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Good evening! Welcome to 2010!!
Tonight I thought we would begin the New Year by taking a look at the foundational scripture of 'Living Sacrifices'.
Dawn and I had been asking God to lead us in the direction He would have us take this ministry, and He impressed Romans 12 upon my heart. As we studied this part of scripture, it was apparent the entire chapter dealt with what we believe He would have this ministry to be:
- We are to present ourselves wholly to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Rom_12:1-4);
- We are to serve others, as God has given us the gifts and talents to share and serve (Rom_12:6-13
an>);
- And we are to learn to be content with our present state (Rom_12:18-21).
We should understand, right from the start, this is not something we can do on our own, or by ourselves. God- in the person of the Holy Spirit- must do it in us, and through us. As the scriptures say:
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
So, with that before us, let's open our bible, please, to Romans 12, and let's look at this together. We will not get the entire chapter covered tonight, but that's okay- it gives us something to look forward to, as we work our way through this very important chapter.
Romans, chapter 12, from verse 1:
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching;
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it in simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Rom 12:10 Be tender loving one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; constant in prayer;
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless them who persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
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