Taking it Home Romans 12 Resolutions: Make resolutions that transform your life, rather than conform you to the world. This year, memorize and apply one verse from Romans 12:9–21 each month. (A note card on the mirror is an excellent reminder.)
January: 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
February: 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
March: 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
April: 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
May: 12:13 “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
June: 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
July: 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
August: 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
September: 12:17 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
October: 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
November: 12:19 “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
December: 12:20 “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’”
Summary Verse: 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Resolutions: Claim Christ’s Victory For a New Year Transformed, Not Conformed Romans 12
Pastor Steven Dunkel Bethel Church January 4, 2015
Transformed, Not Conformed: Claim Christ’s Victory Over Your Present and Future Notes:
Recommended Resources
Living on the Edge: Dare to Experience True Spirituality by Chip Ingram Heaven by Randy Alcorn
For more information about Growth Groups, the At Home Study Guide, and a podcast of sermons with study guide, visit www.bethelfc.com.
At Home Study Guide
Growing Deeper
For the week of January 4, 2015 Romans 12
Romans 12 begins with a challenge to stop conforming to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in Christ. Take your time to slowly read through the 21 verses. What stands out to you?
How does understanding yourself with sober judgment allow you to serve in your giftedness of 12:4-8?
As you think about the new year, reflect on Hebrews 11 and the hall of fame of faith. What do you notice about the character of these heroes of our faith? Who of the list do you most easily relate to?
Quick Review: The new year brings with it New Year’s resolutions. Many in America will commit to stop bad habits and start good ones. Maybe you’re one of these who are going to start a new exercise program or stop eating certain sweets. Maybe you’ve decided that beginning January 1 you’re going to read the entire Bible in a year. Whatever your resolution, the new year also provides an opportunity to evaluate what kind of resolve it might take to make 2015 the year you become more like Jesus. CS Lewis said that for most of us, “we are far too easily pleased.” Our desires for status, sex, and salary drive us to be satisfied by things that are not eternally valuable. Pastor Steven’s message reminds us that the greatest resolution we can make is to become more like Jesus and less like the world.
My Story
Have you ever made a new year’s resolution? What was the primary reason for your resolution? How well did you do in keeping your resolution?
As you look around to your co-workers or family and friends, what is something you see that most people expect they deserve to get out of life?
Everyone is looking up to someone; who is someone you are looking up to in living out your faith?
