Living Sacrifices
The apostle Paul spends a great deal of time building
up to a climax as he writes to the people of Rome. His main objective is
seen in the introduction encouraging the “obedience to the faith
among all nations...” (Romans 1:5). In the conclusion he claims he
has “made manifest...to all nations...obedience to the faith”
(Romans 16:26). The incremental process Paul uses to teach the church at
Rome their need for obedient faith can also be helpful to us.
In the first chapter it is revealed that God’s wrath is opposed to
“all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men...” (Romans 1:18). In
chapter two, Paul also makes it clear that all men will be judged by a
righteous God whether Jew or Gentile. In chapter three, he goes on to
say that since all have sinned, whether Jew or Gentile, all are in need
of God’s grace. This grace is only found through faith in Jesus Christ
(Romans 3:21-26).
After he speaks of our need for grace Paul demonstrates the type of
faith we must have to be God’s child. In chapter four, our faith must be
comparable to that of Abraham’s. Abraham’s faith was so strong that even
though he had no child he still believed God could keep His promises. He
gave everything up and followed God’s leading. He died to himself to
live by God’s rule. In chapter five, we read of the demonstration of
God’s love for us. Again, it includes death. Romans 5:8 says, “God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us.” So, once again, the key to Christ’s
triumph over Satan was His death on the cross and faith that God could
raise Him up. In chapter six, Paul makes application to Christians. Once
again, the key theme is death. Followers of Christ must die to sin and
live for Christ. Why and how do we do this?
Paul answers this question in the following chapters. We must die to
ourselves and live for Christ for several reasons. First of all, because
the law of Moses cannot save us from sin (Romans 7). Second, because
living for carnal things separates us from God (Romans 8). Finally,
because there is no longer a national religion in Israel. Therefore,
Jews need the gospel just as much as Gentiles do (Romans 9-11). So, what
is the key to an obedient faith and salvation in Jesus Christ? Paul
reaches his climax and the answer in chapter twelve.
Romans 12:1 gives Christians the key, “I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
What will be willing to do if we are “living sacrifices?”
We will use our abilities to serve God, avoiding evil and clinging to
good (Romans 12:3ff). We will respect the laws of the land and our
government and love our neighbors (Romans 13:1-10). We will not seek to
fulfill our own desires but Christ’s will for us in life (Romans
13:11-14). We will not bind our opinions on others but will walk by the
precepts of God (Romans 14). We will help others with their burdens,
glorifying God with all who believe (Romans 15:1-13). We will support
the preaching of the gospel (Romans 15:14-33). We will avoid divisive
people and false teachers (Romans 16:17-20). Then, we will be the
“living sacrifice” God expected us to be in our “obedient faith.”
Are you willing to die to your own will to obey the will of God?