Living by the Book Pt 4: Applying Romans 12:1-2 for Life Transformation

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Ever wondered how you can transform your Bible study from mere reading to a life-changing experience? Join us on the Bible Basics Podcast as we wrap up our insightful series on the inductive Bible study method. In this episode, "Living by the Book," we focus on the crucial application stage, drawing from Dr. Hendricks' wisdom and the powerful teachings of Romans 12:1-2. We promise you'll gain actionable steps to identify timeless biblical principles, personalize them, and seamlessly integrate them into your everyday life. This isn't just about knowing Scripture; it's about living it.

Move beyond just understanding God's Word to genuinely aligning your life with it inn this episode. We emphasize the transformative power of applying Scripture and ensure that your study leads to real, observable changes in how you live. Keep engaging with God's Word through continual observation, interpretation and application, and witness your life aligning more closely with Christ. Don't forget to share this journey with others—like, subscribe, and comment on our YouTube channel. Embrace the transformative blessing of God's grace and peace as you commit to living by His Word.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible
• (The kindle version is only $1.99

RELATED PAST EPISODES 

• Living by the Book Pt 1: Why Personal Bible Study Matters
• Living by the Book Pt 2: Observation
• Living by the Book Pt 3: Interpretation

  #Biblestudy #Biblestudytools #Biblestudyjournal #BibleBasics

#BibleProject #BibleStudy #Scripture  #UnderstandingTheBible 

#prayer #livingbythebook #howardhendricks #observation #romans #application #observation #romans 

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Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Episode Transcript

Jacqui (00:14):
Greetings listeners.
I want to start by thankingeach of you for tuning in from
all corners of the globe.
Whether this is your first timejoining us or you've been with
us from the beginning, yourpresence is truly appreciated.
Today we're wrapping up ourenlightening series on the

(00:34):
living by the book approach toBible study.
This is an inductive approachto studying any text in the
Bible that includes three partsobservation, interpretation and
application.
This episode is all aboutapplication, the crucial step

(00:55):
where we take what we've learnedfrom God's Word and make it a
transformative part of our dailylives.
We've already explored thefirst two steps observation,
which is what do you see?
And interpretation what does itmean?
If you've missed those episodes, I highly recommend checking

(01:17):
them out by clicking the linksin the show notes.
Now we're going to bringeverything together and discover
how to apply these insights ina way that genuinely transforms
us.
Let's dive in.
Well, welcome everyone.

(01:37):
I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole,and this is the Bible Basics
Podcast, where, weekly, we breakdown the Bible into
understandable, bite-sizedchunks.
Before we start application,let me share an illustration
that might hit home.
Imagine someone who lovescooking, like me.

(01:59):
They spend hours readingcookbooks, watching cooking
shows, following amazing chefson social media and even
attending culinary classes.
Their kitchen is stocked withthe best ingredients and tools,
but despite all this preparation, they never actually cook a

(02:21):
meal.
They know all the recipes andtechniques, but they never put
them into practice, so theynever experienced the joy of
tasting and sharing theircreations.
The same can be said for Biblestudy.
We might read the Bible, attendBible study classes and absorb

(02:44):
a lot of knowledge about thescriptures, but the real
question is are we doinganything with that knowledge?
Are we allowing it to transformour lives?
Understanding the Bible is justthe beginning.
Experiencing truetransformation comes from
applying what we've learned.

(03:05):
Dr Hendricks, the author of theLiving by the Book, likes to
say that quote the ultimate goalof Bible study is not to do
something to the Bible, but toallow the Bible to do something
to you.
Unquote.
Well, this is the heart ofRomans 12: 1- 2, and our focus

(03:30):
for today's episode.
Let's discover how to move fromknowledge to life-changing
action.
In the chapter on how to doapplication, Dr Hendricks
includes many questions, actionsand considerations for us to
incorporate during this laststep of Bible study.

