living sacrifices romans 12 Romans 12 1 2

living sacrifices romans 12

Romans 12: 1 -2 – A living sacrifice

Christians in the Workplace

Romans 12: 1 -2 – A living sacrifice • “…to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. ” (v 1) – We are part of the new priesthood (1 Peter 5: 9) • Word used for spiritual is logikos, which in this context can also be translated as ‘reasonable’

Romans 12: 1 -2 – A living sacrifice • As well as our bodies, Paul calls us to offer our minds to God Worldly Thinking Godly Thinking Short-sighted Eternal perspective Self-centred Focussed on God and others • The renewing of our minds is an ongoing process • Only by offering our minds to God will we be in a position to test and approve what God’s will is

Romans 12: 3 -8 – Using our gifts • We are called to offer our bodies and minds to God. How do we do this? – Through service – God has given us gifts with which we can help build His church • We should consider ourselves in “sober judgement” (v 3) – Ought not to think too highly or lowly of ourselves

Romans 12: 3 -8 – Using our gifts • One body in Christ, many gifts (v 6 -8) – prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing, leadership and being merciful – Not an exhaustive list of gifts (e. g. 1 Corinthians 12) • We have a tendency to emphasise more visible gifts to the detriment of others – All the gifts are required for building up the church

Romans 12: 3 -8 – Using our gifts • We have passions and gifts, but these do not necessarily align: GIFTS PASSIONS • We should be particularly mindful of our own and others gifts in a growing church – Our newest church member may be a Tony Campolo or Matt Redman in waiting!

Romans 12: 9 -16 – How to behave in church • • Sincere love (devoted in mutual affection) Radical ethic Competitive honour Zealous – spiritually hot Joyful, patient and prayerful Generous and hospitable Empathetic Active humility

Romans 12: 17 -21 – Not being overcome by evil • We look forward to a time when there will be no more tears or pain (Revelation 21) – What should we do in the mean time, when our relationships are not perfect? • Paul was well aware that Christians can disagree (e. g. Paul and Barnabus in Acts 15) – Lays out a series of principles to help us live with people that we might not consider as friends

Romans 12: 17 -21 – Not being overcome by evil “Revenge is a common passion; it is the sin of the uninstructed. The savage deems it noble; but Christ's religion, which is the sublime civilizer, emphatically condemns it. Why? Because religion ever seeks to ennoble man; and nothing so debases him as revenge. ”

Romans 12: 17 -21 – Not being overcome by evil • Do not repay evil with evil (v 17) – We should leave God, in His holiness, to punish (v 19) – It is not wrong to seek justice, but ultimately it is God’s prerogative, not ours • Do what is right in the eyes of everyone (v 17) • Live at peace with everyone, so far as it depends on you (v 18) • By doing the above, we “heap burning coals” on the heads of those we are in conflict with

Christians in the Workplace • Thanks • Repentance – When we idolise work – When we are not motivated by God in our work • Supplication – Help for those who are weary in their work – Wisdom/integrity in making work-related decisions – Patience for those with strained relationships Work – For those who feel content and rewarded in their work – That we live in a country that is good to its workers

Christians in the Workplace • Thanks – For the privilege of being called to make others disciples • Repentance – When we do not reflect Jesus in our actions and words – When do not take every opportunity to witness – Softening of hearts to respond to the Gospel by the Holy Spirit – Equipping of God’s people for mission – Sense of urgency in our witness Witness • Supplication

living sacrifices romans 12