Many speakers over time have given calls to action. We have heard TED talks, charges to graduating classes, employers motivating company employees, and newly married couples being toasted and challenged as they embark on a new life together. Usually, the best “speeches” not only give the call to action, the “what” one should do, but also “how” one is to do it, and of course the “why” they should act. They also may highlight some pitfalls one should avoid. Paul, in his letter to the believers in Rome, includes all of these things in his call to grace-inspired Gospel transformation.
Romans 12.1-3
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ In verse 1, what is Paul urging or appealing the brothers to do?
+ Where will the power for this “doing” come from?
+ What is surprising about the phrase “living sacrifice?” Why might that phrase sound even more unusual to the Jews who lived in Rome?
+ What might it look like to present our bodies as a living sacrifice in 2020? What does your “spiritual worship” look like on a daily basis?
+ In verse 2, there is a “do not be...but be” phrase. What shouldn’t believers do? What should they do?
+ Think of examples of things that conform and things that transform. How is one to be transformed?
+ What two extraordinary promises are given to those who offer themselves as living sacrifices to the Lord?
+ What words highlight that this won’t always be an easy endeavor?
+ In verse 3, what is one common stumbling block to Gospel-centered, Grace-filled transformation?
+ What has God given each believer as He asks them to be clay in His loving hands?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How can I demonstrate a life that is ‘ALL IN’ and ‘unveiled’ before Jesus? What am I still holding back?
+ What actions can I take to include more truth (Bible intake) in my daily rhythm to allow God’s Spirit to move?
+ Who can I ask to hold me accountable to gospel transformation in my life, seen in Paul’s charge?
+ What Scriptures might I memorize and have at the ready to remember when transformation is difficult?
+ How I am expressing my gratitude to GOD for these miracles?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Who can I graciously hold accountable to Paul’s charge?
+ Who needs to see someone ‘ALL IN’ for Jesus?