Has the world’s influence shaped your thoughts and actions more than you’d like? It’s time to experience true renewal in Christ.

In “Renewed Mind: Transforming Our Thoughts,” Pastor Adam Burton dives deep into Romans 12:1-2, challenging us to present ourselves as living sacrifices and resist the world’s pressures. This message emphasizes daily surrender to God and the renewal of our minds through His Word. Pastor Adam explores how transformation begins with our thoughts and leads to living out God’s perfect will. Whether you’re battling the world’s influence or seeking clarity on God’s purpose for your life, this sermon offers practical steps to spiritual renewal.

Introduction

Have you ever really thought about what it means to offer your life to God? I’m not talking about just going through the motions. No, I mean giving it all—your whole self. When we think of sacrifices, we probably imagine something intense, like altars, fire, and something final. But what if God isn’t asking for a one-time, final sacrifice, but a living one? Something that’s ongoing.

That’s what Paul is talking about in Romans chapter 12. He says that you and I, we are the sacrifices—not just once, but every day.

For the past few weeks, we’ve been on this journey together, talking about what it means to be renewed, right? Renewed in our faith, in our hearts. And today, we’re talking about renewing our minds.

Let’s be honest—in a world that’s constantly pulling us in different directions, that sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? But when Paul talks about being a living sacrifice, I kind of get it. It sounds a little overwhelming. Like, really? Can’t we just do this one big sacrifice thing and be done with it?

Now, imagine being a Christian in ancient Rome. You’re surrounded by temples and sacrifices that were final. Once it was done, it was over. But then Paul comes along and flips this whole idea on its head:

“No, your whole life is a sacrifice.”

And it’s not a one-time thing.

The Present Reality

Here we are today. We’re not in ancient Rome, but we are in a world that is constantly trying to shape us—whether it’s social media, work, or just the hustle of life. The world has its own version of worship. It tells us to chase success, money, and comfort. But Paul says:

“Don’t conform to that. Be transformed. Let your mind be renewed.”

The Challenge

So how do we live this out? How do we resist the world’s influence and let God transform us? Well, that’s what we’re going to explore today as we continue on this journey of spiritual renewal.

We’ll walk through four key steps. But the main idea I want you to walk away with is this:

Renew your mind to live out God’s will in every part of your life.

As we go through this, I want you to think about where you are on this journey:

• Are you ready to offer yourself as a living sacrifice?
• Are you willing to let God renew your mind, even in the day-to-day grind of life?

Today, we’ll dive into what that looks like and how it can change everything.

I. Present Yourself to God

Our first point is to present yourself to God. This is the first step on our journey, and it’s simple. Paul begins this passage in Romans 12 by saying:

“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.”

Let’s pause for a moment. What does it mean to present yourself as a living sacrifice? This isn’t just symbolic language. Paul is talking about total surrender—your thoughts, your actions, your desires, your relationships—everything. And here’s the kicker: it’s not a one-time deal. It’s something we do every single day, right?

Think back to the sacrifices in the Old Testament, where the Israelites would bring their animals to the altar, and the high priest would kill it. That sacrifice was over—done, complete. But Paul is saying:

“Hold on. It’s not about a one-and-done sacrifice. It’s a daily, continuous surrender.”

A Story of Everyday Surrender

Let me tell you a story. There was a little boy who wanted to do something big for God. He thought maybe he would give away all his toys or save up his money and donate it to the church or missionaries. He got so excited about doing something huge for God that he missed the point. His dad sat him down and said:

“Son, God isn’t looking for one big thing. He’s watching how you love Him in the small, everyday moments.”

Isn’t that true for us? Sometimes we think we have to do something grand to show God how serious we are. But in reality, God isn’t asking for a big, dramatic gesture. He’s asking for our everyday faithfulness—the little decisions to live for Him when no one else is watching.

The Big Question

So here’s the big question for us: Have you really offered yourself to God? This is where renewal starts—when we hand over our lives to Him. It’s not easy because it takes surrender. It means letting go of control and saying:

“God, my life is Yours.”

Practical Steps

Now, how does this look practically? Tomorrow morning, when you wake up, take a moment. Instead of jumping right into the craziness of the day, just stop and offer your day to God. Say:

“Lord, this day is Yours. Use me however You want. Guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions.”

Then, as you go throughout the day—in those little choices like how you respond to a tough situation, how you treat someone who annoys you, or how you spend your time—remember that you’ve already given it to God. It’s like marriage. You don’t just say, “I love you,” on your wedding day and expect that to last for 20 years. You show love every day through the little things.

