Romans 12:1-2
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)
In the last section of Paul’s letter, his focus shifts to some very practical matters – things that affect your life. As Christians we cannot live like the world lives – secular humanism.
Paul is describing to us how to live by the mercies of God.
Heaven is a blessing, but you and I need practical help for our day-to-day walk with God
The things that enable believers to glorify God and enjoy Him forever are the worship of God (v1), the Wisdom of God (v2a) and the will of God (v2b).
Yielding our bodies to the Lord is logical to the Christian.
The word ‘service’ is connected to spiritual service.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a self-sacrificed life – total surrender to God.
Most people want only to be saved from the consequence of their sin, but we must be saved from our sins.
The Principles of Spiritual Worship are:
- The Call
Yielding up our bodies to the Lord in response to His call. - The Cause
We can do it by the mercies of God alone. - The Consecration
A living sacrifice that is costly, painful, difficult, personal and necessary.
a. We need to be on the altar wherever we are.
b. It’s a constant, continuous sacrifice – all the time, especially when you feel you can’t.
c. Sacrificing of bodily desires for the glory of God.
d. A sacrificed body is devoted to the service of God. - The Conditions
The body’s sacrifice needs to be:
a. Awe inspiring to everyone – demonstrating the power of God like nothing else.
b. Acceptable – honouring God like nothing else can.
It’s a command given to every member of Christ’s body.