We all make sacrifices from time to time. What is a good example of a significant sacrifice you’ve made in the past?
Why would you sacrifice like that? What was the purpose of the sacrifice?
What would be a typical, day-to-day sacrifice?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Romans 12:1 NLT
Paul urges his people to become a “living and holy sacrifice…” Why in the world would they do that, according to this verse?
What did Paul say to give up? What were they to give their bodies up for? How is this worship?
What does it look like practically to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice each day?
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Romans 12:2-3 NLT
Why is it so easy to conform to the behavior of the world? What are some areas that we might be too conformed?
How are we “transformed?” And, who is responsible for this?
How did Paul describe God’s will for us? Have you experienced a season when God’s will did not seem good, pleasing, and perfect, yet turned out to be so?
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Romans 12:4-8 NLT
Why does it require a living sacrifice to use our gifts the way Paul instructed? Who benefits when we please God by using the gifts He’s given us?
How do you see the seven gifts listed in verses 4-8 being used effectively at The Orchard? By our church in this community?
Which of these spiritual gifts do you have? Or what other gifts do you have?
After studying this passage, how do you answer the question, What is worship? How much of your life involves worship?
Why is it important for Christians to stand out from the rest of the world?
Are you using your spiritual gifts in a way that is “holy and pleasing to God” (v. 1)? If so, how? What holds you back from using your gifts more fully?
How have your attitudes, actions, and thoughts changed since turning your life over to God?