Introduction
Romans 12:1–21: Paul says that God’s people no longer need to offer dead animals or make any other sacrifice to please God. Rather, they are to offer their whole selves in living service to God. Such service involves using the gifts each has received in accordance with God’s grace.
Today’s Key Verse: Romans 12:1b GNT
Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.
Read
12 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.
2 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.
3 For I say to every man that is among you, through the grace given unto me, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body and all members have not the same office,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us: if prophecy, let us prophesy according to our portion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Have kindly affection one for another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another;
11 not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer;
13 distributing to the necessity of saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,saith the Lord.”
20 Therefore: “If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Reflect
The words in verse 1 are derived from the consecration and killing of animals in temple sacrifice. Paul now says that we are to “offer [ourselves] as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him.” What is your understanding of these words? In what ways can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God? Reread verses 9–21. How does Paul describe life in community for God’s people? How do you envision what Paul describes?
Pray
Holy God, I offer myself as a living sacrifice, dedicated to a life of service that is pleasing to you. Transform me inwardly so that I may know and do your will. Teach me to share the gifts you have given me to build up your Kingdom. May I be an instrument of your love and grace.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Romans 13:1–14: The apostle Paul encourages Christians to obey state authorities.
