"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
Romans 12:1 NKJV
A person who offers a living sacrifice, is someone who is genuinely grateful for what they have received or receive, from God. It is the goal of presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, i.e. offering our spiritual service.
Dedicated people of God do not have to wear a badge or carry a large bible around with them all the time, to demonstrate that they belong to Jesus. They demonstrate their dedication by going places and doing things for Him. The Old Testament Jews used animal sacrifices, we sacrifice ourselves to God and His service. Reasonable service here in verse 1, suggests that a rational response to God's mercies is to commit ourselves in an act of worship.
In the Amplified Study Bible notes on this verse, it states:
'Paul is calling believers to consider their whole life as a sacrifice, dedicated to God and His purposes - a "Living" sacrifice, both holy and single-minded.'
We are to live a life that honours the Lord Jesus in every way. Charles F Stanley comments:
'Paul encourages us to turn ourselves over to Him each day, lay our wills on the altar before Him and ask Him to use us for His glory and the good of His people.'
Charles F Stanley
Notes on life Principle Bible Romans 12:1
God helps us to live for Jesus as we move towards Him, 'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.' James 4:8. It is in these special times, in the presence of Jesus, that we learn how to be a 'Living Sacrifice.'
Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard
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