Service to the Lord Romans 12

READ v 1-2

“living sacrifice”

In order to help us understand what this means we need to look at Sacrifice was first initiated by God when a covering of animal skin was provided for Adam and Eve after the fall recorded in Genesis. Sacrifice or offering, which is referring to the same thing is mentioned throughout the Old Testament.

Sacrifice or offering is the following:

An act and attitude of worship

2. Expression of penitence

3. Expression of thankfulness

It is mentioned in detail throughout the book of Leviticus

There are five different offerings or sacrifices mentioned

Voluntary

Burnt offering (Lev 1:1-17) - signified voluntary and complete dedication and consecration to God, first established, most frequently offered, consumed by fire completely

Grain offering (Lev 2:1-16) - signified homage (respect) and thanksgiving

Peace offering (Lev 3:1-17) - symbolized the fruit of redemptive reconciliation between a sinner and God (2 Cor 5:18)

Compulsory (Required)

4. Sin offering (Lev 4:1-5:13) - atonement for unintentional sin, where restitution is not possible

Intentional sin - Numb 15:30-31

5. Trespass offering (Lev 5:14-6:7) - atonement for unintentional sin against the Lord’s property (involving things within the tabernacle or used by the priests in ministering to the Lord), restitution is possible and paid to the priest

Theses sacrifices are a foreshadowing or a pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament

Romans 5: 8

Heb 5:5-10

Heb 7:14-28

Heb 9: 16-18

Heb 9:24-10:13

Again in Romans 12:1 we are exhorted to “present our bodies a living sacrifice”

How is this similar to the sacrifices mentioned else where in the Bible?

something given to God (sacrifice or offering)

done in willing obedience

pleasing and acceptable to God

according to His will and truth

repeated choice made each day

How is this “living sacrifice” different?

doesn’t require a physical death

involves a death of the old self, the sinful nature

The believer is called to offer one’s self to serve the Lord according to His will.

And in verse 2 we see what is denied in order to live for God.

What does it mean, “do not be conformed to this world” in relation to verse 1?

Choosing not live according to the world but for God instead

“Transformed by the renewing of your mind” - refers to the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God

2 Cor 3:17-18

Titus 3:4-5

Philipp 2:12-13

1 Peter 1:1-4

As indicated at the end of verse 2, if done by the believer this fulfills the perfect will of God

READ vs 3

What is the main point or emphasis in this verse?

Living for God is only possible because of His grace - “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith”

Don’t have a haughty or prideful attitude

Any effort of our own cannot achieve or accomplish what His grace brings

Our righteousness is filthy rags

Instead, should have a humble and thankful attitude

READ vs 4-5

What is this referring to?

READ Eph 4:11-16, Col 2:19

The believers are part of one body, the body of Christ, His Church

Each believer is unique based on God’s grace

Each believer has a specific role or function within the whole of the body

Each believer’s contribution supports the whole

Each believer’s role or function does not signify importance

READ 6-21

As we read through these next verses jot down or note the different attributes that stand out to you.

v 6 - based on God’s grace according to His predetermined role or contribution

v 7 - accordingly some for - ministering, teaching

v 8 - exhort other believers

give liberally

lead diligently

show mercy cheerfully

v 9 - love truthfully without hypocrisy, God knows the heart

Abhor evil

cling to good

v 10 - kindly affectionate

Brotherly love

giving preference to one another

v 11 - diligent

fervent in spirit

serving the Lord

v 12 - rejoicing in the hope from God

patient in tribulation - hardship

steadfastly in prayer

v 13 - helping those in need, especially those of the faith

hospitable

v 14 - bless those who persecute

not curse

vs 15 - rejoice with those rejoicing

weep with those weeping

v 16 - same mind - like minded

be humble

v 17 - do not repay with evil

genuinely have good intentions for all

v 18 - pursue peace - be peacemakers

v 19 - do not seek revenge - leave that to God

v 20 - feed your enemy

give your enemy a drink

“coals of fire” - personal conviction of wrong through being treated rightly

v 21 - do not allow evil to overcome

Instead, triumph over evil with good

This is a lot. Seeming impossible.

How is this possible?

How can we guard against this becoming a “TO DO LIST”?