Some may ask, “Why should we study the missionary methods of Paul? Surely, in all this time, we have grown beyond his old ways and have found better ways of accomplishing ministry.”
To this I would say, look around at the condition of the church at large throughout the world today, and see if you can find a model of success that compares to Paul. Yes, we have our “mega-churches.” They have huge congregations and lots of money, but are they successful in the sight of God? Are they raising up a generation of mature, Bible-instructed believers? I think not. The ignorance of the average believer today is astounding. Many cannot even give a clear presentation of the Gospel message.
In a recent survey across the United States, only about 13% of regular church goers said that they believe in hell, and about the same number doubted the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible. The church as a whole is in a shambles, and the reason is that we have forsaken the God-given way—exemplified by Paul—to achieve the great commission of “making disciples of all nations” (Mat 28:19).

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 38

Rom 12:1-2 summarizes the book of Romans:


Romans1-3 Condemnation: "All have sinned (Rom 3:23)


Romans 4-5 Justification: How can be be right with God? (2Co 5:21, Rom 4:3)


Romans 6-8 Sanctification: what does it take to be sanctification?


Romans 9-11 Dispensation: how is Israel dealt with? How are they restored?


Romans 12-16 Application: how do we apply these things?


Rom 12:1-2 Outline.


(1) Call to urgency -- redeem the time; time is short; we don't have time to waste


(2) assurance of our standing - "brethren" refers to our standing in Christ; we are beloved members of God's family; we have a Father;


(3) provision - "by the mercies of God" everything we need to accomplish the plan -- Mercy is "Grace in action" - Eph 2:8-9 - Grace is "a gift of God, not of works; God's Riches At Christ's Expense


(4) call to be available - "present your bodies a living holy sacrifice"; God doesn't want our ability, but availability;


(5) approval - "acceptable to God"; our standard is to glorify God;


(6) genuine service - "spiritual service of worship"; it's reasonable to offer our life back;


(7) "be not conformed to this world"; spiritual non-conformity; we don't fit in this world;


(8) transformation to the character of Christ; "be transformed";


(9) the arena is this world;


(10) "renewing of our mind - spiritual growth;


(11) proving of God's will (Isa 57:10) - dokimazo tests refine (like heated metal) our faith to prove that His plan is perfect for frail people have to have (1Co 11:28 "examine yourself", Gal 6:4 "examine your own work", 2Ti 3:16, Eph 5:10 "Trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord", Jam 1:3 "the testing of you faith produces endurance", 1Pe 1:7 "...proof of your faith may be to the honor of Jesus Christ"). When we trust we prove the will of God; what glorifies God is bearing fruit (Joh 15:1-8); the secret is staying connected to the source - Jesus Christ (Gal 2:20). What are we supposed to prove? "What is good, acceptable, and perfect" (Rom 12:2)? What is good and acceptable? FAITH. God works out everything to good (Rom 2:10) if you follow the Shepard (Rom 8:28, Rom 12:21). God is pleased - we are acceptable when we're close to him, the Shepherd.


(12) abundant life - "perfect" (Joh 10:10) - "Perfect" does not mean sinless - telion; it means "lacking nothing" (Mat 5:48 - "...be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect"). The only way to "lack nothing" is to receive everything from the Shepard to be complete (Eph 4:13, Col 1:28, Joh 10:2-9). "... so that we may present every man perfect [complete] in Christ Jesus". God wants to prove His will by becoming a "living sacrifice" in all cricumstances . If you grope for God you'll find Him, but He's not far (Act 17:27); Where do you have to go to find God's will? Will to do His will (Joh 7:17-18). In your job; in any cirsumstance we prove that "Jesus Christ is life". If we prove that we will please God.

Scripture References: John 15:1-8, John 10:10, Romans 4:3, John 7:17-18, James 1:3, Romans 12:21, Romans 3:23, Acts 17:27, Ephesians 5:10, Romans 8:28, Romans 12:1-2, John 10:2-9, Galatians 6:4, Romans 2:10, Colossians 1:28, Isaiah 57:10, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 5:48, Romans 12:1-2

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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.

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