INTRODUCTION: How old were you when you received your first Bible? Who gave it to you and what was the significance?

READ: Romans 12:1-2

WATCH SERMON

DISCUSS
1. How were the sacrifices made as atonement for sin in the Old Testament similar to the “living sacrifice” we are called to make as believers (Romans 12:1-2)? How is it different?
2. What shifts for us in our lifestyle, relationships, calling, etc., when we see that God has called us to live lives of sacrifice that are “holy and pleasing to God”?
3. What areas of your life have been the most challenging to offer as a living sacrifice to God?
4. Our natural bent and desire is to conform to and look like the rest of the world. What changes in your need for and engagement of Scripture when you understand that we are naturally “conformed to the pattern of this world” instead of naturally transformed to have the mind of God?
5. What areas of your life are the hardest or most confusing to allow God’s Word to speak into and inform?
6. “I was transformed….I am being transformed…I shall be transformed…” Share some of your story about how God initially transformed your heart.
7. Share an example of how the transformation of your heart is now affecting your mind and your thinking.
8. How have you experienced the “cleansing effect” of Scripture within your mind? How has Scripture “fed your mind”?
9. Even when we understand how important Scripture is to the renewal of our minds, it can be difficult to practically make this happen. What challenges and hurdles have you had in reading, meditating, and feasting on Scripture?
10. What successes have you had? What are different ways you read, meditate, and engage with Scripture so that your mind is transformed?

PRAY
Take some time to summarize what you have heard your group share and how we can pray for one another.

→ What are some themes you have heard others share about allowing God to transform their minds? How does that lead us to praise Him? What are some needs and concerns that were shared?

→ How can we pray specifically for you this week?

FOR FURTHER STUDY
The following is not meant for large group discussion but can be done as an individual study to grow in your understanding of Scripture and the way it transforms our lives.

→ Dig into the Old Testament and make a list of what was required in order to offer a sacrifice. What were the different kinds of sacrifices made? What was the process? What kind of “costs” would be associated with making an animal sacrifice (property, money, time, travel, etc.)? How does this shift your understanding of a making a “living sacrifice” today?

→ You have a story to share! One of the best ways to share your faith with others is by sharing your story. Write out your story by drawing, journaling, or using a timeline to remember how God moved you from “I was transformed, I am being transformed, I shall be transformed…”

I was transformed…
What did life look like before you had a relationship with God?
How did you view God during this time? What did you believe about Him? What did you believe about how he saw and valued you?
What were some specific people, events, or resources that God used to transform your heart so that you began to desire something different?

I am being transformed…
What were the significant events, relationships, or conversations that happened that moved you to a place of recognizing your need for your mind, heart, and soul to be given to God?
How have your mind and your thoughts changed as a result of your heart being transformed?
What has changed in your life as a result of your all of your life being given to God that He might transform you?

I shall be transformed…
What trials and difficulties are you most ready to see God fully redeem?
What are you most excited for when it comes to meeting and seeing God face to face?
How do the promises of God’s healing and redeeming work change the way you live right now?