Transformative Living: Aligning with God's Will
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into Romans chapters 12 and 13, exploring the practical applications of living a Christian life. These chapters serve as an "owner's manual" for our faith, guiding us on how to live in a way that honors God, builds up fellow believers, and even addresses our interactions with enemies and governing authorities. The essence of these chapters is about transformation—allowing God to change us from the inside out by renewing our minds and aligning our actions with His will.
Romans 12 begins by addressing our attitude towards God. It emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the patterns of this world but instead allowing God to transform us by renewing our minds. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that happens as we make minute-by-minute decisions to follow the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect.
The chapter then shifts focus to our relationships with other believers. It warns against pride and encourages us to measure ourselves by the faith God has given us. This means living to please God, growing closer to Him, and seeking His opinion above all others. We are called to genuinely love one another, celebrate each other's gifts, and serve humbly within the body of Christ.
When it comes to our enemies, Romans 12 instructs us to bless those who persecute us and to overcome evil with good. This approach not only protects our hearts but also serves as a powerful witness to others. It challenges us to take the high road, reflecting the love and grace of Christ even in difficult situations.
Romans 13 takes a hard turn to discuss our attitude towards governing authorities. It reminds us that all authority is established by God, and we are called to submit to and respect those in power. This submission is ultimately an act of obedience to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things.
As we navigate these teachings, the call is clear: let God transform the way we think and act. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, we can live out our faith in a way that honors God, builds up the church, and serves as a light to the world. Let's commit to walking this path, minute by minute, allowing God to lead us into His perfect will.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformation Through Renewal: Allow God to transform you by renewing your mind. This transformation is a continuous process that happens as you make minute-by-minute decisions to follow the Holy Spirit, aligning yourself with God's will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. [22:17]
- Genuine Love Among Believers: Cultivate genuine love for fellow believers by celebrating each other's gifts and serving humbly within the body of Christ. Avoid pride and inferiority complexes, and measure yourself by the faith God has given you, seeking His opinion above all others. [31:57]
- Blessing Your Enemies: Overcome evil with good by blessing those who persecute you. This approach protects your heart and serves as a powerful witness to others, reflecting the love and grace of Christ even in difficult situations. [42:02]
- Submission to Authority: Recognize that all authority is established by God, and submit to and respect those in power as an act of obedience to God. This submission acknowledges God's sovereignty and helps maintain a healthy relationship with Him. [44:53]
- Minute-by-Minute Obedience: The path to discovering God's will is found in the micro-decisions of daily life. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to lead you minute by minute, you align yourself with God's will and live a life that honors Him. [52:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Romans 12 and 13
- [05:30] - The Owner's Manual of Faith
- [10:00] - Attitude Towards God
- [15:45] - Transformation and God's Will
- [22:17] - Attitude Towards Believers
- [28:00] - Genuine Love and Service
- [31:57] - Avoiding Pride and Inferiority
- [36:47] - Real Love in Action
- [42:02] - Attitude Towards Enemies
- [44:53] - Submission to Governing Authorities
- [48:02] - Respect and Honor in Politics
- [52:17] - Minute-by-Minute Obedience
- [55:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:2
- Romans 12:3-5
- Romans 13:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 12:2 say about how we should approach the patterns of this world, and what is the result of allowing God to transform us? [22:17]
2. According to Romans 12:3, what warning does Paul give about how we should view ourselves in relation to other believers? [31:57]
3. How does Romans 13:1 describe the origin of governing authorities, and what is our expected response to them? [44:53]
4. What practical examples were given in the sermon about how to genuinely love other believers? [36:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of transformation through the renewal of the mind in Romans 12:2 relate to discovering God's will for our lives? [22:17]
2. In what ways does measuring ourselves by the faith God has given us help maintain humility and avoid pride or inferiority among believers? [31:57]
3. How does the sermon suggest we should handle situations where governing authorities create laws that conflict with God's word? [44:53]
4. What are the implications of blessing those who persecute us, as instructed in Romans 12:14, for our personal spiritual growth and witness to others? [42:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily decisions. How can you incorporate minute-by-minute obedience to the Holy Spirit in your routine this week? [52:17]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you tend to conform to worldly patterns. What steps can you take to allow God to transform your thinking in that area? [22:17]
3. Consider your interactions with fellow believers. How can you celebrate their gifts and serve humbly within your church community this month? [31:57]
4. Think of a person you consider an enemy or someone who has wronged you. What practical steps can you take to bless them and overcome evil with good? [42:02]
5. Evaluate your attitude towards current governing authorities. How can you show respect and honor, even when you disagree with their policies? [44:53]
6. When was the last time you asked God for His opinion about you? Set aside time this week to pray and listen for God's thoughts about your life. [34:04]
7. How can you actively participate in building deeper relationships with other believers outside of church services? Consider inviting someone over for a meal or coffee. [36:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Continuous Renewal
Allowing God to transform you by renewing your mind is a continuous journey. This transformation is not a one-time event but a daily process that requires minute-by-minute decisions to follow the Holy Spirit. By aligning your thoughts and actions with God's will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect, you open yourself to a life of spiritual growth and fulfillment. This renewal involves resisting the patterns of this world and instead embracing a mindset that reflects God's truth and love. [22:17]
"And 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 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thought pattern you need to surrender to God today to allow for His transformation in your life?