It’s the same with God. We don’t just offer ourselves once and say, “Hey God, I’m good.” No, it’s a daily choice to say:

“God, I’m Yours.”

Paul calls this your spiritual worship. And real worship isn’t just about singing or praying. It’s offering your whole life to God. Your work, your relationships, your decisions—everything is meant to be an act of worship.

The Challenge

So here’s the challenge: Are you living a life that is holy and acceptable to God? Not just in the big moments, but in the little everyday ones? That’s where transformation starts—in daily surrender.

Now, let’s move on to the second step of our journey: resisting the world’s influence.

II. Resist the World’s Influence

In Romans 12:2, Paul says:

“Do not be conformed to this world.”

That’s a bold statement, isn’t it? Paul isn’t just offering a casual suggestion—he’s giving us a warning. Don’t let the world press you into its mold. And let’s be honest, the world is really good at shaping us without us even noticing.

The World’s Influence

Think about it. Every day, we’re hit with messages about what success looks like, what we should value, and how we should live. Whether it’s through social media, advertising, or even the conversations we have at work, the world is constantly influencing us. And here’s the thing—it’s so easy to get swept up in it. Before we know it, we’re chasing the same things everyone else is chasing: approval, status, comfort, and self-promotion. It’s like being caught in a current that slowly pulls you along without you realizing it.

Let me give you a little illustration. You know those molding sets where you push clay into a mold, and it comes out perfectly shaped? The clay doesn’t resist—it takes on whatever shape the mold gives it. That’s what Paul is warning us about. He’s saying:

“Don’t let the world do that to you.”
“Don’t let it shape you into its image.”

The World’s Molds

The world offers us all kinds of molds: – How we should look – How we should talk – How we should spend our time – How we should define success

If we’re not careful, we’ll end up pressed into those molds, living out the world’s version of life instead of God’s. But Paul doesn’t stop at the warning. He says:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

It’s not enough to resist the world’s influence—we need to let God transform us from the inside out.

Feeling the Pressure to Conform

So let’s get real for a second. How many of us have felt the pressure to conform, especially in this day and age when we’re bombarded by all kinds of media? You scroll through Instagram or Facebook, and suddenly you feel like you don’t measure up. Everyone else seems to have it all together—their families are perfect, their careers are thriving, and they’re going on amazing vacations.

But you know what you don’t see? You don’t see them first thing in the morning or when their kids are throwing a fit. We don’t see the problems because social media lets us pick and choose what we put out there. And here you are, feeling like:

“This is their whole life. I need to do more. I need to be more. I need to achieve more.”

That’s the world’s mold right there. The world tells us: – We are only what we accomplish – We’re defined by what others think of us – We’re defined by what we accumulate

And before we know it, we’re chasing those things instead of living in the freedom of Christ.

The Danger of Slowly Conforming

It’s like the old story of the frog in boiling water. If you drop a frog into hot water, it’ll jump out immediately. But if you put it in cool water and slowly turn up the heat, the frog will sit there and be cooked without realizing it’s in danger.

That’s what conforming to the world is like. It doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a slow, almost unnoticeable process. Little by little, we let the world’s values creep in. And before we know it, we’ve drifted far from where God wants us to be.

Reflection

So here’s the question: Where in your life do you feel the world pressing you into its mold? – Is it at work, where success is measured by what you accomplish? – Is it in your relationships, where you feel the need to be popular or well-liked? And that’s not just for kids and teenagers. – Or maybe it’s in your personal life, where you’re constantly trying to meet some unrealistic standard?

Practical Steps to Resist

Let’s talk about how we can resist the world’s influence in practical ways:

1. Recognize the molds you’re being pressed into and ask God to show you where you might be conforming without even realizing it.
2. Immerse yourself in God’s Word. The more we let God’s Word shape us, the less power the world has over us.
3. Be intentional about what’s influencing you. What are you watching, reading, and listening to? Are these things pointing you to God, or are they pulling you away?
4. Build a community of people who will encourage you to stand firm in your faith. When you’re surrounded by others walking the same path, it’s a lot easier to resist the world’s pressure and stay focused on what really matters.

The Challenge

So here’s the challenge: Stand firm. Don’t let the world mold you. Instead, let God’s Word shape your thoughts, your actions, and your values. Because when we resist the world’s influence, we make room for God to transform us from the inside out.

III. Renew Your Mind

Now we’ve come to the heart of Paul’s message: Renew your mind.

