Thursday, June 28, 2018

June 28, 2018

"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. 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." Romans 12:1-2

As one who greatly benefits from the mercies of God, how am I to respond to such mercy?

The "therefore" implies a response on your part. It serves the ball into your court and you must make a play.

How is it you are to respond?

"I urge you" - This is a word applied to a general preparing his troops for battle. Nowadays, it would be a pregame pep talk from the head coach. But this word has and urgency about it and an authority to it.

In "view of God's mercy" you are urged to respond appropriately to God's mercy.

"offer your bodies as a living sacrifice" - The word "offer" or "present" means willingly or gladly giving yourself to God. In the Old Testament when a bull or a ram was offered to the priest as a sacrifice it was given reluctantly out of obligation. It was given in an attempt to obtain mercy. But you and I have already received mercy! The Greek word used for "present" is later used for "presenting" ourselves before the judgment seat. So, we are to offer ourselves willingly and gladly because of God's great mercy!

When a sacrifice was made in the Old Testament its throat was cut and it bled out on the altar. Then it was burned on that altar. It's life ended. 

But a living sacrifice willingly comes to the altar and presents his body in worship and service to the Lord. This symbolic act of sacrifice is our "true and proper act of worship".

The word used here is "logikos". In view of God's great mercy offering ourselves to God is just a logical thing to do!

When God offers you mercy, take the offer by offering yourself to Him!




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