Day 2: Genuine Love Among Believers
Cultivating genuine love among fellow believers involves celebrating each other's gifts and serving humbly within the body of Christ. It requires avoiding pride and measuring yourself by the faith God has given you, seeking His opinion above all others. This love is not superficial but deeply rooted in a commitment to support and uplift one another, recognizing that each person has a unique role in the community of faith. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and encouragement, you contribute to a thriving spiritual family. [31:57]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally celebrate and support the gifts of a fellow believer this week?
Day 3: Blessing Your Enemies
Overcoming evil with good by blessing those who persecute you is a powerful testament to the love and grace of Christ. This approach not only protects your heart from bitterness but also serves as a witness to others. By choosing to bless rather than retaliate, you reflect the character of Christ and open the door for reconciliation and healing. This path requires strength and courage, as it challenges you to rise above the natural inclination to respond in kind to hostility. [42:02]
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone you consider an enemy, and how can you begin to bless them in your prayers today?
Day 4: Submission to Authority
Recognizing that all authority is established by God calls for a respectful submission to those in power. This submission is an act of obedience to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things. By respecting governing authorities, you maintain a healthy relationship with God and contribute to societal order. This does not mean blind compliance but rather a thoughtful engagement with authority that seeks to honor God above all. [44:53]
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you show respect and honor to governing authorities while maintaining your commitment to God's higher authority?
Day 5: Minute-by-Minute Obedience
The path to discovering God's will is found in the micro-decisions of daily life. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to lead you minute by minute, you align yourself with God's will and live a life that honors Him. This obedience is not about grand gestures but about the small, consistent choices that reflect your commitment to follow Christ. It is in these moments that you experience the fullness of God's guidance and presence. [52:17]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small decision you can make today to align more closely with God's will?
Quotes
I'm going to take your smiles as a yes. All right. I'm taking your smiles as a yes. Man, it is good to be here with you. Thank you so much for taking some time out of your week to put Jesus first. You know, when you come here, you're not putting new life first. You're not putting Jeff Baker first. You're putting Jesus first. And I know that. And I'm thankful for that. Now I want to help you follow through with that. All right. So today we're in Romans and we're going to continue on with Romans chapter 12 and 13. So please get your Bible out. Open your phone up. Get your Bible out right on your phone. Get to Romans chapter 12 and 13. [00:15:43] (37 seconds)
As you jump into Romans chapter 12, all the way to the end, you find that now the book turns to, and the writings turn to very practical application, which basically means like, oh, this is how you live your life. And he starts speaking to many different practical things that you have to apply to your life if you want to be a follower of Jesus Christ. This practical application, I would refer to it in a way kind of like an owner's manual. Like the owner's manual to your car that you've never read that's in your glove compartment. [00:17:47] (35 seconds)
Romans chapter 12 is now, just like the book is in three parts, Romans chapter 12 is in three parts. And the three parts that we're going to look at today are going to be this, and then we're going to jump to Romans chapter 13, which I think you'll love. But Romans chapter 12 is broken into three parts. First, it's this, you know, what attitude should you have towards God? Then it's what attitude should you have towards believers? And then it's this, what attitude should you have towards your enemies? [00:21:19] (28 seconds)
And as you let the Holy Spirit lead you, then God will do something. And it's profound. As you start copying the things of the spirit, God changes the way you think, which starts changing everything about you. And this is exactly what the apostle Paul drove home in one of our earlier sessions of this series. In Romans chapter 8, verses 5 and 6, he said these words, those who are dominated by the sinful nature, watch this. [00:27:31] (28 seconds)
But then the other ditch is this. Like, he goes, look, don't have an inferiority complex either. Like, everyone's better than me. I don't have anything. I can't bring anything to the table. I'm the loser in the church. Like, he goes, look, you can't be in either one of these ditches. So what does he do? He says, look, here's how you should see yourself. You should measure yourself by the faith God gives you. [00:31:56] (29 seconds)
Measure yourself by the faith God gave you. Well, what does that look like? Because if it's not arrogance, and it's not this inferiority complex, what does the middle look like when it comes to, you know, honoring one another? Well, the only way that you can honor one another is, like, out of your own health. And he goes, look, here's how you're healthy. Measure yourself based on the faith God gave you. So here's the question you should be looking at for your life. Am I living to please God, or am I living to please myself? [00:32:09] (30 seconds)
And then lastly, if you want to measure yourself by the faith God gave you, then you should be asking one question and one question only. Not what does my fellow believers say about me, but what does God say about me? You have to be listening for that voice. When was the last time you just simply sat before the Lord in a moment of prayer, and you said, God, what are your thoughts about me? [00:33:14] (24 seconds)
So what do we want to be? We want to be the people he said. We want to be the people who really love one another, and that's what I love about, that's what I love about this writing, because then you go through verses 9 through 13, and what does he do? He just breaks it down, and he goes, this is the way, this is what it looks like to love each other. He says words like this, like when you're looking through your Bible, just like underline these moments. Like he says this, like don't let the enemy divide you. [00:36:47] (25 seconds)
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