1. living sacrifices romans 12

2. Romans 12:1-2 – A living sacrifice

3. Christians in the Workplace

4. Romans 12:1-2 – A living sacrifice “…to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (v1) – We are part of the new priesthood (1 Peter 5:9) Word used for spiritual is logikos, which in this context can also be translated as ‘reasonable’

5. Romans 12:1-2 – A living sacrifice As well as our bodies, Paul calls us to offer our minds to God The renewing of our minds is an ongoing process Only by offering our minds to God will we be in a position to test and approve what God’s will is Worldly ThinkingGodly Thinking Short-sightedEternal perspective Self-centredFocussed on God and others

6. Romans 12:3-8 – Using our gifts We are called to offer our bodies and minds to God. How do we do this? – Through service – God has given us gifts with which we can help build His church We should consider ourselves in “sober judgement” (v3) – Ought not to think too highly or lowly of ourselves

7. Romans 12:3-8 – Using our gifts One body in Christ, many gifts (v6-8) – prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing, leadership and being merciful – Not an exhaustive list of gifts (e.g. 1 Corinthians 12) We have a tendency to emphasise more visible gifts to the detriment of others – All the gifts are required for building up the church

8. Romans 12:3-8 – Using our gifts We have passions and gifts, but these do not necessarily align: We should be particularly mindful of our own and others gifts in a growing church – Our newest church member may be a Tony Campolo or Matt Redman in waiting! GIFTSPASSIONS

9. Romans 12:9-16 – How to behave in church Sincere love (devoted in mutual affection) Radical ethic Competitive honour Zealous – spiritually hot Joyful, patient and prayerful Generous and hospitable Empathetic Active humility

10. We look forward to a time when there will be no more tears or pain (Revelation 21) – What should we do in the mean time, when our relationships are not perfect? Paul was well aware that Christians can disagree (e.g. Paul and Barnabus in Acts 15) – Lays out a series of principles to help us live with people that we might not consider as friends Romans 12:17-21 – Not being overcome by evil

11. “Revenge is a common passion; it is the sin of the uninstructed. The savage deems it noble; but Christ's religion, which is the sublime civilizer, emphatically condemns it. Why? Because religion ever seeks to ennoble man; and nothing so debases him as revenge.”

12. Do not repay evil with evil (v17) – We should leave God, in His holiness, to punish (v19) – It is not wrong to seek justice, but ultimately it is God’s prerogative, not ours Do what is right in the eyes of everyone (v17) Live at peace with everyone, so far as it depends on you (v18) By doing the above, we “heap burning coals” on the heads of those we are in conflict with Romans 12:17-21 – Not being overcome by evil

13. Christians in the Workplace Thanks –For those who feel content and rewarded in their work –That we live in a country that is good to its workers Repentance –When we idolise work –When we are not motivated by God in our work Supplication –Help for those who are weary in their work –Wisdom/integrity in making work-related decisions –Patience for those with strained relationships Work

14. Christians in the Workplace Thanks –For the privilege of being called to make others disciples Repentance –When we do not reflect Jesus in our actions and words –When do not take every opportunity to witness Supplication –Softening of hearts to respond to the Gospel by the Holy Spirit –Equipping of God’s people for mission –Sense of urgency in our witness Witness

15. living sacrifices romans 12