What is Your Life?

 

This is the manuscript for the fourth and final sermon in the “Thanksgiving to God and Thanksgiving for God” series.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. (James 4:13‭-‬16 NIV)

Conduct and behavior are the true test of whether someone is a genuine Christian. The futility of boasting about tomorrow is a concept that is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of our human limitations and our utter dependence on God's sovereignty. Our text serves as a constant reminder that we should not be consumed with our own plans and ambitions, but rather, we should be constantly seeking God's will for our lives and trusting in His sovereignty.

Life is for living! True living, however, means service, which has been called the “rent we pay for living on this earth” when we live our lives in harmony with God’s principles.

God’s love for us keeps us alive, not our own goodness. Being wise in our own eyes and relying on our understanding is presuming on His kindness. God loves and gives grace to those who humble themselves and turn to Him with a heart that is transformed to do His will.

So, the question is “What is your life?”

Scripture Reading: 

‭James‬ ‭4:1‭-‬17‬ ‭NIV‬ [1] What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. [3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. [4] You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. [5] Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? [6] But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” [7] Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. [11] Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? [13] Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” [14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. [15] Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” [16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. [17] If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Introduction

The book of James is probably the most practical book of the New Testament. The author, a half brother of Jesus, stressed conduct and behavior as the true test of whether someone is a genuine Christian. 

In our scripture this morning there was a  section where James emphasized the uncertainty of the future, which was certainly a relevant fact in the lives of the Christians, in that day, who lived in a world that was hostile to them.

So here’s our text for today.

Text: 

James 4:13‭-‬16 NIV Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.          

                        

I want to share a quote from C.S. Lewis, a respected Christian author, who once said, "The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is." This simple yet profound statement reminds us that no matter who we are or what we do, we cannot escape the passage of time, and we must rely on God to guide us through it.

The Futility of Boasting about Tomorrow

The futility of boasting about tomorrow is a concept that is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of our human limitations and our utter dependence on God's sovereignty.

Our text gives us a powerful reminder that we should not be consumed with our own plans and ambitions, but rather, we should be constantly seeking God's will for our lives and trusting in His sovereignty.

James gives a warning to those who make worldly goals their aim in life. His example was a man who was confident that his plans for business would result in enough profit from it to immunize himself from any misfortune, but James then compared human existence with a mist.

‭James‬ ‭4:14 ‭NIV‬ [14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James uses the word mist but there are  many other figures of speech in the Scriptures that describe our  journey through life.

For instance, life is referred to as a dream, and grass 

‭Psalms‬ ‭90:5‭-‬6‬ ‭CEV‬ [5] You bring our lives to an end just like a dream. We are merely tender grass [6] that sprouts and grows in the morning, but dries up by evening.

Like a shadow, 

‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭29:15‬ ‭NIV‬ [15] We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 

Like water spilled on the ground, 

‭2 Samuel‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NIV‬ [14] Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.

Like wind. 

‭Psalm‬ ‭144:3‭-‬4‬ ‭GNT‬ [3]  Lord, what are mortals, that you notice them; mere mortals, that you pay attention to us? [4] We are like a puff of wind; our days are like a passing shadow.

All of these give the picture of the brevity of life

Another aspect of the futility of boasting about tomorrow is the arrogance that often accompanies such boasting. James describes those who boast about their plans as being arrogant, and he goes on to say that all such boasting is evil. 

‭James‬ ‭4:15‭-‬16‬ ‭NIV‬ [15] Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” [16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 

This is a strong condemnation of the pride and self-sufficiency that often characterize our attitudes toward the future. When we boast about our plans and ambitions, we are essentially saying that we know better than God and that we can chart our own course through life without His guidance. This arrogance is not only foolish but also sinful, as it reflects a heart that is not submitted to God's sovereignty and His will for our lives.

The futility of boasting about tomorrow is also evident in the fact that our plans and ambitions are often misguided and shortsighted.

‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:21‬ ‭NIV‬ [21] Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

 We may think that we know what is best for our lives and that our plans will lead to happiness and success, but the reality is that we are often blind to the true needs of our souls and the ultimate purpose for which God has created us. 

Our plans may be focused on worldly success, material wealth, or personal achievement, but these things are ultimately empty and fleeting in comparison to the eternal riches and rewards that God has in store for those who seek His will and trust in His sovereignty.

