"Living Sacrifices in a Divided World: A Call to Authentic Christian Transformation"

In the next two weeks, we’ll focus on Romans 12, but before we dive in, I want to highlight a well-known passage from Romans 13. This section of Scripture has been the subject of intense debate throughout history, often invoked during times of social and political turmoil.

During the American Revolution, English pastors like John Wesley preached messages of restraint, emphasizing submission to governing authorities, while colonial pastors like John Witherspoon and Jonathan Mayhew delivered fiery sermons on independence. Centuries later, in 1933, a young minister named Joachim Hossenfelder stood in a church adorned with Nazi flags, using this passage to urge German Christians to obey the government.

This passage remains pivotal for every believer, particularly in times of social upheaval like those we are experiencing today. Its interpretation shapes our understanding of how faith and government intersect and challenges us to consider our response as followers of Christ in a broken world.

The Text in Question: Romans 13:1-5

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Paul’s words have been used both to justify compliance with government authority and to inspire resistance against it. But in order to fully understand this passage, we must first examine the context that leads up to it.

The Importance of Context: Romans 12

Romans 13 does not exist in isolation. It follows Romans 12, a chapter that lays out the foundational principles of Christian living. Before Paul addresses the role of government, he challenges believers to live lives marked by sacrificial love, humility, and a commitment to doing what is good in the sight of all people.

Understanding Romans 12 is crucial because it frames the believer’s relationship to others, including governing authorities. It establishes the heart posture—one of submission to God, love for neighbor, and trust in His sovereignty—that must guide how we interpret and apply Romans 13.

A Roadmap for Understanding

Over the course of this study, we will:

1. Explore the principles laid out in Romans 12 that prepare us to navigate the complexities of Romans 13.

2. Consider how Paul’s instructions apply in times of social and political upheaval.

3. Examine the balance between submission to authority and obedience to God’s higher law.

By understanding the context and heart of Paul’s message, we can discern how to faithfully live as citizens of both heaven and earth in a world filled with moral and political challenges. Let us begin by turning to Romans 12.

Living as a Holy and Acceptable Sacrifice

In Romans 11, Paul warns the church in Rome against pride and arrogance. He uses the metaphor of Gentiles as a wild branch grafted into the olive tree of God’s covenant people, reminding them that if disbelieving Jews were pruned because of hard hearts, they too could be cut off if they succumb to the same sin. With this backdrop, Paul begins Romans 12 with a powerful call to action:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

A Call to Holiness

Paul pleads with believers to live holy lives according to God’s Word, lives that are acceptable to Him. Yet, this plea is often under-emphasized in today’s churches.

What does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice? It means daily choosing to live in a way that honors God—surrendering our desires, habits, and choices to His will. Immediate examples might include abstaining from carnal sins such as lust and greed.

• Lust and Greed: Pornography is rampant, and many view life through a lens of winners and losers, fostering envy and selfish ambition.

• Laziness and Overconsumption: We are an over-entertained and sedentary society, indulging in excess—whether it’s food, screen time, or material possessions.

• Anger and Wrath: Who hasn’t been convicted of this in traffic or other stressful moments? I was personally reminded of this when my young son once echoed my frustration with, “Yeah, Dad, that guy is a stupid idiot.”

All of these are areas where we should allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. However, the most insidious sin is often pride.

The Danger of Pride

Our culture, including the church, has become deeply self-centered. Del Tackett from The Truth Project describes this as MEO Christianity—a faith that revolves around me. The enemy has deceived us into believing that life, even our spiritual walk, is all about us.

Paul directly addresses this in Romans 12:2:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Transformed by the Renewing of Our Minds

Paul urges believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed. This transformation isn’t about surface-level change; it’s a complete renewal of our mindset.

He expands on this in Ephesians 4:22-24:

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

The church, as the ekklesia (the “called-out” assembly), is meant to be distinct from the world. To be transformed by the renewing of our minds is to seek God’s will, allowing His Word and Spirit to reshape how we think, act, and value the world around us.

Living Sacrifices: Christlike in Action

A renewed mind enables us to see the world and others through God’s perspective:

• We value people as Christ does, not as the world does.

• We align our priorities with God’s purposes, turning away from selfish ambition and worldly distractions.

