"Role-Model Saints" Rms Pt 15 Series

“Role – Model Saints”

Romans part 15

Opening Illustration: From Blue Fish TV – Mother Teresa a Hero for the faith!

Thesis: Paul in chapter 12 tells us that we must be role models saints for this world and not act worldly but instead act like living sacrifices to Jesus. This in turn will make us a hero in the eyes of Kingdom of God.

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1-21 (Have the church listen to this chapter from the Dramatized version CD and follow along in their NIV Bibles).

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Summary of last week:

Last week we entered into chapter 12 of Romans and soon discovered that there are 27 character traits of a role-model saint – a hero for the Kingdom of God. We looked at few of these character traits in detail -- so let’s review those this morning before we progress to the next ones: Please note I have decided to make this a 4 part study in chapter 12 as we are going to take the time to explore these character traits in more detail so we understand what we are to be like as living sacrifices.

1. A role model saint is a living sacrifice for the Kingdom of God.

a. They have chosen to give up their life to Christ because he chose to give up His life for their salvation.

b. Video - Illustration – A Living Sacrifice

i. All the following traits will help to portray to us what it means to be a living sacrifice for Jesus.

2. A role-model saint lives holy in an unholy environment.

a. When a person observes a saints life they see a person living different than the rest of the sinners.

3. A role-model saint lives a life that pleases God.

a. They live a life that makes God smile!

4. A role-model saint does not conform to the behavior pattern of this world’s inhabitants.

a. They instead conform to the image of Jesus Christ and seek to live godly imitating His lifestyle.

5. A role-model saint has had their mind renewed by God’s Word.

a. They have a point of view that has an eternal perspective and a Biblical world view rather than a corrupt self-centered mindset.