The Transformed Life Series

Recovered by Grace:

The Transformed Life

Romans 12

Introduction

So far in our study of the book of Romans, we have read:

-The Good News is God’s Power to Save Everyone 

-Everyone needs saving - all have sinned.

-We cannot overcome the power of sin on our own.

-Salvation is a matter of God’s grace, accessed by faith/trust.

-When we trust, God credits us with righteousness.

-Only the power of grace can overcome the power of sin.

-Despite the war within, we are more than conquerors & remain uncondemned because of Jesus Christ.

-God has a plan to save every believer - don’t reject it!

Paul has laid the foundation for the transformed life and now he is getting to the practical applications - what does it mean for daily living? R. C. Bell wrote, “Practical religion depends upon doctrinal religion - doctrine is the oil in the lamp, exhortation is lighting the wick, and the Christian character is the burning lamp. … to think that the Christian life is possible without Christian doctrine is as foolish as to expect grapes without the vine.”

In chapter 12 Paul emphasizes the transformed life. Transformed comes from the word meaning Metamorphosis.

Change we see from the caterpillar to the butterfly! Erwin McManus: “I am not who I want to be, but I am on the

journey there, and thankfully I am not whom I used to be." That Transformation is based on the reality of God’s mercies as we submit to His will, offering our lives. (Romans 12:1-2 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. 2 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.) In one sense, the transformation is of our whole life. That transformation impacts the harmony of the church family in ways that Paul is about to explore.

Paul loves lists and in chapter twelve he is going to offer up some lists to illustrate the transformed life to which Christ calls us. The only way that the church can be formed into what it needs to be is for each of us to be formed into the image of Christ.In Paul’s list I see three areas where Christians experience transformation as we yield to the Spirit.

1. A Transformed Mind (12:1-8)

We view ourselves with sober judgment (3 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.). Not more highly than we ought (Jews did, Gentiles did, we do sometimes!). Neither higher than others, nor lower!

We view ourselves as part of One Body of believers (4-5 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). We are not being called to live the Christian life in isolation! We are called into serving Christ together:

-We do not all have the same function

-We do, however, all belong together - to one another

-We experience a unity in diversity that is directed and unified by God!

Transformed minds serve the church through 7 gifts of grace (12:6-8)

Transformed minds serve the church through 7 gifts of grace (12:6-8)

-Prophecy - sharing the word of God with others. Even in the OT much of the prophesy was forth telling not always foretelling! (6 If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith)

-Serving - ready and willing to tackle tasks that glorify God and assist others. Every Christian should be a servant, some have a God-given aptitude to be effective in serving. (7a if it is serving, then serve)

-Teaching - doctrinal instruction that springs from Scripture. Taking opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ. What a blessing our teachers are - essential to the church!(7b ; if it is teaching, then teach)

-Encouraging - comfort, appeal, console, encourage others in the challenges they are facing. Lifting up your brothers and sisters - leaving them with greater strength! (8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement)

-Giving - give generously - a person with financial ability from God is able to share generously for the sake of others’ needs and the gospel’s furtherance. (9 if it is giving, then give generously)

-Lead - diligently. One with a gift for inspiring and organizing others to join forces for the sake of a common goal. (9 if it is to lead, do it diligently)