AM & PM Sermons 1/20/13: Romans 12: Dedicated Service
Today’s Scripture Readings:
AM: Romans 12.1-8 & PM: Romans 12.9-21
ROMANS CHAPTER 12: DEDICATED SERVICE
Brent Willey [am] & David Fiddament [pm]
Introduction:
- The first 11 chapters in Romans are highly theological, whereas, chapters 12-15 are intensely pragmatic – designed for daily living.
- Chapter 12 has two noticeable sections worthy of our consideration.
AM Service (Brent):
I. TRANSFORMED SERVICE – Verses 1-8
- Leaving the Cocoon: A Changed Life! (Verses 1-2)
- V. 1: “Living Sacrifice”
- V. 2: “Conformed” versus “Transformed” [suschematízō: conform to a pattern] vs. [metamorphóō: change forms]
- Serving with Humility: A Measure of Faith (Verse 3)
- Using the Gifts: “The Same Thing, Only Different” (Verses 4-8)
- Verses 4-5: The Many Members of the One Body
- Verses 6-8: Gifts, gifts, gifts, “let us use them” (verse 6).
- Our transformation has two purposes:
- To put us in a right relationship with God (vs. 1-2).
- To prepare us for a life of service (vs. 3-8).
PM Service (David):
II. OVERCOMING EVIL WITH GOOD – Verses 9-21
- Transparent Relationships: Make Love Real! (Verses 9-13)
- V. 9: “Let love be genuine” [anupókritos: “no hypocrisy”].
- V. 10: “Outdo one another in showing honor” [proēgéomai: “to lead the way for others” – to take the first step].
- V. 13: “Contribute to the needs of the saints…”
- Loving the Enemy: “But don’t give in to them!” (Vs. 14-21)
- Vs. 14-15: Always do the right thing!
- Vs. 16-18: Be a humble peacemaker!
- V. 19: Leave the vengeance to God – He’ll get it right!
- Vs. 20-21: Make your enemy ashamed of his bad behavior!
- In relating with others, we are to exemplify the characteristics and the attitude of Jesus Himself! (Cf., Phil. 2.5)
Conclusion: Until we are truly “transformed,” we will never involve ourselves in the level of service the Lord desires of His people.
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