Scripture: Romans 12:1–21
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)
Observation:
In Romans chapter 11, after writing about God’s grace in Jesus Christ, Paul warns the Gentiles not to think too highly of themselves, reminding them that they are merely grafted branches into the root of Jesse. He explains that the Jews have been temporarily blinded so that the fullness of the Gentiles can be achieved. However, he assures that one day their eyes will be opened, they will recognize Jesus as their Messiah, and all of Israel will be saved.
When I first read this I was thrilled, because I wanted Israel, the chosen people, to understand that Jesus really is their Messiah, and then I turned the page to read, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2) This is my life verse upon which I view the world and my role in it.
Application:
Understanding that God does not waste anything and that His will is perfect for everyone’s lives, it makes sense to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This allows us to embrace God’s will for us. By living in tune with the Spirit of God, we discover that His plans and purposes for our lives suit us perfectly, like a well-tailored outfit. After all, He knows the plans He has for us—plans to prosper us, give us hope, and provide a future. So, as the customs and values of this world change, we should renew our minds through God’s Word and the Spirit’s guidance, allowing us to experience His work in our lives as He guides our path and our decision making..
Prayer:
Dear Lord, the world’s customs and values keep changing, but Your Word remains constant—yesterday, today, and forever. Help us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You. May we find rest in Your Word and guidance through the Spirit as You lead our hearts and minds to embrace Your Word as truth. Amen.