The following post is an excerpt of my nonfiction Biblical study series, “The Social Gospel Teaching Series Vol. 3: the apostle Paul by Minister Paul J. Bern

How to Keep and Maintain the Mind of Jesus Christ

(Romans chapter 12)

Today in our continuing series of studies of the book of Romans, we will move on to chapter 12. In this chapter, the apostle Paul talks about how we can initiate fundamental change from within ourselves for our own good. He then explains how this renewal of self can affect our place within the entire community of believers, as well as for the good of everyone else. He then goes on to outline how this personal renewal in Christ — for the sake of our relationship with Christ — applies to our everyday lives and what we as responsible Christians can do to cause this personal renewal manifest itself. I will now begin with verse one.

“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.” (Romans 12: verses 1–2)

We are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God in the same way that Christ offered…