TLDR;
This video provides an in-depth exploration of Romans 12:1-2, focusing on the importance of consecration and renewing the mind. It highlights that consecration is the initial step towards transformation and accessing God's will. The sermon uses examples and scriptural references to explain how believers can reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, ultimately leading to a life of service and holiness.
- Consecration is the first step to transformation.
- Renewing the mind is essential to avoid conformity to the world.
- Reckoning of faith involves acknowledging and aligning with spiritual facts.
Romans 12:1-2 and the Call to Consecration [0:00]
The speaker begins by reading Romans 12:1-2, emphasising the call to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service. He notes that verse two, concerning transformation by renewing the mind, is linked to verse one, which calls for consecration. Fulfilling the emphasis in verse one is crucial for achieving the transformation described in verse two, suggesting that consecration is the first step. Leviticus 8, Romans 6, and Romans 12 are highlighted as key chapters discussing consecration.
The Bride Price Analogy and Reciprocating God's Love [3:21]
The speaker uses the analogy of paying a bride price to illustrate God's sacrifice for us. God has paid our bride price with the blood of His Son, granting Him authority over our lives. However, we must reciprocate this gesture by offering our love and committing ourselves to Him. This consecration means that nothing should influence our actions outside of God's will. The direct next step after giving your life to Christ is an unreserved committal of yourself to God without any form of hindrance, giving him access to your life as he pleases to accomplish that which he pleases.
Consecration and Transformation [11:14]
Consecration allows God to transform us into the individuals He intends us to be. God marries us as we are, confident in His ability to refine us. Refusing consecration doesn't diminish God's skill but prevents Him from beginning the transformation process. A person who isn't consecrated isn't yet a candidate for the renewal of the mind. Proving oneself reasonable in the "marriage" with Christ involves reciprocating the cost of the bride price by consecrating oneself to serve His will.
Romans 12 vs Romans 6: Service and Righteousness [15:39]
The speaker compares Romans 12 and Romans 6 to further explain consecration. In Romans 12, the goal of consecration is service, while in Romans 6, it is righteousness. Service involves activities done to please the Lord, while righteous living means existing in a way that pleases God. Righteous living is the foundation for service. God's original vision for Israel was to be a kingdom of priests, with everyone in service to Him, a vision God seeks to fulfil in the New Testament through consecration.
Accessing God's Will and Living a Holy Life [24:21]
Satisfying the goal of service in Romans 12 leads to the privilege of accessing God's will. Consecration makes it easier to discover God's purpose. In Romans 6, living according to God's prescription results in holy living. Holiness is the fruit of being made free from sin and becoming servants to God, ultimately leading to everlasting life. Holiness means being separated unto God, responding only to His will and becoming different and valuable.
The Importance of Consecration and Avoiding Conformity [35:06]
The speaker stresses the connection between Romans 12:1 and 12:2, noting that the conjunction "and" links the two verses. After fulfilling the first aspect (consecration), the second aspect (transformation) comes into view. We must not conform to the world but be transformed by renewing our minds. Without a renewed mind, we risk being moulded by the world.
The Reckoning of Faith: Dead to Sin, Alive to God [37:40]
To understand how God renews the mind, the concept of the "reckoning of faith" is introduced, referencing Romans 6:11. We must reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. The speaker shares a story about a woman who couldn't find comfort after her husband's death until she reckoned with the fact that he was truly gone. Similarly, we must acknowledge and reckon with the spiritual fact that we are dead to sin.
Promises, Spiritual Facts, and Covenants [45:55]
God relates to New Testament Christians through promises, spiritual facts, and covenants. Spiritual facts are already accomplished in the spirit realm, and we must reckon these facts to be our current reality. The reckoning of faith involves adjusting our mindset to align with the truth. Many believers haven't made this deliberate adjustment, leaving them vulnerable to sin.
Paul's Teachings on Mind Renewal [53:19]
The speaker highlights Apostle Paul as a key figure in mind renewal. Paul often used the phrase "know ye not" to challenge and correct the mindset of believers. For example, Paul reminds believers that they were baptised into Christ's death, signifying their exit from the world. Baptism is a burial for those who acknowledge they are dead to sin.
Confrontation with God's Word and Personal Encounters [1:00:57]
God renews our minds by confronting us with His Word, challenging our thinking. Our part is to respond by the reckoning of faith, praying the scripture into our lives. Additionally, God allows us to enter into difficult circumstances that shake our foundations, revealing the limits of our own strength. Finally, God renews our minds through personal encounters, showing us things that change our perspective instantly.
Experiencing God's Power and Anointing [1:08:54]
The speaker encourages listeners to ask God to show them great and mighty things. He shares a vision of bright light from God's presence illuminating individuals, calling them to be seers. He also speaks of a sister who is entering a golden age and a landlord who will be known as a healing minister. The sermon concludes with a call to enter into unique experiences and align with spiritual facts, allowing God to enlarge Himself within us.
