The Presentation of Ourselves

What does it mean to belong?  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  52:14
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At Sinai the people (Israel) presented themselves to God for a very intense personal encounter in which God bound Himself to them as a people and they were transformed and became His people. Paul now tells us to present ourselves for transformation which will prepare us to be His messengers.

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Our theme for 2020 has been “Seeing Spiritually.”
We are learning to see from God’s perspective and to understand what God is doing.
About two months ago, we covered the first half of Paul’s letter to the Romans (Romans 1-8) in a series entitled “What does it mean to believe?”
We discovered that believing involves a supernatural encounter with Christ that transforms us into the people that God made us to be.
You no longer belong to yourself; you belong to Christ!
So the question changes from--What does it mean to believe? to-- What does it mean to belong?
God chose a people through whom He would reveal Himself to the world.
God chose Israel to be the line through which He would fulfill His promise - the Messiah.
Lat week we learned that God had expanded His people to include the Gentiles; and that, Jews and Gentiles would ultimately partner together to spread the Good News of Christ.
We learned that we are all messengers through which God will convey His message to the world.
What does it take to become a messenger?
The Jews already had a sense of identity in this regard. They knew that they were to be “The People of God” - God’s messengers, although they didn’t always act like it.
I think that Paul realize that the Gentiles also needed this sense of identity. He tells them to present themselves.
Two years ago this week, Karie and I were married. The first part of the ceremony, after the processional is called “the presentation of the bride.” Her fathered walks her down the isle and then the minister asked, “who gives this woman to be married to this man?” He replied, “her mother and I do.” At that moment she was released from their authority and was freed to be joined to me as her husband.
Paul’s language is very intentional.
Israel also had a moment at Sinai where they presented themselves before God.
Exodus 19:17–18 ESV
17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.
The children of Israel bound themselves in covenant with God.
The whole event (Exodus 19,25) was much like a wedding with symbols and vows being exchanged.
At Sinai the people (Israel) presented themselves to God for a very intense personal encounter in which God bound Himself to them as a people and they were transformed and became His people.
As Gentile believers (or as Jews who now have a fuller understanding through Christ) Paul tells us to present ourselves for transformation which will prepare us to be His messengers.
He starts out by saying “present your bodies” but if you look at the context it is much more than just our bodies that God wants.
Our bodies represent the whole package. More specifically, God wants our abilities, our attitudes and ultimately our allegiance.

Presenting our abilities

Romans 12:1–2 ESV
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Have your mind renewed to recognize truth.
Last week we talked bout God’s message as being truth.
It is bigger than you are; God’s truth with go forth even if you fail to deliver it, even if you mess it up or get it wrong.
God will find another way, another messenger or another means to get His message across, but you will miss out on a blessing.
I believe God has already factored in our inconsistency when He chose us to be His messengers.
He doesn’t use perfect people, but willing people.
If you are willing, then let yourself be taught to recognize what is true.
We know that God is undoing the effects of the fall.
We are broken people living in a messed-up world, but that is not where God is taking us.
God is remaking us into His image through Christ.
So then use your imagination to see what God intends for you to be.
Let the Word of God tell you who you are and who you were meant to be.
This is going to take some time and some trial and error.
The word that is translated “that testing you may discern” is a term that describes a process by which the composition of metals can be determined.
Literally, it means “see at what temperature they melt to know what they are made of.”
Do you know your own heart and mind? What are you made of?
Some of your thinking is not going to pass the test.
We already learned that our pride and self-righteousness are not going to make the cut.
When it seems like we are falling apart, that is when we are in a position to discover God’s strength.
God loves you, that much is true.
Remember to “let go and let God.”
Romans 12:3 ESV
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Adjust your expectations to match God’s assignment.
Here is a good tip when life becomes overwhelming: Know what is expected of you and what is not expected of you.
Remember we talked about striving as not being part of the Gospel?
The goal is to let God work in you and through you.
We are prone to extremes
If you know that you are called of God then the temptation is to try to be the saviour of the world.
The other extreme is the worm mentality. “How could You God use little old me?”
The truth is that we are all God’s people in a partnership with God and with each other.
We all have a part to play and we do it best when each one knows and does their part.
We all have a part by faith. Part = metron in Greek. It’s our field of ministry or sphere of influence.
A measure of faith means that we are not the only covenant partner with God - He has other partners.
Romans 12:4–8 ESV
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Understand the personality that God gave you and know where you fit.
This is one of three places in Scripture where spiritual gifts are listed.
This list is called the “motivational gifts.”
Prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting (encouragement), generosity, leadership and mercy (or empathy)
For the most part, these are natural abilities that we all have, but which differ from one another according to our individual personality.
Consider that God created each one of us good and with a redemptive plan and purpose for our lives.
Now combine that with the fact that we are made alive in Christ and are being restored to God’s original design for our lives.
That means that each inherent ability becomes a spirit-empowered gift when we come alive in Christ.
The fact that we are all messenger and are in a partnership to spread the Gospel does not mean we all have the same role.
God will use our individual personalities to each uniquely reflect something about Himself.
Recognize who God made you to be as His grace, literally His favor in your life.
Who you are is a gift of God to the world around you!

