Small Group Discussion
Romans 12:1-2
1. Read Romans 12:1-2. What is the main thing Paul urges us to do?
2. In 12:1, Note: “present yourselves to God” was a word that referred to the complete dedication of something to God. It was used of offering a sacrifice to God on the altar which was completely God’s. What does Jesus tell us about how we are to relate to Him in Luke 9:23?
3. What is the point Paul is trying to get across regarding the motive and design of a believer’s worship of God? Do you ever obey God out of fear? What would change if you obeyed him out of gratitude and a desire to please Him?
4. Old Testament worship was manifested through animal sacrifice. What does Paul mean by “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice? (See also Rom 6:13-16, 1 Pet 1:14, 1Jn 2:15)
5. Paul commands believers: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” Why does the mind need to be “renewed” in order to Worship God and know His will? (See Jeremiah 31:33 and Ezekiel 36:26-27) ( See also Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:8-10)
6. To live for God, a Christian must make a decision regarding the world. What values and patterns of thinking and acting that are of the world do you sometimes struggle with? What decisions regarding the world’s values and practices is the Lord showing you that you need to make?
6. How will you apply these verses to yourself? What views or actions are you going to make in your own life as a result of studying these verses?