When you read Romans 12:1, what does it mean to present your bodies as a living sacrifice? Here is the verse:
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. (Romans 12:1, CSB)
Mercies of God
Paul is writing to family, to disciples of Jesus. He reminds us that God has blessed all of us beyond what we deserve. Judgment is coming but He is merciful. He loved us so much that He was unwilling to leave us the way we were. He sent Jesus to pay our sin penalty so that we could have a restored relationship with Him. His mercy motivates our love and desire to honor Him with the totality of our lives.
Present Your Bodies
His love leads us to choose Him. We choose to give not part but all of ourselves to Him. To do so, we die to ourselves. Jesus tells us: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23, CSB). We choose His way not our way. We follow Jesus’ example of coming before God in humility. Jesus “emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant…he humbled himself to the point of death” (Philippians 2:7-8, CSB).
Living Sacrifice
In Israel, there were clear instructions about attitudes as well as the kind of sacrifices that were acceptable. Early in the Bible (Cain and Abel) we recognize there is a difference between offerings. We know that animal sacrifices were killed before placing them on the altar–otherwise they would jump off. In our case, we are living sacrifices. Our lives are not our own. We choose Him and His way rather than our own way and preferences.
True Worship
Love and worship Him “with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30, CSB). “All” is a key word. Worship as a living sacrifice is focused and committed. We lay aside “every hindrance” (Hebrews 12:1, CSB). Following Jesus’ example as a living sacrifice is an act of worship. When we love and worship Him and love each other like He loves us, “everyone will know that [we] are [his] disciples” (John 13:35, CSB).
Discipling Others to Be Living Sacrifices
How can you help your disciples (friends, family, neighbors, and others) to understand and commit to a lifestyle of sacrifice? Lead them to study God’s Word. Pray. Listen to Him. Go where He leads. Commit to obey–even in advance of knowing what He wants you to do. Choosing His way is an act of worship as a living sacrifice. Give Him your all. Make disciples!
Photo by Olivia Snow on Unsplash
