May 10, 2020     Prepare your heart and mind for your next group

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Sacrifices

As believers, our lives are offerings to God. We demonstrate Christ-like character by offering our thoughts and actions as spiritual sacrifices.

 

Romans 12:1-2,9-18

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as

a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this

age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good,

pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 CSB

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What Does It Mean to be a Living Sacrifice?

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Paul spent the majority of this letter laying a theological foundation of the necessity for all people, Jew and Gentile, to experience God's means of salvation through Christ alone. All have sinned and are equally in need of mercy and redemption. This redemption is not accomplished through the law but through faith in the shed blood of Christ who took our sin upon Himself that we might take on His righteousness. With this theological foundation firmly in place, Paul spent the rest of his letter teaching the Roman believers how to live out these truths.

Paul again addressed these believers as brothers and sisters. In Christ, the walls between Jews and Gentiles were broken down. Christ's church functions as one body regardless of ethnic or cultural backgrounds. Paul speaks to the church in family terms expressing his affection for them and modeling how they are to relate to one another. Because of the mercy that God has shown to us, we are to present our bodies to God as wholly dedicated to Him and to His purposes. Earlier in the letter Paul had used similar language to urge believers to dedicate their bodies to God instead of allowing them to be used as instruments of sin (6:13).

In what ways does your life encourage the unity of Christians from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds?

Paul contrasts being formed by the culture to being transformed by God. This

If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.Author Unknown

We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.Brother Lawrence

He's no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.Jim Elliot

 

15 minute lesson overview video  

happens through a change in the way we think and what we believe. This change is so significant that the wording used describes a metamorphosis. Mark used this same wording to describe the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2). Being formed by the culture describes forces that work on us from the outside but eventually impact what we think and what we believe on the inside. To be transformed by God is a process that begins on the inside and the impact can be seen on the outside through our attitudes and behaviors.

This transformation is initiated by the Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin and teaches us truth. The Holy Spirit gives us God's perspective on the culture and on our personal inclinations to think and act in certain ways. Unholy speech and activities that once were pleasure to us lose their appeal. Spiritual matters that once were met by our indifference become precious. Our desires move from impurity to purity. Over time we begin to love what God loves and hate what God hates. This renewing of our minds produces discernment between right and wrong and results in wisdom for relating to the culture around us. This transformation becomes apparent to those around us and demonstrates the power of Christ to make us new creations.

What struggles can you identify between today's culture and the church? Are you allowing the culture or Christ to have the greatest impact on your life?

Another practical application of our new life is love for other believers. Paul spoke of love that is genuine and deep like that one would have for a family member. This kind of love sacrifices for one another. Instead of seeking honor for ourselves it is better to give genuine respect and

encouragement to one another. 

Based on the great truths that Paul has already laid down, believers should serve the Lord with zeal and fervor, being faithful to consistently pray. As believers we are to share with other believers in practical ways where there is a need. Believers can help one another by showing hospitality. Lodging options were few and far between in the first century. Welcoming Christian travelers into their homes was a practical way to show Christian love and service. The admonition here teaches us to be proactive in seeking opportunities to be hospitable. 

Paul also taught on practical ways believers should behave toward those outside the church by blessing those who were opposed to them instead of cursing them. Jesus gave the same instruction (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:28). We are not to seek revenge or return evil for the evil done to us rather leaving vengeance in the hands of God. We are to behave honorably as citizens by upholding the laws that do not conflict with the higher law of God.

How are you responding to those in our culture who continually ridicule and show disdain for the Christian faith?

Whether we are dealing with difficult situations inside the church body or outside the church we are to do what we can to live in peace with others.

What is the central truth of this lesson for you? How will you respond? 

 

One way to show honor to one another is to affirm the use of a fellow Christian's gifts. When you recognize abilities in one another, show honor by saying how you see others benefit from the exercise of those abilities. This will encourage the use of those gifts and build up the body of Christ in the work of ministry. 

Consider how you might show love and hospitality to fellow believers. Perhaps by hosting members of mission teams or inviting missionaries on furlough over for meals and some encouraging fellowship. Maybe hosting discipleship groups, Bible studies or just sharing a meal over your dinner table. 

Use the link in this email that identifies mission prayer needs. As a small group show love to fellow believers who are following Christ in difficult circumstances by "adopting" this group. Seek ways your small group can provide help and encouragement to these believers. 

Before your next group meeting, write questions you have about this session. Also, list one key truth from the session you can contribute to the group time.

