The Consecrated Mind

Summary of the Message
In Romans 12:1, Paul exhorts his readers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord as the only reasonable response to the rich mercy he has lavished on us. Romans 12:2 shows us that we are able to do such an extreme act by having our minds renewed and becoming like the mind of Christ.

Key Sermon Points
1. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
Paul’s point to his readers is not that their behavior simply needs to be changed, but that their hearts, desires, and wants need to shift from a worldly set of values to a kingdom set of values. We should recognize that a kingdom mind is not merely confirmation of doctrinal views, but convictions and motivations that align with the kingdom.

2. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
In order to enter the kind of metamorphosis Paul is stirring us into, we need to understand what he means by mind and how our minds are changed or converted to be like Christ's
- Our minds consist of thoughts and feelings
- Thoughts are comprised of:

•  Ideas or narratives - these are statements that summarize and capture what we think is most true about the world and ourselves, e.g. non-sinful, worldly ideas would include "individual freedom is the most important thing for all of us," or "it's vital that everyone looks inside first to assess their passions before deciding what to do with their lives." Kingdom ideas would include "live for eternity not the present," or "sacrificially serve others."
• Images are the symbols or icons that convey those ideas, e.g., the American flag or the cross of Christ
• Information is the data that supports those ideas and images. It could be the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights as a worldly example, and scripture as a kingdom example.

- Feelings are our emotions, attractions/repellants, and values. In our contemporary time, feelings usually govern our decisions, but we should know two things:

• Feelings are meant to be managed by self-control, as led by kingdom thoughts
• Feelings are meant to be influenced by kingdom thoughts, e.g. Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, and Philippians 1:12,21

The transformation of thoughts and feelings is primarily achieved within gospel-centered congregations where thoughts are shaped by gospel teaching and the presence of the Spirit among his people. The result of all this is that personally and corporately we can practice and experience the beauty and goodness of God's will.

To guide people to Christ so they will know him and be changed into his likeness.