3 Powerful Life Lessons from Romans

There are so many life lessons in Romans that it is nearly impossible to select just a few. A few years back I taught through the book of Romans. I didn’t cover every chapter and it still took over 50 hours to explore all the deep and sublime lessons of this wonderful book.

I have decided to focus on just a couple of passages.

The Christian’s Responsibility

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 (ESV)

Since this is a letter to the church, this is a call for followers of Jesus to make that sacrifice. ‘Spiritual worship’ is literally ‘reasonable act of worship.’ And it is reasonable considering all that God has done for us, through Jesus. By setting ourselves aside for his use, we honor God, establish him as the sole priority of our lives, and become useful for effective service in the kingdom of God.

The life of a follower encompasses the whole being. We give God our hearts and our whole lives. There is nothing that is not given over to him. We are called to serve him with everything we have and everything we are.

The Right Mindset

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.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

We run the danger of conforming to the world. Every day, we are bombarded with the world’s value system. All the media we are exposed to pours a godless worldview into our lives. It is hard not to succumb to such an onslaught.

So we must intentionally pursue a new mindset. When we have a biblical world view, we see things differently. We can see how God works and what he would do. It is far easier to see his will and understand how essential it is in order to experience the peace the world needs.

We undergo this transformation when we immerse ourselves in the word of God. Surrendering to the Spirit of God and asking God to change our minds is a starting point. Everyday we must read and study God’s word. We must pray for a transformed mind. Remember that a caterpillar doesn’t become a butterfly in an instant but over a period of time. So, too, will your mind be transformed when you continually press into the word and will of God.

A Loving Lifestyle

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Romans 12:9–13 (ESV)

I am so tempted just to quote all of Romans 12. It is so good. There are many exhortations here but it all starts with love. Consider how you would like to be treated and, then, treat everyone that way.

Soak in the love of God and then let it spill out onto everyone you come in contact with. Genuine love is expressed in words and deeds because it has transformed our thought lives. When this has happened our first reaction to anyone is that of love. Sadly, I see too many Christians react with fear or disgust – especially towards people who are different than they are. This breaks my heart and God’s heart, too. We must continually remind ourselves that God loved us so much that Jesus died for us – and for everyone in the world. Let us truly love those around us.

Get Serious about Romans

These are just three lessons from one chapter of this powerful book. I challenge you to read Romans and dig out more lessons, apply them to your life and allow God to continue his work of transforming you into who he has called you to be.

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