A Living Sacrifice

Introduction:

The apostle Paul is writing to Christians living in Rome who were primarily Gentile

The contents of Romans, especially chapters 1—11, feature some of the most complex writing Paul provides in the New Testament.

This section focuses on the application of Christian living (Romans 12:1—15:13)

This is one of may favorite chapters because it explains exactly what God expects from us

God call us to live our life as a people group that is set-apart and different than the rest of the unbelieving society

We find today, the church has compromised

1. (V1) Paul brings to remembrance all that God has done for us

**Reflection on His mercies

Beseech / Urge or plead

a) By the mercies of God

Mercy denotes the quality in God that led Him to deliver us from our sin and misery.

Paul understands the mercies of God

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

At one time, Paul was an enemy of the church

Christian killer

Often times I reflect on where God has brought me from

Going through difficult times, a reflection of all that God has done brings us to a place of thanksgiving

b) God blessings

Ephesians chapter 1 gives us description of all that God has done for us

Every Spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ

Chosen, adopted, redeemed, the promise of heaven, etc.

What has He done for you on a personal level?

1.1 Present your body a living sacrifice

a) Living Sacrifice

Paul is encouraging the believers in Rome to sacrifice themselves to God, not as a sacrifice on the altar, as the Mosaic Law required the sacrifice of animals, but as a living sacrifice.

The dictionary defines sacrifice as “anything consecrated and offered to God.” As believers, how do we consecrate and offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice?

Obedience to his Word (The way we live)

Through service

Honoring God with all of our possessions

Many people desired to follow Jesus and to be His disciple

Luke 9:23 “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

b) Reasonable Service considering all God has done for us

1 Peter 4:3 “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.”

2. (V2) Do not be conformed to this world

a. This warns us that the “world system” – the popular culture and manner of thinking that is in rebellion against God – will try to conform us to its ungodly pattern, and that process must be resisted.

Society shoves down our throat views that do not align with the biblical standard

Social issues:

View of marriage (Society says, marriage is for anyone, the Bible says marriage is between a man and a woman, for a life time

Society view on sexuality is to have sex with anyone you would like, the Bible says sex is between a man and women in the context of marriage

Society says, abortion is women’s health care, the Bible calls it murder

As the world continues to become more dark the Christian must purpose in their heart to defile themselves

The life of Daniel:

Daniel 1:1 “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.”

The king was looking for gifted men who could be trained to serve the king

Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

2.1 Transformed through the renewing of the mind

a) Transformed: This is the ancient Greek word metamorphoo – The same word is used to describe Jesus in His transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3).

As someone comes to know the Lord the renewing of the mind takes place as they spend time in the Word

b) The mind is renewed

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

c) The work God has done in our life is a testament to God’s goodness

3. (V3) Through His grace given to us that we have any ability at all

a) Each of us has been given gifts through His grace

All have been given abilities to use for His glory

b) Don’t think more highly than you ought

Our ability does not come from us, so we should not be puffed up

c) Think soberly

I always enjoyed playing the drums, so naturally when I was saved I thought the Lord may want to use me in the worship

I thought soberly and realized I don’t play the drums, I’m just beating on them, which is not conducive for worship music

In fact the church thought setting up chairs was more fitting with my gifting

d) Serving gave me a new purpose in life

3. (V4-5) We are many members in one body with different functions

Ephesians 4:16 “The whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

a) A healthy church is a church where everyone is involved and serving

We all different gifts, so if not being used then the church isn’t operating at its maxim capacity

b) Don’t allow yourself to be distracted

If the enemy cannot trip you up with sin, he will try to distract you so you are rendered ineffective for God

3.1 (V6-8) Let us use the gifts

a) If your not serving already, where is God calling you to serve?

Inside the church or maybe it’s outside of the church

b) Whatever your gifting is, let it be done to the best of your ability

4. (V9) Let love be without hypocrisy

a) Actually love

2 Corinthians 6:6 “by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

Love those who love you, but also those who do not

Jesus as the example said, we are to love our enemies and were to pray for them

The mark of a Christian is the love they have for one another