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Devotions with Pastor Bob, Middlebury, VT (2026)

06/02/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
“Jesus Lord of my Life"

ROMANS 13:11-14 (NIRV)
11 When you do these things, keep in mind the times we are living in. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep.
The full effects of our salvation are closer now than when we first believed in Christ.
12 The dark night of evil is nearly over. The day of Christ’s return is almost here. So let us get rid of the works of darkness that harm us. Let us do the works of light that protect us.
13 Let us act as we should, like people living in the daytime. Have nothing to do with wild parties, and don’t get drunk. Don’t take part in sexual sins or evil conduct. Don’t fight with each other or be jealous of anyone.
14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ as if he were your clothing.
Don’t think about how to satisfy sinful desires.

WHEN YOU DO THESE THINGS, KEEP IN MIND THE TIMES WE ARE LIVING IN (Verse 11 a).

Paul calls us to do the things that he outlined for us in Romans chapter 12-13. This has to do with special times, special moments in time; it is the forks in the road that will make all the difference.

These are the moments with the potential to determine our destinies. This is the dawning of the new age that follows Christ’s resurrection.

PAUL SAYS THAT THE HOUR HAS ALREADY COME FOR YOU TO WAKE UP FROM YOUR SLEEP (Verse 11 b).

Before we had electric lights, people rose early in the morning to take advantage of every moment of sunlight, so they could accomplish as much as possible before the coming of the afternoon heat.

Paul desires believers to be awake and alert, to greet the coming of the dawn.

HE SAYS, “THE FULL EFFECTS OF OUR SALVATION ARE CLOSER NOW THAN WHEN WE FIRST BELIEVED IN CHRIST.”

It seems clear that Paul is referring to the Second Coming of Christ, which he believes to be imminent.

Two thousand years later, we can see that it was not imminent as Paul thought. Paul, however, never claimed that Jesus would appear in his lifetime, but said instead that Jesus would come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

Paul did not predict the time of Christ’s coming, but he counseled Christians to keep souls and bodies sound and blameless, so that they would be ready when He comes (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Paul does not speak of salvation as present, but says only that it is closer now than when we first believed in Christ.

IN SOME SENSE, SALVATION IS BOTH PRESENT AND FUTURE.

In Romans 13:12, Paul says,
“So let us get rid of the works of darkness that harm us”.

Christ has come and has pierced the darkness. The day has begun to dawn, but the light is not yet shining in full force. That will occur when Christ comes again.

In the interim, we live in an in-between world where our “behavior must be appropriate for the day.

LET US DO THE WORKS OF LIGHT THAT PROTECT US.

It is not enough to put off works of darkness. We must put on the armor of light to prevent the darkness from returning.

We must be armored for battle.
- Because we can expect frequent temptations
- Because we can expect a constant probing of our defenses
- Because we can expect dangers arising from unexpected quarters
- Because we can expect a lifelong battle against evil.

LET US ACT AS WE SHOULD, LIKE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE DAYTIME.
- Have nothing to do with wild parties, and don’t get drunk.
- Don’t take part in sexual sins or evil conduct.
- Don’t fight with each other or be jealous of anyone.

Paul admonishes us to behave honorably, honestly, decently.
For one thing, such behavior is appropriate to “who we are,” and to “whose we are”.

We are “children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR IS IMPORTANT TO OUR CHRISTIAN WITNESS.

Nothing turns people away from Christ like a person who claims to be a child of the light, but who behaves like a child of darkness.

Nothing attracts people like a person of faith, who loves them, as Christ taught us to love, and whose personal life bears the stamp of integrity, the stamp of Christ.

ROMANS 13:14 SAYS, “PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST”

Paul puts “Lord” first in this threefold title, emphasizing the Lordship of Christ. When we “put on Christ”, in the sense that we make Him Lord over our lives, temptation loses much of its power.

When we first look to Christ for guidance in major decisions, He helps us avoid dead ends and blind alleys.

