Romans 12: Metamorphic Living

Chapter 12:
Another incredible chapter! Paul has spent the first 11 chapters laying out a detailed description of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. He begins with “Therefore” and I’ve always learned when I see this word to as “What’s it there for?” Therefore, in other words, because of everything in chapters 1-11…..this is application – the “So What” of Romans. The first thing we’re reminded of is “God’s mercy.” You & I deserve eternal death & punishment for our sins but are offered eternal life in heaven by faith instead. We don’t get what we deserve – that is mercy. Because of this, Paul says we should “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…” In the Old Testament, God required the sacrifice (death) of animals to cover sin. Now we are urged to offer our bodies to God as LIVING sacrifices – laying aside our own desires to follow Jesus, which is “holy and pleasing to God.” The motivation? “this is your spiritual act of worship.” – i.e. it’s the least we can do for God who has shown us such incredible mercy!
So how do we go about living like this? “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Pretty cool word usage here: conform = “morphe” and transform = “metamorphe’, from which we get our English word metamorphosis. You know, where the caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly – TOTALLY DIFFERENT = transformed. You and I when we put our trust in Jesus are called to be totally different. In a sense we get a heart transplant and are not to be at all like we were before!
And where does this change start? “By the renewing of the mind” – how we think, Thinking always precedes doing. I’ve said it before, actions do speak louder than words, but attitudes speak louder still! Selfish, prideful, self-centered thinking is to be replaced by a selfless, sacrificial and humble thinking: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…”
Transformational living involves sacrifice, a renewed mind, a sense of humility and in 4-8 in means being a good steward of our “measure of faith.” God has given each of us at least one spiritual gift and He wants us to use it for Him!
Finally, this transformational living is founded on love: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” What follows is a list of commands that will keep us busy the rest of our lives!
SO WHAT?
*What is your motivation for living for God? According to this passage, it should be our appreciation for God’s mercy? Specifically, how has God been merciful to you? Take a moment today and write down the ways and then tell God thanks for each of them. This could be a really cool exercise!
*Is your life different from the life you lived before Jesus? Do you think like God thinks? Love like He loves? Do as He would do? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we. The problem with life is it is so daily. We must DAILY ask God for help to live a transformed life. Have you asked Him yet today?
*Of the commands in 9-21, which one do you need the most help with? Ask God today to help you to be transformed in that area!