Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. —Romans 12:1-2
Notes
-There is a way the world thinks, acts and reacts which is different from the way God says his people should think, act and react. The outcome of doing things in the pattern of the world is destructive, but God’s ways are good, acceptable and perfect! (God’s ways lead to life to the full)
-We are transformed or changed by renewing our minds, knowing and following the ways which lead to life revealed by God through his word.
Questions
-What do you think would be different about our thoughts and actions if we continued to pursue the renewing of our minds and “proving of God’s will” in our daily decisions?
Read and discuss the next passage:
Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. —Romans 12:9
Questions
-What do you think it means that our love for and towards others must be free from hypocrisy?
-What do you think it means to detest what is evil and cling to what is good?
Evil = Poneros = Causing pain or troubles
Good = agathos = useful, good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy
-What are some ways that you fall short in being “turned off or repulsed” by evil and desiring to hold on to that which is good and useful?
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. —Romans 12:10-13
Questions
-Which of these “patterns of God’s love” stands out to you? Why?
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:14-21
Questions
-What stands out to you in this passage? Why
-Which one of these “God Patterns of living” are the hardest for you?
-How can we pray for you today?