Ministry Resources

NT Fire Starters – Day 221: Romans 12:1-16

READ: Romans 12:1-16

THINK: What does it mean to worship God? Is it just something you do during a church prayer or song service? In reality, worship is much more than songs or words of praise. True, godly worship involves a lifestyle that honors Jesus in attitudes and actions, as well as words. This includes using your God-given abilities and opportunities to serve and honor Jesus and to benefit others in a way that helps them become more receptive to Him.

RESPOND: What does it mean to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices”? (See 12:1 note.) How does this relate to being “holy”? In what way is this an “act of worship”? (See 21:1 note, sub-point 3.) In what ways do people tend to conform to “the pattern of this world”? Why and how must Jesus’ followers resist this? (See 12:2 note.) What does it mean to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” and how does this happen? What is “God’s will” and in what ways is it good, pleasing and perfect? (See 12:2 note.) How are Jesus’ followers like parts of a body (vv. 4-5)? What does it mean that we all have different “gifts” and how does God’s grace relate to this? (See 12:6 notes.) What are the main purposes of these gifts? Does this list of “grace gifts” contain all gifts people can have? Why or why not? Why do you think it mentions sincere love directly following the gift descriptions (vv. 9-10)? Why and how must Christians “be devoted to one another in brotherly love”? (See 12:10 note.) What does it mean to honor others above yourself (v. 10)? How can you maintain your zeal and “spiritual fervor” in serving the Lord? Why is it vital to be “faithful in prayer”? (See 12:12 note.) What influence could you have by blessing those that persecute you (v. 14)?

PRAY: Ask God to continually renew your mind so that you can resist conforming to the world’s pattern of thinking and living. Pray that all you do today–and every day–will be an act of worship, worthy of identifying with Jesus. Also, give God thanks for the unique abilities He’s given you with which you can serve and honor Him.

ACT: Make a conscious effort to view everything you say and do today as an expression of worship–an offering of yourself to God–something that honors Him and conveys His character. Also, consider the study notes related to each specific gift mentioned in verses 6-8. See if your interests and inclinations identify with any of these gifts. Then see p. 2278 of the Campus Missions Training Helps and go through the “Serving With Style” inventory. This will help you identify a potential place of service in the church based on your God-given interests and abilities.

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