From the Inside Out – Discovery Church

Romans 12

Consider:

Is there something you wish you could change? Or perhaps someone?

How effective is it to tell an adult, organisation, or situation how to live, operate, or change?

Of course, the Lord desires for all of us wild branches (Romans 11:17) to abide in Him, to be rooted, formed, and fruitful. But His plan for changing these circumstances is actually us.

The Context:

Paul wrote to a Roman church that was diverse and divided. Different cultures, constant

conflict, and public order were highly valued.

Fast forward to 2025, a different empire but the same problem. We are connected, but

divided. Politically divided. Socially divided. Even Christians are publicly divided.

Renewal – Transformation Starts Within

Romans 12:1–2

What you are connected to determines what you produce.

John Mark Comer says, “If we’re not being intentionally formed by Jesus himself, then it’s

highly likely we are being unintentionally formed by someone or something else.”

Our power, attitude, and behaviour flow from where we are rooted.

Reflect:

Are there areas of my life, thoughts, or habits that don’t align with God’s will?
Where have I let culture or experience shape me more than Christ? Changing the world starts with the renewal of your mind.

Reunite – Transformation Flows Through Unity

Romans 12:3–13

We are called to use the things the Lord produces in us within community, within a faith

community.

Paul calls these the Gifts of Grace, each designed to build the body.

In a divided world, the most countercultural thing the church can do is love one another.

Reflect:

Where has God gifted me to build His church?
Do I truly love and serve my local church, or am I just looking to be served by the Lord?

The most countercultural thing the local church can do is love one another, and operate in love, honour, and humility.

Radiate – Transformation Shines as an Invitation

Romans 12:14–21

The way we treat people outside the faith should be radically generous, humble, and

forgiving.

The world hears Christ through the way we live.

Reflect:

Is my faith countercultural in how I speak, respond, post, or love?
Would my colleagues, classmates, or neighbours be curious about Jesus through my actions?

Consider the impact of “burning coals.”

In a divided world, one of our greatest evangelistic tools is how countercultural we are.

This is the Good News

The world can be transformed, but only through Christ Jesus.

It starts within us (renew),

flows among us (reunite),

and shines through us (radiate).

This is how we live.

But it doesn’t start out there. It starts in here. From the inside out.