Living Sacrifices—Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives
November 20, 2024
Dr. Bradford Reaves
Crossway Christian Fellowship
Romans 12:1-8
Tonight, we’re diving into one of the most powerful passages in Scripture, Romans 12:1-8, which calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices. As we begin, I want you to picture the Old Testament sacrificial system—priests offering spotless lambs on the altar, blood poured out to atone for sin. Now think of the radical shift Paul introduces here: God no longer desires dead sacrifices. Instead, He calls for living, breathing offerings—our very lives—given wholly to Him.
This passage not only challenges us personally but also lays a foundation for how we function as the Body of Christ, especially in the end times. Considering God’s mercy, Paul is urging the believer to surrender everything and allow Him to renew us from the inside out. Let’s walk through these verses together and see how they call us to a life of worship, transformation, and service.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 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 12:1–8)
I. Living Sacrificies
Paul begins in verse 1 with an impassioned plea: “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.” The word “therefore” is crucial. It acts as a bridge, connecting the rich doctrinal truths of Romans 1-11 with the practical exhortations of Romans 12-16.
Now, remember we've had 11 chapters of doctrine about salvation. This is the first practical exhortation. This is where the epistle itself turns practical. And the first thing Paul tells us is give yourself up a living sacrifice. Your response to what God has done for you is to surrender the entirety of your life over to Him as an act of worship.
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. (John 4:22–23)
The Christian life is always a response to God’s grace. We don’t offer ourselves to earn His favor; we offer ourselves because of His mercies already given. This sets Christianity apart from every other belief system. Instead of striving to earn salvation, we worship as an act of gratitude for what God has already accomplished.
So as a response to God’s grace, whether we are Jew or Gentile - in light of everything we’ve learned from the very start of the epistle, Paul says, “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This idea of being a living sacrifice is striking. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were dead animals placed on an altar, but now we’re called to climb up on that altar ourselves—alive. This isn’t a one-time act; it’s a daily surrender of our bodies, our minds, and our wills. It’s a commitment to holy living that pleases God. This is true worship—not just singing or attending church but giving our entire selves to Him.
And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Let me ask you: What does it look like for you to live as a sacrifice to God? Are there areas of your life that you’ve withheld from Him? When we remember His mercy—how much He’s forgiven us, how much He loves us—it compels us to surrender everything. What are things in our daily life that we must sacrifice as a means of worship to God?
II. Do Not Conform
In verse 2, Paul continues: “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.” Here, we see a stark contrast of a living sacrifice. The world seeks to shape us into its mold, but God wants to transform us into something entirely new. Transformation begins with the mind.
In our culture today, where media and information bombard us from every direction, renewing our minds is a critical discipline. It’s easy to let the world’s values creep in, but as believers, we’re called to filter everything through the lens of God’s Word. The renewing of our minds enables us to discern God’s will, which Paul describes as good, pleasing, and perfect.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
This is especially important in these times. As we look at current events and the rise of deception in the world, it’s clear that a renewed mind is essential to stand firm. We must be people who think biblically and discern truth amidst the chaos.
For example, Taylor Swift is influencing women, especially young girls into putting value into unbiblical principles. Her persona, relationships, and music dominate headlines and social media, often encouraging fans to emulate her lifestyle and values —such as revenge, self-promotion, and romanticized heartbreak—can normalize ungodly patterns like bitterness, self-centeredness, or unhealthy relationships. In addition she glamorizes witchcraft and the occult in her shows.
So let me ask you: What steps are you taking to renew your mind? Are you immersing yourself in Scripture and prayer, or are you letting the culture shape your thinking?
Yuval Noah Harari has spoken at WEF events about the concept of “hackable humans,” referring to the idea that with sufficient data and computing power, it might be possible to decode and influence human thoughts and behaviors. He highlighted both the potential benefits and ethical concerns associated with such capabilities. From a biblical perspective, such technologies aligning with the prophetic warnings in Revelation and the antichrist.
Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, (Revelation 13:7)
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, (2 Thessalonians 2:9–11)
As believers, this reinforces the need to be discerning and vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and confident in the imminent return of Christ. While these technologies unfold, we must encourage one another to trust God’s sovereignty and remain steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel.
III. From Grace to Humility
Verse 3 shifts the focus to humility: “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.” Paul is warning against pride, urging us to have a realistic view of ourselves.
Humility is essential in the Christian life. It’s about recognizing that every gift we have is from God, not from ourselves. At the same time, we’re not to underestimate our gifts either. Humility is a balanced perspective—acknowledging our dependence on God while being grateful for the ways He has equipped us. "Humility is something we should constantly pray for, yet never thank God that we have."
Henry Augustus Rowland, professor of physics at Johns Hopkins University, was once called as an expert witness at a trial. During cross-examination a lawyer demanded, "What are your qualifications as an expert witness in this case?" The normally modest and retiring professor replied quietly, "I am the greatest living expert on the subject under discussion."
Later a friend well acquainted with Rowland’s disposition expressed surprise at the professor’s uncharacteristic answer. Rowland answered, "Well, what did you expect me to do? I was under oath."
Paul’s point here is clear: Grace leads to humility, and humility is the foundation for using our gifts effectively. When we see ourselves rightly, we can step into our God-given roles with confidence, knowing it’s not about us but about Him.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3–4)
IV. The Great Body of Christ
Verses 4 and 5 bring us to the beauty of the church as a body: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Paul uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate how we, as believers, are interconnected.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. (1 Corinthians 12:12–15)
Every member of the body has a unique function, and every function is essential. There’s no room for comparison or envy in the body of Christ. Instead, there’s unity in diversity. This is especially important today. In a world marked by division, the church is called to model what it means to be one body—united in Christ, working together for His Kingdom.
Some of us might feel like the pinky toe of the body of Christ—small and insignificant—but try stubbing it, and you’ll quickly realize just how important it is!
Let me ask you: How do you see your role in the body of Christ? Are you using your gifts, or are you sitting on the sidelines? The church needs every member to function fully if it’s to be healthy and effective.
V. Spiritual Gifts
Finally, in verses 6-8, Paul lists several spiritual gifts: “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; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 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.”
These gifts are not for personal glory but for the building up of the church. Each gift is a channel through which God’s Spirit works to bless others. Whether your gift is prophecy, service, teaching, giving, leadership, or mercy, it is indispensable to the body of Christ.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (Colossians 3:23)
As we approach the end times, using our gifts faithfully is more important than ever. This is not the time to bury our talents or hold back. The world needs the church to rise up, using its gifts to advance God’s Kingdom.
Let me leave you with this challenge: Reflect on your life this week. Are you living as a sacrifice, surrendered fully to God? Are you renewing your mind daily, allowing His Word to transform you? And are you using the gifts He’s given you to serve others?
The Bible repeatedly calls us to be vigilant and purposeful as we anticipate the return of Christ. Spiritual gifts are essential tools God has given to His people to carry out His work in these final days. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul emphasizes that we are to use our gifts faithfully and effectively
• Prophecy boldly proclaims truth in a world of deception.
• Service opens doors to meet tangible needs, often softening hearts to the Gospel.
• Teaching equips believers to stand firm in sound doctrine.
• Encouragement strengthens those weary in the faith.
• Giving supports missionaries and ministries reaching unreached people groups.
• Leadership organizes efforts to advance the Gospel.
• Mercy demonstrates God’s love in action, reflecting His heart to a broken world.
These aren’t just for building up the church internally—they’re critical for engaging the world externally as we prepare for Christ’s imminent return.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
The end times are not a time to retreat—they’re a time for the church to rise and fulfill its mission. Revelation 7:9 gives us a glimpse of what’s at stake: After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, (Revelation 7:9)
This is the result of a church that takes its evangelistic mandate seriously. As we see signs of Christ’s return, the urgency grows. Spiritual gifts aren’t just for internal church health—they’re for external Gospel impact. We’re not simply preparing for the end; we’re preparing the world for the King’s arrival.
