September 10, 2018
Truths I Wish I'd Known Then!
Romans 12:1–2
Becky Duncan
Central Truth
Our world, our culture, and even our own feelings dictate our choices and actions. But God’s Word tells us that we don’t need to be a slave to our culture or feelings. Instead, we can be transformed as our minds are renewed by His Word.
Romans 12:1–2
A Living Sacrifice
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, 1 12:1 Or brothers and sisters by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 12:1 Or your rational service 2 Do not be conformed to this world, 3 12:2 Greek age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 4 12:2 Or what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God
Dive Deeper | Romans 12:1–2
Have you ever wished you could go back in time and give the “younger you” some advice? If I could share some truth with the 16-year-old me, this is what I would say:
“Nothing twists and deforms the soul more than a low or unworthy conception of God.” (A.W. Tozer)
You are viewing God through a broken lens. You are allowing culture, past experiences, and circumstances to dictate your thoughts and actions. You are trying to get your needs met by relationships with boys.
“Your emotions respond to what you choose with your will to believe is truth.” (Anabel Gillham)
Don’t live your life or base your decisions on your feelings. Most of your problems are rooted in thinking patterns that produce problems and/or sin. Romans 12:2 teaches that you can be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Your mind . . . not merely your feelings.
I have more good news! Your identity is in Christ Jesus, not in feelings, because you are a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
God loves you and is for you. He came to rescue you. He wants the best for you. He wants your mind renewed so that you aren’t listening to an old broken record of lies. So, what are you waiting for? Toss out the old broken records!
By that I mean, respond to the gospel fiercely and choose not to allow the old records (ways of thinking and feeling) to control you. You can do this by spending time getting to know the Lord . . . just like the way you spend time with your friends. Tell Him everything. Ask Him for wisdom. Cry to Him. Laugh. Believe His promises. Memorize Scripture. Be known. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Serve others. Lay down your desires. Make it your practice to live your life this way, in true worship that brings the Lord glory. This is your purpose!
This purpose is for the 16-year-old you. Or really, for you at any age.
This month's memory verse
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 8:38–39
Discussion Questions
1. If you could write a letter to yourself at the age of 16 from the “you” of today, what would you say?
2. What broken records are you ready to toss? (Romans 12:2)
3. Do you know your purpose? (Isaiah 43:7) If so, how is your life reflecting that purpose? If not, will you ask God to help you define that purpose this week?