Study Questions - Romans 12:1-2 (Jeff Pugh)

Discussion Questions: Romans 12.1,2.

1. In verse 1 the passage makes a strong stress on worship being something we ‘do with our bodies. That is to say, Paul means that whatever we are in this bodily life, is to be worship. Do you think we have a real problem with this notion and can you think of ways in which we neglect this truth in our sort of Christianity?

2. The message therefore identifies three ways in which the unity of worship is compromised. By ‘dichotomizing’, or partitioning our thinking about the sacred part of life out from the normal ‘secular’ life and the two spin off consequences: (i) ‘disqualification’ where a person thinks they have nothing to offer unless they are in ‘full time ministry’, and (ii) ‘dislocation’ where they move from normal life into missionary work or ‘ministry’ for which they are not equipped or called by God. Without naming names can you think of lives that have sadly made either of these mistakes? What are the consequences of this for the church and the presence/witness of the Kingdom in the real world?

3. In verse 2. Paul commends two essential actions. One negative and one positive, what are they?

4. Paul speaks of the notion of the ‘World’ literally as an intelligent force that ‘schemes’ to pressure us to conform. What do you think Paul means by the notion of the ‘principalities and the powers’. You may like to look up a couple of other key passages where he uses these terms. Read Ephesians 6.11,12, Colossians 2.8, Colossians 2.15. What could be behind the power Paul calls ‘the World’?

5. What are some of the key means by which ‘the world’ affects Christian thinking and therefore their witness today?

6. Why is the mind important to live the Christian world? Does this mean that Christianity is only possible for intellectuals? Can you think of instances where modern Christianity downplays the critical role of the Christian mind?

7. Verse 2, part 2 speaks of the experience of the will of God being good, pleasing and perfect, or ‘it works’, ‘it satisfies’ and ‘it brings no regrets’! Many Christians struggle to find the will of God. But what does this whole passage indicate about how it is found?