AN APPEAL TO CONSECRATION (12:1-2)

A. PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS LIVING SACRIFICES (1)

1. In view of the mercies of God (1a)

Therefore (oun) - consequently, these things being so

appeal (parakaleo) [Pres-Act-Ind] - to call to one’s side, call for, summon

by [preposition of means] the mercies of God - So great had been the mercy of God, that this constituted a reason why they should present their bodies

to present your bodies as a living sacrifice

present (paristemi) [Aor-Act-Inf (verbal noun)] - a snapshot in time to place a person or thing at one’s disposal, we are considered, “the presented”

living [zao: Pre-Act-Par] sacrifice - It implies, that he who offers it presents it entirely, releases all claim or right to it, and leaves it to be disposed of for the honour of God.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Note: The word used here commonly denotes the action of bringing and presenting an animal or other sacrifice before an altar. It implies that the action was a free and voluntary offering.

2. Which is your reasonable service (1b)

holy and acceptable (euarestos) to God - This means, properly, without blemish or defect. No other sacrifice could be made to God. The Jews were expressly forbidden to offer that which was lame, or blind, or in any way deformed, so, what do you think that we, as living sacrifices, would be acceptable to God?

spiritual (logikos) worship (latreia) –

Logikos - pertaining to the soul, agreeable to reason

Latreia - to perform sacred services

B. BE TRANSFORMED, NOT CONFORMED TO THE WORLD (2)

1. By the renewing of your mind (2a)

conformed (suschematizo) [Pre-Mid-Imp]- to conform one’s self (i.e. one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern, (fashion one’s self according to)

Sun – with

Schema- as comprising everything in a person which strikes the senses, the figure, bearing, discourse, actions, manner of life etc.

to [article pointing to the indirect object] the world (aion) - denotes an age, or generation of men

transformed [Pre-Pas-Imp] (metamorphoo) - to change into another form

renewal (anakainosis) of your mind -a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better your intellectual faculty

Note that the grammar here seems to infer that as you are transformed by renewing your mind, you will be not conforming to the world. Each is mutually exclusive! See how this works in Philippians 4:

Philippians 4:8 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

2. To prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will God (2b)

by testing you may discern (dokimazo) [Pre-Act-Inf] - to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy

the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect

good (agathos) - what is upright, honorable

acceptable (euarestos ) - well pleasing

perfect (teleios ) - brought to its end, finished