02: Formational Mind
"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. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
(Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
Date: 56 AD
Writer: Apostle Paul
The Context
The book of Romans was written to a church that Paul did not establish. It is believed that he was writing to various members of the house churches in Rome, as he had many friends there. In the 1st century, the population in Rome was very large and diverse between Jews and Gentiles. In 49 AD, Emperor Claudius ordered and edict to expel the Jews from Rome because he felt like they were creating too many disturbances. More than likely, these disturbances occurred when the Gospel of Jesus was being preached at Jewish synagogues. After Claudius' death (about three years later), Jews began returning to Rome but to a much different landscape. To help dispel the tension, Paul sent the letter to declare the Gospel as the source of reconciliation.
The Book
The book of Romans is regarded as Christianity's first "theology textbook", full of details and guidelines for Christian living. The overall story arc focuses on God's' wrath and righteousness, the hope and glory of God, God's election of Israel, Life in Christ, and Paul's mission. Paul wanted to share some of the essential elements of the Christian faith. He wanted the community to have a very clear understanding of the Gospel.
The Text
Within verses 1-2, Paul appeals to believers to "present their bodies as a living sacrifice", and to exhibit love of God through sacrifice and virtue. This is interesting to note because in the Old Testament, sacrifice was offered through consecration and killing of animals in the temple. However, in the New Testament, the appeal is for believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, as Jesus did. Also, the presentation of the body is a reference to the "whole" person, not just the physical aspects, which includes the mind.
The Relevance
This text is a guiding light within the formational journey because it speaks to the transformation that occurs within our minds and bodies. Christian life is marked by, "inner transformation that yields conformity to the will of God." Thus, a renewed mind is essential, as it is the fertile ground of discernment. The gift of discernment "enables the community to separate the important from the trivial, the genuine from the bogus, good from evil." The hope and prayer is for discernment and to be able to discern the will of God.
The Witness
As I mentioned in the "Formational Spirit" blog, after a while, I began to sense that God heard my prayer, and I started to get very hungry. I ordered a new devotional book (one of my favorites to the day), and a new Bible, and started digging in to Psalms and Proverbs every night. Six months after my daughter was born, I went back to work at a law firm. Given the economic climate at the time, I was grateful to have found a new position fairly quickly. The office was really quiet, which was amazing, because I needed alot of time and space to figure out what was going on with me. Journaling became my best friend. When I wasn't working or taking care of my daughter, I was reading a book about God and faith. On my daily commute on the train, I spent every second listening to sermons and taking notes. This new chapter had unearthed so many questions, and I was searching for holy answers. Through that process, my mind was being renewed. At the time, I was just hungry for God's word and God's presence -- seeking His face, seeking His will.
Resources
Attridge, The HarperCollins Study Bible
Gaventa, The New Interpreter's Bible One Volume Commentary
Harrelson, The New Interpreter's Study Bible
Powell, The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary