“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Romans 12:1-2

I writing to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul instructs them on the true act of worship…sacrifice! Under the previous covenant, a person was required to bring a sacrifice to the priest to offer it to God for the covering of their sin. In almost every occasion blood flowed and a life was lost. It was a picture of the work of the true sacrifice Jesus Christ. This time His sacrifice would be for the forgiveness of our sin. 

“He went once for all into the Holy Place [the Holy of Holies of heaven, into the presence of God], and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, having obtained and secured eternal redemption [that is, the salvation of all who personally believe in Him as Savior].” Hebrews 9:12 AMP

You see, sin was committed in the flesh, so redemption had to come from the flesh. The problem was none of us qualified according to the law “a lamb without spot or blemish.” Early in His life, the Apostle John identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God.”

“The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 AMP

If we are to follow the example of our Master, then we also must present our bodies as a sacrifice. Not unto redemption of the world but as a act of worship and surrender for the great work He has accomplished in us. Notice that Paul qualifies what exactly he means by the act of presenting ourselves to Christ. The sacrifice we make is to reign in the uncontrollable appetites of our flesh. 

The world teaches to get all you can, do what pleases you, do what feels good. The Gospel however calls us to a different standard. We must now live for the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of the flesh! Do you see it in verse 2? “be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes.” This is all in the realm of the fleshly desires. 

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus battled His humanness in not wanting to submit to the Father’s will. He overcame that through the strength of His Spirit. We also must have garden experiences daily as we work to bring our flesh under control. We must recognize that the battle isn’t external most of the time; it is internal! 

“But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. 17For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 AMP

Remember that we can come boldly into the throne room of grace for help in our time of need. Grace isn’t a license to sin but rather the freedom not too! Have a victorious day, Pastor Ken