This is the manuscript of the second in a sermon series that will continue through the New Year's Day 2025. Because as we are now in the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, I want us to be thankful for not only what we receive, whatever it is, but also thankful for the opportunity to give.
The wisest thing we can do is to give ourselves away. Let us first give ourselves to God. Let us give ourselves, our time, our talents, our energy, and our words of affirmation and encouragement.
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.
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Introduction
In my sermon last week, “What Giving Does for You” I talked about the benefits of giving, one of which was increasing our capacity to receive both the blessings of God and the favor of others. I said that by practicing generosity, we can cultivate a mindset of abundance and gratitude, which can lead to greater fulfillment and joy in life.
I also said that while it’s important to consider the benefits of giving, our ultimate goal should be to transcend self-interest. The true essence of giving lies not in what it can do for us, but in what it can do for others. Giving isn’t merely a means to an end; it’s a way of life. It’s about more than material possessions or financial contributions.
I ended by saying that the wisest thing we can do is to give ourselves away and we should first give ourselves to God. We need to give ourselves, our time, our talents, and our energy to God.
So today we are going to delve deeper into the transformative power of selfless service, inspired by the call to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
So my text for today comes from the scripture that James read and it is;
Romans 12:1-2 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.
Throughout the book of Romans, which was Paul’s letter to the church and Christians in Rome, he explains what it means to be justified by faith as well as the transforming power of the gospel. The book of Romans can anchor our view on the most important truths.
What are some of those most important truths from Romans that keep us grounded?
1. There’s the truth about Human Sinfulness and God's Righteousness:
Romans 3:21-26 NIV [21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
The book of Romans emphasizes that all humanity, regardless of race, culture, or social status, is inherently sinful and separated from God. This sinfulness is not merely a matter of bad behavior but a condition of the human heart. But, in contrast to human sinfulness, God is perfectly righteous and holy. His righteousness is not simply a matter of moral perfection but an intrinsic quality of His being.
2. There is the truth of Justification by Faith:
Romans 3:27-28 NIV [27] Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. [28] For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Romans 5:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
The book of Romans teaches that salvation is not earned through human effort or good works but is a gift freely given by God's grace. This grace is received through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a trustful reliance on Christ's sacrifice for salvation.
Remember what we just read in Romans 3:25-26
Romans 3:25-26 NIV [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
3. There is the truth about the The Good News of The Gospel Message:
Romans 5:6-8 NIV [6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:9 NIV If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
The central message of the Gospel, this good news, as presented in Romans, is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that through Christ's sacrifice, God offers redemption from sin and reconciliation with Himself
Here’s what it says in Romans 1:16-17
Romans 1:16-17 NIV[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
4. Then there’s the Truth about God's Sovereignty and our Future Hope:
Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Romans 11:33-36 NIV [33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! [34] “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” [35] “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” [36] For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
The book of Romans affirms God's sovereign plan for history, including hope for a future resurrection and eternal life in the presence of God.
Now when we come to chapter 12 of Romans, where we find the turning point of this great letter.
Our text for today is that turning point from doctrine to practice.
So here’s our text;
Romans 12:1-2 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.
Romans 12:1-2 marks a shift from doctrine to practice. To "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice" and "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in daily life, moving from theoretical understanding to practical application.
When Paul said, “Therefore,” he looked back at the first part of his letter, where he had stressed an organized, orderly theology that presents all of the essential facts about man’s relationship to God.
So given the facts and great truths of the first part of his letter Paul now said, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,”. He was now looking at 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, I submit that we really don’t believe it.
Paul said that in order to show the depth of our dedication to God we must present ourselves as a living sacrifice and by doing that we put into practice what we preach.
Remember that Paul was writing to the church in Rome and it is very plausible that some of the people who were in Jerusalem on Pentecost could have returned to Rome and shared the Gospel message.
Acts 2:1-5 NIV [1] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. [5] Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:8-12 NIV [8] Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? [9] Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome [11] (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” [12] Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
We know that people from Rome were there so we can assume that some of that 3,000 people who accepted Peter’s message and were baptized included people from Rome who went back and started the church there.