Listen to what Paul said 

‭Philippians‬ ‭3:3‭-‬9‬ ‭NIV‬ [3] For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— [4] though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. [7] But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 

Furthermore, the futility of boasting about tomorrow is underscored by the fact that our plans and ambitions are often subject to change. We may have a clear vision of what we want to accomplish in the future, but life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs that can derail even the most carefully laid plans. Illness, job loss, financial setbacks, and relational challenges are just a few of the many unforeseen circumstances that can force us to reevaluate our priorities and adjust our plans for the future. When we boast about our plans, we are essentially setting ourselves up for disappointment and frustration, as we are placing our hope and confidence in things that are ultimately uncertain and beyond our control.

In contrast to the futility of boasting about tomorrow, James offers a better approach to planning for the future: seeking God's will and trusting in His sovereignty. Instead of arrogantly asserting our own plans and ambitions, we should humbly submit our lives to God's guidance and direction, recognizing that He alone knows what is best for us and that His plans for our lives are far greater than anything we could ever imagine or achieve on our own. This attitude of submission and trust is beautifully captured in the phrase, from James 4 verse  15, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." This simple yet profound statement acknowledges our dependence on God's sovereign will and our desire to align our lives with His purposes.

We should always remember the fact that our time is in God’s hands.

Any wealth, power, strength any gift or talent we have originated with and came from God. 

‭James‬ ‭1:16‭-‬17‬ ‭NIV‬ [16] Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

 

Even our ability to give generously comes from God.

‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭NIV‬ [18] But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:10‭-‬11‬ ‭NIV‬ [10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Everything we have, and everything else that exists, is all His. 

Whether in the realm of material possessions or other investments of life, we daily face the matter of how we will use the resources God gives us.The only goals in life that have everlasting results are are those related to the advancement of God’s work in this world.

Conclusion

As Christians, our life is supposed to be Christ

‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1‭-‬4‬ ‭NIV‬ [1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Do we trust God to help us, and are we willing to make our plans while considering His will? Whatever decisions you make must include God. Let's consider our lives as a gift to be used to glorify God.

               

God’s love for us is what keeps us alive, not our own goodness. Being wise in our own eyes and relying on our own understanding is presuming on His kindness.

‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5‭-‬6‬ ‭NIV‬ [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

‭Philippians‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭NIV‬ [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬ [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬ [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

‭Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭NIV‬ [4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

God loves and gives grace to those who humble themselves and turn to Him with a heart that is transformed to do His will. 

So the question is “What is your life?”

Prayer

We thank you that even though we have our own idea of how our life should look, often setting out according to our plans, we thank you that your ultimate purpose prevails. We ask that you prompt us when we set out to make plans that we make them according to your will, and not our own. 

We ask that you remind us to come alongside you as we surrender every detail to fulfill your greater purpose. Please align our hearts with yours, our ideas with yours, and our will with yours. For your ways are higher than ours and your plans are greater than ours, and nothing is impossible with you. Lead us every step of the way. In Jesus' name, Amen.

NEXT WEEK:  GOD’S AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM!!

Sermon Audio

Give Yourself in Service

This is the manuscript for the third sermon in the “Thanksgiving to God and Thanksgiving for God” series.

‬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. (Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NIV)

The book of Romans is a richly doctrinal letter to the Christians in Rome, but also to us. Throughout the letter, Paul explains what it means to be justified by faith and the transforming power of the gospel. When studied and received, Romans can anchor our worldview in the most important truths.  An anchor is something that helps keep us grounded, connected to what matters most, and able to cope with the challenges that life brings.  That’s what our Christian doctrines and our faith does.  They anchor us. 

The work of the Lord waits on two things—men and resources, persons and purses! It takes both to do the Lord’s work. How we serve, however, goes back to what we believe about Christ, about sin, about salvation, and consequently about service.

How is your doctrine? How is your dedication? How is your devotion? Each of the three is important! Each one builds on the other; but the climax, the top rung of the ladder, is our devotion to God based on our love for him.

At the end of the manuscript is a link to download "Praying through Romans: How Faith Saves and Grace Reigns"

   

Scripture Reading‭

Romans‬ ‭12:1‭-‬9‬ ‭NIV‬ [1] 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. [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. [9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

              

Introduction

Text:

‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NKJV‬ [1] 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. 

The book of Romans is a richly doctrinal letter to the Christians in Rome, but also to us. Throughout the letter, Paul explains what it means to be justified by faith and the transforming power of the gospel. When studied and received, Romans can anchor our worldview in the most important truths.  An anchor is something that helps keep us grounded, connected to what matters most, and able to cope with the challenges that life brings.  That’s what our Christian doctrines and our faith does.  They anchor us. 

When we come to chapter 12 in Romans, we are at the turning point of this great letter. Our text for today is that turning point from doctrine to practice. When Paul said, “Therefore,” he looked back at the first eleven chapters of his letter, where he had stressed an organized, orderly theology that presents all of the essential facts about man’s relationship to God.

