Living Sacrifices: Embracing God's Gifts and Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we celebrate the blessings and provisions God has bestowed upon Asbury Church, including our new air conditioning and live streaming capabilities. These improvements are possible because of your generous gifts and sacrifices. We are still working towards our goal of raising $200,000 to complete the necessary renovations in the North Building.
This summer, we are diving into the Book of Romans, and today we focus on Romans 12. Paul has provided us with rich theology, discussing sin, judgment, grace, and the Holy Spirit. Now, he shifts gears to offer practical advice on living a Christian life. Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship. This means not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Paul's message is clear: to live a life worth living, we must use the gifts God has given us. These gifts include prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy. Each of us has a role to play in building up the church and serving one another.
Paul also emphasizes the importance of sincere love, putting others before ourselves, practicing hospitality, and blessing those who persecute us. He challenges us to live in harmony with one another, not to be conceited, and to repay evil with good. By doing so, we leave room for God's judgment and allow Him to work in the lives of those who wrong us.
In closing, we are reminded of the story of George Bolt, who went above and beyond in his service to others, ultimately transforming the hospitality industry. As Christians, we are called to live our lives as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. May we strive to live a life worth living for His kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living Sacrifice: Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This means dedicating every part of ourselves—our hands, feet, minds, and hearts—to God's service. True worship is not just about rituals but about living a life that reflects God's love and grace in every action and decision. [47:15]
2. Transformation Over Conformity: Paul warns against conforming to the patterns of this world, which often lead us away from God's will. Instead, we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation allows us to discern and follow God's good and pleasing will, aligning our lives with His purpose. [49:15]
3. Using Our Gifts: Each of us has been given unique gifts by God, and we are called to use these gifts to serve one another and build up the church. Whether it's prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy, we all have a role to play in God's kingdom. [52:39]
4. Sincere Love and Hospitality: Love must be sincere and come from the heart. We are called to put others before ourselves, practice hospitality, and bless those who persecute us. This kind of love transcends social, economic, and racial boundaries, reflecting the unconditional love of Christ. [01:01:15]
5. Overcoming Evil with Good: Paul instructs us not to repay evil with evil but to overcome evil with good. By blessing those who wrong us and leaving room for God's judgment, we allow God to work in their lives. This approach not only brings glory to God but also transforms our own hearts and minds. [01:09:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:08] - Celebrating God's Provisions
[41:55] - Introduction to Romans 12
[43:28] - The Example of Tom Brady
[45:28] - Practical Steps for Christian Living
[47:15] - Living Sacrifice
[49:15] - Transformation Over Conformity
[51:01] - Using Our Gifts
[52:39] - Prophesying and Serving
[54:21] - Teaching and Encouragement
[55:59] - Generosity and Leadership
[57:39] - Showing Mercy
[59:29] - Personal Growth and Relationships
[01:01:15] - Sincere Love and Hospitality
[01:03:01] - Blessing Those Who Persecute You
[01:04:40] - Rejoicing and Mourning Together
[01:06:26] - Living in Harmony
[01:08:18] - Overcoming Evil with Good
[01:09:58] - Leaving Room for God's Judgment
[01:11:41] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Romans 12:1-2
- Romans 12:9-10
- Romans 12:17-21
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he urges believers to offer their bodies as a "living sacrifice"? ([47:15])
2. How does Paul describe the process of transformation in Romans 12:2? ([49:15])
3. What are some of the specific gifts Paul mentions in Romans 12:6-8, and how are they to be used? ([52:39])
4. According to Romans 12:17-21, how should Christians respond to those who do evil to them? ([01:09:58])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it look like in practical terms to offer your body as a living sacrifice in today's world? ([47:15])
2. How can the renewing of our minds help us to discern God's will in our daily lives? ([49:15])
3. Why is it important for love to be sincere, and how can we ensure our love for others is genuine? ([01:01:15])
4. What are the challenges and benefits of overcoming evil with good, as Paul instructs in Romans 12:21? ([01:09:58])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. What specific changes can you make to live as a "living sacrifice" for God? ([47:15])
2. Identify one area in your life where you feel pressured to conform to the patterns of this world. How can you seek transformation through the renewing of your mind in this area? ([49:15])
3. Think about the gifts God has given you. How can you use one of these gifts to serve others in your church or community this week? ([52:39])
4. Recall a recent situation where someone wronged you. How can you apply Paul's teaching to bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good? ([01:09:58])
5. How can you practice sincere love and hospitality in your interactions with others this week? Identify one specific action you can take. ([01:01:15])
6. Consider a person in your life who tests your patience. What steps can you take to show them mercy and kindness, even if they have hurt you? ([01:09:58])
7. Reflect on the story of George Bolt shared in the sermon. How can you go above and beyond in your service to others, just as he did? ([01:13:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Living Sacrifice
Description: Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This means dedicating every part of oneself—hands, feet, minds, and hearts—to God's service. True worship is not just about rituals but about living a life that reflects God's love and grace in every action and decision. This call to be a living sacrifice challenges us to align our daily lives with God's will, making every moment an act of worship. [47:15]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God today? How can you make this act of worship a daily habit?