Presenting our attitudes

Underlying our thoughts are certain attitudes which actually represent beliefs about God, others and ourselves.
As our minds are renewed, our whole posture toward others will need to change.
Now that you know God loves you, is that just you or is it also others around you?
Romans 12:9–13 ESV
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Honor the uniqueness of others.
Belonging does not mean uniformity.
Yes we are united in love and in purpose, but we are also unique as individuals and God made us that way.
The beauty of the gospel is that God honors our individuality.
He wants people who are as different and unique as the snowflakes or the stars.
And each of us reflects something of His glory.
If we reflect that love then to be consistent, we should have the same appreciation and honor for every other person that God has created.
And love must be voluntary if it is to be love at all.
God refuses to control us, but He allows us to make choices, even choices that grieve Him.
God is not the power-hungry leader that most of us would become if given the opportunity.
He truly loves each one, truly honors the image of God in each of us and truly restores us to fellowship with Himself and each other.
What if we were as eager to honor as we would be to control?
What if giving and generosity flowed from our very being as it does from God?
What if we were as quick to hope as we are to be suspicious?
What if we had such confidence, such a strong mind and spirit that we could face the most insurmountable odds knowing that it is all part of a greater plan?
Once you know the goodness of God, you can more easily identify evil.
You will see both in yourself at times and you have to choose to allow God to take from you what is not of Him and give you His heart for people.
Bless those who disagree with you.
Romans 12:14–18 ESV
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
I can’t help but think of the election when I read these verses. We have such strong feelings and opinions about our candidates, and truly there is much at stake. But if we lash out at people who are being arrogant or mean, we risk becoming just like them. We’re tempted to say, “I told you so” or gloat when we are right. Is that really helpful?
Both good and evil are contagious.
If you react out of your human nature to a person who is being manipulative, deceptive or malicious you may pick up their spirit and without realizing it, you’re playing right into the enemy’s scheme.
Often we respond by putting up our guard toward other people, but if we are to infect them with the love of God then we need to open our hearts to them. We need to empathize; be willing to feel their joy and/ or sorrow.
We need to approach relationships with humility that lifts others up.
As for those demonic attacks, when you know what you are up against, you need to purpose to act in a opposite spirit.
Deal with those who offend you in a way that represents God to them.
Romans 12:19–21 ESV
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Remember you are a messenger. You represent God.
That means that if someone is attacking you, it may really be an attack on God and God can take care of it.
On the other hand, when we are attacked it may just be the other person acting out of their own pain or insecurity.
In that case, attacking back is only going to produce more of the same damage.
While loving your enemies is contrary to human nature, it is the trademark of God’s nature.
Remember, we were once God’s enemies and God loves us!
The whole “heaping coals upon the head” thing is so misunderstood.
Paul is quoting Psalm 25:21-22 where the phrase is used in parallel with giving food and water.
Giving the means to cook food and purify water would complete the generous gift of sustenance.
It is a clever play on words, because the Psalmist speaks of raining down fiery coals on the heads of his enemies. (Ps 140:10)
People carry things on their heads. Coals would be carried in a ceramic vessel with a ring of cloth on the head for protection.
So it really means to bless, especially when we don’t feel like blessing someone.
You might feel like calling down God’s judgement on your enemies.
However, God’s judgement may be to give your enemy mercy, just as you received mercy.
If you want to know what God’s heart is for another, just ask Him?
Pray and ask God to help you to see that difficult person the way that He sees them.
Now, since your job is to represent God, ask God what He wants you to do for that person.

