Bible Study August 23, 2023
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Are we conformed to the image of Christ or to the world? Is the church today conforming to the world? The scriptures teach us we should be a holy, living sacrifice following Him. For some that is easy, for others more difficult and we can only answer that question on an individual basis.
This is from the dictionary meaning for conforming “behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards.” Jesus turned the tables on conformity. He brought a new message of salvation by grace not by works or conforming the Jewish six hundred and twenty some laws. Grace opens up a lot of new doors for people. Some believe that you can sin and grace will keep you yet Paul said, “do we sin that grace abounds?” My answer is “No” but each of us has to answer that question for ourselves.
Tony Dungy wrote “We know character is a product of more than just our thoughts. The values we hold dear and how we implement them into our lives and relationships are key.” That tells me the purpose should be guided by God to build our character.
Character begins with what we think and the goes into all areas of our life and flows from who we are.
Our thought process directs our character. As my former pastor said and I quote often “Guard your heart.”
God Bless
Asbury Chapel 