The Calling

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. Paul’s letters often follow this pattern of doctrinal teaching followed by practical instruction aimed at helping believers live out their faith in Christ.

A. Here in verse 1 Paul is urging us to a living sacrifices , which means we are to sacrifice our lives daily. In Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 6:11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

B. reasonable The Greek word used here, logikos, can mean “spiritual,” suggesting worship that involves the heart and mind in contrast to physical offerings and sacrifices. Alternatively, logikos could be translated as “reasonable” or “proper,”

C. service The Greek word used here, latreia, commonly refers to priestly duties in the temple . Believers do not operate in a physical temple but are themselves God’s temple. They offer themselves because God has made them a holy priesthood ().But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

A. renewal of your mind Refers to mental conformity to the truth of God. This renewal results in a transformation in the life of the believer.

B. perfect will of God Describes the purpose of renewal and transformation. Israel had failed to recognize God’s will and purposes—that He was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ () Roman believers will not do the same. 19. namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

C. Reconciling: to find a way of making (two different ideas, facts, etc.) exist or be true at the same time. : to cause people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement.

3. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

A. grace Refers to Paul’s appointment as an apostle of Christ of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

B. measure of faith Likely refers to the amount of faith that a person exercises (compare Rom 12:6)