The Call to Holy living
Rom 12:1-2 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer 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.
Introduction 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…
Key themes in Romans The depravity and sinfulness of man (both Jew and Gentile) – deserving of condemnation God’s mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. (Man is justified by faith) Rom 5:8 Saved from God’s wrath but also reconciled. (friends) We can call him Father.
Living sacrifice vs dead sacrifice 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices… Living sacrifice vs dead sacrifice
DO NOT CONFORM… Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… THIS WORLD The “world” here refers to – the system of beliefs, values or the spirit of the age at any time current in the world. – Dominated by Satan
THE “WORLD” – characterized by Secularization Pluralization Privatization
Mercy through sacrifice - extent of God’s love in granting us life TRANSFORMATION BY RENEWING OF MIND Mercy through sacrifice - extent of God’s love in granting us life Grace fully given – Good things we do not deserve Assurance of his care - Promise of more good things to come
PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD – Proof of faith TEST AND APPROVE GOD’S WILL THE STRUGGLE WITH SIN