“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. 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 12:1-2 ESV
As we turn to the last four chapters of Romans – Paul describes what it means to live out our lives in spiritual worship.
It means presenting our whole selves and lives completely to God. We do this with hearts fully devoted to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, through the help of the Holy Spirit.
The aim of the Gospel of Christ is not merely to teach us how to live morally but helps us connect with God, as we delight in His will and live a life transformed into worship – a lifestyle of worship that inspires a fervent love for Jesus.
It is a life of worship and service that mobilizes us to make a difference – to make an impact in the lives of those around us.
A life focused on intentionally building Christ-centered relationships.
Paul gives us advice on how to go about doing this in the remaining chapters of Romans.
The Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB) has this to say on this section of Romans:
“Christians love. That is what we do. In this is our entire ethic summed up. Yet we love not to earn God’s love for us, but in reflection of, and being assured of, his love.”
It is in this section of Romans that Paul describes ways to demonstrate that love, echoing many of the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels.
As Christians, this is our call – to emulate Jesus in all we say, think and do, as a form of worship.
Paul teaches that as Christians, we have been blessed with gifts according to the grace given to us, gifts we are to use.
A question we might ask ourselves is how are we using our gifts? Are we using them for His glory?
Our call is to use God’s gift’s in love and service to our Lord and Savior – to serve His cause and further His kingdom.
After all, the whole purpose of our faith is to come to a saving knowledge of God, to grow in holiness and serve Him on this journey we call life.
Over time we learn that our actions, habits, character and, might I say, even destiny – flows from our thoughts and beliefs, built over time, one action, one habit at a time.
We must all face the question – Will you conform to the world or renew your mind?
Godly people renew their minds through biblical teaching, study of God’s Word and application of the precepts and truths taught as the Holy Spirit regenerates our hearts.
Although the world and culture around us has its own definition of success and approach to the problems of life, Paul teaches a different approach – an approach focused on a higher calling, conceived and born in love, filled with mercy and grace.
An approach based upon the hope we have in Jesus, an approach we call – the worshipful life.
Until next time… keep reading!
Jim
Central Christian Church 
Jim,
I look forward to your commentaries on scripture and expound upon them. I truly do enjoy, and most importantly begin to apply the principles to the edification of my own walk with Christ. Your thoughts make me stop and look at myself. As Lamentations 3:40 tells me to stop and examen myself and return to the Lord.
I found the following stating the obvious but brings the issue of Godly love (or agape love) and helps focus on this most important traits.
Transformation Bible (GTB) has this to say on this section of Romans:
“Christians love. That is what we do. In this is our entire ethic summed up. Yet we love not to earn God’s love for us, but in reflection of, and being assured of, his love.”
God loves me unconditionally. There is nothing I can do to shake it off, walk away from or try to hide. God’s love is constant. It never wanes. It finds me when I’m on top of the world or in the lowest depths – where, by the way I often go, i.e. to my knees.
I try to reciprocate that love but often fail to have that same love for God. Am I helping the helpless, am I demonstrating love to others expecting a “quid pro quo” or am I just going through the motions? Do I love my brother and help my neighbor. The passage makes me consider my love for others. I don’t love to get in God’s good graces, for there is nothing I can do. I don’t “love” to look good and Godly in the eyes of others. I demonstrate God’s love because His love is in me; it has and keeps on changing me.
Thank you.