Sermon 14th Sept – Romans 12:1-2; John 15:13-16
Our Need for Scripture At Times Like This
In these challenging times, the need for guidance from divine principles is more pertinent than ever. As we navigate a world marked by conflicts, political violence, economic instability, climate change, and natural disasters, it is essential to establish a firm foundation through God’s word that provides security and resilience.
For eleven chapters the Apostle Paul has been unfolding the mercies of God (i.e. what God has given us). The sacrifice of atonement made by God through His Son should now motivate a response from the believer in the form of complete dedication and profound communion. The gospel is exactly God’s mercy to undeserving sinners, in giving his Son to die for them. In light of God’s mercy, the Apostle Paul presents an ethical appeal for response. The epistle encourages Christians to present their bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated and holy, in a manner that is pleasing to God. This mode of sacrifice exemplifies the believers’ act of genuine worship.
What, then, is this living sacrifice and spiritual worship? Paul’s discourse is not centered on sacrifices made within the confines of the church building; rather, it pertains to the sacrifices present in daily home life, workplace environments, and community service.
No worship is pleasing to God which is purely abstract and mystical. It must express itself in concrete acts of service performed by our bodies in needed communities. It is essential to resist conforming to the prevailing patterns of the world and instead foster a transformation through the renewal of our minds. It is a fundamental transformation of character and conduct, away from the standards of the world and into the image of Christ himself. In addressing His disciples as friends, Jesus establishes a connection between these bodily sacrifices and the act of bearing fruit. Bearing fruit calls believers to enter other people’s social, and cultural reality—into their daily issues of life and make a difference to God’s glory.
Questions to Consider:
- How would you explain God’s mercy to you and to your friends who are not believers, and how can the world see God’s mercy in you?
- What is offering your bodies as living sacrifice mean?
- What is true worship, and how can it be holy and pleasing to God?
- Jesus has chosen you as his friend, what is “go and bear fruit” mean to you?
