Living Sacrifices

How do we apply the spirit of the sacrificial laws to Christian worship?

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1 NASB)

Have worldly values crept into the church?

Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. (Romans 12:2 CEV)

Are we Christians tempted to think of ourselves too highly? Should we value each other's roles as important parts of the whole?

Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. 4 We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. (Romans 12:3-4 CEB)

Are we woven together as part of each other?

That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. (Romans 12:5 CEV)

Should we appreciate one another’s God-given strengths?

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8 ESV)

Dishonest pretentiousness is considered to be good manners in some cultures. Others are honest but blunt and tactless. How should our love for one another be?

Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9 HCSB)

Should we show affection and honor?

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 NLT)

How else does this Christian love apply in other areas of life?

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Romans 12:11-13 KJV)

How should Christians treat their enemies?

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14 NASB)

How should we treat those not our enemies?

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15 NIV)

Should we be know-it-alls and hobnob with the rich and powerful or be humble and mix with unpretentious people?

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Romans 12:16 NKJV)

Should Christians be engaged in revenge and disrespect?

Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19 WEB)

Instead of revenge, what should we do?

Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21 NKJV)

The sacrificial system points to Jesus, who set us the supreme example of self-sacrifice. We don’t just worship God in song, but by presenting our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, in service to each other and even to our enemies. What will you do? You decide!