Lecture on Romans 12:1-2 and Living Sacrifices
Context
- Occasion: Lord's Table.
- Purpose: To approach the Lord's Table thoughtfully and beyond the Gospel of John.
- Text: Romans 12:1-2.
- Warning: Avoid partaking in an unworthy manner; examine oneself.
Key Scripture: Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Main Ideas
The Christian Life as Worship
- Primary Act: Worship through giving oneself to God.
- Context: After 11 chapters of doctrinal foundation on salvation, Paul switches to practical application.
Importance of Self-Examination
- Story: A conversation with a young woman struggling with Christian life.
- Advice: Christian life is about what one gives to God, not what one gets from Him.
- Church attendance: Should be evaluated by what you give, not what you get.
Elements in Living Sacrifice
- 4 Elements: Soul, Body, Mind, Will.
1. The Soul
- Meaning: The inner person, foundational for salvation.
- Text: Romans 12:1-2 urges "brethren", indicating believers.
- Mercies of God: Love, Grace, Holy Spirit, Peace, Faith, Comfort, Power, Hope, Patience, Kindness, Glory, Honor, Righteousness, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Justification, Security, Eternal life, Freedom, Resurrection, Sonship, Intercession.
2. The Body
- Call to Action: Present bodies as "a living and holy sacrifice".
- Temple Term: "Present", meaning to offer up entirely.
- Old vs. New Testament: No more dead sacrifices; now living sacrifices.
- Challenge: Sanctification involves actively surrendering the body.
3. The Mind
- Critical Role: Dictates how the body is used.
- Renewal: By the Word of God.
- Negative Command: Do not be conformed to this world.
- Positive Command: Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
- Result: Proves the will of God is good and perfect.
4. The Will
- Role: Demonstrates the will of God through actions.
- Integration: Will, mind, and body must align with God’s will.
Conclusion
- Holistic Offering: Soul, body, mind, and will must be offered to God continually.
- Gratitude for Mercies: Motivation for living sacrifice is the overwhelming mercy received.
- Encouragement: Constantly remind oneself of salvation’s glories to fuel ongoing sacrifice.
Prayer
- The closing prayer emphasizes the commitment to offering oneself as a living sacrifice.
- Gratitude for reminders of responsibilities and blessings.
- Affirmation of desire to offer soul, body, mind, and will to God.
- Acknowledgment of the discourse as a pathway to joy, blessings, and eternal reward.