Living Sacrifice

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Genesis 36-38 and Romans 12.

Romans 12 begins a section in the book that deals with Christian living. This section is all the more sobering considering the circumstance surrounding the Christians in Rome in particular.

The opening verses sets the resounding tone for us all.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

All this while, Paul had set the tone and stage. Recall how he brought us through from the very basics of the existence of God to the abolishment of the Old Law and the establishment of the New and just immediately in the preceding chapter, the great mercy and grace of God, of which the Gentiles were to be reminded of and not take for granted, as the Jews before them had. Hence comes the glorious conclusion of our appropriate, our "reasonable" response.

The expression "living sacrifice" is almost an oxymoron - meaning to say they appear paradoxical in nature. A sacrifice in most instance seem like a once off thing. Yet we are told that it was to be "living". Previously in the concluding verses in chapter 8, Paul wrote of being "killed all the day long", "For thy sake" (v. 36). In the immediate context (c.f. v.35), Paul was talking about the real situation the Christians were facing. But as we go further to the end of the chapter, it appears that he went on to elaborate in all aspects and times. Certainly ties in with this concept of a perpetual, constant need for us to be "killed all the day long" as a sacrifice.

Jesus taught about "taking up [our] cross daily" (Luk 9:23) and that's precisely the same concept that Paul is alluding to. But what exactly constitutes a "sacrifice"?

Paul explains throughout the chapter beginning from the first verse
1) Holy
The word means "set apart", "consecrated". James exhorts us to "cleanse [our] hands" and "purify [our] hearts" (Jam 4:8). We need to live a life that is in good conscience to God. It doesn't mean that we cannot sin, (as in we will be immune to sin) but it means that we constantly examine our lives and repent and make right if we do fall. It means not "sweeping things under the carpet". It means purity and love in our intents. A single minded purpose to be pleasing to God.

2) Acceptable to God
Cain's offering was found unacceptable because it was not of faith, which simply means not commanded of God. (c.f. Gen 4:7; Heb 11:4) That which is not commanded is profane! Recall Nadab and Abihu? (Lev 10:1,2) The only way we can be acceptable is if we follow exactly what God has commanded! Col 3:17 is NOT a license to commit whatever we wish as long as it is "sincere" and "dedicated" to God! On the contrary, "in the name of the Lord Jesus" means exactly what has been said - what God has commanded, authorised. We cannot go about to establish our own righteousness as the blinded generations of Jews (c.f. Rom 10:1-3) had, as the many generations before us have and even among our generation of men who profess to know God, yet through their own will deny God and His Word (c.f. Ti 1:16).

3) Reasonable Service
This alludes to our attitude. Jesus exhorted the disciples in Luk 17:10, it is our duty! There's nothing to boast of. We have been saved "unto good works" (Eph 2:10). It is indeed our "reasonable" service, our privilege and honor to be in His service. Let us not be like the self-righteous Pharisee who served only to exalt himself (Luk 18:11-14), but always in humility and diligence, as our Lord Himself had patterned for us (1Pe 2:21).

Subsequently, Paul gives us some practical illustrations. Verses 3-11 talks about our loving attitude to one another and in our work in the Lord. Verses 12-16 exhorts us to show compassion to the people without and to engage in benevolent works (c.f. Gal 6:10). Verses 17-21 seem to be the hardest to swallow when it comes to our dealings with "enemies". But we all know very well, this was exactly what Christ himself had preached (Mat 5:38-48). Further, Paul leaves us with "consolation". God is all seeing and just! He will recompense. (v.19) Moreover, our actions may very well lead to the salvation of a soul. Just as Jesus gave His life all the same to the ungodly, our actions as a "living sacrifice" is not limited to those we love, but ALL whom God loves!

Brethren, let us continue to be encouraged by God's Word and let us "be not conformed to this world" by it's lures and it's "wisdom" but live our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, that God may be glorified in us (Mat 5:16) and that we may lay hold to the crown of righteousness and life (2Ti 4:8; Rev 2:10).

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ~ Romans 1:16,17