When we seek to honor Christ in our relationships, He will help us to avoid hurting others and destroying ourselves.

Yes, temptations continue, but we can face them in the confidence that Christ will help us to overcome them.

You Are My All in All
https://youtu.be/lie1L61Qnos

PRAYER
Dear Father, we thank you that in Christ you have provided us with all we need to live our lives to your glory. We are anticipating the return of Christ, so that we will be able to embrace all the salvation that you have provided out of Your love and grace. While we are here, help us to live our lives as children of the light who reject the darkness of our age. In Jesus' name we pray, amen!

06/01/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
“Living at Peace in the Real World”

Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)
1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.
4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.
5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.
7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Imagine that you are a Christian farmer, living peacefully in colonial America, when word comes that a bunch of politicians in Philadelphia have declared independence from Great Britain.
You are aware of what Paul teaches in Romans chapter 13:1-7 about being in submission to the governing authorities. What should you do? Which side should you take? What if General Washington later conscripts you to join his revolutionary army?

Or, what if you were living in Germany in the 1930’s when Adolph Hi**er came to power. You watch with growing horror as he begins systematically exterminating the Jews. Some of your Jewish neighbors, who were good friends, are herded off to the death camps, never to be seen alive again.
Then you hear about a plot to assassinate Hi**er and you’re invited to join the conspiracy. If Hi**er could be killed, it could conceivably save the lives of millions of Jews. But you’re aware of Romans 13:1-7, which commands you to be subject to the governing authorities. What should you do? How should Christians relate to their government?

Hopefully, none of us will ever face dilemmas as difficult as the ones I’ve described.

Romans 3:1-7 raises these and other important issues concerning our relationship as Christians with the government authorities.
- When (if ever) is civil disobedience justifiable?
- What about armed rebellion or revolution against a corrupt government?
- What about capital punishment?
- Should Christians withhold part of their taxes to protest government misuse of our tax dollars?

AT FIRST GLANCE, OUR TEXT MAY SEEM TO BE OUT OF CONTEXT.
Paul shifts subjects with no transition or introduction.
But in the context of what Paul is teaching about, which is how Christians are to live in love, and to get along peaceably with all people.

Earlier in this epistle, Paul had just forbidden taking vengeance and advocated treating with kindness those who mistreat us.

THIS RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS;
- Is it wrong to report those who mistreat us, to civil authorities for prosecution?
- Is it wrong to use force to resist an aggressor?”

Paul shows that it is proper for the government to protect law-abiding citizens and to punish evildoers.

LET’S PUT THINGS INTO CONTEXT
Paul wrote the book of Romans to Christians, some of whom were Jews, in Rome which was the capital of the Roman Empire.
Claudius, the previous emperor, had expelled the Jews from Rome just a few years earlier because he viewed them as dangerous (Acts 18:2).
The Jews hated being under Roman rule.
The Roman authorities often viewed Christians as a Jewish sect, so that suspicion of revolution was always a concern in the minds of the Roman rulers.

Christians easily could have taken Jesus’ teaching about the coming kingdom of God to mean that they should work for the overthrow of the secular, morally corrupt Government, in order to help bring in Christ’s kingdom.
In fact, when Paul wrote the book of Romans, the Roman emperor Nero, one of the most-evil dictators of all times, was on the throne.

THE PROPER BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO CIVIL GOVERNMENT
So, Paul wanted the Roman Christians to be clear on how they should relate to the civil authorities.
In Paul’s day, there was no Christian consensus, or Christian-based constitutional law.
There was no Jewish theocracy, as in the Old Testament times.

But these principles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, apply to believers down through the ages, who are living under various forms of government.
Contrary to what many Americans may think, the Bible never mandates one type of government over another.
While arguably a constitutional democracy, with a balance of powers, is the best form of government, the Bible does not ordain it, or forbid monarchy, or other forms of government.

