Have you ever stood in great need of comfort and encouragement? If so, you know that in time of affliction, there is no thought or word that has deeper meaning, nor any possession of greater value, than that of effective and genuine comfort. The objective of this study is to equip us to have the assurance that there is comfort available, and to know how to be comforted, as well as how to be a comfort to others in the fires of affliction.
Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 24
People approval began to wain when Jesus expressed hard truth (Joh 6:66). Our primary goal should be to hear "well done good and faithful service" (Mat 25:23, 2Ti 4:7-8). "...acceptable to God..." (Rom 12:1, "...acceptable to us..." (Rom 12:2). Election: We choose Christ for our savior, He chooses us; He knew ahead of time. The quality of the acceptable life -- what is God doing in it (Rom 14:17-19)? The pursuit of God's pleasure is the beginning of wisdom (2Co 5:9, Eph 5:10, Eph 5:17). Sacrifice is well-pleasing to God (Phi 4:18). Obedience to parents is pleasing (Col 3:20). Employees being subservient are well pleasing to God (Tit 2:6-9). Our Great Shepherd supplies us everything we need to stand approved in His presence (Heb 13:20-21). God's will indicates His pleasure (1Ti 2:4-6, 2Pe 3:9 1Th 4:3). "reasonable service" -- logical, sensible, or rational (Rom 12:1). It is reasonable that if Christ gave His life to us, that we should give ourselves to Him (1Co 6:20). Genuine "service" is an act of worship.
Scripture References: Philippians 4:18, John 6:66, Ephesians 5:17, Ephesians 5:10, Romans 12:1, Romans 14:17-19, Hebrews 13:20-21, Romans 12:2, Titus 2:6-9, Romans 12:1, Colossians 3:20, Matthew 25:23
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.