Here are the notes from Paul Williams’ first talk at Bible by the Beach…
Romans 12:1-13
We all want a bit of the gospel, all the blessings, but not so much that it changes my life.
What does it mean to be sold out for Jesus? A tame, comfortable life is not a respectable response to the gospel – worship here is about giving our whole lives.
Be motivated - by the gospel v.1 – ‘remember the mercies of God’ – we forget God’s mercy because we forget who we are, the world tells us that we’re worth it! Christian – are you gripped by the mercy of God? That’s the foundation of the Christian life, of a life sold out for Jesus.
Be worshipping – by offering yourself. Don’t bring an offering, be an offering. Jesus is the complete guilt offering, we bring ourselves as a thank offering as a response to Jesus – this is a reasonable response, a life for a life. We’re good at compartmentalising – what is your no go area with Jesus?
Be supported – by other Christians. We all need encouragement to live for Jesus. ‘Morning Watch’ – Oliver Barclay at Cambridge – encouraged one another. We should share our struggles, battles, joys to encourage each other – we need this to live total worship.
Be transformed – by the renewing of your mind. The pattern of this world (Romans 1 – we turn away from God) drags us down, God gives us over to the spiral of rejecting God. When God speaks he creates and transforms – God’s word should transform us as we study his word, as we apply it to every area of our lives. Some find the Bible boring so don’t read it, some love it, but aren’t changed by it!