WE CAN SUM UP ROMANS 13:1-7;
Because God has ordained government authority for our good, we must be subject to our government.
First in verse 1, Paul states that every person is to be subject to the governing authorities, because God is the sovereign who ordains all human governments.
Then in verse 2, he draws the implication that if we resist government authority, which God has established, we are opposing God Himself and we will come under judgment.
In verses 3-4, Paul explains that the purpose of civil government is to protect law-abiding citizens and punish law-breakers.
As such, the government is acting as a minister of God in avenging wrong doers.

Paul then says in verse 5, that there are two reasons to be in subjection to the government:
1 - Fear of punishment.
2 - Conscience before God, who has ordained government officials.

Finally in verses 6-7, Paul applies this by showing why we should pay taxes, namely, because government officials are servants of God.

CONCLUSION
Our text rests on the assumption that we are in subjection to God and that we want to please Him.
Paul is not promoting moralism, but rather submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
He is showing us how that submission plays out in our relationship to our government.

So, before we get right with the government, we have got to get right with God by repenting of our sins and trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Our relationship with Christ provides the basis for proper submission toward the governing authorities.
If we look at these issues in the context of what Paul is saying here, we can see that he is talking about how Christians are to live in love, and to get along peaceably with all people, especially government officials.

It seems that the more society moves away from a Christian world view, the less respect is shown to those in authority.
Of course, I am not talking about a situation where our government is compelling us to do something that is morally wrong.
In that case we must submit to God’s will, which sometimes puts us at odds with the world.
Paul wants the Romans to know that God wants them to do that which makes for peace.

1 Peter 3:11 (NLT)
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

To Be Pleasing You
https://youtu.be/m9O1GPUqn8M?si=G8vz62kH6BNGLv2J

prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for establishing order and placing authorities over us to maintain justice and peace. We pray for our leaders that you would give them wisdom, integrity, and a heart to serve the good of our communities. Help us to be faithful, law-abiding citizens who fulfill our civic duties with clear consciences. May we gladly render what is due—whether taxes, respect, or honor—doing what is right to avoid fear and to bring peace to those around us. We pray to be governed by Your love in all things, that we may honor You in every aspect of our lives. Give us the grace to follow Your will, even when it puts us at odds with the world, and strengthen our resolve to obey You above all else when faced with choices that conflict with Your truth. In the Holy Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

05/31/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
“LOVE LIKE GOD”

Romans 12:9-21 (Nlt) 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul gives some very good practical advice for living here in this present world as Christians.
In verse one, he encourages the Roman Christians and us to offer up our bodies to God, while they are still alive, as living sacrifices.
Then in verse two he says that they (we) should not live the way this world lives.
Paul then goes one step further by encouraging them and us to let our way of thinking be completely changed.

In verses 3-8 he gives instruction concerning, “the gifts of the Holy Spirit”, which helps us in serving one another in the Body of Christ

In verses 9-21, Paul proceeds to give some very practical applications for how we are to live in the world as Christians.

1 - LOVE IS THE SOIL WHICH EVERYTHING COMES FORTH FROM.

Paul says that love must be honest, sincere and active.
We as Christians are not to just pretend to love others; we are to really love one another from the heart.

Paul adds to what he has already said about love, when he says;
- We are to love one another deeply.
- We are to love one another with genuine affection.
- We are to love one another by being devoted to one another with authentic brotherly affection as members of one family.

Note:
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul expands even more on what this God kind of love is like.

1 - LOVE WHAT GOD LOVES AND HATE WHAT HE HATES.

We are to hate what is evil, detest all ungodliness, and we are to not tolerate wickedness.
Instead, we are to hold on to that which is good.
Loving God and loving others will mean that we will need to know what deeds are considered ungodly and wicked.

2 - LOVE HONORS OTHERS MORE THAN OURSELVES

Paul writes and tells them and us to give preference to one another in honor.
We are to honor others more than ourselves and also to take delight in doing it.

