Parting from his exhortation to the Jews the apostle Paul now addresses all Christians focusing on duty rather than destiny.
First Paul urges believers to treat our bodies as holy temples by which we able ourselves to serve God and those around us.
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
These are our physical bodies to be willingly presented as living sacrifices to the Lord. This sacrifice is to be performed consistently and with reasoning according tot he word of God.
This scripture defines what is expected of believers and more specifically how we are commanded to treat our bodies, that anything not holy or acceptable to God is unreasonable and an obstacle in our Christian walk.
“2 Do not conform any longer 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.” (Romans 12:2)
Here Paul explains anyone not reasonably offering their body as a living sacrifice will not be equipped to fully appreciate God’s will in our lives. By conforming our minds to the word of God and offering our bodies as holy, living sacrifices we are able to resist the temptations of this world and allow our bodies to be acceptable, pleasing vessels of the gospel.
“3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” (Romans 12:3)
Those living according to God’s commands who successfully offer their bodies as living sacrifices should not boast about their ability to abide by God’s will instead we should humble ourselves knowing all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
“4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
Paul compares the various members of our bodies with the numerous functions each of us assume within the church. Together each member of the church makes up the body, or family of Christ.
“6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)
It is important we remember each of us has been blessed with skills and talents that will allow us to fulfill our mission according to God’s perfect plan.
Through faith in Jesus Christ believers are strengthened as we walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life. By His grace we are saved, with our bodies we glorify His name as we offer ourselves as holy, living sacrifices. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