Part of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is committing to this transformation. It’s not just about what we abstain from but about actively becoming more Christlike in how we interact with our fellow man and how we discern our role in God’s plan.

Unity in Diversity: Humility and Roles in the Body of Christ

Paul continues his appeal in Romans 12 with a warning that hits close to home for many of us:

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

Once again, Paul addresses the sin of pride. Scripture consistently warns us to guard against an inflated view of ourselves, yet the Body of Christ in the West is not immune to this temptation. Pride permeates every tradition—Evangelical, Charismatic, Reformed. How often do we see an attitude of superiority that looks down on those who worship differently or hold differing theological views?

The Danger of Pride in the Body of Christ

Paul’s words challenge us to evaluate ourselves according to God’s standards rather than by comparing ourselves to others. The temptation to measure our holiness or faith by our own benchmarks is a dangerous trap:

• “I’m holier because I’m better than they are.”

• “My theology is clearly superior to theirs.”

This mindset leads to self-righteousness and division, replacing God’s standards with our own. Jesus confronted this very issue when religious leaders criticized His disciples for not following their traditions, such as ritual handwashing before meals.

“Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3)

Traditions that exalt human pride above God’s commands are dangerous, which is why Paul urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Unity in Diversity: The Body of Christ

Paul reminds us that God has not made us all the same:

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5)

Each of us has been given unique roles and gifts to serve the Kingdom. Paul elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 12:

“If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?” (1 Corinthians 12:15-16)

Every part of the body is essential, and God has placed each member exactly where it pleases Him.

God’s Plan Is Bigger Than Us

God’s purposes are vast and often beyond our understanding. Our role is not to question why others are different or why their worship style varies from ours but to humble ourselves before the Lord.

Perhaps God has unique plans for Charismatics, Evangelical mega churches, and Reformed congregations alike. As believers, we must respect these differences and focus on serving God faithfully in our own callings.

Freedom to Worship

Our nation codified into law the principle that no one should interfere with a believer’s right to worship God according to their conscience. This legal protection mirrors the biblical principle of diversity within the Body of Christ: we are one body with many members, each fulfilling a unique role.

Paul’s words remind us that unity is not uniformity. True unity comes when we recognize our dependence on one another and submit to God’s greater plan. Humility allows us to see that our differences are not obstacles but opportunities to glorify God in ways we might never have imagined.

Using Our Gifts to the Glory of God

In Romans 12:6-8, Paul continues his message by providing specific instructions on how believers should use the gifts God has given them:

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

The Gift of Prophecy

Paul begins by encouraging those called to prophecy to do so boldly, according to the measure of their faith. But what does it mean to be called to prophesy?

1 Corinthians 14 provides clarity:

“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3)

Prophecy, according to Paul, is not merely foretelling future events but delivering Spirit-inspired messages that build up, encourage, and comfort others. This gift is vital because it strengthens the church and reveals God’s presence to both believers and unbelievers.

The Tension Between Traditions

As someone who came to faith in a charismatic church but now identifies more closely with the reformed tradition, I’ve seen firsthand the tension between these two streams of Christianity.

The reformed tradition often appeals to the intellect, emphasizing theological rigor and discernment. The charismatic tradition, on the other hand, often speaks to the heart, focusing on experiential encounters with God. Unfortunately, this difference has led to divisions, with some in the reformed camp labeling charismatics as heretics for their emphasis on spiritual gifts like prophecy.

But Paul’s analogy of the body reminds us:

“Shall the intellect say to the emotions, I have no need of you?”

Both traditions have something to offer the Body of Christ, and both can benefit from the humility to recognize God’s work in one another.

Serving with Excellence

Paul goes on to address other gifts and callings, encouraging believers to use them to the best of their ability:

• If you’re called to minister, do it well.

• If you’re called to teach, teach with dedication.

• If you’re called to give, give generously and with simplicity.

• If you’re called to lead, lead diligently.

• If you’re called to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Whatever your gift, the command is clear: give your best in service to the Lord.

Paul echoes this in Colossians 3:23-24:

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

The Bigger Picture

God’s plan for His church is vast and multifaceted. Not everyone has the same gifts, but all gifts are essential. Whether you are called to prophecy, teach, lead, or show mercy, your role is critical to the functioning of the Body of Christ.