3 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE WILL PRODUCE ENTHUSIASM

Paul exhorts the Roman Christians to stay excited about their faith and never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

When we are continually rejoicing, having a confident hope, which we have in Christ Then;

- We will be steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer and continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength.

- When we suffer and are in distress, we are to devote ourselves to prayer, continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength.

- We will share what we have with other Christians who are in need by giving meals and a place to stay to those who need it, always eager to practice hospitality.

- We will bless those who persecute us who cause us harm or hardship.

- We will rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

4 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE WILL PRODUCE A PROPER VIEW OF OURSELVES

- We will live in harmony with one another without being haughty, conceited, self-important, or exclusive, but we will associate with humble people.

- We will not overestimate ourselves, we will be agreeable with one another, and will not be boastful.

- We will be willing to be friends with people who aren’t considered important, and we do not think that we are better than others.

5 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE WILL PRODUCE A PEACEFUL LIFE

Paul says we are to pray and give thanks for those who make trouble for us.
This is the road to peace, when we can release those who persecute and hate us to God, it will produce peace in our lives.

We are to never pay back evil with evil. We need to try to understand where others are at.

Love takes into consideration what is right, gracious, and proper in the sight of everyone.

If it is possible, we should live in peace with everyone. Paul says, we don’t try to get even with others, but leave room for God to show his anger. In other words, let God take care of it. (Deuteronomy 32:35).

6 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE OVERCOMES EVIL BY DOING GOOD

Proverbs 25:21,22 says,
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads. Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.”

The Power of Your Love
https://youtu.be/H9_0jiO5ZRM

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that You would seal the truth of Your Word in our hearts. We pray that our love would be completely genuine, free from hypocrisy, and marked by sincere care for others. Give us the courage to hate what is evil and the strength to cling tightly to what is good. Lord, help us to outdo one another in showing honor to one another. Keep our spiritual fervor high so that we do not lose our zeal, but may we serve You with burning hearts. As we face the challenges of the coming week, grant us the grace to be, joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful and persistent in prayer. Open our eyes to the needs of those around us. May we be quick to practice hospitality and eager to share what we have with your people. Develop true empathy in us. Help us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep. Help us let go of pride and arrogance so we can live peacefully with everyone. When we encounter conflict, injustice, or unkindness, guard our hearts against retaliation. "Help us overcome the urge to retaliate, and guide us to act with honor and grace toward all. As far as it depends on us, give us the wisdom and humility to live peaceably with everyone. We surrender our desires for vengeance into Your hands, trusting fully in Your perfect justice. If our enemies are hungry, help us to feed them; if they are thirsty, help us to give them a drink. Ultimately, Lord, we pray that we would not be overcome by evil, but that we would overcome evil with good. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

05/30/2026

Devotions With Pastor Bob
“FAITH IS THE VICTORY”

Hebrews 11: 29- 34 (NLT)
30 It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.
30 It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.
31 It was by faith that Rahab the pr******te was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.
33-34 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.

There are some sports teams that lose most of their games.
They don’t know how to win. They don’t expect to win.
I’m afraid that many Christians have lost their will to win.

Hebrews 11: 29- 34 shows us how to have victory.

1 . Unstoppable faith.
This faith doesn’t waver. It never turns loose. It doesn’t know the word, “can’t”.
It will not accept defeat. It moves on and on and conquers. It is unstoppable.

The illustration of unstoppable faith is shown to us through 2 examples of the Israelites:

1 - The crossing of the Red Sea
2 - the victory at Jericho.

The Red Sea was the way the children of Israel came out of Egypt.
Jericho was their first encounter after coming into the Promised Land.

The Red Sea and Jericho perfectly contrast two distinct postures of faith: waiting on God for deliverance and stepping out in obedience.

God’s command was clear. He told Moses to tell the people to move on even in their dilemma (the Red Sea). When they did, the wind arose and the water divided and rolled back. That must have been a sight as the Israelites watched the water held back by the wind.

