By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Sacrifices
Romans 12:1–2, 9–18
Offer Yourself (1–2)
Paul doesn’t command but instead urges believers to offer themselves to God. This means He desires willing worshippers. Furthermore, He looks for people who will offer their lives as living sacrifices. This sacrifice is unique in that life, not death (as animal sacrifice in the Old Testament), is involved. Christ-followers choose to live daily as an instrument of His holiness, which is acceptable and pleasing to Him. Paul stresses that believers are not to conform to the standards of this world.
As Christians, our goals are different, our definition of success is different and our lifestyle is different. Sadly, some professing Christians look and act just like this evil age.
Don’t they understand their lives are acts of worship? Christians are to be transformed or “metamorphosed” by the renewal and continual renewal of the mind.
Similar to a caterpillar who metamorphosed into a butterfly, true Christians will display evidence of a life change; our thoughts and actions will reflect God’s will — what is good, what is pleasing and what is perfect. A beautiful truth is Christians are being transformed into the image of Christ and thereby desire to fulfill His will.
Live Authentically (9–13)
The product of the renewed mind is summarized beautifully in verse 9: “Let love be without hypocrisy.” Familial love among religious groups appears to be unique to Christianity. God is our Father, and we are united in a way that others only see within a family unit. True family members of God live authentically.
Believers have a holy hatred for evil and “cling to” what is good. Christians not only love but also “lead in honoring one another”
(v. 10). When others are not honored and selfishness comes into play, the body of Christ is harmed.
Unfortunately, I have seen many church fellowships rupture because people fought to get their way. Authentic Christians possess a bigger perspective; they rejoice in hope and respond in humility. Because of this hope, afflictions are met with patience or steadfast endurance.
Moreover, Christians are persistent in prayer, suggesting both consistency and intensity. This vertical dimension does not change the horizontal responsibility as believers “pursue” vigorously to share resources and homes with others.
In the early church, Christians traveled and often needed lodging. Far too often, we see our homes as our “castles” instead of a gift from God for us to open up to people in need. In sum, let us be authentic and love, honor, serve and give to one another.
Be at Peace (14–18)
In this final section, Paul tells Christians to actively ask God to bless people who persecute us (v. 14). I don’t know about you, but this teaching is tough. Additionally, true love focuses on the other person. When others receive good news, we should rejoice with them instead of feeling sorry for ourselves because we didn’t receive the same blessing. We must love enough to weep with others when they are hurting, even if things are going great in our lives.
Christians should not be proud or snooty but be willing to hang out with people who are not in the same socioeconomic/cultural class.
In love, Christians live in peace with all people. This peace means, in part, that we do not repay evil to anyone. Followers of Christ live differently so that others take note and desire what we have, who is Christ Jesus. Our goal is to be peaceful in a world that irritates, attacks and belittles.
This task is not easy, to say the least. Nevertheless, as authentic believers, we must be instruments of this peace so that our watching world might be drawn to the Prince of Peace.
How is all of this possible? Verse two reminds us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To God alone be all the glory!
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