Romans 12

1. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,
   to present yourselves a sacrifice, living, holy and pleasing to God, which is your reasonable [properly understood] service of worship.
2. Do not be conformed to this world,
   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.

Three ways: living, holy and pleasing to God.

• living: according to our new life in Christ
• holy: belonging to God
• pleasing to God: giving him our heart, and allowing him to be Lord over it

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

1. Present tense = ongoing activities
2. Not left up to our own efforts
3. Commands: we have a choice

• Choice: not to live by our own will power but to invite the Holy Spirit to empower us to live God’s way

Romans 12

2. Do not be conformed to this world,
   but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

• The goal of worship is the glory of God, but the byproduct of worship is the renewal of our minds.
• It will cause us to be changed more and more into the image of God.

2 Corinthians 3 - The same idea:

18. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Romans 12

2. Do not be conformed to this world,
   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.

The True Meaning of Worship

• To worship God not just singing songs on Sunday, but living in abandonment to Christ every day of the week.
• Worship starts with our daily seeking the empowering of the Spirit to live a life glorifying to God.