OC Bereans

Gentlemen,

The apostle Paul has just concluded 11 chapters of the most comprehensive teaching on God’s work of redemption.  But theology in isolation quickly becomes an exercise in sterile intellectualism.  So he now turns his attention to the ethical implications from this theology for everyday living.

Paul begins by discussing “living sacrifices” … “mind renewal” … and “spiritual gifts.”

Here are several questions to help you unpack the meaning of the first half of Romans chapter 12:

• It’s been said … “The problem with a living sacrifice is that it’s always crawling off the altar”! What are practical ways that you can “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice”?  (v. 1)
• Identify three instances in the past when you have been “conformed to this world.”  (v. 2)
  
• What specific habits can you develop to “renew your mind”?  (v. 2)
  
• What unique “gifts” has God entrusted to you?  (vv. 3-8)
• What are some parameters for effective usage of spiritual gifts?  (vv. 3-16)

A handout for all of Romans 12 has been prepared, although we will most likely only cover the first half of the chapter on Monday night.  It is available for download at the Media Drop Box on the right-side toolbar.

If you have not yet cast your vote on the poll in the last post, please do so as soon as possible.  A secondary poll will then be posted to specify further what we will study next.

Rick H. is bringing the dessert! … get here by 7 pm to enjoy it!

~ tr