READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The apostle Paul exhorts us to respond to God’s mercies by becoming a living sacrifice. We are called to live a counter cultural lifestyle which turns away from a life of the flesh to a life formed by the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice in our daily lives?
Metamorphosed in View of God’s Mercy (v1-2)
When we present our bodies as a living sacrifice in spiritual worship, we are transformed by the renewing our mind to discern God’s perfect will. We are metamorphosed like when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. God wants this to happen to us. Unlike the Old Testament animal sacrifices, we offer our bodies, holy and pleasing to God, all the time. It is an informed worship, because we recognize the meaning of God’s mercy and truth in our lives. The result is an ability to discern what is pleasing to God. When God’s thoughts dominate our minds, we know His will. Conversely, when we think like this world, we cannot understand God’s perfect will.
The discipleship lesson is to intentionally choose to practice holy living. Paul calls us to a life that bears the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Today, are we molded by the world or are we metamorphosed by God’s mercy?
Mindful Members of One Body in Christ (v3-8)
A living sacrifice has a transformed and renewed mind that takes others into account. We do not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to, but think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith God has assigned. We are mindful of one another as we are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
The discipleship lesson is to practice sacrificial living. The result of renewed minds is unity and humility. As part of a community of believers, we are inter-dependent. We are to help others to grow in Christ and to each use our different gifts for the sake of others.
Measured by Marks of True Discipleship (v 9-21)
Jesus commands us to love God and to love our neighbor. Love is a key mark of discipleship. A living sacrifice embodies genuine love, hates what is evil and clings on to what is good. Some examples of what is good are to love one another with mutual affection and outdo one another in showing honour. We are to be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord, rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints and extend hospitality to strangers. There must be love in the family of God. True love is fervent, relentless and practical.
Paul urges us to cultivate the attitude of a transformed mind. Love can also be shown to non-Christians. We are to bless those who persecute us and live in harmony and with humility and empathy. To foster peace, do not repay anyone evil for evil, but think of what is noble in the sight of all. Wherever possible, live peaceably. Never avenge yourself but leave room for the wrath of God. When we live in the light of God’s mercies, we show love and do not act like a judge. We do good, even to those who oppose us. It is harder to do so, but in this way we overcome evil with good.
The discipleship lesson is to practice harmonious and testimonial living. We cultivate a genuine love through the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit and our total surrender to God. This love cherishes others and seeks justice, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. We are a living testimony reflecting God’s work in our lives. As an instrument of witness, evangelism and discipleship, what has been our testimony?
(Sermon notes by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Read Romans 12:1-2. Paul makes his appeal to be “living sacrifices” on the grounds of God’s mercy (v1).
- How would you define and describe God’s mercy to you?
- How do these ‘mercies’ motivate you to live a Christ-honouring life?
- Metamorphosed In View Of God’s Mercy (Romans 12:1-2)
- Why does Paul focus on the mind, rather than our actions (v2)?
- In what ways do you tend to “be conformed to the prevailing culture”?
- How in practice can you overcome this tendency?
- What practical steps can you take to ‘renew’ your mind (v2)?
- What is the end result of your being transformed (v2)
- Mindful Members of One Body In Christ (Romans 12:3-8)
- What is the connection between Romans 12:1-2 and Romans 12:3-8?
- Why does Paul stress the need for right thinking before he lists the ways we should act (v3)
- How does the illustration of the human body help Christians to be more unified as one body in Christ (v3-5)?
- Measured By The Marks of True Discipleship (Romans 12:9-21)
- What does genuine love look like?
- How can you cling to what is good?
- How are you growing as a disciple of Christ?
- What would you need to do to live alongside others?
- List some steps you can take to practice:
- Holy Living
- Sacrificial Living
- Harmonious Living
- Testimonial Living
