I would like to take this study, as much as it is possible, verse by verse. In each verse, we will dig into the words used and the commands given to gain a better and deeper understanding of what God spoke through the apostle Paul. Are you ready? Let’s begin this week with verse 1:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1 NKJV)
“I beseech you therefore…
by the mercies of God… ”
Beseech means to
strongly urge, to implore, or fervently ask. “I strongly urge you brethren…”
Therefore means because
of what I have just said, because of this, for this reason. So, whenever
you see the word “therefore” in the Bible, read the context (chapters and/or verses before) to understand
what the current command/instruction is ‘there for.’ To understand Romans 12:1,
you need to read Romans 11:28-36. In these verses we find that because of God’s
mercy, the gospel was given to the Gentiles after the Jews rejected it. “…because of God’s mercy and compassion on
you…”
“…that you present
your bodies a living sacrifice…”
Present your bodies means our
physical bodies, our capabilities: everything we can do with and within our
bodies. We can use our bodies (our
members: mind, heart, hands, etc.) as instruments of either sin or righteousness.
Take time to read Roman 6:1-23.
A living sacrifice means that God does not require blood or death
(as required under the Law, i.e. animal
sacrifice), but instead He desires us to have a willingness to sacrifice
whatever is needed within ourselves (sin)
and our lives (company, habits) so
that we may commit wholly to Him and His way. Consider Matthew 16:24. People in
Jesus’ time would have understood that anyone seen carrying a cross was not
going to return, and we now can understand that when we deny self and take up our cross, we, too, will not return to
our old life/ways because we are now following Jesus (1 John 2:3-6). “…show
yourself ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to follow God and obey
His commands…”
“…holy, acceptable to
God…”
Holy means sacred,
set apart. “…allow God’s word to make you different than the world and more
like the Lord…”
Acceptable to God means we
do what He requires and commands.
We study God’s will, the Bible (2 Timothy
2:15, Ephesians 5:8-10, 15-17), so we can “do what aligns with His will, what is approved by Him...” Consider
these examples:
- 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – praying
for all who are in authority is good and acceptable in the sight of God.
- 1 Peter 3:1-4 – women having
chaste conduct and the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in
the sight of God.
- Hebrews 11:6 – Without faith it is impossible to please Him, we must believe that He is and that He will reward us when we diligently seek Him – God made mankind to do exactly that: Acts 17:26-27.
- 1 Peter 2:5 – we are
to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ. (Think on Genesis 4:1-7)
“…which
is your reasonable service.”
Reasonable service means rational
(conclusion). As we gain knowledge through study, and gain wisdom through
use of that knowledge (obedience), we
will develop spiritual understanding: comprehending the vital importance of God
and His word, Jesus’ sacrifice, His example, etc. We will begin to comprehend
the value of the spiritual blessings found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). Our rational response to this understanding and
comprehension is to wholly commit to do what is needed to be holy – different than
the world, and more like Him – because we adhere to His instructions and guidance. “…this
is the most logical, the most sensible, response you can give to God who loves
you and shows you such mercy.”
To summarize: I strongly urge you brethren, because of God’s
mercy and compassion on you when He gave you access to the gospel of Christ; show
yourself ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to follow Him and obey
His commands, allow God’s word to make you different than those in the world who
don’t know Him and become more like the Lord, doing what aligns with His will
and what is approved by Him, for this is the most logical, the most sensible,
response you can give to God who loves you and shows you such mercy.
Are you ready to present yourself a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God?
You can do it! So can I!!
