The Big Picture
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Describe a time when someone you know was joyful during a trial. How did this affect you?
Bible Reading
Read Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but
be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,
will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself
more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure
of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many,
are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let
us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth,
let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let
love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned
one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit;
serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to
the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice?
Question 2. In Old Testament times, animals were offered as sacrifices to God to atone for the sins of
the people. When Jesus died on the cross, he became the perfect sacrifice. He bore the penalty for our sin and
offered us salvation through his blood. We show our gratitude by offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God.
3. What does Paul mean when he tells us to be changed within by a new way of thinking?
4. What hinders Christians from thinking and acting like parts of one body?
5. What advice does this passage offer about getting along with each other?
Question 5. Paul compared the body of Christ to the human body to illustrate how believers should work
together and support one another. Encourage participants to take time in the next few weeks to identify their spiritual
gifts and determine how to use them for the encouragement of other Christians. Refer them to 1 Corinthians 12:12–31;
14:1–40 and Ephesians 4:1–16. If the group expresses interest in learning more about spiritual gifts, you could
suggest this as the next topic of study.
6. How should we react during times of trouble?
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
Would you buy a house if you were only allowed to see one of its rooms? Would you purchase a car if you were
permitted to see only its tires and a taillight? Would you pass judgment on a book after reading only one paragraph?
Nor would I.
Good judgment requires a broad picture. Not only is that true in purchasing houses, cars, and books, it's true
in evaluating life. One failure doesn't make a person a failure; one achievement doesn't make a person a success.
“The end of the matter is better than its beginning,” penned the sage.
“Be … patient in affliction,” echoed the apostle Paul.…
We only have a fragment. Life's mishaps and horrors are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about
drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgment on life's storms until we know the whole story.…
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
He should know. He is the Author of our story. And he has already written the final chapter.
(From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. Why is it difficult to wait for God to act on our behalf?
8. Is it difficult for you to be patient when you face trouble? Why or why not?
9. List some areas of your life where you need to be more patient.
Prayer
God of peace, teach us what it means to be peacemakers. Help us to cultivate peace between others and you—in
our neighborhoods, offices, and schoolrooms. Teach us to rely on you to defend us instead of constantly sticking
up for ourselves. Teach us the art of building bridges and not walls. May we be slow to judge and quick to forgive.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
Tell God about the troubles you face.
Additional Questions
10. How is it possible for troubles to be a blessing?
11. What spiritual gifts do you think God has given you?
12. What does it mean to serve God with all your heart?
For more Bible passages on patience in affliction, see Job 36:15; Psalm 22:24; 107:41; Isaiah 49:13; Romans
5:3–5; 2 Corinthians 1:6; Colossians 1:11; James 5:10; 1 Peter 4:13; Revelation 1:9.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 12:1–21.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing.
