Life Lessons for the New Believer

A series designed for new believers

Commitment

Romans 12:1-2

Paul J. Bucknell
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New Life | New Values | Two Lives | Commitment
Introduction | (Others still coming)

Purpose

This video podcast on Commitment from Romans 12:1-2 summarizes the Christian principles that need to be incorporated into a believer's life so that he or she can grow to be a strong Christian. This is the point where a new believer moves into the young believer stage.

Click the video below or download on separate page which can be made larger. Study questions are provided below.

Romans 12:1-2

“1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2, NASB).

The new believer grows strong in his faith when he deepens his commitment to be like Christ. This commitment is clearly described in Romans 12:1-2 where God empowers His children to do His good, acceptable and perfect will.

This message is especially important on focusing on the place of dedication and how it applies to Christian living.

This message comes close to summarizing the Christian life and ushering the new believer into the intermediate stage of Christian living called D2. Get a grand perspective of this second stage by going through Reaching Beyond Mediocrity).

Study Questions for Romans 12:1-2

Study questions to help review, quiz or study are below.

• What does Paul want God's people here to prioritize?

• How does spiritual disciplines like Bible study or meditation implement priorities?

• What does it mean to present one's body as a living and holy sacrifice? What does he refer to? How can this apply to one's life?

• What kind of worship is God most concerned with? How does that relate to a church worship service, for example?

• What does it mean not to be conformed to the world? Can you offer some examples that are clear and perhaps some that are dependent on the situation?

• How are God's people transformed? What does this say regarding the connection between thoughts and feelings?

• Would you say that Romans 12:2 means that you can actually do the will of God? Why or why not?

• Do your best to define the three characteristics of God's will in Romans 12:2.

  • a) good
  • b) acceptable
  • c) perfect

Summary

It is critical that the believer early on integrates a daily consecration of his or her life to Jesus Christ into his personal schedule. "I am ready for whatever you want, Lord."

This dedication or commitment sets the whole tone for the day as he conforms his life according to that life commitment when he became a believer.

Upon so dedicating our lives to the Lord each day, we are ready and eager to do His will. He Himself is eager to work with us empowering us to do His will, that which is good, acceptable and perfect.

Further BFF reading or viewing:

• Better understand priorities (Romans 12:1-2) and advance your scheduling abilities? A Spiritually Balanced Life: Living a Spirit-filled life in a busy modern world.

• Catch up on the first half of Romans (chapters 1-11) through shorter summaries and podcasts. Romans: An Introduction and Outlines. Or just read more on Romans 12:1, a full Bible exposition is provided.

• Wonder about how to effectively read God's Word? We have a whole series on this, Meeting with God.

• Do you want to learn more about growth at the second level of discipleship (D2)? Read about all the materials we have at this level in Intermediate Discipleship.

• An article on Romans 6-8, Dying to Sin.

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell