Passage
Romans 12:1-8
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Commentary & Questions
Reflect on verses 1-2. In light of God’s incredible mercy, Paul is strongly encouraging us live like a true follower of Christ.
1. What does it mean to live according to “the pattern of this world”?
2. What does it mean to “offer your body as a living sacrifice” to God?
3. How do these lifestyles differ?
4. Where do you go and what do you do in order to renew your mind, and how is it transforming your life?
Reflect on verses 3-6. Paul reminds us that humility is key for service in the Kingdom of God. In addition, he also reminds us that each of us has skills and we come together as one in Christ to service as the body of Christ.
5. What is humility?
6. Do you give thanks to God for the way He created you and gifts He’s given you?
7. How are you allowing God to develop your gifts?
Reflect on verses 7-8. Paul encourages us to put our faith into action and serve. Not only that, he is instructing us to do it cheerfully and diligently.
8. In what ways are you using your spiritual gift(s) to serve God?
9. Are you serving cheerfully and diligently out of the overflow of your heart and renewal of your mind, or out of selfish ambition?
10. How have you seen ways God has been working through His people with spiritual gifts as the body of Christ? How have you been encouraged by their cheerful and diligent service?
Devotional Author: Eli Mathews