Life as a Living Sacrifice – Romans chapter 12 verses 12 to 16
Life as a living sacrifice.
Hard, yet rewarding.
Living sacrifices live a life of hope and prayer in trials
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Patience endurance is the call, not naturally but in dependence on Him, in prayer. This is the answer.
Living sacrifices live a life marked by generosity
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.
Romans 12:13
Here, sharing with God’s people in particular. Hospitality is to be pursued.
Living sacrifices live a life that blesses rather than curses
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Romans 12:14
No revenge! And not only refraining from harm, but doing good. This was unknown in the Roman/Greek world. It is uniquely Christian. This did not preclude defense, but blessing them must be the motive.
Living sacrifices live a life that identifies deeply with others
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
Share others joys and sorrows. Listen! Don’t pivot the conversation to yourself. Sitting with, not even speaking at times.
Living sacrifices live a life of harmony and humility
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 12:16
Not the same as always agreeing. Unity is not uniformity. Pride and conceit are the things that wreck this.
Life as a living sacrifice – the secret…
…is being transformed by Christ, rather than conformed to the world.
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. 2 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
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
