Romans 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Romans 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul urges brothers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, which are holy and acceptable to God (vv. 1-2). He instructs them not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, but to think reasonably, as God has given each a measure of faith (vv.

Key verse

“Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 (WEB)

Outline

Romans 12:1–2 Living Sacrifices to God
Romans 12:3–5 Humility and Community
Romans 12:6–8 Diverse Gifts in Service
Romans 12:9–13 Marks of Genuine Love
Romans 12:14–16 Responses to Others
Romans 12:17–21 Overcoming Evil with Good

Discussion questions

In v1, what does Paul urge believers to present as a 'living sacrifice'?
What does Paul mean by 'renewing of your mind' in v2?
In v6, what does Paul mean by saying gifts differ according to 'the grace that was given to us'?
In v19, why does Paul instruct believers to give place to 'God's wrath'?
When have you found it challenging to 'overcome evil with good' (v21)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Romans 12: Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 1, 1 Peter 2.

Before next time: read Romans 13.