This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
1st Corinthians – California 2013
Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 25
"Reasonable service" = "worship" (Rom 12:1). We dedicate our life to Him. Everything He asks, He has a right to. The first mention of the word "worship" (Gen 22:1-18). God wants to bless us through testing; requirement on us is availability (Gen 22:1). Worship involves a price; for Abraham it was Isaac. Worship involves a witness, readiness (Gen 22:3). Worship involves the mundane (e.g. chopping wood), and obedience (e.g. geographic, action, attitude - Gen 22:4-5, Heb 11:19) Jesus told the Pharisees they did not have faith like Abraham (Joh 8:56, Gal 3:8, Gen 22:4). Isaac had to trust his dad (Gen 22:6-9). "God will supply Himself a Lamb" (Gen 22:7-8, Joh 1:29, Gen 22:13). God's request of Abraham was reasonable; He provided Isaac by Grace in the first place. He was acceptable to God because of living sacrifice (Gen 22:12, Rom 12:1, Jam 2:23). We can enter to worship in the daily, mundane things. True worship results in blessing and reward.
Scripture References: John 1:29, Genesis 22:4-5, Genesis 22:7-8, Genesis 22:3, Genesis 22:6-9, James 2:23, Genesis 22:1, Genesis 22:4, Romans 12:1, Genesis 22:1-18, Galatians 3:8, Genesis 22:12, Romans 12:1, John 8:56, Genesis 22:13, Hebrews 11:19
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.