MSB ROM Chapter 12

Living Sacrifices

(1 Corinthians 3:16–23, 1 Corinthians 6:18–20)

Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies [as] living sacrifices, holy [and] pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.[fn] 2 vvv Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what [is] the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

3 

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: vvv Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to [the] measure of faith God has given [you]. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many [are] one body and each member [belongs to] one another.

6 

We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If [one’s gift is] prophecy, [let him use] it in proportion to [his] faith; 7 [if it is] serving, let him serve; [if it is] teaching, let him teach; 8 [if it is] encouraging, let him encourage; [if it is] giving, let him give generously; [if it is] leading, [ let him lead] with diligence; [if it is] showing mercy, [ let him do it] cheerfully.

9 

Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality

(John 13:31–35, 1 John 3:11–24)

Love must be sincere. Detest what [is] evil; cling to what [is] good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

11 

Do not let [your] zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord.

12 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

13 

Share with the saints who [are] in need. Practice hospitality.

14 

Forgiveness

(Matthew 18:21–35)

Bless those who persecute you. Bless and {do} not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. vvv Do not be proud but associate with the lowly. {Do} not be conceited

17 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody 18 If [it is] possible on your [part], live at peace with everyone

19 

{Do} not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for [God’s] wrath. For it is written:“Vengeance [is] Mine; I will repay, says [the] Lord.”[fn]

20 

Therefore,[fn]

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, vvv give him a drink.

For in so doing

you will heap burning coals on his head.”[fn]

21 

{Do} not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.