Romans 12:1-2

Opening Question

Do you prefer to be busy working and helping others, or to be busy learning and debating new things?

Read

Romans 12:1-2

“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. 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.”

Discuss

What is the context for these verses?

What words stick out to you in these verses?

What do you know about sacrifice?

How were sacrifices part of Jew and Gentile lifestyle of that time?

Sacrificial practices formed an established part of daily life in the Graeco-Roman world.

Christopher N. McCreary, “Sacrifice in the New Testament,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

What are some similiarities about these two verses, and what are some differences?

What does it look like to offer your body as a living sacrifice?

Apply

What truth from these verses connects to your life today?

How might you encourage others from these verses?

Pray