In View of God’s MercyRomans 12 - 13

Has someone done something so nice for you?

Something so spectacular…Remarkable…

So amazing you seek ways to return the favor?

That is exactly what the Apostle Paul addresses in these chapters

We have received so much from God through Christ

It would be a good idea to return the favor

Romans 12Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

ConsequentlyI recommend

Because all of God has done for us through Jesus Christ

Let us be living sacrificesLet us be holy and pleasing to GodLet us live a life that is worshipful

Let us be different

Before we look at what it means… To be living sacrifices, holy, pleasing to

God and transformedTo live in a spiritual act of worshipWe need to remember what Paul

means by, “therefore”

Salvation is by faith from first to lastThe righteous will live by faith

We are all sinfulBut we can be saved through faith and

receive grace, be justified and redeemedEven Abraham was saved by faith

We have peace, joy, hope and are reconciled

This does not mean life will be easyAs a matter of fact, we discover no matter

how hard we try, we can not be goodWe are baptized, buried and crucified with

Christ and we are raised to new life

We are free, holy and eternally with ChristYet we are internally at war

But because of Christ’s atonementThere is no condemnation in Christ

The spirit helps us and intercedes for usAnd God works for the good of those who

love him

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ

We are God’s children and heirs to God’s promise

And if God is for us, who can be against us?Even when life is difficult we are still his

children under his care

God is God and God calls usGod sends his message of good news

and wants us to listenThat we might believe and confess

that Jesus is Lord and be savedTherefore, I urge, brothers and sisters,

in view of God’s mercy…

Let us be living sacrificesLet us be holy and pleasing to GodLet us live a life that is worshipful

How are we transformed and renewed?What exactly are we supposed to do?

Romans 12Therefore, I urge you…

We are advised to live this wayBe sober – think / use your mindServe cheerfully – Use your skills

Love sincerelySeek joy, hope and patience even when things do not go your way

Be faithful in prayer

3 …think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

Share with the needyBe hospitable

Bless and do not curseLive in harmony

Associate with people of low position

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do your best to live at peace with everyone

Do not be vengefulOvercome evil with good

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 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. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Remember that ours is not a political movement, so do not

make it appear as suchPay your debtsPay your taxesShow respect

Show honor where it is due

Romans 135 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love, because love fulfills the lawLive as if someone is always watching

Behave decentlyPut on Christ as a garment that adorns you, warms you and reminds you who you are – a child of the King of Kings

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

12 …So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 12Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Notice that Paul is not demandingHe is not saying “This is the new law”

“You must obey or else”Nor

“If you do not obey, it demonstrates you are not a true believer”

If you or I had a million dollars and we lived in a shack

People would pity usThey would wonder why we live like paupers when we are so rich

In the same way People have the right to wonder why

we might live entrenched in sinWhen we have been rescued,

forgiven, redeemed and reconciled to our Lord and creator

Understand this, we can not really do all these things

If we understand the price that was paid and the gift we receive…

We strive to be better than we were without Christ

We strive to be better by having these goals in mind

Because of all Christ has done to bring salvation to my life

Because I have a debt of gratitude to my Savior

I strive to be a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God and transformed in my thinking; seeking to live a

life of worship every day

We are the Federated Church.

Our Mission is to…

Seek Christ, Serve Christ and Share

Christ.