Friday Micro-Group Moments
Romans 6:1-4
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Footnotes:
[a] Romans 6:6 Or be rendered powerless
Pondering Point
Remember that in your struggle with sin, you are not a slave to it. You are dead to sin even though it still plays a role in your life. You live for – and are saved by – God through Jesus Christ. Offer every part of yourself to Him and do it daily as an “instrument of righteousness”. Offer Him your will, your heart, your body, your mind, your soul, even your imagination. Give these to God every day. Do you find yourself struggling with a particular sin or two? Daily give yourself to God in that battle. Let God remind you that you are His and not captive to sin anymore, and that He can empower us to live like it.
The following prayer of dedication is developed specifically with a rhythm built in to accompany exercise such as push-ups or sit-ups (40-count prayer – perfect for sets of 40 or dual sets of 20). It’s a great way to start your day (and body) off dedicated to God.
Prayer
Father You created this body Psalm 139:14
Jesus You redeemed this body 1 Corin. 15:13
Spirit You have made-it Your temple 1 Corin. 6:19
Father-in view of-Your mercy
I offer myself as a living sacrifice Romans 12:1
Jesus because You gave Your body
I now off-er mine to You 1 Corin. 6:20
Spirit because my body’s Your temple Romans 6:13
I offer (all) its parts as instruments of righteousness
(In the name of the) Father, Son and Spirit, A-men.
Micro-Group Moment:
Considering the role of Sharing
As a follower of Jesus, you want to be familiar with God's story, the scriptures. It's good to know the overall story of salvation; it's good to see how individual stories flow and know their context in the big picture. It's also helpful to be familiar with how various stories connect with teachings of the Bible, and how analogies can bring such teachings to light.
A second key story to know besides that of God’s is to know your own story – and be able to tell it. Some people are reticent or hesitant to share about their personal lives for various reasons. Many people know their story but have not spent much time developing a capacity to share it in story. Included at the end of this week are some helps to think through your story to develop it for sharing with others as God opens doors.
The last of the three stories to know is their story. While listed last, it is often the first one you need to know. Hearing another person’s story is so helpful in connecting with them, loving them, and – when fitting – being able to relate helpful stories back from your life and from God’s Word. Listening is a key factor in this dynamic.
Prayer
Father God, as we ponder the power of story in our lives of discipleship, lead us to believe that we have worthwhile stories, that we are capable story-tellers, and that You, the greatest storyteller, have included us in Your story as characters and narrators. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.