TEXT - Romans 12:12-14
Paul continues to command the Christians in Rome (and us) to live a gospel transformed life. As Christians who live under the constant pressures of a fallen world, we can continue to express the love commanded of us in verse 9 through prayer, patience, generosity, hospitality and blessing which flow out of us in response to Christ’s loving us and sacrificing for us first.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Think about each of these commands. Have you heard any of them before? Where have you heard them outside of the Bible and in the Bible?
Compare and contrast the commands that Paul lists in verses 9-11 and 12-14.
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Why should we be joyful in hope? How does a thoughtful consideration of the gospel encourage us and inspire us to do what Paul commands, whether or not we feel like it?
Paul calls us to be constant in prayer. How does this command encourage you and stir up your affections for God?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Which one of these commands is most difficult for you to do?
Discuss practical ways to obey God’s command to genuinely love one another through the ways described in these verses.