A Life of Worship to God (Romans 12:1–2)
Romans 12:1–2 is a fun text to study. It’s easy to notice three imperatives that guide the passage (present, do not be conformed, be transformed) and also two sets of three descriptors—one for “sacrifice” (living, holy, acceptable) and the other for “the will of God” (good, acceptable, perfect). In short, this passage teaches us to present ourselves to God on the basis of His mercy, a life of worship to Him (Romans 12:1). This presentation involves not being conformed to this present and passing age but being transformed from the inside out in order to discern the will of God, that is, whatever He considers good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).
It’s also a fun text to show how a couple of the Greek words carry over into English. “Conformed” is from suschēmatizō, which sounds like our English schematic. “Transformed” is from metamorphoō, which sounds like our English metamorphosis. You can even kind of capture an idea of the passage by saying something like, “Don’t be shaped by the schematic (do not be conformed) of this present age, but let your mind undergo a metamorphosis (be transformed) as guided by the Bible.”
Additionally, it’s a text that points us to the gospel. “Therefore” with “by the mercies of God” points us back to Romans 1–11 in which we see how God mercifully sent His Son Jesus Christ to provide our salvation from sin and its consequent judgment.
Yet more, it’s a text that captures the essence of the Christian life—giving one’s whole person to God, a commitment joined to our faith in Christ (present your bodies as a living sacrifice).
Within the book of Romans as a whole, these two verses are an important hinge between Romans 1–11 and most of Romans 12–15. Just as “therefore” looks back to the previous chapters, so also does the command to commit ourselves to God prepare us for the topics to follow. As one gives all of who he is to God, he will better use his spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3–8), interact with others (Romans 12:9–21), submit to the government (Romans 13:1–7), love others (Romans 13:8–14), and make choices that lovingly consider his fellow Christian’s conscience (Romans 14:1–15:13). As one obeys Romans 12:1–2, Romans 12:3–15:13 instructs him further how to do so.
Finally, it’s a text that touches upon “the will of God,” a variously understood topic. Whatever one may say about this topic in general, this text teaches us that as we are transformed by the renewal of our mind (informed by Scripture and illuminated by the Spirit), we will be better able to discern and choose what God wants us to do and how to obey the instructions that follow this passage in Romans.
In summary, present yourselves to God for whatever He has for you to do. Do not be conformed this present age, but be transformed in your mind. As you are alive unto God, living a holy and acceptable life, so also you will discern and do whatever His will may be.
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David Huffstutler is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. He blogs here, where this article first appeared. It is republished here by permission.
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