An Appropriate Response to God. (Romans 12: 1–9)

🎙️ Welcome to This Week’s Episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast

This week, we open Romans 12 and arrive at a powerful turning point in Paul’s letter. After eleven chapters of profound theological truth—about sin, salvation, and the mercy of God—Paul now urges us to respond. But how?

What is the fitting, reasonable, logical response to God’s mercy?

In today’s episode, we reflect on what it truly means to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to live in humble, Spirit-enabled service to the Body of Christ.

We’ll explore:

• Why the Christian life is the only reasonable response to God's mercy.
• How not to be squeezed into the mould of our age.
• What real transformation looks like—and how it happens from the inside out.
• The vital role each of us plays in the church as members of one body with differing gifts.

This is a call not to passive gratitude but to active obedience—not just with our words, but with our whole selves.

Thanks for joining me as we consider together what it looks like to live a life shaped by God’s mercy.

📖 Episode Notes – Romans 12:1–8

Key Theme: In view of God’s mercy, live a life of sacrificial obedience, inner transformation, and humble service.

Outline:

1. Present Your Body as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
   • Not a one-time act, but a lifestyle of obedience.
   • Your body, your actions, your daily choices—these are your spiritual worship.
2. Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind (Romans 12:2)
   • Don’t be conformed to the age you live in.
   • Let the Spirit of God, through the Word of God, shape you into the image of the Son of God.
   • Discover God’s good, pleasing, and complete will for your life.
3. Live Humbly and Serve Faithfully (Romans 12:3–8)
   • Use your gifts in love and service to others.
   • Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought.
   • Each of us has a vital role to play in the body of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

• What part of your life needs to be freshly offered to God today?
• In what ways are you tempted to conform to the spirit of this age?
• How can you cultivate a renewed mind this week—through Scripture, prayer, or Christ-centered fellowship?

🙏 Prayer Focus:

Ask God to help you see His mercy afresh—and to respond not with passive belief, but with a living sacrifice of obedience, transformation, and service.

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• 13:28 [Ad] The Balance of Gray
• 14:16 (Cont.) An Appropriate Response to God. (Romans 12: 1–9)

Transcript

An Appropriate Response to God. (Romans 12:1–8)

Transcript: 

Let me begin with a simple illustration. A white-haired gentleman reaches into his pocket and hands a wrapped sweet to his little grandson. As the boy eagerly unwraps it, the boy immediatly replies, “Thank you Grandad.”

In another scene, an elderly woman is stranded on a quiet road with a flat tire. A young man pulls over and helps change it. As he finishes, she says, “thanks so much can I give you something for your time?”

Both, I suppose are natural responses to kindness. But what should our response be to the ultimate act of kindness—God’s mercy toward us.

Romans 12 provides the answer. Paul writes:

“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.”

(Rom. 12:1–2)

To grasp the depth of this call of response to God upon our lives, we must understand the flow of Paul’s argument in Romans.

·         The first part of the letter (1:18–3:20) diagnoses humanity’s universal sin and need for righteousness.

·         From 3:21 to chapter 4, Paul announces that this righteousness is provided by faith in Jesus Christ. 

·         Chapter 5 reveals the motive: God’s love. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

·         Then, in chapters 6 through 8, Paul explains the new life believers now have in the Spirit—freed from sin and death, marked by hope, and held secure in God’s love.

·         The in chapters 9–11 Paul defends God's faithfulness, using showing how God's plan for them is not over.

Romans 11:30 captures the heart of his mercy.

“For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience...”

That mercy is the foundation for everything that follows. Romans 12 today marks a turning point. Having explained God’s righteousness, Paul now urges a response.

So, if someone gave you a sweet as a child, you’d say, “Thank you.”

If someone helped you fix a flat tire, you might offer to pay them or show gratitude in some way.

But now let’s ask the far more important question:

What is the appropriate response to this ultimate kindness?

God has saved us.

Not only from our sin, but from the consequences of our sin.

He has declared us righteous and is working daily in our lives.

What, then, is the proper and fitting response to all of that?

Paul answers this question in today passage. Romans 12:1–8….

As I understand these verses, Paul lays out three clear responses—

Three things we can do that make sense in light of God’s mercy.

Let’s look at the first.

“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.”

(Romans 12:1)

1. Present Your Body as a Living Sacrifice

Notice his use of that little word: “therefore.”

What’s the “therefore” referring to?

Some say it points back to chapter 11. Others argue it refers to chapters 9–11.

Still others say it goes all the way back to Romans 1:18.

Frankly, I think the whole sweep of the argument across the whole book of Romans stands behind this word.

From the opening chapters of the letter, Paul has shown us that we were dead in our sins.

And yet, by grace and mercy, God has saved us.

That’s the essence of it: God has been merciful.

So, what should we do?

Present your body—a living sacrifice.

Now what does Paul mean to “present our bodies”?

Well I think it means that this isn’t about a one-time act of dedication. It’s about a lifestyle.

The word “present” here is key. Paul has used it several times already. In Romans 6:13

“Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God.”

Also, Romans 6:16:

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves?”

