THEME: Transformation in Christ produces fruit

TEXT: Romans 12 (read vv.1-2)

 Illustration:  Picture these with me [ a Jell-O mold / playdough / a springform cake pan]

INTRO: The Apostle Paul, a servant unto the Gospel, is begging all of the saints in Rome, among whom are the called of Jesus Christ & Beloved of God – The Apostle under the direct inspiration of God is begging the Christians here to urgently follow the steps of God’s perfect will.

Prop: Daily transformation in Christ produces godly fruit in the life of the believer.

TRANS: Follow the progression >>>

(v.1) 1. Present your bodies a Living Sacrifice

2.   Present your bodies Holy unto God
3.   Present your bodies Acceptable unto God

— Because this is a logical and reasonable reaction for a saved / beloved child of God.

*~ Live a “HAS“ life (“has been Christian” – has been lost / has been found, saved, redeemed)

(v.2) As a result of living a holy, acceptable, & sacrificial life the believer will >>>

1. Be Not conformed to this world
2. But be transformed by renewing your mind. The proof will be the >
3. good > b. acceptable > c. perfect will of God *~ Live in a “GAP” transformation ~

{Most sermons on this passage stop here – w/o showing the “to-do’s” – volition/obedience}

(read v.3) Which will produce the following fruit in every believer:

“Fruit” of daily transformation listed (vv.3-ff )

1. Not to think more highly of himself
2. But to think soberly – Right thinking … the measure of faith produces

(PARENTHESIS – vv.4-8)

The body has many members … with different offices or duties; therefore, the many members one of another have differing gifts:

1. Prophecy b. Ministry c. Teaching d. Exhorting e. Giving – simply f. Ruling – diligently g. mercy – cheerfully

* But all of these have same the trademark or DNA

(v.9) Fruit continued:

3. Not to have a hypocritical love (dissimulation) [genuine love is the key thread]
4. Abhorring evil – detest wickedness
5. Hold fast to that which is good – (cleave) cling for dear life
6. Kindly devoted to one another – (affectioned) (v.10)
7. Brotherly love
8. Giving preference to one another in honor
9. Not slothful in business (strong work ethic in business & ministry business w/ Zeal!)
10. Fervent is spirit – glowing (v.11)
11. SERVING … in the Lord – A willing, busy SERVANT!
12. Rejoicing in hope (v.12)
13. Patient in tribulation
14. Continuing instant in prayer – “at the drop of a hat”
15. Distributing to needy saints / given to hospitality (v.13)
16. Blessing enemies & NOT cursing them (v.14)
17. Rejoicing with joyful Christians (v.15)
18. Weeping with sorrowful Christians
19. Same mind toward “one another” – UNITY in Church, family, ministry! (v.16)
20. Mind not – Don’t think on high things
21. Come down and associate with humble men – (Condescending)
22. Not boasting in your own conceits / wisdom
23. Never repaying anyone evil for evil (v.17)
24. Providing things honest to all men
25. Living peaceably w/ all men – YOU make that possible – as it lieth in you–DON’T REACT – ACT Godly! (v.18)
26. Avenging not yourself (v.19)
27. Putting wrath behind you … “give place” put it where it belongs – vengeance is God’s
28. – He deals it out and He judges others
29. Feeding & giving drink to your enemies – meet their needs to lead them to Christ (v.20)
30. Don’t let evil overcome you (v.21)
31. But over-come evil w/ good (by God’s grace)

(READ) Rom. 13:8 Owe no man … But Love One Another! – Which is the fulfillment of the law.

(READ) 13:14

Prop: Daily transformation in Christ produces godly fruit.

Conclusion: Keep striving daily to follow the steps of God’s perfect will in your life by examining your life for these areas of spiritual fruit. All believers can and should present their bodies in a HAS life and live a GAP transformation by being responsible to follow the imperatives to Not be conformed to the world and to be transformed by being Word-filled & Spirit-filled each day. This is the “perfect will of God” for you.