Romans 12:1Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.
Where Is It?
As mentioned previously, Romans is one of the most influential books in the New Testament on Christian doctrine. All of Paul’s letters are directed to, and focus on the needs and problems of, the local church. Romans is the least “local,” in that Paul had yet to go to Rome at the time of the letter. Because of the less personal nature of the guidance, he covers all his bases by giving a full message of the gospel. Paul spends the first eleven chapters detailing salvation through faith in the gospel. Now that Paul has told them everything about what it means to become a Christian, he moves into what it looks like to be a Christian. At this verse, Paul transitions into exhortations about the Christian life.
What Does It Mean?
“Therefore” in this verse separates what God has done from what we should do next. Because of the saving act of Jesus, we should offer our bodies as “a living sacrifice.” A sacrifice is easy to understand; it is something that is offered, or given up to God. But Paul does not tell the people to sacrifice themselves to God—he tells them to be a “living sacrifice”; one that is holy and pleasing to God.
Why Does It Matter?
Letting go of something in sacrifice can be difficult, but it is usually a one time go. Being a living sacrifice is a whole other level. It is every single day crawling up on the alter, and giving yourself to God. To be a living sacrifice, is to make the choice of letting go of your desires constantly, knowing that God’s desires are greater, and will replace your own. And this is not a requirement of salvation—it is the way that we worship God with all that we are. The God of the universe sent His son to die on the cross, so that we could be saved from our sins, and the way we worship Him is to live our new life for Him alone.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Don’t you know that your body is a temple that belongs to the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you. You don’t belong to yourselves. You were bought for a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body.
1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL.
Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM