Introduction:

When we come to faith in Christ Jesus, what’s supposed to change about our
lives? That’s the subject of Romans 12. Romans 1-11 is that portion of the Bible that
sets forth in logical and theological terms the doctrine of being justified by grace through
faith. The remainder of Romans—chapters 12-16—explains to us the changes that
should occur in our lives once we have accepted the message of the first eleven
chapters. Since we have been justified by grace through faith, here is how we should
then live. Notice how chapter 12 opens: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of
God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is
your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. These are the two verses that
link Romans 1-11 with Romans 12-16 and tell us about our changed lives. Romans 12
deals with three of these changes.

1. A Life of Giftedness (vv. 3-8) – Our very self-image is now based on the fact that,
as new Christians, we have a new reason for living; and we’ve been given a set
of gifts with which we can serve God. Paul summarizes the spiritual gifts we
have in seven different categories; and he indicates that when our lives are
transformed by grace through faith, we become gifted people, called to serve
God in humble ways wherever we are, and every moment in life is an opportunity
for service.
2. A Life of Goodness (vv. 9-13) – In terms of our habits and attitudes, we begin
turning from what is evil and clinging to what is good, loving others, being
devoted to one another, honoring one another, practicing hospitality, and letting
the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ be a live streaming video feed through us
every day.
3. A Life of Graciousness (vv. 14-21) – Christians should be easy to get along with,
pleasant, gracious, forgiving easily, and personable. There may be some who
won’t get along with us, but if we are gracious to people—we don’t get mad and
stay mad at others and don’t let a root of bitterness spring up, we’ll have a much
easier time in life.

Conclusion:  When we receive Jesus as our Savior, He begins unmolding us from the
pattern of the world and transforming us into the image of Christ.  We become people of
giftedness, goodness, and graciousness.