First, read today’s four short verses, as I have a quiz for you.

In what we read today from Romans 12 we are given 13 imperatives - or directives. Did one stand out? How many can you even name? Right now I’m going to ask you to pause, and without looking, write out all the exhortations given by Paul in this passage that you can remember.

- Do the activity -

I don’t ask to convict or to condemn, but to remind that simply reading over these items does little to produce these beautiful, Christ-like, actions in our lives, but if reading them doesn’t produce fruit what does?

I think this is a question we can ask ourselves as we reflect on how the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives, drawn us to repentance, and sanctified us; but I also want to provide an action I believe we can all take that helps us digest and absorb toe richness of Gods word, and that is the act of chewing.

Physically speaking, chewing is one of the most important steps to take for proper digestion. It helps break down food, improves nutrient absorption, and lessens the toll it takes on the body to break it down. Likewise, spending time chewing on, pondering, and discussing the word of God softens our heart and opens the door for the Lord to both reveal, and do amazing things in our lives.

So now, look back at your list, which one or two exhortations stood out? Whichever it was, whatever it was, spend today thinking about it, chewing, share your thoughts with someone else, and see how the Lord uses your attention to His word to permeate and change your heart.

[Romans 12.9-13]

Marks of the True Christian

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What are the 13 imperatives within this text? Number them.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Which of these imperatives do you feel the Lord is putting on your heart to chew on and grow in?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who am I walk with that I can work through these imperatives with?

+ Who is in my life that is not walking with God that I can share what the Lord is teaching me and how He is calling me to grow deeper