A LIVING SACRIFICE

In Romans 12:1-2, the apostle Paul presents a call to action for the Roman believers, encouraging them to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God. These verses serve as a reminder of the transformative power of faith in Jesus and the importance of living a life that is fully devoted to God.

The first part of Romans 12:1 reads, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." The phrase "in view of God's mercy" highlights the fact that salvation is only possible through God's grace and mercy. It serves as a reminder that we have been saved by God's unmerited favor, not by our own efforts or works.

The call to offer our bodies as living sacrifices is a significant one. The term "living sacrifice" means that our entire lives should be dedicated to God's service and purposes. This involves offering not just our physical bodies, but also our thoughts, emotions, and desires to God. We are to live a life that is fully devoted to Him, not just in our religious practices but in every aspect of our daily lives.

The phrase "holy and pleasing to God" is significant as well. Holiness refers to being set apart for God's purposes, and pleasing to God means that we should live in such a way that brings Him joy and satisfaction. This involves living a life that reflects God's character, loving others as He loves us, and being obedient to His commands.

In verses 2, Paul writes, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will." The idea of not conforming to the pattern of the world highlights the importance of living a life that is different from the values and beliefs of the culture around us. We are to live a life that is shaped by God's truth, not the world's standards.

The phrase "renewing of your mind" refers to the process of having our thoughts and attitudes transformed by the Holy Spirit. This involves a deliberate effort to seek God's will and align our minds and hearts with His purposes. The result of this transformation is the ability to test and approve what God's will is, meaning that we will be able to distinguish His will from our own desires and the cultural norms of the world.

In conclusion, Romans 12:1-2 presents a call to action for believers, encouraging us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. We are to live a life that is fully devoted to Him, holy and pleasing to Him, and transformed by the renewing of our minds. This involves a deliberate effort to seek God's will and not conform to the patterns of the world. Let us respond to this call by dedicating ourselves fully to God and His purposes, living a life that brings Him joy and satisfaction.