ABF 20.24 LN

SERMON NOTES

Romans 12:1-2
These 1st 2 verses are a call to action and devotion. They’re a whole new kind of thought based on what he went over in the previous chapters
Ch1-3, Righteousness is a greater standard than we can meet
Chapters 4-5, God provides this means for righteousness
Ch6-8, Paul explains the necessity for sanctification and growth
Ch9-11, God’s relationship to Man expands to the Gentiles and puts the Jews into a larger context of God’s grace and love
Paul now urges us to act in response to all God has done, despite our total inability and unworthiness
We are enabled by all these things to serve God, live a new life, and do it with a profound devotion and thankfulness
By recognizing these things and acting upon them, we truly worship God in the way He desires
Paul calls for a rational faith and subsequent worship
We are called to a total devotion and sacrifice of our lives as a logical step based on what God has done. Anything less is missing the mark
Sacrifice has a negative connotation only because of self-centeredness
CS Lewis says that our delight in God is not complete until we express it in proper worship. Man’s purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever
Galatians 2:20
Worship is a lifestyle choice. And our situation demands a response
The Gospel is intended to result in a process of change–affecting the whole lifestyle
Ephesians 4:17-24
For many, this change will be a radical one even on the surface
Our culture exalts the virtue of being a free thinker. But “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”.
When we turn toward God, we turn away from the world. The Spirit and subsequent convictions God gives should transform your life
We always want to ask “What is the will of God for MY life?” It’s good and perfect and acceptable, but this is not YOU-centric. It’s good, perfect, and acceptable in His wisdom and greater perspective
For you to submit your whole life is good and perfect and acceptable to God
Romans 1
This is God’s plan for reversing the moral decay in the individual believer
When people hold onto their lives, God gives them over and lets them. But when people give up their life, God takes it up and renews it
God revealed Himself in the person of Jesus, and salvation and mercy through the work of Christ. And it is through this Son of God, who gave his life, that we have new life after ours is given, too

QUESTIONS

ARE THERE PARTS OF YOUR OLD LIFE YOU’VE KEPT FOR YOURSELF AND YOU OWN ENJOYMENTS?
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU NEED TO TWEAK YOUR LIFESTYLE TO REFLECT WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE?
ARE YOUR THOUGHT PROCESSES COMMITTED TO BE BEING CHANGED BY GOD? OR ARE THEY COMMITTED TO SOMETHING ELSE?