Your sacrifice to God
Romans chapter 12:1-8
Introduction-
The book of Romans is a book of the Bible that will get us to salvation if we desire. It will teach us as believers what is acceptable lifestyle. Some don’t like to hear some of Romans because it is very clear on lifestyle and that really there is no alternative lifestyle acceptable except what God has laid out for us. 10:9- “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Believe in your heart. Confess with your mouth. “Anyone who trust in him will never be put to shame” The Bible tells us, at just the right time while we were powerless, Christ died for us. (Christ died for our sins) “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” That is the sacrifice God did for each one of us- He died for us. He rose again and because He rose again we have the hope of resurrection also. It was great when we are talking about what God did for us. But looking at the text this morning, it is that we must give back to God. No, we cannot earn salvation. It is not by works, it is by grace. It is not based upon who are our parents., or what family we were born into. But He does tell us- because in view of all of God’s mercies, I urge (beg) you to offer back to God your bodies as a living sacrifice. Genesis 22- Abraham is tested when he was told to offer his son Isaac upon the altar of God. As parents we cannot imagine having to make that decision. Abraham understood the heart of God. They get to the mountain, the boy says paraphrased- the fire and the wood is here dad, but where is the lamb for the offering? Abraham says God himself will provide for the burnt offering. If Isaac was killed and burnt up on the altar, he would have been a burnt offering, but when God gave him a second chance, when he was to die and God allowed him to live he became a living sacrifice. “In view of God’s mercies, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice”
Illustration- Pencil (not mine)
Hold pencil to congregation. The pencil was designed for a purpose. Writing down information. We are designed by God for a purpose. The pencil was purchased with a price. It was not free. We were purchased by the blood of Christ. Pencil has a trademark that distinguishes it from other pencils. There are trademarks as Christians that should be our trademarks. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples” Inside of the pencil is the most important. No matter how attractive, the pencil is useless unless it can write. It can only erase it’s mistakes by bowing its head. “God have mercy upon me a sinner”
What does God’s Word say about it?
Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Different)
Being a living sacrifice is what is holy and pleasing to God. Pleasing God is our spiritual worship back to God. Be different. Be obedient. Give God your worship. Each person was created by God. Each person was created to worship. Each person should become more Christ-like. God wants us to praise Him. Be obedient. Be of service to Him. As our worship and service gives back to Him. We see very quickly that our relationship with God is 2 sided. He desires our participation and effort. 32 % of Americans have never experienced God’s presence in worship. Once you have experienced Him, you will never be the same. Some people think worship is just coming to church. Close to God but never experiencing Him.
Illustration- Coach
(How many played football?)(Some things a coach would never say)
Hey guys, great to see you. You don’t have to do anything today but stand around.
You only have to go into the game if you feel like it.
You don’t have to practice, just come to the games.
Hang out with the ones that work hard, we are just one big happy family. (People live that everyday, hanging out, but never really getting in the game) True worship is offering God our bodies and what we do with it everyday. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind.” To the Christian- the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is where the Spirit of the Lord dwells. The act of worship is to be given back mind and body for His purpose. The only way that you can present yourself a living sacrifice is to be sold out for the Lord. Sold out believers experiencing the transformation of self to God. No longer living for the world but having their minds renewed by the Spirit of God that dwells inside them. Transformer toys go from one thing to another. A car to a fighting figure. God wants us to be transformed but He does not desire us to keep transforming back, but always be striving to be Christ-like.
Transformation- An act, process, or instance of transformation. The operation of changing or being converted.
In ourselves- Human effort with all it’s problems.
In Christ- By the Spirit of God.
Truth be told, people don’t like change, and especially change that you are expected to stay that way. I can’t do that. I can’t serve. I can’t witness. I can’t spend time with God. I can’t tithe. Take “I” out of that sentence and replace “with God’s help” and “you can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you.” we are people in Christ- transformed by the wonder working power of Jesus Christ.
Let me bring this to a closing. When Christians refuse to be transformed, the first thing to suffer is our worship back to God (repeat) There has to be a change of attitude, change of priorities, and a change of focus. Our lives become the sacrifice when we are changed by the power of God working through us.
Tony Evans
“If you limit worship to where you are, the minute you leave that place of worship, you will leave your attitude of worship behind like a crumbled up church bulletin.” Christians may burn out, but they should never rust out. By refusing to conform to the old ways (world) and walking in the newness of life, Christians can be transformed to the pattern of Christ. We must resist the pressures of the present age (and it is getting worse everyday) and be steadfast in our beliefs and our actions. The Church world today is going through the motions. Running to and from worship experiences rather than a deep walk with God. Isaac was a living sacrifice because God gave him a second chance, he got off that altar and became a living sacrifice because of the mercies of God.
Get ready for communion.
)In a moment, we will be sharing communion today. (Ask ushers to come forward.) If you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, I invite you to join us. If you don’t know Christ, or there is something in your life that has broke your relationship with the Lord, I invite you to make it right with Him. Bow your head this morning and ask Him to forgive whatever keeps you in that broken relationship and turn away from it this morning. You may then join us for communion, knowing God can and will forgive you. Communion is a time of remembrance. The broken body of Christ on the cross. The shed blood for the redemption of our sins. It is about transformation that took place in our lives. It is about becoming a living sacrifice for our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25- (Bread)
1 Corinthians 11:26-27 (cup)
Benediction and altar call
