“The Renewing of Your Mind”

(Romans 12:2)

The theme of the Epistle of Romans is summarized in ch. 1:17 “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith”. This righteousness, obtained by faith, through grace brings peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). In the closing chapters we come to the practical section of the Epistle. What we believe must be clearly manifest in how we behave. Salvation is followed by Service.

How are we to engage in Service?

1. PRESENTATION. Rom. 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God”. God has dealt with us with this motive. “That ye present (aorist tense) your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (intelligent) service”. “Bodies” once instruments of fleshly lusts, should now stand in readiness to serve. This is the result of salvation; a decisive act with ongoing results that are permanent and priestly. Bodies yielded and in constant readiness to do the will of God. This is not just the least we can do. This service is not a ceremonial dedication as demanded by law. The Levitical sacrifice must die unwillingly. Romans 5, Christ died for us. Romans 12, we live for Christ. The tender mercies of God appeal to us to place our bodies at His disposal. 2. SEPARATION. Rom. 12:2 – “And be not confirmed (pressed into the mould) of this world”. We cannot serve acceptably with the “world” as our model. This age and its society seeks to fashion our lives according to its standards, behaviour and expectations. Christ “gave Himself for our

sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Gal. 1:4). How could believers pattern their lives after this world? The world of fashion presents models who know no modesty. The world of advertising appeals to fallen humanity. The world of sport and entertainment present “stars” and “icons” that are empty and deceitful. Lotteries and gambling are part of the lives of the worldling. The social world of Twitter, Face Book and surfing the internet compete for many hours of wasted time. The lustful world of gender equality, evolution and sexual liberation is the world of the “reprobate mind” (Rom. 1:25-28). 3. TRANSFORMATION. Rom. 12:2 – “But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”. How can this be done? By adjusting our minds to the mind of God as found in the Scriptures. The purpose of this magazine is to encourage believers to read the Scriptures quoted and to meditate upon the teaching of the Word of God. God’s Word is the way by which His will is revealed to us as to how we should think and act. The Word of God will adjust our reasoning, sensibilities and judging faculties. As foliage on the trees is renewed in Spring, we need our thinking transformed, refreshed and updated to a more mature spiritual way of thinking. 4. EDUCATION. Rom. 12:2 – “That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. Divine guidance is not dependent upon outward circumstances, but the priority and condition of the apprehension of the will of God in the inner spiritual life. God’s will is always beneficial and pure, bearing His approval now and in the future. This will involve “sacrifice”. It may be difficult but it is always “good”. It leads to spiritual maturity in Divine things being “perfect” as following the Scriptures of Truth. The education of our renewed “mind” will prove the “Will of God” as we put the Word of God to the test in our practical living. J.A. Davidson