TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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. Romans 12:1a
Read: Romans 12:1-2
Listen: Romans 12
TODAY’S MESSAGE
What if God has an incredible New Year’s resolution for each of us? A resolution that will transform us into people we could never imagine possible? Paul offers this choice to first-century Christians in Rome. Even though he’s never met them, he’s inspired to write a letter clarifying the Gospel. He explains the righteous character of God and how God offers to make them (and us) righteous through the decisions we make.
God has good, pleasing and perfect plans for us. But they require a decision on our part to respond to the mercy he shows through Jesus who died on a cross in our place. This decision allows God to transform us into Christ-likeness, shaping the decisions we make for the rest of our lives. It’s a response that allows others to see what an amazing God he is just by being around us.
Offering ourselves as a living sacrifice doesn’t mean we will be slaughtered, but that we humbly lie down on the “altar” of obedience to God’s ways. It’s a choice from our hearts to lay aside selfish desires and put our whole being at his disposal. It’s trusting him to guide us and help us follow.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Begin 2020 by praying with open hands and saying, “God, thank you for making me righteous through your son Jesus. I believe he died for me. I resolve to obey you and allow you to change me to be like him—good, acceptable, and perfect.” Make memorizing Romans 12:1-2 your goal as you go through this week.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
