Digging Deeper Days
Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
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The Questions
1) What mercies of God does Paul refer to?
2) What does conformity to this age look like versus a transformed mind?
3) How does a person become a
“living sacrifice?”
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Original Intent
1) What mercies of God does Paul refer to?
This verse essentially links to everything that Paul has stated thus far in his letter to the Romans, specifically chapters 10-11, which focus on the exceedingly rich mercy of Christ to extend salvation to sinful humanity. This merciful salvation brings redemption through Christ, by which we are given the payment for and freedom from sin; a restored relationship with God the Father; the calling and equipping to live a Spirit-led life that mirrors that of Christ Himself. The believers in Rome were to continually remember these mercies as their motivation for the way they lived.
2) What does conformity to this age look like versus a transformed mind?
“This age” is evil (Galatians 1:4) and the ruler of this world is our enemy (2 Corinthians 4:4). So when we, as Christ-followers, begin to copy people who are under the influence of Satan, we are putting ourselves in a very dangerous position. In essence, we are turning down the birthright we have access to in Christ and we are living as if we were still tied to Sin and Satan. A mind is transformed only by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. By spending time reading Scripture, praying (even praying Scripture), and communing with the Holy Spirit by being aware of, and acting on, His promptings, we experience transformation. This is called “progressive sanctification” because becoming more like Christ is a gradual, lifelong process. Let’s not miss out on a single day!
3) How does a person become a “living sacrifice?”
The Old Testament included a sacrificial system detailing which animal to kill, and how to offer it, for specific instances. God does not require his children to literally die for Him (though many have because of persecution). Our daily dying is in a metaphorical sense. We are to put aside our own wants and desires, those that are pulled to the fleshly desires we once lived in before Christ, and instead trust Him to guide us as we give Him all we have.
Everyday Application
1) What mercies of God does Paul refer to?
Ladies, we should also keep the mercies of God in the forefront of our minds! Jesus’ payment for our sin should motivate us to be in continual worship. However, don’t beat yourself up (like I tend to do) if you find it difficult to maintain this posture. The Lord knows that there are millions of distractions in this fast-paced world we live in. But if you take a moment each day to remind yourself of the gospel, you may just find that over time you’ll begin to focus your energy on being rather than doing. Being still before God and studying His Word, will result in the Spirit bringing about deep life change. He will manifest His fruit as you learn to trust and obey Him. In the being with God, rather than focusing on the endless to-do lists of being spiritual, you’ll find yourself joining in the “symphony of praise.”
2) What does conformity to this age look like versus a transformed mind?
Have you heard the phrase “be in this world but not of it”? What does that even mean? And how do we do that? It’s not for the faint of heart, my dears. It requires dedication and intentionality to recognize the influences behind the behavior or music or idea that we’re tempted to imitate. The only way to discern the influence is to allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and train us in the ways of the Lord. A good way to do that is to spend time in Scripture and prayer each day. When we diligently practice listening to the Spirit’s voice, He will guide us in our everyday life choices. For me, it’s usually a feeling in my gut. It’s that “something tells me” feeling…you know the one? Each time I listen to the Spirit’s prompting is a new opportunity to worship, because it’s in those moments that I realize God is personally looking out for me!
3) How does a person become a “living sacrifice?”
Truthfully, even the desires I think are good and God-honoring are usually selfish. God has called each of us to put down our own desires and instead choose to trust Him. Recently I really wanted a new job and a new place to live in a smaller town, maybe in a different state. At the outset of searching, I put it in God’s hands. So far, I have not had any doors open, and the time has passed to give notice to vacate my current apartment. I must trust that I am where God wants me to be. Maybe it’s because I still have much to learn (let’s face it, I do…) or maybe it’s so I can be a witness to people here. Have you found yourself in a similar situation? It’s easy to ask Why? or to get mad at God because you didn’t get what you want. Trust is a choice, a difficult one even in human relationships where we see each other face to face. To trust in the Lord is harder, yet easier, because we have the testimony of His Word. Scripture reminds that He is the only perfect, righteous, just, provider, protector and lover of our souls. The Lord will never disappoint because He always has our best interests in mind…yours and mine, sisters. So go ahead and try this: today, let yourself be guided by the One who knows the deepest parts of your soul and still loves you. Then join the song of adoration and worship to our great God!
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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!
1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!
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Why Dig Deeper?
Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.
In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!
Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.
Study Tools
We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.
Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!
Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))
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