 

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Romans, Lesson #11A Living Sacrifice / Romans 12

Good Questions Have Groups Talkingwww.mybiblestudylessons.com

OPENWhat is one thing on your mind these days?

DIG1. Romans 12.1 – 2. What do we learn about Christian living

from this passage?Our foremost obligation is to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and God pleasing. This is the essence of spiritual worship. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were slain, but New Testament Christians are to be living sacrifices. When we consider this, it makes sense of the work we do, the fatigue we feel, the burdens we bear, and the sacrifices we make for Christ’s kingdom.

In 1930 Arthur and Ethel Tylee, with their infant daughter Marian, lived in a remote spot of Brazil, seeking to reach the Nhambiquara tribe with the gospel. One autumn day the Nhambiquara attacked the station. Arthur and Marian were among those slain. Ethel, though injured, staggered six kilometers for help.In her anguish Ethel longed to have been among those who died. She didn’t know how she could possibly go on. But then, as she later wrote, “Romans 12:1 came to my mind: ‘I beseech you . . . by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.’ I thought, ‘It will be harder to be a living sacrifice than a dying sacrifice, but I must be.’”Armed with that verse, Ethel Tylee devoted the rest of her life to traveling across the United States as a living sacrifice, speaking in churches, conferences, and colleges, presenting the challenge of reaching lost tribes for Jesus.71Ethel’s verse is equally applicable to you and me. Today and every day, let’s offer our bodies as a living sacrifice for Him. — Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010).

2. Context. How does this passage fit into the book of Romans as a whole?Romans is the most important book in the Bible in setting forth essential Christian theology. The first eleven chapters explain the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. The last five chapters begin here in chapter 12 with the word therefore. They tell us how to live as those who have been justified by God’s mercy. — Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010).

3. Therefore. What is that word there for?We said that the first key to accurately interpreting Scripture is content. That is based on observation of the text. So, let’s start with that.The first thing that grabs me about this text is its sense of urgency. “I urge you,” verse 1 begins. “I beseech you.” “I implore you.” I love J. B. Phillips’ rendering: “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God.” So, Paul comes at his readers with a sense of urgency.The first word in the paragraph is that key word, therefore. That’s essential. Remember our motto: whenever you see a therefore, stop to

see what it’s there for. Here, it compels us to go back and check out the preceding context. So, let’s take the suggestion of the writer and step back to get the big picture of Romans. — Howard G. Hendricks and William D. Hendricks, Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007), 274.

4. In view of God’s mercy. Don’t skate past this too quickly. Look this up in a couple of translations. Why is it only reasonable that we present ourselves to God?Investigation shows that the book of Romans finds its theme in 1:17, where the writer tells us that he is talking about a “righteousness of God”—not our own righteousness, but one that He provides.Moreover, there are three major divisions to the book. The first eight chapters deal with a righteousness that God has revealed but we must receive. Then chapters 9–11 turn to the subject of Israel, where Paul says the righteousness from God was rejected by His people. Finally, beginning in chapter 12 (where we find our passage, beginning with therefore), we come to the practical section of the book that talks about a righteousness reproduced in the believer’s life.So, on the basis of one connective, we’ve already got a good overview of the book.But there’s an additional phrase that forces us to see the connection: “by the mercies of God.” That is to say, the mercies of God become the basis for Paul’s urgent appeal. In effect, that phrase summarizes the first eleven chapters of the book. Paul is saying, essentially, “On the basis of what God has done for you, I want you to do something.”That’s an important spiritual truth. God never asks us to do anything for Him until He fully informs us of what He has done for us. — Howard G. Hendricks and William D. Hendricks, Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007), 274.

5. What exactly does it mean to be a living sacrifice?When Corrie ten Boom was eighty years old, she spoke from Romans 12:1 in Copenhagen, urging her audience to be living sacrifices. Afterward, two young nurses invited her to their apartment for lunch, and she went with them—only to discover they lived on the tenth floor, and there was no elevator.

Corrie struggled up the stairs one step at a time, complaining to herself the whole way. Finally reaching the apartment, she met the parents of one of the girls. Sharing the gospel with them, she had the joy of leading them to Christ. On her way down Corrie said, “Thank you, Lord, for making me walk up all these steps. And next time, Lord, help Corrie ten Boom listen to her own sermon.” — Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010).

