COMMUNITY GROUP GUIDE
Living Sacrifices & the Altars We Live On
Vision Series: Family · Formation · Frontiers
Scripture: Romans 12:1–2
Big Idea
Everyone is sacrificing for something.
The question isn’t whether we offer our lives, but where.
In Romans 12:1–2, Paul invites us to stop offering ourselves to the quiet altars shaping our pace, identity, and sense of worth, and instead offer our whole selves to God in view of His mercy. Transformation doesn’t begin with self-improvement, but with surrender.
Opening Question (5–10 minutes)
Start with lived experience, not theology:
When life feels stressful, uncertain, or overwhelming, what do you instinctively double down on?
(Work harder, plan more, control outcomes, seek approval, stay busy, withdraw, etc.)
Optional follow-up:
Where do you think you learned that response?
Scripture Reading (Read Together)
Romans 12:1–2
Invite someone to read the passage aloud from their Bible or phone.
Leader prompt:
As you listen, notice what Paul grounds transformation in: effort, or mercy?
Teaching Summary (Brief + Grounded)
Paul begins Romans 12 with an appeal, not a command.
He assumes people are already sacrificing, already giving their time, energy, bodies, and attention to something. The issue isn’t whether we sacrifice, but which altar is receiving our lives.
Paul radically reframes worship:
Worship is no longer tied to a physical temple, priesthood, or animal sacrifice.
Our bodies become the offering.
Our lives become worship.
Our community becomes the temple.
Transformation doesn’t start by fixing ourselves first.
It starts by offering ourselves first — trusting God’s mercy to do the forming.
The Modern Altars We Live On
In the message, several modern “altars” were named. None of these are evil — but when they become ultimate, they quietly disciple us.
Productivity – When rest feels irresponsible and stillness makes us anxious
Security – When peace depends on certainty, backup plans, or control
Image – When our inner life is shaped more by how we’re perceived than who we’re becoming
Control – When responsibility turns into micromanagement and exhaustion
Success – When outcomes determine our sense of faithfulness or worth
Paul’s invitation isn’t accusatory. It’s clarifying:
Everyone worships something.
The question is where your life is being offered.
Discussion Questions (15–25 minutes)
Which of the modern altars felt most familiar or confronting to you? Why?
Where do you notice yourself sacrificing peace, rest, or joy without realizing it?
Paul says transformation begins “in view of God’s mercy.” How is that different from trying to improve yourself first?
What does it look like, practically, to offer your whole self to God — not just your intentions?
How might offering yourself to God reshape the way you relate to work, relationships, or control?
Practice for the Week
Keep this simple and embodied.
What’s already in my hand that I’ve been underestimating?
Paul assumes every person carries grace and gifts meant for the good of others.
This week:
Offer one gift intentionally — once.
Not to prove yourself.
Not to earn a place.
But as an act of worship.
Examples:
Reach out to someone who’s been overlooked
Speak encouragement to someone who’s weary
Help carry a burden someone hasn’t asked for help with
Bring calm or clarity into a tense situation
Give quietly where there’s real need
Show patience where you’d normally withdraw
Prayer (10–15 minutes)
Invite the group into a moment of quiet reflection.
Prayer prompts:
What altar have I been living on without noticing?
Where do I need to offer myself to God again?
What gift is God inviting me to use for the good of others this week?
Optional closing prayer:
“Jesus, we offer You our real lives — not our improved ones.
Meet us at the altars we’ve been living on.
Renew our minds.
Form us as a people.
And send us with what You’ve already placed in our hands. Amen.”