Day 2: Transformation Over Conformity
Description: Paul warns against conforming to the patterns of this world, which often lead us away from God's will. Instead, believers are called to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation allows us to discern and follow God's good and pleasing will, aligning our lives with His purpose. By renewing our minds through prayer, scripture, and fellowship, we can resist worldly influences and grow closer to God. [49:15]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What worldly patterns do you find yourself conforming to? How can you actively renew your mind to align more closely with God's will?
Day 3: Using Our Gifts
Description: Each believer has been given unique gifts by God, and we are called to use these gifts to serve one another and build up the church. Whether it's prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy, everyone has a role to play in God's kingdom. By recognizing and utilizing our gifts, we contribute to the growth and unity of the church, fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. [52:39]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you? How can you use these gifts to serve others and build up the church this week?
Day 4: Sincere Love and Hospitality
Description: Love must be sincere and come from the heart. Believers are called to put others before themselves, practice hospitality, and bless those who persecute them. This kind of love transcends social, economic, and racial boundaries, reflecting the unconditional love of Christ. By showing sincere love and hospitality, we create a welcoming and supportive community that mirrors God's kingdom. [01:01:15]
Hebrews 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience sincere love and hospitality from you today? What practical steps can you take to show them this love?
Day 5: Overcoming Evil with Good
Description: Paul instructs believers not to repay evil with evil but to overcome evil with good. By blessing those who wrong us and leaving room for God's judgment, we allow God to work in their lives. This approach not only brings glory to God but also transforms our own hearts and minds. Overcoming evil with good is a powerful testimony of God's grace and love in action. [01:09:58]
1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ESV): "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone."
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you. How can you respond with goodness and grace instead of seeking revenge? What steps can you take today to bless them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do not conform to the world boy we could do a whole series just on that one verse so we're going to have a hard time getting through this chapter today but do not conform to the patterns of this world think about that for a moment what that means the world tries to pull us in this way tries to tell us how we need to live and what's important the world tries to pull us in this way of what we need to think and what we need to believe." [47:15] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If your enemy is hungry feed him right jesus said pray for your enemies right do unto others as you would have them do unto you if your enemy is hungry feed them right that's that blessing not persecuting not cursing if he is thirsty give him something to drink in doing this you will heap burning coals on his head do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." [01:09:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends as christians we're not just asked to do a checklist of service to others we are asked to live our lives as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to god may we do just that may we pray heavenly father thank you for your amazing never-ending love for us we thank you lord for this opportunity to worship you an opportunity lord to respond in prayer if we feel so led that we need it an opportunity lord to offer you our gifts by baskets outside these doors." [01:15:04] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says this in verse 2 do not conform to the world boy we could do a whole series just on that one verse so we're going to have a hard time getting through this chapter today but do not conform to the patterns of this world think about that for a moment what that means the world tries to pull us in this way tries to tell us how we need to live and what's important the world tries to pull us in this way of what we need to think and what we need to believe." [47:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul is saying do not conform to the patterns 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 and pleasing will uh and that's so important for us to test and approve how to think about what we're doing to think about what we're saying no more important than in today's times to think about what messages people are telling us what messages people are telling us what messages society is saying is most important and then to test it." [49:15] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul divides up here into two areas really one is if you're gonna have the best life you can have if you're going to be the best disciple the kingdom person that's growing and walking with god there's really two categories one is personal growth and one is how we're going to deal with others and so we're going to break that down just as paul broke it down in this passage first he says love must be sincere love must be from the heart it must be something that comes from our relationship it's a love that knows no bounds." [01:01:15] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul says how can you best begin to live your life as a holy and living sacrifice and that's what paul is talking about so let's begin to live your life as a holy and living sacrifice how can you have a life worth living to be the disciple god calls you to be and he says use the gifts god has given you all of us have been given gifts what i like about paul's list in romans is we will all of us can do all of these things and should do all of these things but some of us are going to be more enhanced in certain areas." [52:39] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil if we're going to be the best that we can be if we are going to be the best that we can be if we are going to be the have a life worth living if we're going to live a kingdom life that is building up that's taking this solid theology paul's given us and to be people of the kingdom right the children of god do not repay anyone evil for evil well wait a minute that's not how i was raised if someone hits me i need to hit them back right do not repay evil with evil be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone." [01:08:18] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul is saying use your mind put what you're hearing from the world put what you feel is right and overlay it with scripture and if there is a challenge and it's not in line then transform let christ transform let his living word transform your life a holy and living sacrifice means that we give up what we think is right what we feel is important to serve the one who died for our lives right and so that's what paul is talking about so the rest of this chapter is spent telling us how we can live as a holy and living sacrifice." [51:01] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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