The Radical Implications of the Mercies of God: His Gospel

The Radical Implications of the Mercies of God: His Gospel Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1 The word “therefore” links these verses back to all previous truths Paul has already presented in chap 1-11 • I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Romans 1-11Part 1 Thesis By God’s sovereign grace man is justified by repentant faith in the Gospel.

God expects all those who have been saved by the power of the Gospel to RADICALLY live out that Gospel. Romans, Part IIChapter 12-15 Thesis

the Gospel The gospel is the good news that mercy is available through the cross to ____________

Let’s Consider The implications of suggesting the gospel should radically impact you in a world that resents religious radicalism

Our Radical Savior and Lord And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you Love your enemies If any man come to me, and hate not his father…and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Romans 12:1 • We need to hear: • I “beseech” • I “appeal” or “urge” (with emphasis)

Romans 12:1 • We need to hear: • I “beseech” • I “appeal” or “urge” (with emphasis) • brethren, (fellow believers) • by the mercies of God, • (the gospel)

Romans 12:1-2 I am NOT my own I have been bought with a price. • I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

What does it mean to sacrifice? Wars are won through sacrifice Athletes sacrifice to win Parents sacrifice for children Spouses sacrifice one for another Believers sacrifice for the church Christ died for

Sacrifice is what we STRUGGLE with in the 21st Century

Why can’t we afford time away for a short-term mission trip BUT we never miss using our timeshare at the beach? “Living Sacrifice”

You are out to dinner and the waiter is terrible, the steak is NOT cooked right, and _______

What goes through your mind when you hear that William Carey stayed on the mission field in India through three wives? “living sacrifice”

Here is the Issue blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed…Jesus • In the remote region of our sub-conscious, are we asking this question: • What if I sacrifice the “golden years” of my life for service to the King and there is NO God?

The gospel implores me to make Radical sacrifices of lusts, dreams, aspirations and even goals in light of the mercy of God in my life.

Romans 12:1-2 • I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1-2 Pleasing to God • I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Bodily Application I have always wanted a tattoo on my body… However, I am a tattoo could hurt my testimony for the cause of Christ I am sure there will not be any tattoo parlors in heaven ( I better do it now) Will I sacrifice my dream of having a tattoo on my arm in response to gospel?

Romans 12:1 This sacrificial choice becomes an act of worship. • I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable [spiritual] service.

Application Responding to a lazy incompetent waiter in a MERCIFUL (Christ Like) manner becomes an act of spiritual service to your King! Spiritual Service

Romans 12:2 • And • Paul is not finished describing how the gospel is to radically impact every area of my life

Romans 12:2 Please Turn John 17:9-17 • Be not [imperative] conformed to this world:

John 17:9-17 “In” but NOT “of” for a distinct purpose

Instead of Conforming The Bible knows nothing of a scenario where the people of God look, walk, talk and act like the people of the world; HOWEVER_____________ • but be ye transformed • [into holy, God-pleasing, living sacrifices].

Real Change Begins w/ the Mind Outward conformity without a transformation of the mind is NOT what Paul had in mind. • but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

The Agent of Change • Titus 3:5 • Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy [the gospel] He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 12:2 why • And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that • ye may prove [discern] what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Knowing where to draw the line in your own life is NOT easy. It takes discernment. FactBaptists have historically taken a strong stand for soul liberty.

Three Possibilities Black #1 The Bible is very clear about this matter White #2 The Bible is NOT clear about this matter Gray #3 The Bible provides some guidance concerning the matter BUT it is not absolute

Every scenario requires this question: How should the gospel impact how I think or what I do in this scenario? Application

Answer • Three possibilities: • Positive • This actively advances the gospel • Neutral • Neither positive or negative • Negative • This hurts the intent and goal of the gospel

Christianity Is NOT • NOT a religion • NOT about rules to appease God’s wrath • NOT about rituals or ceremonies • NOT about regulations to win God’s favor

Radical Implications • With my spouse • In the body of Christ • With my boss • In my worldview • While out to dinner • With my coworkers • In my neighborhood • With my time • In my marriage

What about attending the October Conference in light of Romans 12:1-2? Men’s Conference

Calling for Sacrifice • Young Single Adult • Mother with three children • Retiree • Small Business Owner • Soldier in the Army

The Radical Implications of the Mercies of God: His Gospel