In the Beauty of Your Reign.

Michael E. Wood

November 5, 2013

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. 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. Romans 12:1-2

While moving from the great doctrinal statements of the preceding eleven chapters of Romans the apostle Paul appeals to the practical aspects of living out the gospel of which we have received by faith in the finished work of Christ alone. By the grace of God we are what we are, children of God. Though it does not yet appear what we shall be, we are to be continually being transformed from one degree of glory to another through the renewing of our minds by the power of the Spirit and effectually showing forth the excellencies of Him who died that we might live to the praise of His glory.

Oh purify my motives!

May they all come forth from Thee

To magnify by life and word

Thy grace which set me free

From sin and self and captivates

My heart and mind to show

No other one or thing

Comes even close to Thee to know.

For knowing You exceeds

All earthly pleasures or their gain,

As all else pales completely

In the beauty of  Your Reign.

So guide us by Your pleasure

And Your faithfulness in love

To live the words You've spoken

For Your glory shown above.