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EVERY SQUARE INCH

August 30 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together.
If you’re launching a new Group, trust and friendship take time to build. Take turns each week having someone share a bit of their story.

Read Together: Romans 12:1–2 CSB

Paul invites us to respond to the mercies of God by presenting our whole selves to Him as a living sacrifice. Worship isn't just something we sing or say—it is expressed through the way we live, including what we do with our bodies, our habits, our desires, and our everyday lives. God isn't calling us to punish, neglect, or worship our bodies, but to faithfully steward what He has entrusted to us, creating space to be awake, attentive, and available to the life He has called us to.

The One Question:
If you only have time for one question, ask this one.

Abraham Kuyper said it like this: "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: Mine."  What is one area of your life that God may be inviting you to more fully surrender to Him?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your Group or for personal reflection.

  1. What stands out to you most in this passafgwe?
  2. Paul says, “In view of the mercies of God,” we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices. What do you notice about the connection between God's mercy and our response to Him?
  3. What do you think Paul means when he says to “present your bodies” as a living sacrifice? 
  4. Guest speaker Hunter Sprague said, “Your body is either presented or withheld.” What are some everyday habits, desires, or patterns that can be difficult for us to surrender to God?
  5. The sermon emphasized that our bodies are a gift to steward, not something to worship or neglect. How can we pursue healthy stewardship without making our bodies, health, discipline, or appearance the thing we ultimately worship?
  6. Hunter described the equation “Submission + Systems = Stewardship.” What might that look like practically in your life right now? Is there one simple rhythm or system that could help you more faithfully steward what God has entrusted to you?

Pray Together:

  • Thank God for His mercy and for the bodies, minds, abilities, and resources He has entrusted to us.
  • Thank Jesus that He gave His own body for us—not as an idea or concept, but literally gave Himself for our salvation. 
  • Confess the areas where you have neglected, worshiped, or withheld something from God.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what faithful stewardship looks like in your current season.
  • Pray for those experiencing physical suffering, asking God for healing, respite, resilience, and joy.
  • Ask God to help you become more awake, free, and present to receive the life He has given you with gratitude.

Next Steps:

  • Present your body: Begin each morning this week with the simple prayer, “In view of your mercies, I present my body as a living sacrifice to you today. It is yours."
  • Identify one area: Ask, “What part of my physical life have I quietly decided isn't up for discussion with God?” Bring that area honestly before Him.
  • Choose one simple system: Consider one practical rhythm around sleep, food, movement, medication, appointments, or rest that would help you steward what God has entrusted to you.
  • Take one step: Don't try to overhaul everything. For some, faithfulness might mean a training routine; for someone else, it might mean taking one walk, making an appointment, or receiving help.
  • Practice gratitude: Each day, thank God specifically for something your body allows you to experience or do—breathing, walking, working, worshiping, hugging someone, playing with your kids, or simply being present.