6. The original readers would have been very familiar with sacrifices. How would they have thought about these words? What could their perspective teach us?Genesis 22 contains one of the most famous stories in the Bible—indeed, in all of literature. It is the account of God commanding Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. This was the supreme test of Abraham’s obedience, and he did not hesitate. Because of his obedience, Isaac was spared moments before the sacrifice was completed.Consider this: What if God had told Isaac to take himself up to Mount Moriah; to build an altar; to climb upon the altar; and, with his own knife, to offer himself as a sacrifice to God? The Old Testament sacrificial rituals prepared people to offer animals as sacrifices; a sacrifice was something other than yourself. That tradition did not prepare the early church for what Paul instructed them to do: offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God.Living sacrifices don’t die physically, but they must die spiritually every day. As someone has well said, “The problem with living sacrifices is they keep crawling off the altar.”Look around—if you’re standing on the ground, it’s time to get back on the altar. — David Jeremiah, David Jeremiah Morning and Evening Devotions: Holy Moments in the Presence of God (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017).

7. A fundamental discipline of the Christian life is to start our day with our Bible on our lap and then pray about what we read about. How would you turn this passage into a prayer?Holy God, You made me accepted in the Beloved.As a living stone, I am built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to You through Jesus Christ. Therefore, by Your mercies, Lord God, I present my body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to You, which is my reasonable service.

Now to You, Lord God, who are able to keep me from stumbling, and to present me faultless before the presence of Your glory with exceeding joy, to You, God my Savior, who alone are wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.Almighty God, I am humbled by the fact that Your Son sacrificed His holy life on behalf of sinners like me. In response I present myself as a living sacrifice, with thanksgiving! — David Jeremiah, Life-Changing Moments With God (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007), 88.

8. How does God transform us?Dr. Martin Luther King once told of riding the bus across town every day to attend high school. In those days, blacks were required to sit at the backs of buses while whites sat in the front. Even if there weren’t any white people on the bus, blacks still could not sit in the front. If all the “black seats” were occupied, riders had to stand over the empty seats reserved for whites. “I would end up having to go to the back of that bus with my body,” said Dr. King, “but every time I got on that bus, I left my mind up on the front seat. And I said to myself, ‘One of these days, I’m going to put my body up there where my mind is.’”74Dr. King was stating an essential, inviolable rule in life. Our bodies usually end up where our minds are. Our brains are a complex aspect of God’s creation, and our minds are the fountainhead of our lives. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7 KJV). Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The most important things in life are the thoughts you choose to think.” Ralph Waldo Emerson added, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.”Every temptation comes to us via our thoughts, making the mind the battleground of the soul.When we come to Christ, a change begins in our minds and thinking. We—our personalities and everything about us—are transformed by the renewing of our thoughts. The Greek word for “transformed” is metemorpho from which we get our word metamorphosis. We experience an inner metamorphosis as our minds are renewed by God’s Spirit and His Word. The Phillips Version puts it like this: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands, and moves toward the goal of true

maturity.” — Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010).

9. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds. How are our minds renewed?[Transformation] happens by the renewing of our minds, and the way our minds become renewed is by the study of the life-giving and renewing Word of God.75—James Montgomery Boice / Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2010).

10. Romans 12.9ff. What does a transformed life look like?In Romans 12:11–12 (NIV), the apostle Paul outlines five specifics that will give you poise, peace, and power on the sideline and the court.1. Never be lacking in zeal . . . keep your passion for what you do no

matter the circumstances.2. Keep your spiritual fervor . . . never lose your spiritual fire or cause

someone else to lose theirs.3. Be joyful in hope . . . remember your hope is not in what you do but in

who you do it for.4. Patient in affliction . . . God is still God in the midst of difficulties and

uncertainties.5. Faithful in prayer . . . this is your most powerful weapon.These five principles are a must within any believer’s arsenal. Take hold of each of them and learn to play to the strengths God has provided. — Fellowship Of Christian Athletes, Victory 365: Daily Motivation for a Champion’s Heart (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2016).

11. Love must be sincere. How does the Bible’s definition of love differ from the common definition?We throw the word love around a lot. Jeremy loves basketball. Jocelyn loves ice cream. We love our new shoes. We love that song. We use the word so often that it has lost a lot of its meaning. But when the Bible talks about love, it’s talking about the real deal.Real love must be sincere. There is nothing fake or hypocritical about it.