(03:52):
I'll just be covering the threeoverarching actions.
They are first identifying thetimeless principle from the
passage.
Timeless principle from thepassage.
Second, personalize theprinciples, which means reflect
on how they apply to your ownlife or the life of others and,
lastly, create practical stepsto implement the principles.

(04:19):
Let's start by reading Romans12: 1-2 together in the NIV.
Therefore, I urge you, brothersand sisters, in view of God's
mercy, to offer your bodies as aliving sacrifice, holy and
pleasing to God.
This is your true and properworship.

(04:41):
Do not conform to the patternof this world, but be
transformed by the renewing ofyour mind.
Then you will be able to testand approve what God's will is,
his good, pleasing and perfectwill.

(05:01):
And let's read it in New KingJames Version as well.
That's the version a lot ofpeople are familiar with.
I beseech you therefore,brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies aliving sacrifice holy,
acceptable to God, which is yourreasonable service, and do not
be conformed to this world, butbe transformed by the renewing

(05:26):
of your mind that you may provewhat is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God.
On interpretation, or what doesthe scripture passage mean?
We concluded that Romans 12, 1and 2 means that, in light of

(05:55):
God's incredible mercy shownthrough Jesus, Christians are
called to a life of totalcommitment to God.
This involves a radicaltransformation of our mind and
behavior.
This transformation enables usto discern and fulfill God's
perfect will in our daily lives.
Now, with that passage and itsmeaning in mind, the first

(06:18):
action in application is pullingout the timeless principles.
This means asking what doesthis passage say that resonates
with the overarching teachingsof Scripture and addresses our
contemporary needs, interestsand problems.
From there, Dr Hendricksencourages us to personalize the

(06:43):
application of Scripture byasking what does this mean for
me and others?
This involves examining ourlives in light of the passage,
and the all-important finalaction is to identify specific
actions to take, attitudes tochange or sins to confess.

(07:05):
The goal is to see tangibletransformation in our behavior
and character.
Application should be done withreliance on the Holy Spirit for
guidance and strength to liveout the biblical truths.
With this process in mind, Iwent to Romans 12:1- 2, and

(07:29):
identified four principles,along with personalization and
practical steps to implementeach of these four principles
that there's only oneinterpretation, but many
applications Yours.

(07:54):
The principles you identify maybe different from mine, so the
first one I identified iswholehearted dedication to God.
This principle underscores theimportance of dedicating every
aspect of our lives to God'sservice.

(08:15):
To personalize this, we mightreflect on how we can dedicate
our daily actions, decisions andhabits to God.
This involves offering not justyour possessions time and
energy but also your body, mind.
Just your possessions, time andenergy, but also your body,
mind and attitudes.
In terms of practical steps,try this.
Start your day with a prayer ofdedication.

(08:36):
Say Lord, I offer myself to youtoday.
Use me for your purposes.
Or you can set specific goalsfor how you can serve God
through your actions, whether atwork, home, church or in your
community.
For example, if you notice acolleague at work struggling,

(08:59):
offering your body as a livingsacrifice might mean taking time
to listen and help them.
Even if it's inconvenient, it'sa way of showing God's love
through your actions.
So the next principle Iidentified is resist conformity

(09:20):
to worldly standards.
This principle speaks to thepressure we face daily to
conform to societal norms thatmay conflict with our Christian
values, whether it's materialism, unethical practices or
compromising our beliefs.
This principle urges us tostand firm in our faith.

(09:51):
To personalize this, considerareas in your life where you
might be conforming to theworld's standards rather than
God's.
Are there habits, relationshipsor pursuits that lead you away
from your faith?
Identify these areas and thinkabout how you can align them
with Christian values.
In terms of practical steps,put this principle into action

(10:14):
by identifying one worldlyinfluence in your life.
Maybe it's a TV show, a socialmedia habit or a negative
relationship.
Take steps to reduce its input.
Replace it with something thatnurtures your faith, like
listening to Christian music,reading faith-based books or

(10:37):
joining a Bible study.
Here's an example of thisprinciple in practice.
For instance, if you're invitedto an event for a friend or
family member that conflictswith your values, nonconformity
might mean politely andrespectfully declining.

