Offer Your Bodies As a Living Sacrifice-Romans 12:1-21

Key Verse: 12:1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

1. Read verse 1. What does Paul urge believers to do, and on what basis? What does it mean to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”? Why does Paul call this “true and proper worship”? (Jn 4:22-24). Contrast with sacrifices in Leviticus.

2. What is the pattern of this world and why should we not conform to it (2a; 1Jn 2:15-17)? How can we know God’s will (2b)? What does it mean to “be transformed” and how does this come about? (Col 3:10; 16), (Ps 1); (Ps 119:11); (Matt 5:13-16)

3. How should we regard ourselves and others in the church (3-5)? Why is this important? What gifts are given to the members of the body (6-8)? How should these gifts be used (1Co 12:7; Eph 4:12)? What gift do you have, and how are you using it?

4. What must characterize Christian love (9-10)? With what mindset should we serve the Lord (11)? What other virtues mark our transformed minds (12-13)? (James 1:4-5); (Daniel 1); (Thess 5:16-18); (Heb 13:2)

5. How should we respond to persecution (14)? How should we relate to others (15-16)? Why is humility so important? How should we deal with evil people (17-21)? What is the secret to overcoming evil? (Prov 26:1-12); (Prov 25:21-22)