The Transformed Life: Embracing God’s Power to Break Strongholds
Sunday is the best day of the week! And no, it’s not because of football— the Dallas Cowboys let me down too often anyway. There’s something far more special happening in God’s house. In the midst of challenges, trials, and storms, God is doing a great work. We’ve seen it with our own eyes—strongholds of addiction that the enemy had built so high and fiercely defended, broken by the grace, power, and love of God.
In this room, there are people who were once trapped—addicted to drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual immorality, or even the relentless pursuit of money. But here’s the incredible news: God provided a way out. Those chains have been broken!
“You are tempted in the same way all other human beings are. God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted more than you can handle. But when you are tempted, He will give you a way out.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Baptism Sunday - Sept 29th
Next Sunday, we will witness over 15 people professing their faith in Christ through baptism—testifying that God saved their lives and that Jesus is King. This is nothing short of miraculous. It’s a testament to the fact that God destroys the strongholds of the enemy and that no matter what storm you are in, God has a plan to rescue you.
God’s Call to Transformation
Maybe you're struggling today, feeling stuck in a storm of your own making, or perhaps life dealt you a bad hand. No matter the cause, the truth remains that God loves you, knows your name, and created you in His image. He desires a relationship with you, and He’s calling you to trust Him.
The foundation of today’s message:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Romans 12:1-2
This is the transformed life in Christ. It’s the best decision you can make.
What Does It Mean to Live as a Living Sacrifice?
In Romans, the apostle Paul lays out the deepest theological truths about human sin and God’s redemptive work through Christ. Here, in chapter 12, Paul shifts from theology to practical application—how to live in light of this truth.
When Paul talks about offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, he’s not suggesting we physically sacrifice ourselves like in the Old Testament. Instead, he’s calling us to a life of spiritual worship—a life lived in daily service to God, reflecting His grace and mercy in all we do.
It’s like a child making a simple card for their parent to say “thank you” for lunch. The parent’s love doesn’t increase because of the gesture, but their heart is warmed by the expression of love and respect. Similarly, God is already committed to us. Living as a sacrifice is simply our response—returning a portion of the love and devotion God has shown us.
Rejecting the World’s Ways
In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Our culture today is full of confusion about identity. Whether it's race, gender, or sexuality, society insists these are the core of who we are. But Scripture reminds us that we are made in the image of God, and our true identity is as children of God. This identity is unshakeable, grounded in the love and purpose He has for each of us.
To live as a living sacrifice means we reject anything that doesn’t align with God’s Word. Our goal isn’t to chase after the fleeting approval of the world, but to walk faithfully in the truth that God has revealed.
The Transformation of the Mind
True transformation begins in the mind. It’s not about cleaning ourselves up or “getting it all together” before coming to God. God reaches into the mess of our lives and transforms us from the inside out. This renewal changes how we think, how we feel, and how we live. Jesus Himself said in
Matthew 23:26
“First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside may also be clean.”
We often hear people say, “I can’t come to church—I don’t have my life together.” But that’s not what salvation is about. Salvation is about God forgiving us, reaching down into the filth of our hearts, and transforming us into new creatures who love Him and want to do His will. This inward change naturally flows outward, shaping our actions and choices.
Discovering God’s Will
Paul concludes verse 2 by saying that as we are transformed, we will be able to “test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The more we grow in our relationship with Christ, the more we are able to discern His will for our lives. We’re not left guessing whether we’re on the right path—God, through the Holy Spirit, guides us, helping us make choices that align with His purposes.
Living the Transformed Life
Living as a living sacrifice isn’t easy. It means offering every moment of every day to God—aligning our dreams and desires with His. The world tells us to chase what makes us happy, to follow our hearts, but Scripture calls us to something greater: to follow Christ.
The beautiful truth is this: Jesus is our perfect example of a living sacrifice. He lived a life of humility and service, rejected the sinful ways of the world, and followed the will of the Father in everything He did. Jesus not only showed us how to live, but He also offers grace when we stumble along the way.
Final Thoughts
If you want to live a transformed life, you need to look to Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Pray that God will help you shift your desires from what the world offers to what He desires for you. Ask Him to guide you, strengthen you, and help you fall more in love with the heart of Jesus every day.
Transformation starts from the inside and works its way outward. And when you trust in Christ, that’s exactly what He’ll do—He will transform your life.
