Christian’s Responsibility

Every Christian has a responsibility to live a godly life; to be transformed by renewing their minds and not being conformed to this world.  In Romans chapter 12, Paul gives some practical advice about how to live a Christian life.  

We live in a world that is contrary to biblical teachings and the prince of this world, the evil one, is very much alive and is influencing the people of the world and also the worldly system.  Believers are in the world, but this is not our home, we are journeying through, hopefully leaving our witness and testimony trying to win souls for God’s kingdom.  There are many believers and each one has gifts for the building up of the church and the edification of the body of Christ. We all have a personal testimony of what the Lord has done in our lives and what He has delivered us out of that we can share with those around us.

Do you consider yourself a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto the Lord?  If you don’t, read Paul’s words in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”  Today animal sacrifices are not what God wants, but he wants our obedience and our willingness to do His will and to bring Him glory by using our energy and our resources to trust Him to guide and lead us.  We should want to do this out of gratitude for He saved us and delivered us and set us free, praise the Lord.

In Romans 12:2 Paul said this, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  When a non-believer becomes a believer they are new creatures as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  We have been covered by the righteousness of Christ and we have the seed of Christ in us, we also have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells within us and we are brand new creatures in Christ, His children, thank you Lord.  From that time on we need to be transforming our minds, not being sucked into the worldly system with its sinful ways and selfish attitudes any longer.  We should strive to do what is best for us and be happy to volunteer for His service.

Paul mentions some gifts that the body of Christ has been given in Romans 12:6-8, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Now let me give you some other ways that Paul says we should behave, they are in the same chapter verses 9-21, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Now you have a general knowledge of what Paul wanted the Roman church to act like and how it should present itself.  If Paul were living today he would give the church the same message on how to conduct ourselves and how we should live.  Something to think about; have a great day and God bless!!