Real love means action. If you tell someone you love them, or if you think you feel love toward someone, but you won’t help them when they are in need, then that is not real love.Real love is never selfish. If you love someone because you might get something in return, then that is not love.Real love can only come from God. God is the source of real love, and it is through God’s love that we are able to show sincere love to one another. — Christopher D. Hudson, NIV, Once-a-Day: At the Table Family Devotional, Ebook (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012).

12. What problems in our world would love solve?World War I, the massive conflict at the beginning of the twentieth century that resulted in the deaths of over ten million soldiers, began with the death of a single individual. On July 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austrian throne, was shot while riding in a motorcar through Sarajevo. This incident triggered the network of alliances that were in place among the European nations, and war raged for the next four years.Huge conflict can also break out in our homes and Christian communities because of small incidents that get blown out of proportion. We are called as Christians to love one another. This love is lived out in the small practicalities of life. The outcome of loving this way is a life of peace and unity. — Phyllis J. Le Peau, Love: The Greatest Gift of All: 9 Studies for Individuals or Groups: With Notes for Leaders, A LifeGuide Bible Study (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Connect: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2003), 40.

13. Hate what is evil. Why is it not enough to mildly dislike evil? Hate seems awfully strong.Evil is the antithesis of holiness and therefore the antithesis of godliness. So, the child of God hates evil because God hates evil (paraphrase of Prov. 8:13).If you truly love God you will fervently hate every form of evil. Because he loved God so much, David resolved that “a perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil” (Ps. 101:4, NASB). The faithful Christian should never compromise with evil. — John MacArthur, Truth for Today : A Daily Touch of God’s Grace (Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2001), 209.

14. Romans 12.11. Never be lacking in zeal. How do we live lives on fire for God?Oh, that God’s people had more zeal for the work of Christ. Let people be fired up with zeal and their exploits for God will be greater. When Christ cleaned out the Temple in Jerusalem during His earthly ministry in His first advent, Scripture says, “His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:17). If God’s people had that kind of zeal today, a lot of churches would be cleaned up, too. But most church members have not even been nibbled on by “the zeal of thine house” let alone been “eaten up” by it.The phrase, “zeal of the LORD,” shows up several other times in the Old Testament. 2 Kings 19:31 and Isaiah 37:32 both say, “For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they shall escape out of mount Zion; the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.” If the “zeal of the LORD” is for you, no enemy can overcome you. — John G. Butler, Jesus Christ: His Incarnation, vol. 1, Studies of the Savior (Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2000), 53–54.

15. Joyful in hope. What exactly is that talking about?Forced bed rest is no fun. But I know a secret that helps me face it in faith. I choose a theme verse to help me keep focused. During a recent four-week stint in bed, I chose Romans 12:12.While meditating on that verse, I wondered why God asks us to be joyful in hope. I can understand why He reminds us to be faithful in prayer—so many times in hardships we slack off in prayer. I can also understand why God asks us to be patient in affliction—patience is hard to muster when you’re hurting.But why does God say to be joyful in hope? Obviously, there must be many times when we lack joy in hope. Think about it. The focus of our hope is yet to be fulfilled; we don’t yet possess that for which we hope. And you’ll agree that it’s hard to be joyful about something we don’t yet have!Lying in bed, it hit home that God wants me to be joyful about future things. Just as we have the command to be faithful in prayer and patient in affliction, we have a command to be joyful in hope. How can God command joy? It’s easy once we realize what’s over the heavenly horizon.

Does the idea of heavenly glories above put a smile on your face? Do you get a charge when you talk about the return of the Lord? Words like “pleasure,” “happiness,” and “delight” should come to mind when you hope in the Lord. Heaven will seem more near and real to you as you stir up your joy over that for which you hope. And remember, it’s a command for your own good.You give me so much hope, Lord, that I can’t help but be joyful. You are the focus of my hope and the source of my delight. Whatever I face today, may I face it with the attitude of Romans 12:12. — Joni Eareckson Tada, Diamonds in the Dust: 366 Sparkling Devotions (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010).

16. Patient in affliction. Sounds good. But how?Most of us have endured devastating trials in our lives. We have been devastated by financial loss, heartbreak, loss of loved ones, and other troubled times. Many of these stories are reported on television on a daily basis. And yet, time after time, the resilience of those who are facing adversity shines through. The main reason many of us do not buckle under the weight of our circumstances is because of the hope that is in our hearts. Characteristically, just like faith, hope is strengthened by adversity. The experience of having gone through something difficult toughens our resolve so that we believe we are going to be okay. In verse 12 of Romans 12, Paul tried to help us understand that going through difficult times was no excuse to abandon hope. We should remain joyful in hope as we wait in anticipation for God’s promises to be fulfilled, with the greatest promise being heaven.When you experience difficulty, you have a choice. One option is to hide in a dark place away from the world, or you can face the adversity head on, knowing that you are not alone. God is there. Just reach out to Him in prayer. The hope that He has placed in your heart will see you through. And the next time you endure a trial, your hope will be stronger.Dear God, thank You for hope that is strengthened through every trial. Amen. — Karen Whiting, 365 Devotions for Hope (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016).

