Romans 12 1 2 Understanding it Reflecting on

Romans 12: 1, 2 Understanding it Reflecting on it © 2011 Barry Liesch Biola University La Mirada CA 2

Romans 12: 1, 2 NRSV I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may be able to discern what is the will of God − what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3

Romans 12: 1, 2 NRSV I a__ to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by _________, to present your _____, as a ____, holy and ____to God, which is your ____________. Do not be _________, but be____ by the ______, so that you may be able to discern w___ i_ t_ w__ of G__, what is good and ____. 4

Romans 12: 1, 2 NRSV I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may be able to discern what is the will of God − what is good and acceptable and perfect. 5

The Goal of Worship/Service I appeal to you, therefore Pivotal role of therefore Looks back to Romans ch 1 -11 Looks forward to Romans ch 12 -15 6

The Goal of Worship/Service I appeal to you Falls somewhere between a request & a command Beg, plead urge, exhort (with authority) By the mercies of God In view of (on the basis of) the mercies of God Salvation/Atonement/Forgiveness/Peace with God Grace of God reigning—saved by grace, not of works Gentiles mercifully grafted into the vine 7

The Goal of Worship/Service To present your bodies Our bodies as “instruments of righteousness” Interacting/extending into every dimension of life Total, all-encompassing presentation of self As a sacrifice (central concept to OT/NT worship) Living sacrifice vibrant, active, continuous Holy sacrifice set apart Acceptable sacrifice well-pleasing to God 8

Goal of Worship/Service Which is your spiritual act of worship “Difficult to pin down– 4 possibilities” (Moo) Has spiritual and rational/reasonable connotations 1. Spiritual as inner heart, involved mind 2. Spiritual as opposed to depraved 3. Rational/sensible as opposed to irrational, illogical 4. Rational as fitting, understanding, appropriate Which is your reasonable act of service (KJ) Appropriate, sensible, expected response 9

The Means of Transformation Do not be conformed to this world Do not be squeezed into the mold of the this world Sin-dominated Age or Old Realm (of Adam, the fall) But be transformed Inwardly changed at the deepest level 10

The Means of Transformation By the renewing of your minds Thoroughly adjusting your thinking about everything in accordance with newness of life in the Spirit through the effectual work of the Spirit Able to discern what is the will of God Understanding, approving, agreeing with God’s will Knowing (almost instinctively) what we need to do to put into practice God’s will, and please him in every situation 11

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