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Welcome to the Well Soul Podcast, where we pause to drink and scripture, reflect and pray.
I am your host, Seana Scott, and sometimes life leaves our souls feeling parched, so come to the well of living water that never runs dry.
Welcome to Holy Week in our Lent series, “God, I Need You: a journey in the book of Romans.”
In this series, we focused on the power of the gospel, as Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. First to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Last week in Romans 8, we meditated on living by the Spirit and that nothing can separate us from God's love because God is both just (he punishes sin) and the one who justifies us (He makes us right with Him through faith in Jesus).
So nothing we can do can separate us from God's love if we are in Christ Jesus.
Now, if you are not sure you are in Christ Jesus, see the link in the show notes for how to know if you are saved.
This week, Holy Week, is when we commemorate the last week of Jesus' life leading up to Him offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sin.
So, I think it's fitting to end our time in Romans this week by meditating on Romans 12:1–2, which images our lives as living sacrifices.
But before Romans chapter 12, Paul discussed God's history with Israel and how God's salvation comes to the Gentiles, so that all who believe that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised him from the dead, will be saved—no matter who we are or where we are from. We are all saved by God's mercy, through Jesus.
We meditate on God's word picture—Jesus offering himself on the cross as a living sacrifice unto death for the salvation of our souls. And how offering our lives back to him is our spiritual act of worship.
Before I read, take a deep breath and set aside all that is in your mind and heart. Put it all in God's hands and be present with the spirit to hear God's word
Come, holy Spirit, come. Wash us in Your Word.
Romans 12:1–2.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
It's so easy to forget who God is in Jesus Christ. God made flesh born to live a sinless life, to offer himself as our sinless sacrifice.
We no longer need to wonder where we stand with God as the Jews did for centuries, as they tried to live by the law or rebelled against it. No longer do we place our hope in how perfect we can live because we can never live perfectly now.
Our hope, our security, is in the perfect sin sacrifice of Jesus. He is our assurance of our salvation. Friend, our God is worthy of us offering our bodies as living sacrifices following him, no matter the cost.
Now, close your eyes if you are able. Imagine yourself with Jesus walking to the foot of the cross.
You see him stepping inch by inch and excruciating pain from all the whipping and beating. You wonder why he doesn't retaliate in anger. Instead, you see him like a lamb led to the slaughter, not opening his mouth to defend himself or condemn others, like Isaia the prophet foretold With this in view, Listen to Romans 12:1–2.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
What did you hear this time? Take a moment to soak it in.
Now, take some time to reflect and pray. What might the Spirit be leading you to sacrifice to follow Him more fully? Or what pattern of the world have you been living in that you need God's help to live differently? Pray about this, or whatever else the Spirit brings to mind.
Let's pray.
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, one and only true God, we worship you. Lord God, thank You so much for offering yourself as our sacrifice. Thank you for your mercy and your grace for doing what we could not do for ourselves. And now God, empower us to live as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to you. In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
Thank you for joining me today on the Well Soul Podcast for “God, I need You: a Lent journey in the book of Romans.” Please subscribe and review the podcast on your favorite platform so more people can find the Well Soul Podcast and be encouraged in their faith.
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Do you know of someone planning a ministry event? I'm now booking speaking events and can teach on a passage from the Bible or a topic of your choice. I love to help others know God's word, walk with God and live with purpose. See the link in the show notes for more information.
In closing, I would like to give a special thanks to my late friend Brian Vasquez, who made this podcast possible. God bless you, and I pray that you have a Well Soul.