Grace is Given

Having been urged to read the bible more linearly, this verse really gets deepened. Paul has talked all about freedom in Christ, unmerited favor, mercy….God’s calling….and now….Paul urges, ‘in view of God’s mercy’ or by the mercies of God offer your lives as living sacrifices.

Romans 12:1-3Therefore, 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 act of worship. 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.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

What do we have left to offer the very one who created us, who set up the law, who completed the law, and who now calls us to be His children. In light of all that….in view of His mercy… we should offer our bodies as sacrifices.

Old testament sacrifices were laid on the alter dead. We have this propensity to get up off the altar. We seem to be very short term sacrifices. I can lay down my life, offer my body, but if something comes up, I do reserve the right, to get back up off the altar.

We have many physical acts of worship. We can sing, give (time and money), serve, use our gifts, etc. But Paul makes a distinction in your spiritual act of worship. I take this to mean a higher level of worship, solely between you and God. Sure, it will manifest itself in your giving, your serving, and your giving….. but you want to let God take you to a ‘whole notha level’ offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.

And not conforming doesn’t mean removing yourself from the world…. I believe on the contrary. If Paul had meant that, he would have said that. But reading Paul, and knowing Christ, I take this to mean….we (maybe) are suppose to get into the dirty parts of society, yet DO NOT CONFORM. We are suppose to minister to the sick….not the healthy, yet DO NOT CONFORM.

And last, grace was given us…..never let your status as a believer go to your head. Whether you feel chosen or not….its only by God’s grace you have been saved. The very faith God planted in you….drew you to Him. And the more ‘mature’ you become as a believer, the more pitiful you find out you are.