And Romans 6:19:

“Just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness… now present your members as slaves of righteousness.”

In chapter 6, Paul shows us that to present our bodies is to obey.

So when Paul says in Romans 12:1, “present your bodies,” he means:

Obey God with your body, by your actions.

This isn’t just a dramatic spiritual moment in front of an alter.

This is every day. Every hour.

Using what you do, your actions to obey God. That’s the sacrifice.

But, why does Paul call it a sacrifice?

He’s reaching back to Old Testament imagery here.

In the Old Testament, they took animals, laid them on the altar, and consumed them with fire.

It was total surrender of that animals life, sacrifice.

But this is different. This is a living sacrifice.

It’s not one act of death. It’s a continual ongoing  act of life.

And it’s not just living—it’s being different:

Holy – set apart for God.

Acceptable and pleasing to Him.

That Paul tells us is our “reasonable response”. – This is where the Greek word logikos comes in.

It’s logical. Rational. The only responce that makes sense in light of what God has done.

This is not only your spiritual act of worship—but, your reasonable service.

So, let’s be clear:

The response to God’s mercy is not just words of gratitude.

It is obedience.

Obedience in your body.

Obedience with your hands, your feet, your voice, your mind—your whole self, everything you do.

So let me ask you:

What part of your body do you need to offer to God today?

Your voice?

.

Your time?

Your sexual drives, do they function with the boundaries of a committed married relationship/

Your feet and your hands?

Your attitude?

Your attention?

Offer them all in obedience. That is your spiritual act of worship.

OK. Alright. Let’s go on to verse 2.

The second thing Paul calls us to do in light of God’s great mercy is this:

“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”

(Romans 12:2).

This command is framed first negatively, then positively.

Negatively, Paul urges us not to be conformed to “this world.” But more precisely, many say the Greek word here is better rendered here as “this age.” In the New Testament, “world” and “age” are related terms, but with an important distinction. “World” often refers to a system of thought or values that operates in rebellion against God—indeed, the devil is called “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), meaning that he orchestrates this godless system. But “age” refers more specifically to the present form of that godless system—it’s the prevailing mood, spirit, and ideology of the time you are living in.

In every age, the world expresses its rejection of God in slightly different ways. 

In the first century, it may have been through paganism and imperial cult worship.

In our day, it might be through excessive individualism, materialism, or narcissism. The shape and colour of the ideology may change, but the essence remains: life without God.

J.B. Phillips captures Paul’s point memorably in his paraphrase: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould.” Paul is telling us not to be pressed into the pattern of this present age.

The world wants to do the same thing to us today—apply pressure until we come out looking just like everyone else. 

But God says: don’t let that happen.

What does the present age try to press us into? If we could sum it up in one word, I would perhaps say it would be narcissism. When God is removed from the centre, we inevitably try and take His place. Whether it’s through materialism, hedonism, or endless betterment, the spirit of the age says: live for yourself.

That is the defining characteristic of every age, being apart from God.

But Paul doesn't stop with a negative command. 

Positively, he says: “Instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This is more than external behavior modification; it is internal, Spirit-enabled transformation.

The word “transformed” here is metamorphoō, the same word from which we get metamorphosis. As a caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly—not by outside pressures but by internal change—so we too are changed from the inside out by the Spirit of God renewing our minds.

This transformation echoes chapter 6’s call to present our bodies to God. Now, in 12:2 Paul also reaches back to Romans 8.

When he said.

“Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. T be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

(Romans 8:5-6)

So the renewed mind is the mind governed by the Holy Spirit. Paul goes into more detail about this in another on of his letters. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, he uses the same word for transformation and offers more insight into the process: 

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Here is the key: as we see Christ—primarily through His Life, ministry and the things he said and we are changed. 

In other words, the Spirit of God, uses the Word of God, to shape us into the image of the Son of God. The more we fix our eyes on Christ, the more we become like Him. This is not a one off instant. It is “from glory to glory”—a gradual, ongoing transformation.

Back in Romans 12: Paul also tells us that this transformation leads to a deep discernment: 

“That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.”

In other words, as your mind is renewed and your life is transformed, you begin to demonstrate God’s will through your life. You don’t just know His will abstractly—you live it out. And Paul says that will is “good,” “acceptable” (or pleasing), and “perfect”—not in the sense of flawless versus flawed, but in the sense of complete, whole, and mature verses incomplete and falling short

The word translated “perfect” (teleios) means brought to its intended end or goal.

So, Paul is not saying there are levels of God’s will, but that as your mind is renewed and your life transformed, you will walk in God’s full, complete purpose for you.

So, in view of God’s mercy, there are two things you must do:

·         Present your body as a living sacrifice—your whole life surrendered to God.

·         Be transformed by the renewing of your mind—allowing God’s Spirit to change your thoughts through His Word.

The offering of the body flows from a life of obedience:

The renewing of the mind comes from the indwelling Spirit. 

But if you want to trace it all to its origin, it begins with a renewed mind. 

As we view Christ, we begin to think differently. And as we think differently, we begin to live differently.

This is not about trying harder but about seeing things more clearly. Seeing Christ, seeing God’s will and being transformed. Thereby living in joyful obedience to the will of God.

