ROMANS 12

Ice Breaker: Human Machine

Previously

• Salvation is open to the Gentiles and yet Jews are not forgotten
• Olive tree analogy of how Jews are the original branch and Gentiles are the wild ones, but neither will be spared if they persist in unbelief
• Ends with praise to God

cONTEXT

• Now that Paul has laid the foundation of salvation, he outlines and models for us what this should look like in our everyday lives.

Read verses 1-2.

What does "therefore" in verse 1 connect and refer to? Why does Paul use "therefore" here? When someone writes therefore, there is usually an A, therefore B relationship. What is the causal relationship being made here?

How does one present their body as a living sacrifice? What does this mean, and how would this look on a daily basis?

Break out into groups to discuss. Pick a spokesperson.

"Do not conform 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

God's strategy

• Identify conformity
• Choose not to conform
• Renew your mind
• Be transformed
• TestDiscern the will of God

Read verses 3-21.

Paul discusses the marks of a Christian in verses 3-21. Were you surprised by any of the points here? Challenged? Convicted?

Break out into groups to discuss. Pick a new spokesperson.

Application: What gift(s) has God given you (verses 3-8)? If the purpose, as Paul taught, is to build up the power and peace and unity of the church, are you using your gift(s) for the right purpose?

In Conclusion

God's strategy

• Identify conformity
• Choose not to conform
• Renew your mind
• Be transformed
• With your new mind, discern the will of God

Next time we talk about calling, vision, purpose, and the will of God, let's remember that it takes a lifestyle of patience, honesty, and making yourself available to God. It takes hard work, perseverance, and hope in the Lord.

Most people want the will of God, but they don't want to do the work of God. Most people want high success and great careers and live extraordinary lives, but they don't want the ordinary, everyday obedience that takes us there. Let's not be most people. Let's be God's people. How desperate did these people have to be?

Our suggestion? Start with one thing. One area to identify as conformity. Then renew your mind with choices that will help bring change. Allow God to bring that change with His guidance. Find freedom in that area first and by doing so you'll have already started a relationship with God.

Share with your group one thing you will bring to God this week that breaks "life as usual" and breaks conformity with the world. Is it entertainment? Is it worldly success? TV shows? What consumes your thoughts and competes with God? What needs transformation?

"Do not conform 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