Life Group Notes for Sunday 14 February – Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Big idea from the message: Our bodies, and what we do with them, is important. The appeal is to continually surrender them to God, saying “not my will, but Yours be done.”
Discussion questions:
- What key things did you take away from the message?
- Put in other words, Paul’s appeal is “because of God’s mercy” or “in view of God’s mercy.” Why is it so important to emphasise this? What can happen if we begin to lose this focus?
- We are exhorted to “present.” Other ways to understand this word are: hand over, surrender, to place at another’s disposal. Do you think this is more or less challenging than presenting something else, such as a gift of money? Why, or why not?
- The body is important because it’s a conduit for the soul. It’s the way that the soul’s will is realised, and it’s one of the primary ways that temptation comes in. Does this challenge your view of your physical body? Does it challenge your view of others’ bodies? How does this perspective differ from that typically presented by the world?
- Paul’s appeal is that we present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Did the exposition of this phrase challenge or change your understanding?
- You may wish to re-read Genesis 22:1-19 to see the Offering of Isaac.
- Is there any specific thing that the Lord is challenging you to address this week?
- How can we pray for your walk this week?
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