Chapter Overview
The mercies of the Lord fuel the spirit of believers. In God’s honor, Christians offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as a daily and ongoing act of worship. They refuse to conform to the patterns of this world but renew their minds, determined to show that the will of God is “good and acceptable and perfect.” This is not a lonely or selfish effort, as disciples recognize their role in the body of Christ. Each child of God has a function to fulfill in the fellowship of believers, exercising their gifts for the benefit of the group. Devotion to actions of love, encouragement, and hospitality shape their lives. Christians seek peace with all people and strive to overcome evil with good in every situation.
As members of the body of Christ, each of us submits our entire life, both spirit and body, to the Lord. This means finding ways to fulfill God’s will every day. The world encourages pride and self-centeredness, but God challenges us to be different and humbly committed to uplifting the body of believers. We must discover our gifts and use them, whether in service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, or mercy. God also calls for devotion, sacrificial contributions, and hospitality. We rejoice with the joyful and comfort the afflicted. The ungodly actions of others must not distract us from our work of peacemaking or from acts of kindness, as we overcome evil by doing God’s good will in this world.
Merciful God, thank You for redeeming us from condemnation and setting us apart as Your people. Help us understand the responsibility we bear as consecrated members of Your Son’s body. We will humbly acknowledge our gifts and use them for the betterment of Your people. We will reject evil and do what is good. Forgive us for our moments of selfishness and strengthen us to be devoted to one another, supporting each other through the ups and downs of this life. Teach us to remain peaceable in all situations, demonstrating that Your way is best in everything we do.
Thought Questions
- 1What does it mean to present your body as a living and holy sacrifice? How is this “your spiritual service of worship” to God?
- 2What are the gifts or talents God has given you to be employed in helping fellow believers? In what way are you currently using them?
- 3“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.” How do you respond when someone hurts you? Why should you seek peace and be kind whenever possible?