LIVING SACRIFICES

Passage: Romans 12:1-2

Key verse: 1

NIV

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,(A) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,(B) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform(C) to the pattern of this world,(D) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.(E) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is(F)—his good, pleasing(G) and perfect will.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

A Living Sacrifice

12 (A)I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, (B)to present your bodies (C)as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2 (D)Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by (E)the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may (F)discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[d]

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Footnotes
  1. Romans 12:1 Or brothers and sisters
  2. Romans 12:1 Or your rational service
  3. Romans 12:2 Greek age
  4. Romans 12:2 Or what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. In view of God's mercy, offer your bodies (1)

God made us with his own hands. But we became his enemies because of our disobedience. When we were separated from him by our sins and destined for hell, he had mercy on us and bought us with Jesus' blood. We belong to him. Because of his great mercy, we must offer ourselves to him to live for his glory. This is the spiritual act of worship which God wants. It is not enough to feel holy once a week while sitting in a church. I must seek to do what pleases God every day.

2. Renew your minds (2)

God's people are called to be different. We must live in the world, but not conform to the patterns of the world. Our lives are transformed by the renewal of our minds. Our minds are renewed when, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we study God's word and seek to obey it. God gives us new birth. When we are born again by the Spirit and the word, we no longer make decisions based on 'What do I get out of it?' Rather, we think, 'How can I please God?'

Prayer: Lord, help me to live for Jesus' sake and the gospel's.

One Word: A living sacrifice