They had faith when they walked across the corridor through the Red Sea.
They believed God and they went over on dry land.

Following their 40 years in the wilderness, they also crossed the Jordan River and came to Jericho.

There they met an awesome challenge.

There they also demonstrated tremendous faith.

God’s command didn’t make sense, it seemed illogical.

Joshua told the people to say nothing and to march around the wall every day as God commanded.

The Israelites did this every day and nothing happened; but they had unstoppable faith.

They had been through the Red Sea and though they did not always act like people of faith, they obeyed God.

Then on the 7th day, silence was broken with the sound of a ram’s horn.
The order from God was, “Now you can shout”.

They shouted and the walls of Jericho collapsed.

All of this was accomplished by faith.

What happened at the Red Sea and at Jericho was God working in the Nation of Israel.

Their faith was not doing the work.
Their faith was active and invested in God.
They believed God and they obeyed God; and when they did, their faith opened the door for God to work.

Man’s faith simply allows God to do what He wants to do.

Our faith doesn’t do the work or perform miracles.

God does the work and God performs miracles.

2 . Victory comes from an unashamed faith.

In addition to being unstoppable, our faith should not be ashamed.

This is one of the most amazing statements in the Bible.

The writer of Hebrews identifies a great number of some of the most godly individuals ever known.

He begins with Abel, then Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses.

Then in a list of great heroes of the faith, he inserts the name Rahab the pr******te.

How did she make the line-up?
It just doesn’t seem right to list all of these great saints and then a pr******te.

It is truly amazing; but with this reference to Rahab, we come face to face with one of the greatest instances of grace in the Bible.

Primitive as it was, Rahab had faith.

She didn’t understand it all; but she knew that these men who came to her place and asked her to hide them were messengers from God.

Even though it meant turning her back on her people, even though it meant the destruction to her own nation, she believed in God.

God heard her pleas and responded to her. No one is too dirty with sin for God to save.

In Matthew, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of our Lord.

3 . Victory comes from an unquenchable faith.

The faith that conquers is not only unstoppable and unashamed, it is an unquenchable faith.

By faith these believers were victorious over evil kingdoms.

They administered justice.
Men like Samuel, Samson, and David brought justice and judgment because of their faith.

Their faith also “shut the mouths of lions”. This undoubtedly is a reference to Daniel, whose faith in God saved him from the lions.

The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego “quenched the fury of the flames”.

Through their faith they said, “Even if God doesn’t deliver us we will not disobey God.

We will not compromise.” Other saints “escaped the edge of the sword” and were made strong in weakness because of their faith.

There are countless illustrations in the Old Testament where such dangers were resisted by faith.

It is all accomplished by faith.

When we offer our hearts to God in repentance, we start an adventure of faith.

As we exercise that faith, it develops and grows.

We use faith at the very beginning of our commitment to Christ.

Then day by day, we need to live by that faith.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful examples of faith we read in Your Word today. Just as Your people parted the Red Sea, conquered kingdoms, and found strength in their weakness,through faith, we ask that You grant us that same unwavering faith to face our own challenges. When we feel weak, let Your power be made perfect in us. Help us to trust You even when the path is unclear or the mountains seem impossible to move. Guide our steps, shield us from doubt, and let our lives be a living testimony of Your grace. We pray these things in the holy and mighty name of Jesus, amen.