               

When Paul said, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,” he looked at the practical side of religion, which is the true test of our belief. It’s not what we say but what we do that proves the genuineness of what we say we believe. Unless we put into practice in daily living what we profess to believe, we really don’t believe it.

               

I. First let’s look at our doctrines, our set of beliefs.

               

Paul starts the letter with a few introductory words about himself,

‭Romans‬ ‭1:1‬, 5-6 ‭NKJV‬ [1] Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to  be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 

[5] Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, [6] among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

He said God had set him apart specifically to preach salvation to the Gentiles, non-Jewish people.

Then he mentions the Roman church’s reputation, 

‭Romans‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NKJV‬ [8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 

People are saying good things about them.

Then e talks about his aborted plans to come to them, 

‭Romans‬ ‭1:13‭-‬15‬ ‭NKJV‬ [13] Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. [14] I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. [15] So, as much as is in me, I  am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

He wrote about the nature of the gospel he preached,

 

‭Romans‬ ‭1:16‭-‬17‬ ‭NKJV‬ [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

The gospel he preached had the power to bring salvation to anybody who believed the good news of the gospel.

And then clearly outlines man’s depraved condition before God.

He tackled the sin problem. 

               

In chapter 2, he first dealt with the Gentiles who although they did not have the Mosaic law, had a law within their own hearts, which they had violated, by failing to live up to the truth they already knew.  

‭Romans‬ ‭2:12‭-‬16‬ ‭NKJV‬ [12] For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law [13] (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; [14] for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, [15] who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) [16] in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

For that reason, the Gentiles stood as sinners before God. 

Then he dealt with the Jewish people who had religious privileges but failed to realize their possibilities.  They were violating God’s law and refusing to live up to the light that had been revealed to them. 

‭Romans‬ ‭2:23‭-‬24‬ ‭NKJV‬ [23] You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? [24] For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

Paul tied this together in chapter 3, with this great statement.

‭Romans‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭NKJV‬ [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

Then in chapter 4 Paul talks about salvation by faith.  Man has always been saved by faith, even in Old Testament days.  It was Abraham’s faith that God counted for righteousness. 

‭Romans‬ ‭4:1‭-‬5‬ ‭NKJV‬ [1] What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? [2] For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. [3] For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” [4] Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. [5] But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 

In chapter 5 Paul outlines the glorious results of faith:

‭Romans‬ ‭5:1‭-‬5‬ ‭NKJV‬ [1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; [4] and perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

In chapter 6 Paul made clear the obligations required of someone who has been justified by faith, 

‭Romans‬ ‭6:19‭ ‭NKJV‬ [19] I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 

And chapter 6 ends with this timeless declaration.

‭Romans‬ ‭6:23‬ ‭NKJV‬ [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Chapter 7 shows the struggle between the old man and the new man in the life of the believer. 

‭Romans‬ ‭7:21‭-‬25‬ ‭NKJV‬ [21] I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. [22] For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. [23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. [24] O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Chapter 8 shows the victory that comes to those who are in Christ and the security they now enjoy because of the Holy Spirit’s constant presence and unfailing power and chapter 8 ends with this glorious statement.

‭Romans‬ ‭8:38‭-‬39‬ ‭NKJV‬ [38] For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, [39] nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In chapters 9–11 Paul addresses God’s relationship with Israel after Christ. Jesus’ death and resurrection ended the era of the law, making righteousness through faith available to anyone who believes.

Look at 10:5-7 

‭Romans‬ ‭10:5‭-‬7‬ ‭NKJV‬ [5] For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” [6] But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from  above) [7] or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 

Verses 5–7 contrast two kinds of righteousness. 

The righteousness that came through the law was obtained through human effort, but the “new” righteousness came by faith in Christ. Jesus Christ had already come to earth and dwelt among us. He had died, been buried, and resurrected. The saving work had been completed.

There are only two things required in order to obtain that righteousness. . 

‭Romans‬ ‭10:8‭-‬9‬ ‭NKJV‬ [8] But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): [9] that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 

First, “declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’”. Acknowledging the deity of Christ is imperative to faith, and this understanding comes only through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

The second requirement is to, “believe in your hearts that God raised him from the dead”. 

This call is the believer's declaration of faith—that Jesus is the Son of God who conquered death.  The resurrection is critical, without it our faith is “meaningless”.

1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:16‭-‬20‬ ‭MSG‬ [16-20] If corpses can’t be raised, then Christ wasn’t, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ weren’t raised, then all you’re doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It’s even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they’re already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.

To summarize chapter 11 Paul says that God still loves Israel and stands ready to receive the Jewish people unto himself when they come to Jesus Christ for salvation.             

