2-26-24 Sermon Notes

The Journey of Grace: The Power of Choice, Romans 12:1-2

Dr. Jon Fillipi

 

Four words...

Choice

Change

Conform

Transform

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Call (Romans 12:1)...We are called to present ourselves...

"We are called to make ourselves unreservedly available to God as instruments of righteousness to be used for His sanctifying purposes (Greathouse).

The Process (Romans 12:2)...One concrete choice that will result in a definitive change in our lives...

Do not be conformed to this world...

J.B. Phillips paraphrase says...Let not the world around you squeeze you into its own mould.

The NLT says...Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬‬
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

Metamorphoo

"Not merely a change of appearance and behavior, but a change of essence" (Greathouse).

One Powerful Outcome (Romans 12:2)...that you may prove what the will of God is...

Holiness of heart and life!

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬‬
“Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬‬
because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬‬
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Have you made your choice to embrace holiness today?