A transformation from the inside out.

Verse 3 is a call to humility

And in verse 3, Paul gets practical.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

(Romans 12:3)

The first mark of a renewed mind is humility.

Paul says—don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought.

But don’t think less of yourself either.

Think soberly. Clearly. Rightly.

See yourself as God sees you.

Pride is a barrier to true worship.

The renewed mind doesn’t seek comparison or competition.

It simply accepts who we are—by God’s grace—and offers it back to Him.

Paul then uses a familiar image—one that we can all picture.

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

(Romans 12: 4-5)

The Christian community of faith is compared to a human body.

One body.

Many parts.

Each with a role.

Each needed.

Each belonging to the others.

So, your faith is not just personal—it’s relational.

You are not alone in this walk with Christ.

You are a part of something larger—a living, breathing body.

You belong.

Then Paul gives us a list. A practical, beautiful list of the gifts God gives:

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

(Romans 12: 6-8)

He lists seven gifts. Listen to them carefully:

·         Prophecy – speaking truth. Declaring God’s Word faithfully.

·         Service – helping, supporting, meeting needs in quiet ways.

·         Teaching – explaining truth, making the gospel clear.

·         Exhortation – encouraging, urging others on in their faith.

·         Giving – generosity, offered simply, without show.

·         Leadership – guiding others, with care and diligence.

·         Mercy – showing compassion, and doing it with joy.

What Paul is saying is this:

Your renewed mind will lead you to a renewed purpose.

You are meant to stop asking: “How can I be seen?”

And  are start asking: “How can I serve?”

You’ll stop striving to be something you’re not,

And start embracing who God has made you to be.

So, let me ask you, do you know what your spiritual gift is?

And are you using it?

Are you offering it back to the Lord?

This is the appropriate response.

To offer everything you do and to renew your mind.

To think rightly about yourself.

And to serve faithfully in the body of Christ, the church.

God doesn’t ask you to do everything.

But He does call you to be faithful with what He’s given you.

So let try and live like those who have really been transformed—

Humble in spirit,

Devoted in service,

And united in Christ.

Paul also said that “The one who gives, should give liberality.”

Paul says we should give with liberality but with sincerity and simplicity.

Give:

Not to impress.

Not to control.

Not to manipulate.

True Christian giving doesn’t come with any strings attached.

It flows freely, from a heart that knows all things belong to God.

We are also called to lead “diligently.”

Leadership itself is a gift—

But it must be exercised with diligence.

That means energy, commitment and responsibility..

Don’t take it lightly. If God has given you that gift—use it earnestly.

And finally:

“The one who shows mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.”

In showing mercy and in caring for other people, particularly the sick, the hurting, and the needy.

Paul says: don’t do it begrudgingly.

Don’t carry a gloomy spirit into a room that needs light.

If you’ve been gifted to show mercy—bring joy with you also.

So, in conclusion, what is Paul saying in all of this?

He’s telling us: 

To think rightly about yourself.

Don’t overestimate your importance—

But don’t underestimate God’s grace, either.

Find your spiritual gift.

Stir it up and use it.

Yes, you may need training.

You may need help to grow.

You may need to be stretched.

But friends, be the best you that God has created you to be.

That’s the appropriate response.

But There’s More...

Now—don’t misunderstand.

You may say, “Well, I don’t have the gift of giving, so I don’t have to give.”

Or, “I’m not gifted in encouragement, so I’ll just keep quiet.”

But many of the gifts Paul lists here are also given as commands to all believers elsewhere in Scripture.

We’re all called to give.

We’re all called to encourage.

We’re all called to show mercy.

So, yes—focus on your gifts.

But also grow in every area of the Christian life.

Renewed Thinking, should lead to renewed living

And here’s the heart of it:

This kind of service flows from a renewed mind.

You can’t serve rightly until you think rightly.

You are a recipient of God’s grace and mercy.

So, think like someone who’s been saved.

Act like someone who’s been set free.

Serve like someone who’s been sent.

My friend, God has given you a gift.

But He also asks for your dedication.

Whether your gift is visiting the sick, teaching a group, encouraging a friend, or leading a ministry—

Dedicate it to Him.

God created you.

God saved you.

God gave you a spiritual gift(s).

And the appropriate response is not just to say “thank you,”

Not just to give some money to a worthy cause to sub-contact you response and then move on.

No.

The true response is to offer your whole self.

Your mind.

Your body.

Your service.

Paul calls this a living sacrifice.

Jesus gave Himself for you.

And the only reasonable response is to give yourself for Him.

Let me say it again:

The appropriate response to the mercy of God is to offer Him your mind, your body, and your service.

Because if God’s done all He has done for you  then the only thing that makes sense is to give yourself to Him.”

That’s what it means to be a living sacrifice.

And that my friend is entirely reasonable.

One of my favourite hymns says this. 

When I survey the wondrous  cross on which the prince of glory died, my richest gain I  count but lost. Poor contempt on all my pride. Were the whole realm of nature  mine, that were an offering far too small. love so amazing, so  divine, shall have my heart, my life, my all.