Romans 12:1-2 - 'Hear, Believe, Obey'

Image source credit: R122, originally uploaded by Ptujec.

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis drew on the work of William E Barclay acknowledged from Expository Files.

It's true that we need to do some things in our lives that set our course right. But the transformation is done by God Himself.

See Romans 12:1-2 and recognise the word, 'therefore' used in that passage. It shows that a foundation has been laid down in chapters 1 to 11. From 12 to 15, we see how such a life is lived out, practically.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Read 12:1-2 again. Where does your mind take you? Discuss what happens with your mind's outlook that differs from a faithful life. Read Romans 8:5 and note the power of inputs and outputs to and from your mind. How do we get 'renewed' in our mind.

The renewal of the mind is a living sacrifice and a process. See Romans 6:12-14. Grace covers you, and it empowers you.

Every part of our being should be offered as a living sacrifice. Be aware that our eyes are a part of our body - they, too, need to be protected from impure and unhelpful inputs.

We are actually strangers here, adopted into the Kingdom of God. So let's focus on that position, above and beyond where we are now, physically.

Even in a wilderness place, God's mercies cover and empower us.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: See in verses 1 and 2 how we are called to serve and change. What is the one thing that will best fill our mind? How do we see change in our lives follow from what goes into our mind?

Our minds must change. See Ephesians 4:17-21... and see how we are urged to put on the new self. The way we live can change the way we think. It can be expressed in the reverse but think about how a change of behaviour can affect our thinking.

Our thinking can be shaped by someone outside of ourselves. Take media and advertising, for example. We need to be shaped by the Word of God.

What are the alternatives? Either be transformed or conform. The latter means to be changeable and unstable. But to be transformed, it to have a complete change; from a crawling to a flying creature!

Hear the Word.
Believe what you read.
And be successful by obeying.