1. The challenge to respond when we are made alive with Christ
a. We have received much from God
b. If we have received much, it is only appropriate to respond
c. Paul made a personal plea from his heart to his readers to respond
2. Paul shows us 2 ways to respond
a. Way of the world
i. Focus on ourselves
ii. No need to focus on God
iii. No need to give much to Him
b. Will of God
i. To present ourselves as a living sacrifice
ii. Deep symbolic meaning in the Old Testament
iii. Not in part, but in whole
iv. Involves our heart, mind and soul
3. Paul’s personal example of responding to the will of God
a. He had everything going well for him in the world
b. But gave up everything for Christ
c. Worked very hard to serve Him
d. Willing to suffer much for Him
4. Our challenge
a. To choose to respond to will of the Lord instead of the world
b. To appreciate the significance of offering a sacrifice
c. To live our life as a sacrifice to God
i. Offer praise to God
ii. Faithfully serve wherever we can
iii. Faithfully attend church and pray
iv. Be a blessing to people around us