I understand a recent Conference Meeting took place with representatives from Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths, to discuss common grounds on which they could all agree. The theme of the conference, “You Don’t Need To Believe In Jesus To Get To Heaven”. The world is looking for ways to please their concept of God, acceptable to them, rather than the way God has already said is the only way acceptable to Him. How can we truly have a relationship with God and do all He desires in our lives? This verse will help us to understand how.

Our text begins with “I beseech or urge you by the mercies of God”. Paul’s argument is this. In view of all God has done for us, shown in Romans, chapters 1 to 11, it is our “reasonable” or rational service to respond accordingly. In chapters 1 to 11 we have the explanation of what God has done for us, in chapters 12 to 16 we have the application or what is to be our response to His mercies. Here are four steps in living a life that is pleasing to Him:

Our society thinks in just the opposite way. That’s evident from the title of some of the popular magazines today. Titles like, Me, Ego, Self, just to mention a few. The world centers on gratification of self not the sacrifice of self. God says giving our lives to Him is the way to a meaningful life experience. A “living sacrifice” is one dead to self, but alive to God and dedicated to His service. God accepts all who come to Him through His Son Jesus. (John 1:12) “As many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God” Our goal following salvation is to glorify God in our lifestyle, our testimony and our ministry or service. The only possible way to do it is found in (Galatians 2:20) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Submit yourself to Jesus and allow Him to live through you each day.

The word “conformed” means molded to or like. (James 4:4) says friendship with the world means enmity, hostility or hatred of God. You cannot serve two masters. The Christian is to seek spiritual not earthly rewards. We break the mold of the world by submitting to God’s work in and through us. (Phil 2:12,13) “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Our activities need to be under the control of God’s Spirit working in us. Submission is an act of the will. Today, will you say, “God, here I am, use me” Will you allow God to work in you to conform you to His will?

This tells of the need for transformation to get our minds under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For that to happen there must be renewal or renovation. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, “The mind is the control center of our attitudes, thoughts, feelings and actions.” How do we bring it under the Spirit’s control? One way is by prayer or communication with God everyday. Another is by Bible study, meditating on the truths God reveals in His word. Renewal also comes by fellowship with other believers and with God Himself. Our goal should be to let God work in our minds and hearts in as many ways as possible to make us more like His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

To “prove” is to document or show validity. God has promised to meet our every need. In (Phil 4:13) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. In (Phil 4:19) “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” These are just two verses of literally hundreds that promise God’s help. As we resolve to seek God’s will, He promises to meet our needs. The perfect plan of life is found in pursuing God’s will. That’s why God has given us His word that we may know what His will is. Our generation is saturated with sin and lost in spiritual darkness. Are we willing to be salt and light that they may see God’s will working in our lives and glorify our Father in Heaven? (Mat 5:13-16)

I read of a young woman who enrolled in a weight-reducing program. Her instructor drew an outline on a mirror in the gym and told her he wanted her to fit in those lines. Everyday, following her exercise, she would compare her image to the one drawn on the mirror. Months went by, but one day, she found that the two images were the same, much to her and her instructors delight. Here we have the outline of God’s will for our lives. Are we willing to follow His instructions that we may conform to the image of His Son and know that we are living a life that pleases Him. God bless.