Romans 12

Introduction

I always feel weird receiving presents. Dont get me wrong I love getting them, but its awkward at times. Like you gave me something or paid me a compliment and the answer is like Thanks. Thanks is appropriate but the way in which we recieve the gift matters.

Story of camping chair

The New International Version Chapter 11

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments,

and his paths beyond tracing out!

34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?” b

35 “Who has ever given to God,

that God should repay them?” c

36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.

This is the gift

The New International Version Chapter 12

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

The response

OT Dead NT Alive

The New International Version Chapter 12

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.

Set Apart

What is the pattern of this world? its all about self. Its about what is best for me. Politics. Music. New theology. Broken families.

Golf a mental game

The test of if it is from God is if it is about God

The New International Version Chapter 12

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Set Up

Philippians 2:1-5 “1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

We have been gifted with this family

The greatest way to bless yourself is to look to others

Accountability

The New International Version Chapter 12

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Sent Out

The gift you have been given is by God’s grace.

it was given to you to give

The Best picture of the church