Session 12
Chapter 12: A Living Sacrifice
From Romans Study
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The One Thing: In light of God’s mercy, our reasonable response is to offer our entire lives as an act of worship.
Intro
For the last 11 chapters, Paul has laid a massive theological foundation. He has explained sin, justification, grace, sovereignty, and hope. Last week ended with a beautiful hymn of praise, acknowledging that everything is from God, through God, and for God. Up to this point, we have been learning the “what” and “why” of the gospel.
Starting in Chapter 12, the letter shifts to the “how." Paul begins with the word "therefore," which means everything he is about to say is the result of everything he has already said. Because of God’s mercy, our only logical response is to offer our lives back to Him. As you read, look for what marks the life of a Christian. This isn’t a new list of rules to follow. Instead, you’ll see a description of what a life looks like when it has been truly transformed by the grace we’ve been studying.
Study Questions
- How do the tone and content of Romans shift starting in Chapter 12?
- What does it mean to be a "living sacrifice"?
- How would the call to be a "living sacrifice" have resonated with people being persecuted by Rome?
- How would a Jewish person familiar with Old Testament sacrifices have understood verses 1-2?
- Some translations refer to our living sacrifice in verse 1 as a “reasonable act of worship.” What does Paul mean by relating our sacrifice to worship in this way?
- Why does Paul mention the specific spiritual gifts found in verses 3-8?
- What does Paul mean in verse 3 by using your gifts "in proportion to your faith"?
- In verses 9-21, Paul lists the marks of a true Christian. Which of these traits is currently an area of growth for you?
Paul writes that we are to offer our daily lives as a living sacrifice in response to God’s mercy. We are called to be transformed in our minds so that we are no longer becoming more like the world, instead reflecting the work of Christ in our everyday lives.
Discussion Questions
- What does it look like to be a "living sacrifice" at your job or in your home?
- How are you using the gifts God has given you?
- Which "mark of a Christian" (verses 9-21) comes most naturally to you, and which is a struggle for you?
- What is one way you can "renew your mind" this week to stop conforming to the patterns of the world?
- Reflect on your study this week. Are there any specific questions you want to discuss or insights you would like to share?