Living as Followers of Jesus: A Deep Dive into Romans 12:1-2

How do we live as followers of Jesus? This question is fundamental for those of us who have responded to the gospel and claim to be Christ's followers. It’s about more than just attending church or identifying as a Christian; it’s about understanding what it truly means to be in Christ. This exploration will help us grasp the significance of our faith and the transformative power of living a Christ-centered life.

Understanding the Gospel

First off, let's clarify what it means to be in Christ. Many people have heard the phrase "trust Jesus as Savior," and while this is a crucial part of the message, it’s only part of a larger picture. The church has often excelled at making converts but has struggled to make disciples. This is not merely about getting people to pray a prayer; it’s about understanding that we need Jesus not just because we are sinful, but because we are spiritually dead. True life comes through faith in Christ.

In Ephesians 1, Paul reminds us that in Christ, we have redemption through His blood and forgiveness of sins. This is the essence of the gospel: that God sent Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sins. When we put our faith in Him, we are forgiven and set free. However, this is only one side of the coin. The other side is the call to follow Jesus as Lord.

The Two Sides of the Coin: Savior and Lord

Being a follower of Christ involves both trusting Him as Savior and submitting to Him as Lord. This dual aspect is often overlooked. We may claim to trust Jesus, but if there is no desire to follow Him, obey Him, or surrender our lives to Him, we need to question our understanding of what it means to be in Christ.

Jesus Himself said in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This call to obedience is not about perfection; rather, it’s about a genuine desire to live according to His will. It’s about demonstrating our love for Him through our actions.

The Importance of Discipleship

Many people have a superficial understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. They might say, "I prayed the prayer," but their lives remain unchanged. This disconnect can lead to frustration. The key to overcoming this is engaging in real-life discipleship. Discipleship is the process of growing in our relationship with Christ and being transformed by His teachings.

As we navigate our faith, we must remember that following Jesus involves a lifelong commitment, not just a one-time decision. Paul emphasizes in Romans that our lives should reflect a heart of worship in response to God's mercy. He urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true worship (Romans 12:1).

Living Sacrifices: What Does That Mean?

To present our bodies as living sacrifices means to surrender our entire selves to God. This is not just about physical actions; it involves our thoughts, desires, and ambitions. It’s a holistic commitment to God’s will for our lives. Paul contrasts this with the culture around us, urging us not to conform but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

This transformation is essential for discerning God’s will. It requires a daily commitment to seek Him and understand His ways. The process of renewal involves spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and being in community with other believers who can encourage us in our walk.

Obedience as Evidence of Our Faith

Obedience is the evidence that we are truly in Christ. If we claim to know Him but do not keep His commandments, we are lying to ourselves (1 John 2:4). This is a hard truth, but it’s essential for understanding the depth of our relationship with God. True discipleship involves a commitment to live according to His teachings, even when it’s challenging.

It’s easy to label ourselves as Christians, but what sets us apart is our willingness to live as Christ followers. This means actively seeking to do His will and reflect His character in our daily lives. It’s about more than just avoiding sin; it’s about pursuing righteousness and embodying the love of Christ in our interactions with others.

Being Set Apart: The Call to Holiness

Paul’s exhortation to not be conformed to this world challenges us to live differently. As followers of Christ, we are called to be set apart. This doesn’t mean isolating ourselves from the world, but rather engaging with it in a way that reflects our faith and values. We must navigate the tensions of living in a culture that often contradicts our beliefs.

What does it look like to be set apart? It involves making choices that honor God, even when they are unpopular. It means being a light in the darkness, demonstrating love, kindness, and patience in a world that often lacks these virtues. The way we live should provoke curiosity in others, leading them to ask about the hope we have in Christ.

The Process of Transformation

Transformation is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process. Paul emphasizes the need for the renewal of our minds, which allows us to discern what is good and pleasing to God (Romans 12:2). This renewal happens as we spend time in God's Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions.

As we engage with Scripture, we begin to see the world through God’s perspective. We learn to recognize the lies of our culture and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. This is where true transformation occurs, leading to a life that reflects Christ’s character.

Conclusion: A Life of Worship

In conclusion, living as a follower of Jesus means embracing both the call to trust Him as Savior and to follow Him as Lord. It involves a commitment to discipleship, where our lives are marked by obedience, surrender, and transformation. Our worship is not confined to moments in a church service; it’s a lifestyle that reflects our love for God and our desire to make Him known to others.

Let us strive to be living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God, and let our lives be a testament to His grace and mercy. In doing so, we fulfill the call to love God, love people, and make disciples, living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives.