Romans Transformation
Old trucks, old shoes and old jeans have more in common than just being old. They’re comfortable and we don’t like the process of changing them. We get used to air conditioners blowing hot air, wet feet when it rains and pockets with holes. We resist and delay until it becomes painfully obvious something needs to change. But once we make a change, it’s amazing how quickly we start liking cold air on a hot day, dry feet and change in our pockets. God is working, making us aware when change is needed and helping us find new comfort in our new lives.
A Wrath Deserved
Not long ago Jimmy Carter wrote: “Too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption.” While an accurate observation, it’s not necessarily a new view of mankind. Long ago Paul wrote in Romans 1:25, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen.” In this age of consumerism those words have become an even more accurate description of our state of unholy living. The greatness of God does not rely upon our worship. C. S. Lewis wrote, “A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.”
The Balance of Sin
Several religions believe if the good deeds outweigh the bad deeds, then you make it to heaven. Sometimes even people in the church believe this. It is one of the most common wrong beliefs about Christianity. The Bible never states that doing more good things than bad things will get you into heaven. Going to heaven or “being saved” is a free gift of God because He knew no human could uphold His standard of holiness. “There is no one righteous, not even one. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law . . . .” Romans 3:10, 20
But…
Righteousness cannot be achieved by human effort. God is absolutely holy and pure and there is nothing that is hidden in His sight. We have no chance of being right or acceptable before God with our own effort. Righteousness is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. He became our sacrifice of atonement when He took all our sins upon Himself as He hung on the cross. Our reaction to this precious gift of love and grace should be to share this faith and love with others. We become a reflection of Christ’s love and grace in all we do.
A Better Plan
“The gift that keeps on giving” is a phrase companies have used to promote various items and it infers a particular gift will provide joy to the receiver for years to come. However, the only real gift “that keeps on giving” is the one freely offered by God and it is grace. God’s grace gives us freedom from the guilt and shame of sin. His grace is free because Christ Jesus already paid for it with his life. “Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:2 NIV)
A New You
Have you ever thought of yourself as a slave? Are you or have you been a slave to a certain food, a routine, a habit, a hobby or to work? How about some sin you don’t want to see written here? Is there something currently in your life from which you want to be free? Freedom is defined as “the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.” Romans 6:4 (HCSB) tells us freedom, a gift of God’s grace, means as Christians, “we too may walk in a new way of life,” which means no longer being a slave.
Focus
None of us want to be around people who make us feel like we have to be walking on eggshells. We try not to do or say anything that might offend or make them mad. But it rarely works. We are so uptight that we wind up doing exactly what we try so hard to avoid. Walking on eggshells isn’t necessary with God. He has given us freedom. He sees us at our best. We can take bold steps confidently because even though God gives us the freedom to fail, He gives us the power to succeed.
Super-Conquerors
American author, William Dean Howells, said, “The conqueror is regarded with awe; the wise man commands our respect; but it is only the benevolent man that wins our affection.” And when a conqueror is defeated, the` awe likely disappears. The strength conquerors command is the root of their power. Performance on the battlefield is “do or die” for the conqueror; there is no glory in loss. Paul tells us, “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” – not through our own pride, confidence, strength or power, but through lives transformed by Christ. Nothing can take away our most precious treasure, God’s enduring love for us.
Engaging the Lost
Transformation is life change. Paul made it clear that it happens to individuals, one at a time. We have the tendency to be selfish, greedy, hypocritical, judgmental and self-serving. But the transformation is available through God’s grace and mercy. When we are transformed, we gain the fruits of the spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. God wants each of His creations to experience such transformation. It is only through Christians showing the fruits of the spirit to others through our words and actions that those who do not yet know Jesus can be transformed, too. Showing Christ to others will draw them to Him.
Transformed
Romans 12:1-18 gives us a clear picture how we as Christians can be transformed and, in turn, reach out to transform the world around us. The church creates disciples who, transformed by the Holy Spirit, are infiltrating today’s culture on a local and global scale. When we establish a relationship with Jesus Christ and begin applying His principles, we experience a transformed life. This process results in community. As community serves others, transformation has an impact on our world. Transformation redefines the focus and practice of the church and changes the character of its people to mirror the character of Jesus.