05/29/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
“Spiritual Transformation in Christ” (Lesson 2)
ROMANS 12:1-2 (NLT)
1 Brothers and sisters, God has shown you his mercy. So, I am asking you to offer up your bodies to him while you are still alive. Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshiping him in the right way.
2 Don’t live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We as Christians should commit our entire lives to God.
1 - OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD IS TO BE COMPLETE.
- The Apostle Paul says that we’re to offer our "bodies" as sacrifices.
- The word "bodies" is another way of saying "your entire person."
,
2 - THE CHRISTIAN’S COMMITMENT IS DESCRIBED AS A "LIVING SACRIFICE."
- In Old Testament times God was worshiped and served by the offering of animal sacrifices. This is not saying that the Christian should literally die. It is saying that they are to die to their own will and ways.
- In other words, “our daily lives” are to be viewed as an offering unto God.
3- THE CHRISTIAN’S COMMITMENT IS CHARACTERIZED AS A "SACRIFICE."
- The fact that Paul uses the word "sacrifice" means that you and I are giving up something in serving the Lord.
- A sincere Christian is not looking for what they can get out of Christianity.
- The essence of the Christian’s life is “giving and sacrifice".
Another characteristic of the Christian’s total commitment to God is that they are "holy."
- During the Old Testament times, not every animal sacrifice was considered holy or acceptable to God.
- Some sacrifices, such as blemished animals, were an offense to God and, as such, were unacceptable to him.
When the Christian commits their daily lives completely to the Lord, it is the kind of sacrifice that is acceptable and holy to God. Our commitment is a sweet aroma of offering to the Lord.
This is why Paul goes on to describe the Christian’s commitment to God as "pleasing." The worship that pleases God is simply for Christians to surrender their wills to God’s will.
For those who may wonder how to please God, it is NOT a matter of religious rituals, good works, or perfect moral behavior.
- God is pleased when you and I finally say sincerely, "My whole life belongs to you, Lord."
life
A Christian should commit their entire lives to God. (Romans 12:2).
- I believe, along with most Bible scholars, this verse is not a new and distinct exhortation, but rather that it is an elaboration and explanation of what it means for Christians to commit their entire lives to God.
ROMANS 12:2, BASICALLY HAS THREE PARTS:
1 - WHAT A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT DO
- Which is not to conform to the pattern of this world. In other words, do not copy the lifestyle and life choices of non-Christians.
- Don’t imitate or adhere to this world's wicked, immoral values and darkened thinking.
Part of our commitment to the Lord is making a choice to reject the thinking and ways of this world. Do not copy the lifestyle and values of this world. To be committed to the Lord means rejecting the thinking of this world.
2 - WHAT A CHRISTIAN SHOULD DO
- We should be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The result of doing this will be to be able to test and approve of God’s will.
- We should not copy the lifestyle and values of this world. We should be committed to the Lord, which means rejecting the thinking of this world's contrary view.
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
In other words, let your way of thinking be reprogrammed.
- In a similar way to when a corrupt computer program needs to be reprogrammed, so that it can perform its function correctly, our minds and our way of thinking need to be reprogrammed or renewed. We need a new hard drive.
- Our minds have been corrupted by the thinking of this world so that we oftentimes have desires and thoughts that are not in line with God’s will.
- God's solution for this situation is that we are;
"TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF OUR MINDS."
- The word "transformed" is from the same Greek word from which we get the English word "METAMORPHOSIS."
3 – WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CHANGED INTO A COMPLETELY NEW PERSON.
- This takes place through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in a Christians life.
- The Holy Spirit is in the Christian, giving them the "mind of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5), which agrees with God’s will.
- The Christian has the responsibility to yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, so that they can be transformed into Christ's image.
WHAT HAPPENS AS A RESULT OF THIS SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION?
What are the results of a renewed mind? The Bible says, "Then you’ll be able to test and approve what God’s will is."
- In other words, as we reject the ways of this world, we will yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance,
- We will be able to recognize and want God’s will.
- We will then commit our entire lives to the Lord.
- We will no longer copy the ways of this world.
- We will come into a new way of thinking by yielding to the Holy Spirit.
- We will not only know, but also desire God’s perfect will.
The reasonable response to such mercy is for us to surrender our entire lives to God.
If you have not done this yet, then today is a good time to sincerely make that decision.
PRAYER IN SONG
Change Me
https://youtu.be/OMzQdf81Vio

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