Sermonette: Transformed by the renewing of our minds

In Romans 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul writes, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

These verses call us to a deeper understanding of our role as Christians in the world and how we are to live out our faith.

The first thing that Paul urges us to do is to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is a call to true worship, not just in the traditional sense of singing songs and listening to sermons, but in the way we live our lives every day. It is a call to recognize that our bodies, minds, and souls belong to God and that we are to use them in service to Him.

The second thing that Paul urges us to do is not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This is a call to resist the pressures of the world around us and to allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. It is a call to recognize that the values and desires of the world are often in opposition to the values and desires of God, and that we are called to resist those pressures.

This process of renewing our minds involves studying God’s Word, prayer, and being in relationship with other Christians, asking important questions and seeking God’s wisdom and will. As we spend time in the Word, the Holy Spirit works to change our hearts and minds, giving us a deeper understanding of who God is and what He desires for us.

This transformation that Paul speaks of is not just a matter of changing our thoughts and beliefs, but it is a change that should be evident in the way we live our lives. It is a change that should be reflected in the way we interact with others, in the way we spend our time and resources, and in the way we view the world around us. It is a change that should be reflected in the way we view ourselves and our own worth and value.

And as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, we are better equipped to discern God’s will for our lives. We are able to see the world through His eyes, and we are able to understand what is good, acceptable, and perfect in His sight.

Will we get it right 100 percent of the time? No. But thank God, there is grace for that.

God’s grace enters in and bridges the gap between our ways and Gods perfect will.

The passage also reminds us that as we are transformed, we are also called to be a transformative force in the world around us. As we grow in our understanding of God’s will and live out His commands, we become agents of change, bringing light and hope to a world that is often dark and hopeless. And when we live in the will of God, we are also much more able to endure the trials of this world, for in this world we will have trials.

As we seek God in prayer and worship and fellowship with others, God’s will becomes clearer and we are more able to choose it without the resistance that comes with our human nature. This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us as believers. May you experience it this day and every day in Jesus’ name.