Faith and Transformation

January 28, 2024 Background Scripture: Romans 12:3 - 8 Lesson Passage: Romans 12:3 - 8 The word of God states very plainly that every Christian has a spiritual gift. These gifts are available for the benefit of the body of Christ in this world. However, spiritual gifts are not likely to be evident—or perhaps not even available to a person who has not been mentally transformed. The first three verses of this chapter are needed to properly understand our lesson. Salvation in Jesus Christ causes a spiritual birth within a person. It is an obvious change to the person who has been born again. One important aspect of spiritual growth for a saved person is the renewing of the mind. This renewal causes Christians to be different from unsaved people. Christians begin to think, talk, and act differently than non-Christians. We are motivated to do so by the word of God. The renewal of the mind helps us to learn more about Christ and God. Consequently, we become more comfortable with who we are in Christ. In other words, we don't mind being different from others when we understand how salvation has made us different. Christians who fail to make this transition struggle between backsliding and repentance without ever being useful to the body of Christ. This struggle can happen when we want to be like unsaved people. Peer pressure causes us to want to fit in with the world. Peer pressure is not limited to children and youth. Mental transformation makes us more comfortable being different than the world. This happens when our minds are renewed with the word of God. Comfortable Christians want to do God's will. When we act on that desire, then spiritual gifts become apparent. We see a capacity to do something we could not do before. We see the power of God released when we do some things under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. What was once considered ordinary, becomes extraordinary. Giving liberally, serving others who cannot return the favor, or delighting in showing mercy stirs up an indescribable joy within. Who knew that liberal giving could do such a thing? The Holy Spirit works all these things within believers as we submit ourselves to worship and serve God. Spiritual gifts are not so much to be counted as they are to be appreciated. Through the power of God, ordinary things can become powerful gifts to the body of Christ. Sadly, too many Christians look for the "shock and awe" of being saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost. Sometimes, it requires the power of God for one to show mercy to an undeserving person. Sometimes, it requires the power of God to overcome personal greed and give liberally to others. Serving, liberal giving, and showing mercy are just as powerful as leading, prophesying, teaching, and speaking a word of exhortation when the Holy Spirit is the motivation for doing so. Christians could miss the joy of these ministries if we fail to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Actions tend to be more difficult than words. That is because our flesh, our worldly mindset and affections, cause us to be very selfish. We must humble ourselves before God and pray that He will lead us as He desires. It requires faith to release that which is comfortable and "normal" for us and to embrace unfamiliar godliness. We must really trust God to do things His way when His way goes against all we understand. Showing mercy can be easy when the person has not offended us. Giving liberally can be easy when we have more than enough left over. What if giving liberally requires having nothing left over? Serving others can be easy when they show appreciation for our service. We need faith to embrace the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has equipped us with. Through spiritual transformation, we can witness the power of God flowing through us as we submit ourselves to Him in faith. Robert C. Hudson January 17, 2024