The key is humility and faithfulness:

• Humility to recognize that your gift is part of a larger whole.

• Faithfulness to use your gift wholeheartedly, knowing that you serve the Lord Christ.

When we embrace our unique callings and work together in unity, the church becomes the living, breathing Body of Christ—a testament to God’s glory and a light to the world. Let us strive to use our gifts not for self-promotion but for the edification of others and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Loving Without Pretending: A Call to Authentic Christian Living

Romans 12:9 is a verse tailor-made for the times we live in:

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

Real Love: More Than Words

Paul calls us to love others genuinely—without pretending or hiding behind a facade. True love is more than words or sentiments; it’s active, sacrificial, and transformative.

Imagine if the Body of Christ embraced this kind of love within the context of what we’ve already discussed:

• Living holy lives that reflect God’s standards.

• Avoiding conformity to the world while renewing our minds.

• Humbling ourselves and valuing others.

If we truly loved others in actions and not just in words, how different would the church look? How much more attractive would the Gospel be to a watching world?

Hating Evil and Holding Onto Good

The second half of the verse is just as challenging:

• “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

To hate evil and hold onto good, we must first discern what is evil and what is good. This discernment requires grounding in God’s Word and a transformed mind.

Our nation has fallen into the tragic inversion of this principle:

• We have learned to love evil and hate good.

• This reversal is evidence of how far we have turned from God.

The Challenge of Loving People Who Love Evil

Paul’s command to hate evil while loving others is not easy. How do we love people when they are consumed by evil? How do we maintain compassion without compromising truth?

The world struggles to balance these two ideas. On one hand, there’s the “tolerance is love” camp, which often excuses sin in the name of acceptance. On the other hand, there are those whose hearts grow hardened and bitter in response to the overwhelming evil in the world.

But Romans 12:2 gives us the key:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

A mature Christian understands that:

• Love is not tolerance. Love seeks the best for others, even if it means confronting sin.

• Hating evil does not mean hating people. We can detest the sin without abandoning the sinner.

As Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is a time and place for everything. A transformed mind enables us to walk this delicate balance.

Loving the Body of Christ

Paul continues with another crucial instruction:

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” (Romans 12:10)

Sometimes, believers show more grace to nonbelievers than to their own brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul urges us to honor and prefer one another within the Body of Christ. When we treat fellow believers with dignity, respect, and love, we not only strengthen the church but also make the Gospel more compelling to those outside it.

Living with Enthusiasm and Generosity

Paul concludes this section with practical advice for how we should live:

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:11-13)

• Don’t be lazy. Serve the Lord with enthusiasm and joy.

• Stay hopeful and patient. When trials come, remember that God wins in the end.

• Be generous. Meet the needs of other believers and practice hospitality.

A Vision for the Church

If the Body of Christ truly lived out these verses—loving sincerely, hating evil, honoring one another, and serving with joy—how different would the church be? How much more would the world take notice of the Gospel lived out in action?

Paul’s words are not just a checklist but a call to transformation. Let us commit to living this out, both within the church and in the world, so that we reflect the love, holiness, and truth of our Lord.

Conclusion:

Paul’s message in Romans 12 challenges us to live lives that are holy, humble, and united as the Body of Christ. It’s a call to transformation—rejecting conformity to the world while embracing God’s will. This transformation isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about becoming vessels of God’s love, truth, and grace in a broken world.

As we navigate the complexities of faith in times of social and political turmoil, we must remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ. By presenting ourselves as living sacrifices and renewing our minds, we can reflect His character and bring His light into a dark and divided culture.

Let us live out the principles of Romans 12 with fervor:

• Love genuinely—without pretense or conditions.

• Abhor evil and cleave to what is good.

• Honor one another with humility, recognizing the beauty of diversity in the Body of Christ.

• Use our gifts with diligence and joy, not for self-promotion but for God’s glory.

In a world desperate for hope, the church has a unique opportunity to shine. When we live as transformed followers of Christ—united in love, unwavering in truth, and zealous in service—we embody the Gospel in action.

The question is: will we answer the call? Let us renew our minds, commit to holiness, and, through our unity and love, proclaim the transformative power of the Gospel to a watching world.