Sermon Video:
God’s Mercies – The Impetus for Our Self-Surrender to God from Theotis Casey on Vimeo.
Sermon Audio:
The Impetus for Our Self-Surrender to God
Pastor Aaron E. Lavender
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Sermon Series: ROAD TO SPIRITUAL RENEWAL (Pt. 1)
“God’s Mercies – The Impetus for Our Self-Surrender to God”
Romans 12:1-2
Introduction:
In verses one and two of Romans Chapter 12 we notice Paul’s emphasis on God’s mercies being the impetus (motivation or incentive) to holy living and our self-surrender to God. Two truths emerge from the text: (MOTIVATION) The Living Sacrifice, and (MEANS) Non-Conformity Through Transformation, by resisting conformity and embracing transformation.
I. MOTIVATION – The Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1
Paul discloses four truths here: a personal appeal, an inclusive reality, an astounding incentive, and a reasonable request.
A. A Personal Appeal (v.12a, “I beseech you”). The Greek word for “beseech” is (parakaleo), and is the formation of two words: para (along, besides) and kaleo (to call).
B. An Inclusive Reality (v.12b, “therefore brethren”). This is the fourth “therefore” in the Book of Romans.
- The therefore of CONDEMNATION (3:20).
- The therefore of JUSTIFICATION (5:1)
- The therefore of ASSURANCE (8:1)
- The therefore of DEDICATION (12:1).
C. An Astounding Incentive (v.12c, “by the mercies of God”)
- Our immediate justification (Chapters 3-5)
- Our immediate/continual sanctification (Chapters 6-8)
- Our future glorification (Chapter 8:18-27; 9-11)
CLOSER LOOK AT ROMANS 8:
- No condemnation; freedom from the power of indwelling sin (vv.1-11).
- Adoption into the Family of God (vv.12-17).
- Future glorification and an end of suffering (vv.18-27).
- Conformity into Christ’s image (vv.28-30).
- No separation from God’s love (vv.31-39).
D. A Reasonable Request (v.12d) 4-fold:
- “Present your bodies” –
- “A living sacrifice” –
- “holy, acceptable to God” –
- “your reasonable service” –