Introduction

Good morning, Church family! Today, we’ll explore Romans 12:1-3, which speaks about renewing our minds, not conforming to this world, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Craig Groeschel said it well, "Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are." What a great reminder that what we let our mind dwell on is who we become over time.

Let's read the full Scripture passage together:

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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (Romans 12:1-3, NIV)

Let's open with a word of prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this wonderful day that you have made, and we come before you with open hearts and minds. As we study your Word today, we pray that you would transform us by your Holy Spirit. Guide our thoughts and actions so that we may live in accordance with your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's explore together what God’s Word has for us today...

Renew Your Mind

Renewing our minds is a continuous process. It requires our active participation and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds as a means to resist the temptation to conform to the patterns of this world and to be transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation is an ongoing journey that we must undertake daily.

One of the key aspects of renewing our minds is recognizing the need for change. As believers, we must acknowledge that our natural way of thinking is often influenced by the world around us, which is contrary to the ways of God. Our thoughts, attitudes, and perspectives are shaped by our upbringing, culture, and experiences. However, as Christians, we are called to align our thoughts with the Word of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This requires us to be intentional in identifying the areas in our lives where our thinking is not in line with God's truth and to seek His guidance in transforming our minds.

Another important aspect of renewing our minds is the role of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, and He is our helper, teacher, and guide. The Holy Spirit plays a core role in the process of renewing our minds, as He helps us to understand the Word of God and apply it to our lives. He also convicts us of sin and empowers us to overcome temptation and live in obedience to God's commands. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we can experience true transformation and growth in our spiritual lives.

In addition to the work of the Holy Spirit, renewing our minds also involves our active participation. We must be intentional in seeking God's truth and wisdom through the study of His Word. The Bible is our ultimate source of truth and guidance, and it is through the Scriptures that we can learn about God's character, His will for our lives, and how to live in a way that pleases Him. As we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, we will begin to see the areas in our lives where our thinking needs to be transformed and will be equipped with the truth to combat the lies and deceptions of the enemy.

Moreover, renewing our minds requires us to be intentional in our prayer life. Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father and seek His guidance and wisdom in our daily lives. As we spend time in prayer, we can ask God to reveal to us the areas in our lives where our thinking is not in line with His truth and to help us in the process of renewing our minds. Prayer also enables us to draw closer to God and to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, which is essential for our spiritual growth and transformation.

Renewing our minds involves surrounding ourselves with godly influences. The people we choose to associate with and the environments we place ourselves in have a significant impact on our thoughts and perspectives. As believers, we must be intentional in surrounding ourselves with fellow Christians who will encourage and challenge us in our walk with Christ. We should seek opportunities to engage in Christian community, such as attending church services, participating in Bible studies, and joining small groups. These environments provide us with the support, encouragement, and accountability we need to grow in our faith and renew our minds.

Renewing our minds means we practice discernment and guard our hearts and minds against the influences of the world. In today's society, we are constantly bombarded with messages and ideas that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against these influences and be discerning in what we choose to consume in terms of media, entertainment, and relationships. This may require us to make difficult choices and set boundaries in our lives, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and the renewal of our minds.

Lastly, renewing our minds involves cultivating a heart of gratitude and focusing on the goodness of God. It is easy to become consumed with the challenges and difficulties of life, but as believers, we must choose to focus on the blessings and promises of God. By cultivating a heart of gratitude and continually reminding ourselves of God's goodness, we can shift our perspective and align our thoughts with His truth.

Do Not Conform

In a world that is increasingly secular and materialistic, it can be challenging for believers to resist the temptation to conform to the values and priorities of the world around them ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO