Message Notes:

Romans 12

Six Step Process of Christian Discipleship

1. (v.1) Everything begins with and hinges on God’s Grace

2. (v.1) We must Give Ourselves Completely to God

3

4. (v.4-8) We are all Gifted by God to Serve — Use Them

5. (v.9-13,15) Christians must Learn to Love Others

6. (v.14, 17-21) Christians must Learn to Handle Evil

Byron skipped step three (above) in order to emphasize it. This step introduces a new sermon series between now and Thanksgiving.

•Step 3: (v.2-3) Transformation requires Renewing Mind

•Romans 12:2 — “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

•The “mind” or one’s “attitude” is very important in the process of Christian discipleship. It is the primary battlefield of the soul and determines the true health (or lack thereof) of the soul.

•Quote: “Your mind (attitude) is either your best friend or your worst enemy.”

Read Romans 8:5-6

Four observations about the human mind from the work of Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. From his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.

•The human mind is constantly moving.

•Our thoughts tend toward patterns & habits and these patterns determine our identity.

•The flow of your thought life is more important than your external circumstances.

•You can choose which thoughts you will listen to.

Read:

•Colossians 3:2

•Philippians 4:8-9

•2 Corinthians 10:5

Discussion Questions:

Think about a time when the state of your mind or attitude:

•Helped you.

•Hurt you.

What do you listen to the most; read the most; watch the most? What aspects of this world shape you the most?

If you could make a commitment to God and yourself — what “input habits” do I need to develop most to help me grow in my walk with Christ? What do I watch, read or listen to most that hurts my walk with Christ?