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The Book of Romans, Part 28 – Living Sacrifice

[Study Aired April 2, 2024]

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 
Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 
Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

In these verses, Paul explains how to live as a sacrifice, which echoes what Jesus taught in Mark 12:28-34. By considering both Romans 12:1-21 and Mark 12:28-34, we can understand how to apply these teachings in our lives.

Mar 12:28-34 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

In this age, our hope is to begin to enter into God’s kingdom. To realize this hope, we must transform ourselves into living sacrifices. 

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul encourages us to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God, motivated by His mercy. This involves offering our entire beings, both physically and mentally, to God’s service. Paul emphasizes the need to resist conformity to worldly, Babylonian standards and instead undergo a transformation through the renewal of our minds. By aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s will, we can discern His plan for our lives.

In Mark 12:28-34, Jesus affirms the greatest commandments when questioned by a scribe. He declares that loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself, are paramount. Jesus emphasizes that these commands supersede the law of Moses such as burnt offerings and sacrifices. He commends the scribe for his understanding, noting that loving God and others brings one closer to the kingdom of God.

Both passages stress the importance of sacrificial living and devotion to God. Romans 12:1-2 highlights the personal commitment required to offer oneself to God, while Mark 12:28-34 emphasizes the centrality of love for God and neighbor in fulfilling God’s commandments. Together, they illustrate that being a living sacrifice involves wholehearted dedication to God’s will and selfless love for others.

Our mind must be renewed to take us into the kingdom of God. The sacrifice that God will cause us to give is our worldly life.

John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Does this mean we should avoid interacting with anyone outside the church? Absolutely not! While we should prioritize the Church of God over worldly matters, we should regard those outside the church as our lost brothers. We believe they will ultimately be saved. Later in the passage, Paul explains how we should treat those outside the church. In the upcoming verses, Paul instructs us on how to treat each member of the body of Christ.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 
Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 
Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 12:3-13 instructs us to stay humble, understanding that God has given each person a specific level of faith. It stresses that we are parts of one body, with different abilities and roles. We are encouraged to use our talents—like prophecy, ministry, teaching, encouragement, giving, leading, or showing mercy—with sincerity and hard work. Love should be real, hating what is wrong and holding fast to what is good. We must treat each other with kindness and respect, working hard and serving the Lord with enthusiasm. In tough times especially, we should stay hopeful and patient, praying regularly and helping each other out. Lastly, the passage emphasizes the importance of being welcoming and generous to others in the Church.

Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.

1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Hebrews 13:15-17 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

The verses following in Romans 12:14-21 give us practical advice on how to treat not only fellow believers but also those who are not part of our body. This includes people who say they follow God and those who don’t believe in Him at all. Paul’s teachings encourage us to show love, understanding, and forgiveness to everyone, regardless of their beliefs. This serves as a reminder that Christ’s principles extend to everyone, emphasizing the significance of demonstrating kindness and compassion to individuals regardless of their beliefs. As stated earlier, we believe they will ultimately be saved.

Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 
Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

In these verses from Romans 12, Paul gives us guidance on how to live as followers of Christ. He urges us to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God, motivated by His mercy and grace. This means offering our whole selves to God, not conforming to the ways of the world but allowing our minds to be transformed by God’s truth. Paul emphasizes that each of us has a unique role within the body of Christ, and we should use our gifts with sincerity and diligence. Love should be genuine, and we should show kindness, honor, and respect to one another. We are encouraged to be hopeful, patient and devoted to prayer, and to be generous and hospitable to those in need. Paul also teaches us to respond to persecution with blessings, to rejoice with others, and to live peacefully with everyone as much as possible. Rather than seeking revenge, we are called to overcome evil with good. These teachings remind us to embody Christ’s sacrificial love in our daily lives, treating others with compassion and forgiveness, and trusting in God’s ultimate justice.

Christ set the example of being a living sacrifice:

Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Christ laid down his life for the world:

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

We are experiencing the same sacrifice as our minds are renewed:

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The carnal man within each of us does not want to die and will fight us till his final breath:

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Romans 7:18-19 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

This process is painful while it is happening, but we will overcome this world:

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The only way to life is through death:

1Jn 3:13-16 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Rev 2:9-11 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

I will end with the following passage.

1Ti 6:11-21 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.