(11:03):
My third principle is to pursuecontinuous transformation.
My third principle is to pursuecontinuous transformation.
This principle highlights theneed for ongoing personal and
spiritual growth.
A way to personalize thisprinciple would be to consider
practical ways to renew yourmind daily.
Reflect on the influences youallow into your mind and how you

(11:33):
can cultivate a mindset focusedon God's truth.
Here are suggestions forpractical action steps.
Set aside 15 minutes eachmorning to read the Bible and
meditate on a verse.
Write it down and carry it withyou throughout the day.
Also, choose one new spiritualdiscipline to practice regularly
, such as journaling, fasting ormeditating on God's Word.

(11:57):
Starting a gratitude journalwhere you note down things
you're thankful for each day canhelp focus your mind on God's
goodness and renew yourperspective.
The last principle we'll look atout of Romans 12: 1-2 is to
seek and discern God's will.

(12:20):
This principle encourages us toactively seek God's guidance in
our lives, making decisionsthat reflect His perfect plan
for us.
It speaks to the need fordiscernment and wisdom in
navigating life's complexities.
To personalize this principle,reflect on the decisions and

(12:44):
choices you face daily.
Are you seeking God's guidancein these areas?
In terms of practical steps,when faced with a decision,
pause to pray and ask for God'sguidance.
Make it a habit to consult theBible and seek advice from
trusted Christian friends ormentors advice from trusted

(13:10):
Christian friends or mentors.
Keep a journal of your prayersand how you sense God leading
you so you can look back and seehis faithfulness.
For example, if you're facedwith a major life decision like
a job change or a move, seekingGod's will could involve
spending extra time in prayer,fasting and discussing the

(13:30):
decision with trusted spiritualadvisors.
This helps to ensure yourchoices align with God's perfect
plan for your life.
By committing to principles fromRomans 12:1- 2, we will have a
clear path for transforming ourfaith into action.

(13:54):
It's about more than justunderstanding.
It's about living out thesetruths in our everyday lives.
When we seek to truly applyGod's word, we open ourselves up
to his transformative power.
Now let's take a moment toreflect on the journey we've

(14:16):
been through in this series.
For our scripture passage,romans 12: 1- 2, we did
observation, where we asked whatdo I see?
And interpretation, where weask and answer what does it mean
?
And now application, or whatare practical steps to put this

(14:37):
into action?
Remember, applying God's Wordis an ongoing process and it's
okay to take one step at a time.
Going process and it's okay totake one step at a time.
With this in mind, let's moveinto a time of prayer to help us
commit to these principles inour daily lives.

(14:59):
The Bible is God's instructionmanual for life and living.
It's real, true and effectiveand we need God's power and his
help to apply its principles.
So let's ask God to help us.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank youfor your word and the

(15:22):
principles you've given us fromRomans 12: 1-2.
Help us to have wholehearteddedication to you, to resist
conforming to this world, topursue continuous transformation
and to seek and discern yourwill in all we do.

(15:45):
Guide us in making practicalchanges that honor you.
In Jesus' name.
We pray Amen, listeners.
That brings us to the end of ourseries on the Living by the
Book approach to Bible study.
I hope you found it insightfuland empowering.

(16:08):
Remember the goal of studyingthe Bible is to transform our
lives to reflect Christ moreeach day.
The application step is aboutmoving from knowledge to action,
ensuring that Bible study leadsto a life that reflects the

(16:30):
teachings of Scripture.
So keep observing, interpretingand applying God's Word.
If you found this episodehelpful, informative or
inspirational in any way, wouldyou please share with someone
you know who needs to hear it?

(16:51):
You can do that by sharing thepodcast website bible-basicsorg,
or you can click on the sharebutton right where you're
listening.
Now, for those of you listeningon YouTube, go ahead and like,
subscribe and leave us a comment.
In closing, may the grace andpeace of God be with you now and

(17:16):
always.