September 9, 2012
Morning Service

Rom 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.

·         We reviewed some of the scriptures that led Paul to challenge us to a life of surrender.

·         He told us to not be “conformed” to this world, but to be “transformed” by the renewing of our minds.  That transformation is a process that we never truly achieve even in our life time.  There is no place to get satisfied and quit, everyday is a new day with God.

·         The question was asked, “What does a living sacrifice (surrendered life) look like?”

 

In chapter 12:3-8 we looked at how each one of us is a vital and unique part of this Church.  We all working together as one body create an avenue for God to work here in our community.  Find your roll and do it well to bring glory to our Savior.

 

Paul now gets around to answering our question from last week.  What does a surrendered life look like?  What areas do we need to work on getting “transformed” into what pleases Him.

 

Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil, cling to what is good;

 

Rom 12:9 (MSG) Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.

·         Our love for others is to be pure and sincere, not a mask, but coming from the heart.

·         1Jo 3:18 (NLT) my children, let us stop just saying we love each other and show it with our actions.

·         There is no mention of partiality; we are to truly love everyone.

·         Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. And your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.

·         The second part of this verse calls us to be passionate; abhor (hate, avoid) what is evil and cling (love, embrace) what is good. 

·         Psalms 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

·         We are called to love the sinner, but hate the sin.

 

Rom 12:10 in brotherly love to one another, loving fervently, having led one another in honor.

 

Rom 12:10 (MSG)  Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

·         We are called to be tenderly affectionate, like family, to one another.  This command comes with action; do it fervently or deeply.

·         Gal 5:14 For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

·         We are also called to honor others. 

·         Phi 2:3 Let nothing be done in through selfish ambitions or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

·         JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself.

 

 

Rom 12:11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

 

Rom 12:11 Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master,

·         There is no place in our Christian walk where we can afford to be lethargic.  We are being called to always be sharp and on guard; we are at war.  We must seek and be ready to engage every opportunity we are given to learn, speak, help, and love as the Holy Spirit leads us.

·         Gal 6:9 Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.

·         1Co 15:58  So that, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

·         The “renewing” of our minds takes great importance here.  We must be able to look forward to that time of reaping for our reward, though we do not always see results right now, God is working in His time.

 

Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in affliction, steadfastly continuing in prayer,

 

Rom 12:12 (MSG) cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.

·         We always have hope.  Our faith always points to a time ahead when God will intervene and make all things right.  Our hope is eternal.

·         Rom 5:5 And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.

·         Our hope and faith are often tried by afflictions and trials.  The transformed life is called not to quit but to rejoice.  God blesses those who endure temptations.

·         Jam 1:12 blessed is the man who endures temptation, because having been approved; he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

·         1Co 10:13  No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it.

·         Prayer should be a central part of our walk with God.  When we cease to pray, we distance ourselves from our Savior.  Through prayer strength for the day is granted, peace to overcome is given, and victories are won.  Jesus always was renewed by His time in prayer with His Father.

·         1Th 5:17Pray without ceasing.

·         It becomes a never ending conversation that goes on throughout the day and night.

·         Psalms 46:10 be still, and know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I will be praised in the earth.

·         Verse 11 spoke of always being ready to go into action, but prayer calls us to slow down and wait upon the Lord.  There is nothing more renewing than a time set aside to pray alone and just enjoy the presence of the Lord.

 

Don’t pretend to love, really do it.  Hate evil and cling to good.  Love your brother fervently, honoring him.  Serve God with enthusiasm.  Let hope carry you through the hard times and create patience in you.  Pray more and He will give you strength, peace and victory.