17. Hebrews 12.13. Practice hospitality. Why is hospitality important?So, what does Paul mean here when he uses and just presumes the language of “hospitality” and that his readers will understand it in his epistles? We should remind ourselves, first of all, of the nature of Paul’s churches. Much of his epistles are oriented towards churches that are having some kind of conflict. Sometimes this conflict is of an ethnic nature—Jews and Gentiles trying to negotiate and navigate their different religious heritages now in one community and one body.We also see, in Paul’s epistles, varying social strata and wealth. So, there are householders that comprise Paul’s churches, there are also slaves that comprise Paul’s churches, and there is also a level of those that are in between.What we’ll see is that Paul employs hospitality as a theme on at least two occasions to overcome social tension and to reinforce the familial commitments in the church. Ultimately, in both of these extended examples, the demand to practice hospitality within the local churches is rooted and grounded in the reality of Christ as the one who has shown hospitality or has shown welcome to the churches. — Joshua Jipp, NT391 Hospitality in the New Testament, Logos Mobile Education (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017).

18. Sounds good, but how? What are some ways we could practice hospitality?Opportunities to welcome others and practice hospitality abound, if we will only dream a little. Let’s look at a few:Adopt Some StudentsGary and Susan are an empty-nest couple who are dear friends of our family. For almost two decades now, we have watched them be “Mom and Pop away from Mom and Pop” for several young people from the local college. The students are welcomed into their home on a regular basis for meals and general fun times. Gary and Susan have turned their home into a home away from home for hundreds of young people over the years. Gary’s quick and corny wit and Susan’s great cooking have made their home a hot spot for college students. I recently looked at Susan’s friends list on Facebook. It is full of young people and past students who are now parents themselves who continue to share their gratefulness for Gary and Susan’s hospitality in a time in their lives when they were far from home.

Adopt a GrandparentThe nature of our culture is one that has caused many families to become spread across states. For many elderly people this means their grown children live far from them. This situation cannot only feed loneliness but also leave the elderly in helpless situations at times. This situation hit home for me personally. My family and I live over 600 miles from my parents, and they began to decline in health a few years ago. They were still able to drive and cook for themselves, but some things were becoming very difficult for them to handle. Pete and Debra Yabarra have lived next door to them for almost twenty years. My mom and dad watched their kids grow up, and there were always a lot of lawn chair visits between them and Pete and Debra. As my folks’ health began to take a slow decline, the Yabarra family began to naturally take up the slack. Their son, Rocky, mowed their lawn, refusing to be paid with anything but my mom’s homebaked pies. Pete took care of all the leaky faucets and general household maintenance and even installed a gate in the backyard fence that separated their yards so that my folks could come over to their house and spend time with them around their pool. Debra kept a caring eye on them overall. With us living so far away, this was an enormous weight off my mind, knowing my folks had someone watching over them.Adopt a Single-Mom FamilyI used to tell my congregation that single moms are the modern-day equivalent to the New Testament widow. The early church was obligated to care for widows because they faced so many difficulties in caring for themselves economically and practically. Most single moms juggle careers, children, and finances with little to no relief in sight. Many a single mom adds higher education to the mix as the only hope for a better future for her and her children. Staci is a single mom who lives a few houses down from Steve and Jessica Mather, a family who decided to open their lives and home to Staci and her kids. Staci is enrolled in night school for nursing, and three afternoons a week Bret and Jill, her elementaryaged children, hop off the bus and go to the Mather home following school. They share dinner, Jessica helps them with their homework, and the kids join the family in whatever activities they have going for the evening. Steve and his son Nathan maintain Staci’s lawn and keep the oil changed in her car. The Mathers have been doing this for almost two years, and Staci and her kids are considered a part of their family. — Alan Hirsch and Lance Ford, Right Here, Right Now: Everyday

Mission for Everyday People, The Shapevine Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011), 206–208.

19. What did you learn today? What do you want to remember and apply?

20. How can I pray for you today?