II. So chapters 1-11 of Romans address Christian doctrine but what about our dedication? Remember what I said earlier; "It’s not what we say but what we do that proves the genuineness of what we say we believe. Unless we put into practice in daily living what we profess to believe, we really don’t believe it."

So, let’s read our text again.

‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NKJV‬ [1] 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. 

Notice the expression “a living sacrifice,” which Paul used to express his concept of dedication. 

Remember that Paul was writing to the church in Rome which was probably started by and included many Jewish Christians who had accepted Christ on the day of Pentecost.  They were  fully engrossed in the Old Testament Scriptures. They would have understood the sacrificial system whereby an animal was killed and presented as an offering to God. Paul now suggests that believers  don’t bring dead animals to the altar but that they bring themselves as “living” sacrifices.

Most people despise the word sacrifice. To them it suggests the denial of physical or psychological desires to attain a spiritual ideal or goal.  Sacrifice also suggests to many, and the practice of being or tendency to be negative or skeptical and never offering positive suggestions or views. It often, in many people's opinion, suggests sacrifice means an unwillingness to accept ideas that are different from your own.  

Paul put the word living in front of the word sacrifice, and thus removed the stigma of Jewish law.              

Someone has translated Romans 12:1. “Put your bodies at God’s disposal as a living thank offering.” When we do that, our bodies are to be made available for God’s service. He alone knows best how to use them to his glory and to our growth. 

In this context, the word body means the total person. Our hearts, minds, and physical energies should be brought to God for him to use as he sees fit to accomplish his redemptive purpose in the world.

               

III. We’ve talked about doctrine, and we’ve talked about dedication.  So, here’s my final question: how is our devotion?

               

Whether we wish it, seek it, realize it, or deny it, God loves us. Even when we devote our minds, hearts, and bodies to selfish ends, he still cares deeply for us. 

‭Romans‬ ‭5:6‭-‬11‬ ‭NKJV‬ 6] For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. [10] For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. [11] And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

God's love does not depend on our goodness. God's very nature is love, independent of our actions. His love for us is based on who he is, not on what we do. No matter what our circumstances, no matter what we have or haven't done, we can rest in the assurance that God loves us!

‭John‬ ‭3:16‭-‬17‬ ‭NKJV‬ [16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  [17] For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

When Paul said that the presentation of ourselves to God is our “reasonable” service,  he used a word that can best be translated “spiritual.” Of course, supporting God is reasonable and rational, but Paul meant even more. We serve God because our spirits are in tune with his Spirit. 

Even as God’s Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.

‭Romans‬ ‭8:16‭-‬17‬ ‭NKJV‬ [16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Our spirit testifies by our devotion and dedication that we have been transformed by the Holy Spirit of God.

‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NKJV‬ [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Conclusion

We will never be any more dedicated to God than the measure of our love for him.  A person can give without loving; however, a person can never love without giving. What a revolution would take place in Christian work if God’s people would, first, love him and then support God’s work in this world.

The work of the Lord needs two things—people and money, persons, and purses! It takes both to do the Lord’s work. How we serve, however, goes back to what we believe about Christ, about sin, about salvation, and consequently about service. Paul wrote in Romans 12 about the church being one body in Christ and everyone being a member of the others. He pointed out that since we have gifts, we should use those gifts in harmony with God’s will. 

‭Romans‬ ‭12:4‭-‬8‬ ‭NIV‬ [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.

How is your doctrine? How is your dedication? How is your devotion? Each of the three is important and they are based on our love for God.

Prayer 

Lord, enable us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received from You. Grant us humility, gentleness, patience, and loving forbearance. We are one body, united in the Spirit through the bond of Your peace.

Lord, today we surrender ourselves as living sacrifices to be used in whatever way You choose. We know You are urging us to come higher and closer than ever before, so right now we approach You with great reverence and surrender fully to You. We give You our souls, our emotions, our spirits, our  body, and everything else that we are and that we possess. We want to live for You and to serve You for the rest of our lives. In Jesus name we pray. 

Extra

One of the many benefits of the Christian faith journey is that spiritual growth accelerates when you read the Bible and pray. There’s life and wisdom in every book of the Bible, but specifically the book of Romans offers the foundational explanation of the theology of our Christian faith. In fact, Martin Luther once said of Romans, “The more it is dealt with, the more precious it becomes.” So, if you’re ready for spiritual growth, here’s an effortless way to experience the book of Romans through prayer: Every day for 31 days, take the main messages in the book of Romans— and pray them back to God.  

To do that click this LINK to download Praying Through Romans; How Faith Saves & Grace Reigns by Crosswalk.com  

Sermon Audio