ESV Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2. “do not be conformed to this world…” –Make an honest self-examination of your own life, motivations, priorities, cares, and concerns. Be honest… writing it here doesn’t mean you have to share it with the group.

• What are the worldly standards that are [trying to] shape and mold your life?

• When you think of church life, what is it that you find most important, satisfying, etc. (what do you most look forward to at a gathering? …

• How are these priorities shaped by your culture or selfish desire, and how much are motivated by loving obedience to Christ?

_____

ESV Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" 35 "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Back in chapter 9 I asked a self-examination question “do you know God well enough to trust Him and His ways above your own? …”


3. After reading Paul’s conclusion (of the foundational section of the letter), do you think He knows God well enough to trust Him? (Does this give you comfort?)





____

“I could never believe in a God like that.” — Self Examination

We have covered some very controversial topics in this chapter. The God who sovereignly chooses who he will grant mercy to and who he will harden, who He will love and who He will hate.

6. Do you know God well enough to trust Him and His ways above your own?



____

Faith cannot be defined in subjective terms, as a feeling or optimistic decision. Neither is it a passive orthodoxy. Faith is a response, directed toward an object and defined by what is believed. [The Reformation Study Bible, “Faith and Works” article p. 1804

a. a feeling or optimistic decision
b. passive orthodoxy (mere intellectual assent to a set of beliefs)
c. response to [God and His revelation of Himself in Scripture]

3. If people were asked about their faith and they responded in the following ways—what do the answers appear to reveal? (pick a, b, or c above—it may be the case that they just don’t know how to give their answer…)
• I went to a [evangelist] crusade and “prayed the prayer” along with him at the end.
• I realized I was a sinner separated from God and cried out for His mercy. I’m trusting in His promises.
• I grew up in the church and have always believed what the Bible says [or Creed or Confession…]
• “one day I got Jesus’ phone number” (metaphorically—actual answer John MacArthur got once)
• I studied the teachings of Jesus and am convinced they are true.
• I was sitting by a stream in the woods and this incredible feeling came over me



4. If “Faith is a response, directed toward an object and defined by what is believed” how important is the object of your faith? (object = that which you are trusting in to save you) How important is your understanding of the object of your faith? What does this say about the importance of theology/doctrine?


5. HEALTHY CHRISTIAN SELF-EXAMINATION: Would you describe your own faith as a “feeling or optimistic decision,” or a “passive orthodoxy?”