The Bridge Church

2. Refuse to conform to the world's way

Do not be conformed to this age... Romans 12:2

“Supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration.” Brain Rot

Transformed (metamorphosis) - Change the essential nature of something.

How I love your instruction! It is my meditation all day long. Psalm 119:97

…Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU KNOW GOD’S WILL:
- Am I in a right relationship with God? (Romans 12:2)
- What does the Bible say? (Psalm 119:105)
- Have I sought godly counsel? (Proverbs 11:14)
- Is this the wise thing to do? (James 1:5)
- Do I sense God’s peace (1 Corinthians 14:33)

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Have you had someone ask you an interesting question or a question you didn’t know how to answer?
2. Have you ever wondered about God’s will and how to know what His will is for you? Why do you think we collectively struggle with this notion?
3. How does knowing that there is a way to know God’s will change your mindset?
4. Read Romans 12:1-2. What first thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
5. Re-read the first part of 12:1. What does Paul mean when he says, “in view of the mercies of God”? What are the mercies of God?
6. Re-read the second part of Romans 12:1. What is true worship, according to Paul? With the knowledge that presenting means reserving, what does it mean to “present your body as a living sacrifice”?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. What does it mean to “glorify God with your body”?
8. Provide examples of what it might look like to offer ourselves as living sacrifices daily? How is this different than what we normally come to think of when we talk about “worship”?
9. Re-read Romans 12:2. What is the definition of conform? How does copying, or conforming to the world, lead to brokenness?
10. Read 1 John 2:15. Is this a command or a suggestion? Why does God make it so?
11. Read 1 John 2:16. What does it mean to “love the world”? Describe and discuss the three things John mentions as “everything in the world”?
12. What does it mean to be transformed? According to Paul, how can transformation occur?
13. What does it mean to “renew your mind”? How can a person’s mind be renewed? How is the Holy Spirit involved in renewing our mind? What role do we play in renewing our minds?
14. How is “renewing your mind” different than being a “good” person? Why does God want us to renew our mind…what is the goal?
15. Read Colossians 2:8. Describe some examples of “philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world” that we experience in our current age.
16. Read Psalm 119:97. Do you love God’s instruction? Why or why not? What is His instruction there for? How does God’s instruction for us reveal His character and His promises?
17. How does loving God’s instruction lead us to discern His will?
18. Provide examples where you have seen, in our time, people searching for truth. Where do they look? How can we point people to the life-changing truth of God’s Word?
19. Re-read the final part of Romans 12:2. Why is it important to remember that God’s will in our lives will never contradict God’s Word?
20. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How does trusting in the Lord lead you to seek His will?

Live It Out:

When our hearts are aligned with God, we will live for His Will. God’s will is a daily, surrendered heart to obey what God has clearly laid out in His Word. We can trust Him and His Word to guide us.

Use the questions to help you know God’s will.

1. Are you in a right relationship with God? Describe your relationship with God currently. To know God’s will, we must be close to Him. If that currently doesn’t describe your relationship with Him, start here. Spend time with God, through prayer and reading His Word. Talk with Him about everything and anything. He wants a relationship with you.
2. What does the Bible say? Are you reading and obeying God’s Word? To obey God’s Word, we must study and read it. If you want help as you grow in your understanding of His Word, use a bible reading plan. We have many options available on our website at www.thebridgevenice.com/read-the-bible.
3. Have you sought godly counsel? Are you surrounded with people who are living for Jesus and will ask deep questions of the heart? If you need to connect with others who are walking daily with Jesus, join a Bridge Group. Sign up for GroupLink on January 26 in order to learn more about which group might be the right fit for you in 2025. https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Seeking a relationship with God, seeking His Word, and seeking counsel of others who are pursuing Christ will lead you to know whether you are making a wise, biblical decision. Confirm this by making sure you are at peace with God in the decision. Then, knowing His will, don’t just consider it…follow it! What a blessing it is to know that God’s will for you is always available!

Reading Plan:
Monday: Romans 12:1
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Wednesday: Romans 12:2
Thursday: 1 John 2:15-16, Colossians 2:8
Friday: Psalm 119:97, Matthew 4:4
Saturday: Proverbs 3:5-6