TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Do not conform to the pattern of this world… Romans 12:2a
Read: Romans 12:1-2
Listen: Romans 12
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Our life should look different from those who don’t follow Jesus if we call ourselves Jesus-followers. Paul makes this point to Roman Christians who were turning back to the habits they practiced when they worshipped idols and false gods. It’s not enough to merely know the Gospel. Paul says we need to let it transform our lives by the way we choose to live each day.
Pastor Aaron Buer says there are three things we can do to help develop new habits of obedience to God. (1) Introspection. Begin our day by thinking about how we may have stopped obeying God the previous day. (2) Confession. Admit to God where we stopped surrendering to him. Confession doesn’t earn God’s forgiveness but keeps our relationship with him honest by acknowledging our mistakes and accepting his forgiveness (1 John 1:9). (3) Accountability. Sinful habits don’t go away quietly. The pull toward ungodly behavior is constant. We need Christian friends with the same struggles to help keep an eye on us. We can find this kind of support through The Circle (a small group) or a trusted friend.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you meet with God today, begin the practice of contemplating yesterday. Then thank him for three things and confess to him where you refused to surrender and obey. If you don’t have accountability in your Christian journey, plan to join a small group. New small groups launch in January at each campus and at various times. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey—we have a small group for you.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