As Paul says:

“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

Friends, this is where real change happens. We’ve talked about presenting ourselves to God and resisting the world’s influence. But Paul is saying that it’s not enough to simply resist; we need to actively pursue transformation, and that transformation starts in our minds.

What Does Transformation Mean?

Let’s break this down. When you hear the word transformation, what do you think of? Sometimes we imagine something dramatic, like a total overnight change. But the kind of transformation Paul is talking about isn’t instant. It’s a process—a steady, ongoing renewal that begins with how we think.

Think of it like this: imagine your mind is like a house with a front door. Every day, different things knock on the door, asking to come in—advertisements, social media, the news, conversations, entertainment. But not everything that knocks should be allowed inside, right? If you’re not careful, your house can get filled with noise and clutter. That’s what happens to our minds when we aren’t intentional about what we let in. The world’s values—things like status, success, and self-gratification—start to pile up, and before we know it, they’ve taken over.

How to Renew Your Mind

So, how do we renew our minds? How do we make sure our thoughts are shaped by God’s truth and not the world’s noise?

1. Be mindful of what you’re consuming.
   What you fill your mind with will eventually shape your thoughts and influence your actions. Maybe it’s time to cut back on the things that feed worldly values and replace them with things that point you to God’s truth.
2. Practice discernment.
   Not every idea or opinion is worth your attention. There’s a lot of noise out there, but not everything aligns with God’s Word. Renewing your mind means filtering out those distractions and focusing on what is true, noble, and pure. The next time something doesn’t sit right with you, compare it with Scripture. Ask yourself, Does this reflect God’s values or the world’s values?
3. Guard your mind.
   How do we guard the gardens of our minds? By immersing ourselves in Scripture. The best way to guard your mind is to fill it with God’s Word. Scripture gives us the blueprint for how to think, and when we saturate our minds with it, we start to think the way God thinks. The world’s noise becomes easier to recognize.

• Practical Tip: Memorize a verse of Scripture each week that speaks to areas where you might be tempted to conform to the world. For example, if you struggle with fear, memorize 2 Timothy 1:7:
• “For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”
• When worldly ideas come knocking, you’ll be ready with the truth.

1. Limit negative influences.
   If there’s a source of negativity in your life—whether it’s a TV show, a social media platform, or even a group of people—take stock of how that affects your thoughts. Sometimes the best way to renew your mind is to cut out those things that are dragging you down.

The Challenge

So here’s the challenge for us today: Are you being intentional about guarding your mind? Are you paying attention to what you’re letting in through the door of your thoughts? This week, take a hard look at what’s influencing you. Are you letting the world’s values creep in, or are you allowing God’s truth to shape your thinking?

Remember, transformation starts in the mind, and it happens through what we let in. So guard it well, protect the truth, and watch how God renews you from the inside out.

IV. Live Out God’s Will

Now we come to the final step in this journey of renewal: living out God’s will. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 that when we are transformed by the renewal of our minds, we will be able to discern:

“what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable, and perfect.”

In other words, when we offer ourselves to God, resist the world’s influence, and allow our minds to be renewed, something incredible happens. We begin to see and live out God’s will for our lives. But let’s be honest—sometimes we struggle with knowing what God’s will is, right? We wonder, How do I know what God wants me to do?

God’s Will is Not a Mystery

Here’s the good news: God’s will is not a mystery He’s trying to hide from us. He reveals it to us as we walk with Him. As we let His Word shape us and live in obedience, His will becomes clearer. It’s not just about knowing what God wants; it’s about living it out.

Think of it like this: imagine you have a road map for a long journey. You might not see the whole route right away, but you know the destination. Sometimes, you have to take it one step at a time, trusting that each step brings you closer to where you’re going. God’s will often works like that. He gives us the big picture, but the path unfolds one faithful step at a time. You don’t have to have the whole journey figured out—you just need to take the next step in obedience.

The more we walk in obedience, the clearer God’s will becomes. And living out God’s will isn’t just about making one big decision. If you haven’t noticed the common theme here, it’s about the daily choices we make to honor Him.

