4. Therefore, my dear family, this is my appeal to you by the
mercies of God: offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and appropriate
worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this age,
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 complete will.
Romans 12:1-2
6. For through 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 line with faith, the true standard which God has marked
out for each of you . For just as each of us has one body
with many members, and these members do not
all have the same function, so in The Messiah we,
though many, form one body, and each member
belongs to one another.
Romans 12:3-5
7. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to
each of us, and we must use them appropriately. If your gift
is prophesying, then prophesy according to the pattern
of the faith; if it is serving, then work at serving;
if it is teaching, then at teaching; if it is to encourage,
then at encouragement; if it is giving, then with generosity;
if it is to lead, then do it with energy; if it is doing
acts of kindness, then do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8
8. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what
is good. Be truly affectionate in showing love for one another.
Compete with each other in showing mutual respect. Don’t get
tired of working hard, but be on fire with the Spirit. Work as slaves
for the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in suffering, give constant
energy to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people.
Make sure you are hospitable to strangers.
Romans 12:9-13
9. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Celebrate with those who celebrate; mourn with those who
mourn. Come to the same mind with one another. Do not be
proud, but be willing to associate with the humble. Do not be
conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Think through
what will seem good to everyone who is watching. If it is possible,
as far as you can, live at peace with everyone. Do not take
revenge, my dear friends, but allow God’s anger room to work.
The Bible says: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:14-19
10. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals on his head.”
Do not let evil conquer you,
rather, conquer evil with good.
Romans 12:20
11. SOUL TRAINING
EXERCISE
In light of today’s message:
Spend time specifically praying
for the good/blessing of your enemies,
or of those you disagree with…
Ask God to show you what He
might want to teach you from
those who disagree with you,
or those who see things differently…