Stewards of Our Testimony

Romans 12:1

In the stewardship of our testimony we are compelled by the Word of God to assess our lives in three areas.

I. To present our bodies a living sacrifice.

Henry Martyn had already done more than his share of missionary service in India when he announced he was going to Persia. Doctors had told him that the heat would kill him if he stayed in India, and the heat in Persia was worse.

Martyn arrived, studied the Persian language and translated the New Testament and Psalms in an amazing nine months. But then was told he must have the Shah’s permission to circulate it.

Martyn traveled 600 miles to Tehran, only to be denied permission to see the Shah. He then turned around and made a 400-mile trip to find the British ambassador who gave his credentials and said, “This is all I can do. You will have to present them yourself.”

Barely able to stand, Martyn rode at night on the back of a mule and rested in the daytime, protected only by a strip of canvas from the sweltering heat. He was received by the Shah who gave permission for the Scriptures in Persian to be circulated.

Ten days later, in 1812, he died in Turkey. Shortly before he had written in his diary, “I sat and thought with sweet comfort and peace of my God. In solitude my Companion, my Friend, and Comforter.”

[1]

“Ready for Either” is the significant legend that underspans the seal of the Baptist Missionary Union, which presents an ox standing with a plough on one side, and an altar on the other.

[2]

II. To present our bodies, holy.

A. The Greek word holy means separated not pure.

The idea is for us to sanctify (separate) ourselves unto the Lord’s service thereby maintaining a life that is different than that of those of the world.

1. Separated in our thought life.

2. Separated in participation of questionable activities and endeavors.

3. Separated in speech.

4. Separated in modesty.

5. Separated in our relationships

B. The N.T. concept of holy incorporates pureness.

1. Because our sins have been washed by the blood of Christ. Rev.1:5

2. Because we are a new creation in Christ. 2 Cor.5:17

3. Because we have been made alive by the resurrection of Christ. Eph.2:1

4. Because we are like Him in the world through love. 1 John 4:17

III. To present our bodies acceptable to God.

A. There is certainly some sense of subjectivity here.

1. How do we know what is acceptable to God?

2. How can it be measured?

B. The answer is found in Christ.

Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

C. The answer is found in faith. Heb.11:6

D. The answer is found in doing good. Heb.13:16

Conclusion: All of which Paul states to be a “rational” behavior for the Christian.

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[1]Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations : A Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers (Garland TX: Bible Communications, 1996, c1979).

[2]Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations : A Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers (Garland TX: Bible Communications, 1996, c1979).