Be Transformed
Based on the September 15, 2024 message by Karl Ihfe
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to worship God? Is it just about singing songs on Sunday mornings, or is there something more? As we dive into Romans 12, we'll discover that true worship goes far beyond our church services – it's about offering our entire lives as a living sacrifice to God.
The Power of "Therefore"
In our sermon series "Therefore," we've been exploring the significance of this small but mighty word in Scripture. As we turn to Romans 12, we need to understand the context. The apostle Paul has just finished explaining the incredible mystery of God's plan to save both Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ. He's overwhelmed by God's wisdom and mercy, exclaiming:
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" (Romans 11:33)
It's in light of this awe-inspiring mercy that Paul then says:
"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." (Romans 12:1)
The Living Sacrifice: An Oxymoron?
Now, you might be thinking, "Wait a minute, Karl. Isn't 'living sacrifice' an oxymoron? Don't sacrifices usually involve, well, death?" You're absolutely right! It's a paradox that beautifully captures the essence of the Christian life.
As I explained in the message, "The sacrifice is my desire, my will. The me. He says that those evil things in me that don't reflect the way of Jesus would die, so that what might come to life is Christ in me."
This idea of being a living sacrifice means that we're constantly dying to our old selves and allowing Christ to live through us. It's a daily process of surrender and transformation.
Renewing Our Minds
So how do we become this living sacrifice? Paul gives us the key in the next verse:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
Our transformation doesn't happen by simply trying harder or following a set of rules. It starts with a change in our thinking. We need to align our minds with God's truth, allowing His Word and His Spirit to reshape our thoughts and attitudes.
What determines our thoughts and our actions is based on what God has done for us, not what the culture expects of us. We're called to view the world through the lens of God's mercy and grace, not through the distorted perspective of our culture.
Finding Our Place in the Body
As we offer ourselves as living sacrifices and allow our minds to be renewed, we begin to understand our unique role in God's plan. Paul uses the analogy of a body to describe how we function together as the church:
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (Romans 12:4-5)
Each of us has been given specific gifts and a unique purpose within the body of Christ. Our job is to discover those gifts and use them to serve others and glorify God.
Reflecting Jesus to the World
Here's the incredible part: as we live out our faith together as the body of Christ, we actually become a living, breathing representation of Jesus to the world around us. I love how John's Gospel describes Jesus as the Word made flesh, showing us exactly what God is like. Now, as the church, we have the privilege and responsibility of continuing that mission. What an incredible opportunity! As Paul reminds us, being a part of the body of Christ means our role as his church here in Lubbock means we get to live out who Christ would be if he were here living in the flesh, if he were us living our lives. We get to join in on His ministry of reconciliation!
Life Application: Living It Out
So, how do we put all of this into practice? Here are some practical steps we can take:
Reflect on God's mercy: Take time each day to remember and thank God for His incredible grace in your life. Try to be specific in naming those grace moments in your life.
Offer your day to God: Start each morning by consciously presenting yourself as a living sacrifice to God.
Renew your mind: Commit to regular Bible study and prayer, allowing God's truth to transform your thinking.
Discover your gifts: Seek out opportunities to serve in your local church and community, exploring how God has uniquely gifted you.
Live intentionally: In every interaction and decision, ask yourself, "How can I reflect Jesus in this situation?"
Remember, living as a sacrifice isn't about perfection – it's about progress. It's a daily choice to surrender our lives to God and allow Him to work through us. As we do this together as the body of Christ, we become a powerful witness to the world of God's transforming love and mercy.
Let's close with Paul's challenge to us: "May we offer our lives this week as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. And may the creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all things pour His love and mercy into us, and in doing so, may we reflect it back out into the world around us."
Are you ready to accept the challenge of living as a sacrifice? How will you respond to God's mercy today?