The Book of
Romans 12
21 verses≈ 3 minBSB
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Where we are
- 1–3:20The problemEveryone needs the gospel
- 3:21–5The answerRight with God by faith
- 6–8New lifeFree in Christ, led by the Spirit
- 9–11God and IsraelHis promises stand
- 12–16Living itLove in a church of Jews and GentilesChapter 12
Living Sacrifices
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Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
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Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
so in Christ we who are many are one body
Romans 12:4–5
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
One body, many gifts
Whiteboard
Paul names seven ways God’s grace shows up in His people. No one has them all, and no one has none. Each is given for the good of the whole, because “each member belongs to one another.” The point is not to rank the gifts, but to use whatever you have been given.
Question
Quick question
Paul tells believers not to be squeezed into the world’s shape. He also says how the change happens.
According to 12:2, how are believers transformed?
Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality
Love must be sincere.
Romans 12:9
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Reflect
An open door
Paul’s list is very ordinary: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” “Share with the saints who are in need.” “Practice hospitality.” Love like this happens at kitchen tables and front doors. Who could you welcome this week: a lonely neighbor, a new face at church, a friend who is struggling? Write down one name and one simple way to show them sincere love.
Forgiveness
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
On the contrary,
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink.
For in so doing,
you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
Pray
Bless, and do not curse
Bring to God the person who has hurt you most recently, by name. Ask Him for grace to do what Paul says, “Bless and do not curse,” to leave the repaying to Him, and to find one good thing you could do for them. Pray that you would “overcome evil with good,” starting today.
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Romans 12
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A verse to carry with you
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
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