Uncomfortable (Part 2)

Motivation

Romans 12:1–2 NLT

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Introduction:

Let’s be honest— Most people follow comfort, approval, or emotions when it comes to what motivates them.

We do things because it’s easy.

We avoid things because they’re uncomfortable.

We copy the world because it feels “normal.”

But Paul gives us a different motivation: Worship isn’t about a feeling. It’s about a sacrifice.

Tonight’s challenge: What’s really motivating you to live for Jesus?

1. Remember Why You Do It

Romans 12:1 NLT

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Paul doesn’t guilt-trip them. He reminds them. Our motivation starts with remembering what Jesus has already done.

The cross.

His love.

His mercy.

His grace when we didn’t deserve it.

🟡 Action: Before you worry about “doing more for God,” pause and remember what He’s already done for you.

Illustration:

Imagine someone saves your life—like literally pulls you out of a burning building. You wouldn’t serve them out of obligation. You’d do it out of gratitude.

That’s what Paul is saying here. We live for God not to earn His love, but because we already have it.

2. Real Worship Requires Real Sacrifice

Romans 12:1 NLT

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Worship isn’t just music. Worship is giving your whole self to God—your time, your energy, your plans.

Sacrifice means:

Laying down your comfort.

Choosing obedience even when it costs you something.

Living differently than the world.

🟡 Action: Ask yourself: “What is God asking me to lay down so I can truly worship Him with my life?”

Illustration:

Think of your life like your phone storage. When it’s full of junk—useless apps, too many selfies—there’s no space for what really matters.

Sacrifice is like deleting what’s taking up space so God can fill your life with what really matters.

3. Let God Transform You from the Inside Out

Romans 12:2 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

We copy the world when we:

Seek approval more than God’s presence.

Chase comfort over calling.

Follow feelings over faith.

But Paul says transformation happens when God changes the way you think. It’s not behavior modification—it’s heart transformation.

🟡 Action: Let God renew your mind through His Word, worship, and time in His presence. The more you think like Jesus, the more you’ll live like Him.

Illustration:

Ever tried to use an old password after you’ve changed it? It doesn’t work. The system requires the new password. God’s saying: Stop using your old mindset. Let Me renew you.

4. Motivation Flows from Knowing God’s Will

Romans 12:2 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

When your motivation is right—when you remember what God’s done, offer yourself as a sacrifice, and let Him transform you— You’ll discover His will.

And it’s good. Pleasing. Perfect. Way better than anything you could come up with.

🟡 Action: Make this your daily prayer: “God, align my heart with Yours. Change my motives to match Your will.”

Closing Challenge:

When you remember His mercy, When you offer yourself as a living sacrifice, When you let Him transform your mind— That’s where real motivation comes from.

Not hype. Not feelings. Not people-pleasing. But gratitude-fueled, sacrificial, God-centered motivation.

🟡 Response: Give students a personal challenge:

Write down one thing you need to “sacrifice” this week.

Spend time thanking God for what He’s already done.

Invite them into a moment of surrender in worship.

Optional Visual Illustration for Response:

Bring a mirror and a sharpie. Invite students to come up and write the worldly mindset they’ve been copying (approval, fear, comfort, etc.) on the mirror. Then wipe it off as a symbol of letting God renew their mind.