living sacrificesromans 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.” (v1)– 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

• 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

Worldly Thinking Godly ThinkingShort-sighted Eternal perspectiveSelf-centred Focussed on God and

others

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” (v3)– Ought not to think too highly or lowly of ourselves

Romans 12:3-8 – Using our gifts

• One body in Christ, many gifts (v6-8)– 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:

• 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!

GIFTS PASSIONS

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

• 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

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.”

• Do not repay evil with evil (v17)– We should leave God, in His holiness, to punish

(v19)– 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 (v17)• Live at peace with everyone, so far as it

depends on you (v18)• By doing the above, we “heap burning coals”

on the heads of those we are in conflict with

Romans 12:17-21 – Not being overcome by evil

Christians in the Workplace• Thanks

– For those who feel content and rewarded in their work

– That we live in a country that is good to its workers

• 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

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

• Supplication– 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

Witn

ess

living sacrificesromans 12