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Apr 5, 2020

Originally Presented: June 15th, 2008

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-2

These verses in Romans are something of an introduction to the section of the book which contains practical implications drawn from the glorious realities of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Since Christians have experienced the soul-changing power of God in conversion, there are definite ramifications for living which reflect the glories of Christ.  Many of these are presented in Romans 12-15.

Similar to an animal being dedicated wholly to God in sacrifice, Paul calls on Christian readers to present their bodies (which is not just a reference to physical bodies, but to the whole of life) as a living sacrifice (in contrast to dead animals).  A life dedicated to God is the service rendered to Him which is, in a sense, worship, that is an honoring of God.

The way to become more of a living sacrifice to God begins in the mind.  A  life that is God-honoring in all its facets issues from a mind that is transformed in its thinking.  How desperately we need a mind that has been changed (notice the passive verbs in verse 2) by the power of God's hand.  Instead of being captivated by the seductions of this world (lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes and the pride of life), Christians are controlled by the glorious will of God, which is good and acceptable and perfect.  A  mind saturated by the Word of God becomes controlled by the Word of God.  A  holy life certainly follows a transformed mind.