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How to Live the Christian Life

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 TNIV

The Christian life is lived in response to…

The mercy of God

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy. Romans 12:1 TNIV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 ESV

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12 TNIV

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

The calling of God

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Romans 12:1 TNIV  

The thoughts of God

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 TNIV

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways. and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV 

When I invite God to change my mind, God will change my view of what…

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…  2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place and allow your thoughts and feelings to become calm. When you are ready, invite God to guide your time with him. Think about God’s mercy towards you. What does God’s mercy mean to you? Ask him questions like, “To what extent am I living my life as a response to your mercy to me? What influences do I respond to other than your mercies? How would my life look different if I comprehended and responded more to your mercy?” Have a conversation with God regarding these questions. Imagine yourself in his presence. Recall some specific ways he has shown you mercy. Ask yourself, “What am I thinking and feeling right now?” Ask God to help you determine an action you can take this week to grow in responding to his mercy and to turn away from the negative influences in your life. When you have taken this action, share your experience with someone you trust.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read 1 Peter 1:3. In what practical ways might your last week have looked different if you had responded to others with the same mercy God shows you, rather than what they may have deserved? 
  3. Read Lamentations 3:22-23. In light of the fact that God’s mercies are new every morning, who do you need to give a fresh start to today and what practical step can you take to release your bitterness and begin to forgive them?
  4. Read Romans 12:1. If you sat down to make a list, what are some of the things you sacrificed or changed in your journey to follow Jesus? With all those victories in mind, what is one sin or habit that you know needs to change for you to continue to follow Jesus?
  5. Read Romans 12:2. There is an old Christian adage that asks, “If you were arrested for being a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” What evidence from your life would your friends and family use to “convict” you of being a Jesus follower and what might need to change as a result?
  6. Read Matthew 11:28-29. What is one specific burden you are carrying today that you need God’s help with and what can we do to help you find peace and rest?