Acts 2:37-41 NIV[37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” [40] With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” [41] Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
These people would have been familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, and the regulations concerning worship of God and the required sacrifices. Most of those regulations are in the book of Leviticus which provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, and Leviticus outlines the specific procedures, animals, and quantities involved in each type of sacrifice. Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy include some regulations but not in as much detail as Leviticus. The early Jewish Christians in Rome would have understood the sacrificial system under which an animal was killed and then presented as an offering to God.
Under Jewish law a sacrifice, in order to be accepted, had to be dead.
Here’s an example from Leviticus.
Leviticus 1:1-5 NIV [1] The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, [2] “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock. [3] “ ‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord. [4] You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you. [5] You are to slaughter the young bull before the Lord, and then Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
But Paul is now suggesting that believers don’t bring dead animals to the altar but that they bring themselves as “living” sacrifices.
Romans 12:1 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.
One way to paraphrase Romans 12:1 is; “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 because He alone knows best how to use them to his glory and to our growth.
Take a look at Ephesians 2:8-10 which the apostle Paul also wrote to another church the one in Ephesus [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
By introducing the concept of a "living sacrifice," Paul reframed the understanding of sacrifice, making it a positive and empowering experience. It's a call to dedicate one's entire life to God's purposes, not merely to fulfill religious obligations.
In the context of Paul’s letter to the Romans 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.
When Paul said that the presentation of ourselves to God is our “true and proper” or as the King James Version says, “reasonable” service, he used a word that can best be translated “spiritual”, in this context.
The Greek word that Paul used is “logikēn”. While it can be translated as "reasonable," it also carries the connotation of "spiritual" or "intelligent."
Paul’s word choice emphasizes the idea that offering oneself as a living sacrifice is not merely a blind act of obedience, but a rational and thoughtful response to God's grace. It engages the mind, heart, and soul.
Of course, supporting God is reasonable and rational, but Paul meant even more. It means to serve God because our spirits are in tune with His Spirit.
Romans 8:16-17 NIV[16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit confirms within us our adoption as His children." Our spirit then testifies by our devotion and dedication that we have been transformed by the Holy Spirit of God.
Conclusion
Another thing that Paul wrote in Romans 12 is that the church is one body in Christ and everyone is a vital part of that body henceforth each part is important and belongs to the other parts. He pointed out that since we all 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.
Let’s remember that the true essence of worship lies not in mere rituals or outward expressions, but in the heartfelt offering of ourselves to God. This living sacrifice, as Paul so eloquently describes, is our reasonable, our true and proper service. It is a response to God's immeasurable grace, a testament to our love and gratitude. The concept of a "living sacrifice" is not a burden but a privilege. When we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, we're not losing ourselves; we're finding our true identity in Christ.
Let’s strive to live each day as a living sacrifice, offering our bodies, minds, and souls to God's purposes.
Let’s be transformed by the renewing of our minds, discerning God's will and embracing His perfect plan. How do we do this?
Consistent Bible Study:
Devote time each day to reading Scripture.
Meditate on God's Word, allowing it to sink deep into your heart and mind.
Reflect on what you've read and how it applies to your life.
2. Prayer:
Spend time in prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength.
Acknowledge your weaknesses and shortcomings, seeking God's forgiveness.
Express gratitude for God's blessings and provision.
3. Fellowship:
Connect with other believers, sharing your faith and encouraging one another.
Participate in small group studies to deepen your understanding of the Bible and grow in faith.
4. Obedience:
Put God's Word into action in your daily life.
Yield to God's will, trusting Him to guide your steps.
5. Holy Spirit's Guidance:
Be open to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life.
Seek God's wisdom in making decisions.
Remember, renewing your mind is an ongoing process. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to be transformed by God's grace. As you immerse yourself in His Word and seek His guidance, you will experience the joy of a renewed mind and a life aligned with God's perfect plan.
So let’s go forth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live out our faith boldly and confidently. Let’s be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the transformative power of God's love.
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. Empower us to live as living sacrifices, transforming our world one heart at a time. We want to live for You and to serve You for the rest of our lives. In Jesus' name we pray.
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