SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 12
MEMORY VERSES:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
“Do not conform any longer 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 12:2)
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
LIVING SACRIFICES (vs. 1-8)
PAUL’S SERMON:
- Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. (v. 1)
- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (v. 2)
- Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (v. 3)
- In Christ, we are many forms in one body and each member belongs to all the others. (v. 5)
- We have different gifts according to the grace given (prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, generosity, leadership, showing mercy. We should do it cheerfully. (vs. 6-8)
LOVE (vs. 6-21)
MANIFESTATION OF TRUE LOVE:
- Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. (v. 9)
- Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (v. 10)
- Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (v. 11)
- Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (v. 12)
- Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (v. 13)
- Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
- Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (v. 15)
- Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (v. 16)
- Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. (v. 17)
- If it is possible, live at peace with everyone. (v. 18)
- Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (v. 19)
- If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. (v. 20)
- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (v. 21)
THOUGHTS:
In the Old Testament times, the priest would kill an animal as sacrifice for their sins. After Jesus had died for us, God wanted us to offer ourselves, not animals as living sacrifices. It means laying aside all our desires to follow him, putting all our energy and resources at his disposal and trusting him to guide us in our gratitude that our sins have been forgiven. If we offer our bodies as living sacrifice, He will transform us with renewed minds living to honor and obey Him.
Paul warned Christians not to copy the behavior and customs of this world. We should put off-limits to worldly values and change our way of thinking. Let the Holy Spirit renew and redirect your mind to be truly transformed. Never evaluate yourself by the worldly standards of success and achievements.
Paul used the concept of the human to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ.
All of us are given gifts by God to build up His church. We must dedicate our gifts wholeheartedly and faithfully to God’s service.
Spiritual gifts mentioned in this chapter:
- Prophets – prophesying and preaching God’s message
- Servers – serving others
- Teachers – teaching God’s Word
- Encouragers -encouraging and motivating others
- Givers – giving generously
- Leaders – lead and govern the church
- Empathizer – showing mercy, kindness and compassion
God wants our love to be sincere, not hypocritical. It demands our time, money and personal involvement. What is your gift? Are you using your gift to benefit others and glorify God?
Ways to live at peace with everyone:
- Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Do what is right. (v. 12)
- Do not take revenge but let God avenge you. (v. 19)
- Feed your hungry enemy and give him a drink if he is thirsty. (v. 20)
- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (v. 21)