Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Renewing of Minds


“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

“. . . I urge you, brothers . . . “Paul encourages the believers at Rome and later readers to listen and follow what he will tell them. He also refers to them as brothers; they worshiped and served the same Father.
“. . . to offer sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God . . .” Paul speaks of the need to give sacrifices that were set apart for that purpose which God would accept.
“. . . this is your spiritual act of worship.” When we go before the Lord in worship, either private or corporate, we worship with our spirits.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world. . .” Paul advises his readers, then and now, to not mould our lives to resemble this fallen world.
“. . . be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Paul tells us to allow God to change our outlook, our habits, our thoughts by letting His Spirit our minds and yield to His working.

“Then you will be able to be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and Perfect will “ The outcome of submitting to God’s shaping of our minds and hearts is we gain discernment and can learn what God’s will is for our lives. We learn what God wants for our lives is what is best for us, His beloved children

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graphic:eclakeland.org

8 comments:

  1. That scripture has played, and still does. an important role in my life. Without the renewing of the mind there is no real transformation. I love Paul's urging... he is serious. We must let go of our old way of thinking.
    Thank you Cecelia.

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    1. Marja: Thank you for your astute thoughts. Yes, Paul is serious in this passage. I seem to understand what I read in God's Word when I apply them to my heart.

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  2. Hi, Cecelia:

    I just read this Scripture last night in my meditations. My translation starts: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice..." (RSV).

    This idea of our bodies as a living sacrifice stayed with me. It conjures images of people using their mouths to spread God's Word and bless one another, resisting any urge to bear false witness; people using their hands to help their fellow brothers and sisters, not hurt; focusing their eyes and ears on good while avoiding seeing or listening to perversions, etc. This concept of using our bodies for good while renewing our minds is powerful, and what makes Paul the commanding writer that he was.

    Thank you for this post! Be well...

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    1. Janette: Paul has a way that makes his words stay with us, doesn't he? Thank you for your thoughts. We don't know the depth of what the apostles are saying to us until we study and apply those words to our hearts.

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  3. Thanks for a thoughtful devotion. This will give me food for thought all day. :)

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    1. Susan: Thank you for stopping by. Paul is one of my favorite writers. I pray you have a great day in the Lord.

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  4. Hi Cecelia! It's always that transformation of my mind that always gets me! But, that is the key, so no changes, no improvements. And I am all about improving!

    I love St. Paul and his letters, just as wonderful today as they were when written. And it doesn't go out of date either! I like the point about being true in the Spirit, whether private or corporate because that keeps me honest. Not for show, but to do it for my life.

    Peace to you, my friend,
    Ceil

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  5. Ceil: I understand about that passage getting you. I have that response to several of them. Thank you for stopping by. Have a nice weekend.

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