Open:
What does it mean to have knowledge? Why is it important to believe what is true?
Objective:
Our Objective is to understand that we can choose to offer ourselves to God and know that He will help us to be transformed into Christlikeness rather than conforming to the world around us.
Read:
Romans 12:1-2,
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Study
When Paul say’s “in view of God’s” what is he talking about?
Using the content of verses 1-2, describe in your own words an appropriate response to God’s mercy.
Notice that these verses speak of both mind and body. Why are both of these important in our relationship with God?
What are some practical ways that you could offer your body as a living sacrifice to God?
In what ways do you tend to ‘be conformed to the prevailing culture’? How in practice can you overcome this tendency?
Apply:
This week think about how your life is being shaped by your choices—the good and bad. Think about the subtle ways that happens. What is one thing you can do this week to begin to transform your mind?
You can start by thinking through these three areas:
- Worship—Life surrendered
- The will of God—His overall will for our lives
- Habits—Habitualizing good habits; helps us to automate good responses