Series: The Cure [#19]
A LIVING SACRIFICE
Romans 12:1-2
Introduction:
I’m sure whether living or not, we all have stories about our mothers. Some of those stories may be hilarious while others are very sad; but we remember. As many things as I have said about mother through the years during sermons, I guarantee you that my mother has been a godly example for my brother and I. Notice, I didn’t say perfect. As we continue in our series in Romans, I want us to look at what it takes to be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.”
In order to be a living sacrifice, you need to…
1. Be committed.
You are to be committed to God. Why? Because of what God has done for you- Because of all of His mercy shown to you. I want you to notice the characteristics of Christian commitment found here.
Christian commitment is…
Voluntary.
“Offer your bodies.” God does not make you do this. It is your option; but you need to understand that if you want your life to be holy and pleasing to God, you have to let God have all of you.
Christian commitment is…
Practical.
“Offer your bodies.” This is pretty simple, if God owns your body, then He owns you. All of you belongs to Him.
Christian commitment is…
Complete.
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” When you sacrifice something you give it all up. It is no longer yours and you can’t get it back. This is how we worship God. This is a daily thing, not just a Sunday thing.
In order to be a living sacrifice, you need to…
2. Be different.
The Scripture says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world”. This means that we are supposed to behave differently than the world. As my mother would say, “Just because your friends jump off of a bridge doesn’t mean you should”. Christians shouldn’t be like the people in the world.
With this in mind, I do want to caution you to not go to extremes. There are some who isolate themselves from the world so that they won’t be like the world. God cannot use you to touch the lives of others if you are in hiding. While you shouldn’t isolate yourself from the world, you also should not imitate the world.
In order to be a living sacrifice, you need to…
3. Be changed.
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The most common example of transformation is a caterpillar being transformed into a butterfly. It may be simple but it does get the point across.
All change starts in your thought life. The more you fill your mind with God’s Word, the more it will transform your life. As your mind is renewed, you will be able to know and follow God’s will for your life and that will is good and perfect.
Conclusion:
If you want to please God, offer yourself as a living sacrifice to Him.
