[Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]
Dave introduced our new preaching series: Godly Living Unwrapped : Living sacrifices
The letter to the Romans is a book that repeatedly changes the world by changing people.
“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. 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.”
Romans 12:1-2
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.1-2.NLT
We might think it is a great idea to be a living sacrifice but why should I do it?
How do I become a living sacrifice?
How can I be culturally different?
Why should I be a living sacrifice?
Context
- What was Rome and Jerusalem like?
- How does Paul frame his letter?
- Abused slaves and more middle class slaves
- All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
- “This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.”
- Romans 1:1
- The gospel was when officials went around heralding the victory and the establishment of a new King and kingdom.
- Let’s look at the context of Paul pleading with us to give our bodies as living sacrifices before anything else.
- Modern slavery exists but we still live with spiritual slavery
How can I be culturally different?
Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
The world says:
"In case no one told you today:
Life is decay
You will always truly be alone
You are expendable
Nothing happens for a reason
You're going to die
You will be forgotten
It will be like you never existed"
- Counter these demonically inspired thoughts.
- Eternal life can start today
- Jesus is closer than a brother
- You are precious in the sight of Jesus
- Jesus is in control
- “Those who believe in Jesus, even though they die will live” John 11 v 25
- “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” Isaiah 49 v 16
- He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more…. For the former things have passed away. Revelation 21 v 4
How can I be a living sacrifice?
- Take the crown from your heart and give is to Jesus.
- Go through the areas of your life. Money, family, work, church, leisure, health
- Don’t try to earn salvation by good works
- Don’t try to test your Heavenly Father with bargains. Trust Him because He is wise, loving and trustworthy
Prince of Peace
https://youtu.be/lfr1FaqWQ0E
Questions
- Go through the “In case nobody told you today” and discuss the counter cultural stance the word of God gives us to these depressing statements.
- Where are you still keeping the reign of your life away from Father God?
- Look again at the cross and where you have come from being a slave to unrighteousness. Give thanks for his sacrifice.