Service – Romans 12:1-13; 1 Corinthians 3:9-15

By David Woods

     Below are some questions based on the outline of the scripture for this week’s lesson:

1. Consecration for service, Romans 12:1, 2.

Discussion: Why is the offering of ourselves as a living sacrifice “our reasonable service”?

Discussion: What is a “living sacrifice”?

Discussion: Why is nonconformity to the world a must for those who would serve Christ faithfully?

2. Cooperation in service, Romans 12:3-8.

Discussion: Define a proper self-concept.

Discussion: If we are all members of one body, what responsibility for one another do we possess?

Discussion: What is the point of the specific instructions in verses six through eight concerning those who have various gifts?

3. Concepts of Service, Romans 12:9-13.

Discussion: Summarize each verse in this section as one sentence concerning service.

Discussion: Elsewhere scripture states there is a gift of hospitality.  Does that mean Romans 12:13 is only applicable for those with the gift of hospitality?  What principle might that suggest?

(Just because you are not gifted in an area does not mean you cannot or should not serve God in that area.  For example, you may not be gifted as an evangelist, but all Christians are to share their faith as God gives opportunity to do so.  You also may not be gifted as a giver, but if only Christians who felt they had the gift of giving actually gave, the Church would be in dire condition financially.)

4. Compensation for Service, 1 Corinthians 3:9-15.

Discussion: What (Who) is the foundation of our life?

Discussion: What does it mean to build upon this foundation with “gold, silver, precious stones”?  What does it mean to build with “wood, hay, stubble”?

Discussion: Do we as Christians value the concept that we will be judged for how we have served God and lived for God as Christians?  How might we value this truth more?