This post is Day 4 in a series of studies about “A Living Sacrifice”, I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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A Living Sacrifice – Day 4

The last phrase in this verse is interesting. Many Christians today when asked what worship is would say singing songs of adoration to God or maybe what happens on Sunday morning in their church. But not according to Paul! True and proper worship is what we do with our bodies.

Romans 12:1

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 Thought

The last phrase in this verse is interesting. Many Christians today when asked “What is worship?” would say “singing songs of adoration to God” or maybe “It’s what happens on Sunday morning in our church.” But not according to Paul! We read here that “proper” worship is what we do with our bodies.

We should be living for Jesus 24/7. Dedicated to Him. That’s the sacrifice that He calls us to make. As we live holy lives for Him He is thrilled. Living a “holy life” does not mean living in a monastery or convent, unless God has specifically told you to do so. It means obeying His commandments and the rest of this chapter lists several things that we need to pay attention to as we live our daily lives in our local community.

It is interesting that Paul addresses the people in the Roman churches as “brothers and sisters”; – just believers like him. He has been dramatically changed from the domineering aggressive Jew who took delight in killing Christians, believing he was serving God in doing so!

In encouraging us to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices”, Paul is reminding his readers of his first chapter when he insisted that much of what people were doing is wrong (Romans 1:18-32). What would he say to our society today?

Action

As you go through the next 24 hours, take note of what you are doing with your body. Do you think that God is pleased with the way you live? Pray about anything you think He may not approve of.

Imagine Paul speaking in your church and calling you a brother or sister. How does that make you feel?