Romans 12
June 8, 2022
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (v1-2)
The Book of Romans is divided into two major sections. In Romans 1-11, Paul gives us the explanation of the gospel. And in Romans 12-16, Paul gives us the application of the gospel. And the hinge between these two sections is this word, “THEREFORE.” In other words, Paul is saying, in light of what God has done, is doing, and will do for us in Christ – here is what we are now called to be: “living sacrifices” (v1). As believers, our calling is to be surrendered to God, no longer living for ourselves, which is what the world teaches us to do. And our motivation for this new way of life is “God’s mercy.”
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I praise You for the gospel! Thank You for doing for me what I could never do for myself. You became a Sacrifice for my sin, even paying the price with Your own shed blood. May Your mercy motivate me this day to be a living sacrifice for You - not in the shedding of my blood, but in living this day in full surrender to You. In those moments when I’m tempted to squirm off the altar, remind me of the gospel - so that I’m motivated anew to live for You in light of Your great mercy.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
