Committing to God Fully- (Bible Study)

Committing to God Fully

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)

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.

Introduction:

In our Christian walk, commitment is more than a word—it’s a way of life. God calls us to offer our entire lives as living sacrifices, devoted fully to Him. But what does that look like in practice? How do we commit to God fully in a world that is constantly pulling us in different directions? In this lesson, we will explore what it means to live as a 'living sacrifice,' the role of the mind in transformation, and how this commitment leads us into a deeper understanding of God’s will.

I. The Call to Sacrifice

Romans 12:1 (ESV)

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.

Word Study:

Living Sacrifice (Greek: ζῶσαν θυσίαν – zōsan thysian) In the Old Testament, sacrifices were usually animals that were killed to atone for sin. A 'living sacrifice' is unique because it calls us to be ongoing, daily offerings to God.

1. Sacrifice of Self:

Cross-Reference:

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Explanation: Paul is not calling for a physical sacrifice but a total surrender of our will, desires, and purposes to God.

Practical Application: What areas of your life are hardest to sacrifice to God? Commit those areas in prayer, asking God to help you live fully surrendered to Him.

2. Holy and Acceptable to God:

Cross-Reference:

1 Peter 2:5 (ESV)

5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Application: The life we offer God is not perfect, but through Jesus, it is made acceptable.

Practical Application: Think of one way this week that you can offer something to God (time in service, finances, or personal talent). Dedicate this to Him as an act of worship.

3. Spiritual Worship:

Cross-Reference:

John 4:24 ESV

24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Application: True worship extends beyond Sunday mornings. It’s a daily offering of our lives to God in every moment.

Practical Application: Worship God throughout your day by consciously acknowledging His presence in your work, relationships, and thoughts.

II. The Call to Transformation (Romans 12:2)

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

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.

Word Study:

Transformed (Greek: μεταμορφοῦσθε – metamorphousthe) This is where we get the word "metamorphosis," which describes a complete and thorough change, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

1. Do Not Be Conformed to This World:

Cross-Reference:

1 John 2:15–17 (ESV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Explanation: To commit to God fully, we must resist the patterns and pressures of the world, which often lead us away from Him.

Practical Application: Identify one way the world influences your thinking (media, peer pressure, etc.) and take steps to minimize that influence this week.

2. Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind:

Cross-Reference:

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Application: The mind is the battlefield for transformation. Our thoughts need to be aligned with God's truth.

Practical Application: Begin each day with a Scripture that helps renew your mind. Memorize it or write it down.

3. That by Testing You May Discern God's Will:

Cross-Reference:

Colossians 3:1–2 (ESV)

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Explanation: As our minds are renewed, we begin to understand and discern what is truly God's will in our lives.

III. Living Out Our Commitment

1. Walking in God's Will:

Cross-Reference:

Ephesians 5:15–17 (ESV)

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Application: Our commitment to God is reflected in the choices we make daily, seeking to honor Him in all we do.

2. Offering Every Part of Ourselves:

Cross-Reference:

Matthew 22:37 ESV

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Explanation: True commitment requires us to love and serve God with our entire being.

3. The Reward of Commitment:

Cross-Reference:

James 1:12 (ESV)

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Application: Commitment may be difficult, but it leads to eternal rewards and deeper relationship with God.

Conclusion:

As we consider what it means to fully commit to God, let us remember that it is a daily sacrifice of ourselves, a renewal of our minds, and a pursuit of God's will.

Discussion Questions:

1. What areas of your life have been difficult to surrender fully to God?

2. In what ways can you renew your mind and align your thoughts with God’s truth?

3. How does understanding God’s will change the way you live out your faith?