Romans 12:1-2
Introduction
Caterpillars go through a process of transformation called metamorphosis to change into butterflies. Followers of Christ are like caterpillars. We need to grow and be developed. This process of development does not happen overnight, and it requires our decision to follow Him. As disciples unleashed, we must make up our mind that we will do the will of God.
In Romans 12:1, Paul beseeches or pleads with followers of Christ to live in such a way that pleases God. Paul pleads with us passionately because He knows God has so much more for us. We could experience all God’s benefits if we surrender to His will. Paul describes this surrender as presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. To sacrifice means to give up something. In this case, we must give up our whole selves. Some of us have not allowed the Lord into every room of our lives. But if we keep holding back, we cannot be a representation of Jesus Christ, which is what a disciple should be. We have no reason to hold back because we can trust Him completely (Proverbs 3:5-6). God wants all of us. When we give all to God, we are truly free.
Disciples also cannot be conformed to the world’s system and patterns. We cannot change something when we are in it. We are called to be transformed, which means to change into another form. This transformation comes through the Word of God, where we find our identity and purpose. The Word of God tells us who we are and why we are here. We simply need to listen and surrender.
Getting Started
- Where else in nature do we see complete transformations?
- What do you think happens if you take a caterpillar out of its cocoon too early?
Let’s Get Personal
- In what ways might you be like an undeveloped caterpillar? Where do you need to grow?
- What rooms are you holding back from the Lord? What is difficult for you to sacrifice?
- If you were to give everything to the Lord, what benefits would you experience?
Take the Next Step
- What area of your life do you need to surrender to the Lord today? Pray daily this week for the Lord to help you to let go and trust Him completely with this area.
- How can you make reading the Word of God part of your daily routine? Have a friend or accountability partner help you make a plan to start reading the Bible regularly.
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Proverbs 3:5-6; Luke 11:1-4; Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:1-2.
Renew Your Mind
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2
