Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday ~Living Sacrifices~

Romans 12

Living Sacrifices

 ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. ² Do not conform any longer 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. 

What does it mean to offer our bodies as living sacrifices?

It means to give ourselves to God. We surrender and submit ourselves to God. (James 4:7)

James 4:7

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

What makes our sacrifice holy and pleasing to God?

The sacrifice that Jesus made for us. By Jesus purifying us, and refining us we are made holy and pure in the eyes of God.  (Malachi 3:3)

Malachi 3:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

³He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.

How does one renew their mind?
By reading God's word. (Hebrews4:12-13)(2 Timothy 3:16-17)(Josh 1:8)

Hebrews 4:12-13

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 Joshua 1:8

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

⁸ Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

How can we test and prove what God's will is?

If we have read His word, we will be able to test and prove what God's will is.

Jesus died on the cross for us, that we might offer ourselves as living sacrifices and submit ourselves to him. He did all the work, he died for us, purifies us, and makes us holy and righteous in God's eyes. All we can do in return is submit ourselves to Him, surrender ourselves to Him, let Him take over our lives (He is in control anyway), give all we have, all we are and everything to Him! 
Because, He died for you, He loves you, He did everything so that YOU could have a relationship with Him.