then we can live as a
living sacrifice.
God's mercies come first! His mercies remove His wrath. Jesus came to
sacrifice Himself so that we could be saved. After we accept Jesus, we can be
transformed. As a new child, we have an eternal inheritance and live that new
life as a living sacrifice.
Many of us might forget the great mercies of God. Then we move away from
that knowledge of what God has done and our new identity in Christ. We need to
always go to the cross and remember what God has done and how we are different.
Let's go to the cross and be grateful for God has done in our lives. We
can go to the cross at the end of the day and be grateful for all that God has
done for us that day.
If we want to be used by God, we need to remember the mercies of God and
intentionally live for God.
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.
Romans 12:2 ESV
In a way, Paul is talking about our mind's software. The software
can be the world's software or God's software. The two are incompatible. The world's software wants money, prestige,
and security. God's software will give you a new definition on what
success is and how to be successful.
We will all die and need to give an account of our life. God will ask us
how we lived for God.
It does not matter how many times you go to church. It matters how we
live our life. Do we sacrifice our time and resources for God or do we work
just to make money to make us happy. Do we use our time just for our happiness
and status.
God's software will help us to grow. It will help us know how to live
God's word. It will help us know who God is.
We need to take time to read God's word and meet God in His word. God's
word needs to confront our lives. When we become uncomfortable, we can change.
We need to put to practice what we know. It is so easy to forget
what we learn in QT and church or mission work. Therefore we do not grow.
It is when we practice what we learn, we start to grow. Our practice
reinforces the lessons, but it also allows us to grow. We do not need to do
much to continue where we are, but we need to be diligent with our spiritual
practices. Unless it becomes a habit. It will not change you. Put to practice what God is telling us to do. Then we will be able to grow
and serve.
As Christians, we want to serve
God. We can serve God wherever we as long as we do our work with the intention of
doing our best for the glory of God. It is not to say that our jobs define us.
In fact, the Bible describes us in many ways. We are sometimes called children
of God, brides of Christ and even slaves of God.
But now that you have been set
free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to
sanctification and its end, eternal life.
Romans 6:22 ESV
In our world, no one wants to be
a slave, yet we are called to be slaves of God. To be a slave is a very humble
thing, and humility is a quality that God respects whereas pride is an attribute
which God despises. We see this through out the Bible. For example, King Saul
was a great king chosen by God, but when Saul tried to be the high priest also,
God removed him from the throne. King David was humble and admitted his
mistakes and understood everything has been given to him by God. Paul was also
humble and understood that he was saved by grace.
All things we have achieved is
from the grace of God. We may work hard, but it is God who makes the way and
allows for us to be promoted and prosperous. It is God who protects us and
gives us grace. Paul was the most educated and most decorated apostle, but he
understood his position in God's kingdom and the price he could never pay back
for his salvation. If Paul had never encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus,
he would have been lost and a hindrance to the spread of the Gospel.
Another man who understood humility
was Albert Schweitzer. He was a missionary who practiced humility and not just
talk about it. Once he was traveling by train and sat in the lowest section.
When asked why he sat there, he answered that there was not a lower section to
sit in. While some people doing God’s work demand some sort of immediate reward
such as sitting in first class on a train, there are others who are slaves of
God and live it truthfully to their Lord.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’
and not do what I tell you?
Luke 6:46 ESV
We often pray to God and call him
Lord, but then make selfish requests. If we really treated God as Lord, our
prayers would be asking God what He wants from us. We should seek out what God
wants us to do and not request or demand what we want to do for God
If we want God to be our Lord, we
have to be His servant. We must try to live good lives. We cannot just wait for
Jesus to come back and live without a care for those around us or the coming of
God’s kingdom. We are at war with the principalities of this world. We are in an
army who seeks peace. If an army is made up of obedient soldiers, that army will
be successful
Moreover, it is required of
stewards that they be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV
As slaves of God, we need to be
obedient and faithful. Jesus humbled himself to do the task that was put to
Him. Jesus accepted that God knew better than Him. We need to also accept that.
We face many moments that we must make decisions. In those moments, we must
seek God, be humble, be obedient and be faithful. This is done by living our
lives for the glory for God. We should pray and think about the best way to
serve and glorify God. We have to live in the reality of this world, but we can
still live in a way that pleases God through our humble obedience.
