Week 1 - Day 1
Today's Reading Passage: Romans 11:33-12:2
1. What does Paul urge the Roman believers to do in Romans 12:1? Why does a “living sacrifice” seem like a contradiction? view answer
- He urges them to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice.
- The Old Testament sacrifices were usually animals that had been slaughtered or killed for atonement of sin (Leviticus 1-5). As some have said, “The problem with the living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar.” There were, however, also sacrifices that were not for atonement of sin. These were the burnt, grain and free will offerings given from a thankful heart in devotion to God, “… an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 2:9). This would seem more akin to what Paul had in mind as no one can atone for their own sin by personal sacrifice.
2. From Romans 12:2, how are believers transformed? What is the objective or outcome of this transformation? view answer
- Do not conform to the pattern of this world.
- Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
- The objective of this transformation is to demonstrate the will of God, “… His good, pleasing and perfect will.” This is God’s eternal purpose for us. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29).
- Paul prayed for the Thessalonians: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
3. In what areas of your life are you conforming to the pattern of this world? What will you do to begin to renew your mind?