Presenting our allegiance

Romans 13:1–7 ESV
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Remember Paul is writing this to Romans.
Roman governors were not godly people.
The Jews had been unjustly accused and kicked out of Rome.
The main issue here seems to be taxes.
But taxes are a form of allegiance, so that needs to be addressed.
Rule #1 - God is the ultimate authority.
God created the world and everything in it.
Everything comes from Him and everything finds its fulfillment in Him.
Jesus is Lord of Heaven and earth.
He is here to restore the Kingdom of God; all rule and authority back to the One to whom it rightfully belongs.
Does that mean that as the “People of God” we are exempt from human governments and institutions of authority?
Rule # 2 - God works through human authority.
The short answer is, “no.” God honors and even works through human authority.
God honors our human will. He operates through lines of authority.
That includes the authorities that we recognize and put in place.
It is a Biblical principle that is you want to exercise authority, you need to be under authority.
Anarchy and chaos are not of God.
In Scripture chaos = evil and order = righteousness.
It is better to have a flawed system of government than to live under mob rule.
Authority in the general sense is appointed by God.
I don’t believe that every person is hand-picked by God.
You don’t have to like the person to respect the office.
Respecting the office means respecting the role that person plays regardless of how well you feel they perform that role.
We should want our leaders to succeed in their roles because it will go better for us if they are able to do their jobs well.
God sometimes appoints, or rather allows ungodly rulers to rise to power.
He will even use ungodly people to accomplish His purposes.
His purpose may be to expose the evil principalities behind these rulers by allowing them to act out their evil plans.
Even dictators want to be seen as kind and benevolent.
Many have insisted that their people call them Papa or other terms of endearment.
Evil rulers are eventually overthrown when they are seen for what they really are.
Rule # 3 - If human authority becomes corrupt, refer to rule #1.
Note that Christians are never told not to flee injustice nor to comply if asked to do anything dishonest or indecent.
Authority is appointed by God,
The assumption is that most rulers at least intend to to what is right for their people, even though their sinful human nature means they will not do it perfectly.
But there are also evil times predicted in the Bible which also speaks of rulers coming to power which will embody pure evil.
At times like these, and they may come in our lifetime, just know that God is stetting the stage for the visible, physical return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
God is going to redeem and restore the world, but we may have to clear a few hurdles on the way to victory.
The bottom line is this:
We are presenting ourselves to God.
We are presenting our abilities: our minds, our skills and our bodies to be used of God for His purpose.
We are presenting our attitudes to let God turn the tables on the enemy who would like to get us into fear, jealousy or hatred.
We are going to let God love through us!
We are going to present our allegiance to God by lifting up our earthly rulers and giving them the best possible chance for success.
But ultimately, our confidence is not in people, but in God’s ability to work through whomever He chooses.
Yes, even us.

Questions for reflection:

Take a moment to present yourself before the Lord. is there any part of yourself that you are holding back? Is there something that God is asking for? What would you offer to the Lord today?
Check your heart. What is emanating from you? Is it jealousy, fear, hatred or love? Are people or circumstances getting to you? Turn it over to God and let His Spirit respond through you.
How are you with authority? Do you have difficulty trusting authority? Do you have difficulty trusting God? If you choose to submit to God’s authority, what might He be able to trust you to do?
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