Romans: Transformed to Serve

Romans 12:1-8

All theology is practical. Everything we learn about God should be applied in real life, including our daily activities and challenges—such as dealing with sickness, the busyness of toddlers and teenagers, marriage struggles, financial hardships and successes, job stress, and more. There are moments of laughter and tears, but God always meets us exactly where we are. 

Today, we start the application section of Paul’s letter (Rom. 12-16). Let’s review and find our footing as we go through this final part. 

Paul began this letter by highlighting the power of the gospel, the “news of victory” (Rom. 1:16-17). He then explained why we need the gospel. We are in a helpless state, for “none is righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). Because we are all sinners, we desperately need a Savior. Paul pointed out that even while we were still sinners, Jesus died for our sins (Rom. 5:8). Once we trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us grow in our faith. Paul described the process of sanctification in Romans 6-8. He said, “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you” (Rom. 8:9). We can mature as believers because of God’s sovereign work (Rom. 9-11). And now it’s time to focus on the practical side of living our lives for the Lord. 

Surrender to God

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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.  

The first observation from these verses is that the “mercies of God” serve as the foundation of Paul’s plea. Throughout his letter, Paul highlights God’s grace (giving us what we don’t deserve), God’s mercy (not giving us what we do deserve), and God’s unconditional love revealed in Jesus, from which nothing can separate us (Rom. 8:38-39). Based on everything God has done for us, we are called to respond by surrendering ourselves completely as an act of worship. When we understand God’s grace, mercy, and love, we gratefully submit in obedience, adoration, and praise. Calvin states, “that until men really apprehend how much they owe to the mercy of God, they will never with a right feeling worship him, nor be effectually stimulated to fear and obey him.”[1] 

And... worship goes beyond just singing praises; it is honoring God in everything we do as we navigate a broken world that constantly tests our beliefs. While the Old Testament sacrifices involved offering dead animals, we are called to be “living” sacrifices engaged in the effort to “not be conformed to this world.” Our lifestyles should set us apart from the world’s pattern. Paul told the Philippians that believers should “shine [in the world] like stars in the sky” (Phil. 2:15 NIV). 

Instead of being conformed, we must be transformed. That Greek word (metamorphousthe) appears in the English word “metamorphosis,” which means a complete change from the inside out. 

The key to transformation is the “renewal of your mind.” That’s where real change begins. This indicates we need to be reading God’s Word every day. The psalmist says that God’s Word gives us “insight for living” (Ps. 19:8 NLT). Paul explains that renewing our minds through God’s Word helps us discover God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will. 

This call to renew our minds is vital. We should not be guided mainly by emotions and feelings; instead, we should rely on what we know to be true from studying God’s Word. Allowing emotions to steer our decisions can lead us to adopt a worldview that distances us from God. For example, what could be more scientifically clear than body parts that distinguish a male from a female? Yet, some biological men begin to “feel” that they are women (and vice versa). I recognize that many factors influence these feelings. However, my main point is this: right feelings and emotions come from correct thinking. And correct thinking ultimately comes from knowing and aligning with the truth of God’s Word. 

Surrender to God Leads to Humility

Spoiler alert: The world doesn't revolve around you. However, the world system tries to make you believe it does by appealing to the desire for self-absorption through comfort, pleasure, and instant gratification. Surrendering to God’s gracious work brings necessary humility. 

Romans 12:3a
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment…. 

Scripture often beckons us to humility, acknowledging the ongoing struggle we all face. Naturally, we tend to chase after what we want whenever we desire it. But in response to God’s grace, Paul urges us to set aside our pride and focus on the Person we serve.  

Surrender to God Leads to Service 

Paul states that we should think with sober judgment, “each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Rom. 12:3b). Then, Paul explains that God has given each of us a gift that we should use to serve others (1 Pet. 4:10). 

In the following passage, Paul presents a list of gifts that God gives to believers. This is not exhaustive (There are additional lists in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4). 

Romans 12:4-8
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;  if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;  the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Paul likens the body of believers (the church) to the human body. The “members” of our body have different functions, but each is important. All the members work together as one body with a common mission. So, the members of the body of Christ have different functions all purposed to serve each other to obey and honor God. 

There is a spiritual gifts assessment on our website that you can take, along with an explanation of each gift. I encourage you to use this tool to learn what your primary gifts are. Go to livinggrounded.org/spiritualgiftinventory 

Paul’s instruction to us is explicit: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them.” 

So, two questions as we wrap up. Do you know what your gift is? Are you using it? 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 12:1-8. What does it mean to have your mind renewed by God’s Word? Do you have a plan to accomplish that daily?

Talking to God: How is your mind being renewed by God’s Word instead of conforming to the world’s patterns?

Have questions?  Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. Let us know if you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you need spiritual guidance.