Three Practical Ways to Live Out God’s Will

So here are three practical ways to live out God’s will:

1. Align your actions with His Word.
   God’s will is already clearly laid out in Scripture. Sometimes, we overcomplicate things, waiting for a miraculous sign or special revelation. But God’s will is right here in His Word. If you want to know God’s will, start by obeying what He’s already told you.
2. Be faithful in the small things.
   We often think of God’s will in terms of big decisions—what job to take, where to live, who to marry. And yes, we need to trust His will in those areas. But living out God’s will starts in the small, everyday choices—how you treat people, how you handle challenges, and how you use your time. This week, be intentional about the small things. Whether it’s offering a kind word, spending a few extra minutes in prayer, or helping someone in need, recognize that these small acts of obedience are part of living out God’s will.
3. Seek guidance in prayer.
   When we’re unsure of what to do, we need to bring our decisions before God and ask for His wisdom. Don’t put the question out on social media, waiting for all the different responses. James 1:5 tells us:

• “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
• God promises to give us the wisdom we need, but we have to come to Him and ask. So, when you’re faced with a decision, big or small, pause and pray. It doesn’t have to be a long prayer—there’s no formula. Just something simple like:
• “Lord, guide my steps. Help me to see what You want me to do here,”
• and then trust that He will give you the direction you need in His timing.

Obedience is Key

But here’s the key—you also need to obey.

And here’s the best part: Paul says that God’s will is:

good, acceptable, and perfect.

God’s will for you isn’t meant to be burdensome or overwhelming. That’s a lie from the devil himself, imposed by the world. God’s will is for your good. It’s pleasing to Him and perfect for your life. He knows what you need to grow and thrive. And even when His will involves difficult seasons—and they will come—He’s shaping you for something greater.

The Challenge

So here’s the challenge: What’s the next step in living out God’s will for your life?
Maybe it’s a small act of obedience. Maybe it’s spending more time in prayer. Or maybe it’s aligning an area of your life with God’s Word.

Whatever it is, take that next step. Trust that as you walk in obedience, God will continue to guide you. His will for your life is good, acceptable, and perfect. And as you live it out, you will experience the joy of walking in step with Him.

Conclusion

As the worship team comes forward, let’s take a moment to reflect. Today, we’ve covered a lot: living as a sacrifice, resisting the world’s mold, renewing our minds, and living out God’s will. But let me leave you with this final thought: imagine your life as a sailboat.

When you first set out, the waters are calm, the skies are clear, and it feels like it’s going to be a smooth ride. You feel in control. But as time goes on, the winds pick up, the waves grow larger, and you start drifting off course. You try to fight the storm, doing everything you can to steer the boat back, but no matter how hard you try, you keep drifting further and further away.

Then you remember: this boat has a sail for a reason. The sail is there to catch the wind and carry you forward, even when you can’t do it on your own. But here’s the thing—if you don’t raise the sail, it won’t help you. As long as you rely on your own strength to fight the waves, friends, you’ll keep drifting, and eventually, you’ll wear out.

The Sail of Surrender

The sail is like surrendering your life to God. It’s letting go of control and allowing Him to guide you, to fill your life with His power and direction. So many of us are struggling to navigate life on our own, but we weren’t meant to live that way. God is asking us to stop fighting, to stop striving, and to let Him lead.

Maybe you’re here this morning, and you’ve been feeling that drift. You’ve been fighting the waves, trying to steer your life, but you end up worn out and lost. Here’s the truth: we can’t do it on our own. But the good news is that God has already made a way. He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from the storms of sin and to give us new life.

Jesus is like that steady wind, ready to carry you forward, to give you direction and peace. But you have to raise the sail—you have to surrender.

The Invitation

If you’ve never trusted Jesus, today could be the day you stop drifting and find the peace and purpose you’ve been searching for. Jesus is offering you forgiveness and new life. But it’s not just for those who haven’t believed yet—this message is for those of us who are already following Christ, too.

Maybe you’ve been trying to live for God, but you’re still holding onto control. You’re still resisting the full surrender He’s calling you to. Maybe your mind has been bombarded by the pressures of the world, and you feel like you’re conforming rather than being transformed. Today is the day for you to reset, recommit, and allow God to renew you. Whether you need to surrender for the first time or you need to let God refocus your heart, this moment is for you to respond.

Time to Respond

As we sing our closing song, I’ll be standing here at the front. If you need prayer, if you want to talk, or if you’re ready to take that next step—whether it’s trusting Jesus for the first time or recommitting your life to Him—I would love to pray with you. Don’t leave here today without responding to what God is doing in your heart.

God is offering transformation, renewal, and purpose. All you have to do is surrender.

Closing Prayer

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, for how it provides everything we need to resist the world’s temptations and live in Your will. Lord, I pray that You would speak to us wherever we are today. May You transform our hearts from the inside out and reveal Your perfect and good will to us. And through the power of Your Son and the Holy Spirit, give us the strength to obey what You have called us to do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.