Following Jesus is not meant to be easy. But no one said it has to be drudgery! In today’s passage, we see that a person can get to a place where they want to do what the Lord wants them to do, even the really hard things. You can some to see that the Lord’s will for your life is good and acceptable and perfect. Life is sweet when you do!

Last week, we discovered that true spiritual worship entails offering our bodies as living sacrifices. Today, we delve into the significance of surrendering not just our bodies, but also our minds to the Lord.

• Worship, as we'll explore, is fundamentally a matter of the mind. It involves aligning our thoughts and perspectives with God's, willingly embracing His ways as superior and righteous.

Main Points:

1. Resisting Secularism:

• The command in Romans 12:2 urges believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, particularly to secular ideologies that deny spiritual truths.
• Secularism, driven by materialism and skepticism, promotes values contrary to God's Word. As Christians, we're called to resist conformity to these worldly standards.
• By recognizing our identity as children of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, we can break free from the grip of secular influences.

2. Allowing Transformation:

• Transformation occurs not through our own efforts, but through the work of the Holy Spirit. It's a process of becoming increasingly like Christ, guided by the Word of God.
• As we behold the glory of the Lord, our minds are renewed and our lives gradually conform to His image. This transformation is ongoing and empowered by God's Spirit.

3. Embracing a Biblical Worldview:

• The Word of God plays a crucial role in renewing our minds and shaping our worldview. It displaces secular ideas and aligns our thinking with God's truth.
• Through consistent study, reflection, and meditation on Scripture, we deepen our understanding of God's will and develop discernment.

4. Discerning God's Will:

• Discerning God's will involves actively testing and trusting His guidance. It's a process of seeking alignment with His purposes and surrendering our desires to His.
• Four key questions aid in discernment:
  • Assessing open doors and opportunities
  • Examining Scripture for guidance
  • Seeking wisdom from trusted mentors
  • Considering personal desires in light of God's will

Conclusion:

• Delighting in the Lord and surrendering to His will are central to discerning and embracing God's perfect plan for our lives.
• As we allow our minds to be transformed and our desires aligned with God's, we find fulfillment and purpose in living according to His good, acceptable, and perfect will.
• Ultimately, the path of obedience leads to a life characterized by joy, peace, and a deep sense of fulfillment in serving the Lord.

Romans 12:2

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