August 27, 2023

Romans 12:1-8

If we miss or do not understand what Paul’s “therefore” is there for, we can turn the task of transformation from gospel good news into another burdensome task. Without Paul’s “therefore,” without the previous 11 chapters of Paul detailing what the grace of God is and that we are the recipients of this grand gift, to live a transformed life as described by Paul is burdensome, if not down-right impossible. Without the “therefore” we do not hear the gospel; we do not hear that through Christ we are transformed.

The “therefore” makes the cruciform-life possible.

Transforming lives, transforming the Church, is more extreme than making over a home in seven days. But (and it’s a big but so you know it does not lie) this transformation, unlike the television show, is happening not because of who you or we are within our community. The grace of God does not care about your club membership, the promotion you just received at work, or our stock portfolios. Transformation is happening not because of who you are but rather because of whose you are. And through grace, you are God’s beloved.

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