Sermon Outline 6.29.25

Title: Mercy Demands a Worship That Lives

Text: Romans 12:1-2
Theme: Because of God's mercies, true worship is not just what we say or sing but how we surrender our lives to Him, letting His Word reshape us for His will.

INTRODUCTION

I. Mercy Moves Us to the Altar (v.1)
A. Remember Why “Therefore” Is There

• “Therefore” (οὖν) returns to Romans 1-11.
• The “mercies of God” are real: justification (Rom. 5:1), adoption (Rom. 8:15), no condemnation (Rom. 8:1), divine election (Rom. 9-11).

B. Worship Is More than a Song

• Greek: παραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα = present your bodies like a sacrifice on an altar.

C. Wholehearted, Holy, and His

• ζῶσαν, ἁγίαν, εὐάρεστον – living, holy, acceptable
• Christ is not looking for performance but surrender.

D. Living Worship, Not Momentary Music

• Greek: λογικὴν λατρείαν – “spiritual” or “reasonable” worship.
• Worship isn’t primarily emotional or mystical. It’s rational—it makes sense when we see mercy.

II. The Shape of Surrendered People (v.2)
A. Refuse the Ruts

• Greek: μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε – don’t be pressed into the mold of this age.

B. Receive Renewal

• Greek: μεταμορφοῦσθε τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοὸς
• Transformation is God’s work, but it happens as our minds are renewed by truth.

C. Recognize & Reflect God’s Will

• What is good – what brings flourishing
• What is pleasing – what aligns with God’s heart
• What is perfect – what completes you in Christ

CONCLUSION