Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God… The expression may include — I. ACTIVE SERVICE. The victims slain could do no further service. But the sacrifice spoken of here is that of a living, voluntary agent, presented, not by others, but by himself, and presented for life in all his powers. II. CONTINUED DEVOTEDNESS. The victims at the altar could be offered but once, and could never appear at the altar again. But the "living sacrifice" is one which is presented anew every day in the unremitting homage of the life. III. As the apostle is addressing himself to believers, we ought to include the idea of the NEW LIFE as distinguishing them from the world and from their former selves when they were in a state of spiritual death. The sacrifice must not possess mere animal life, but must be instinct with the new life of holy sensibilities and spiritual principles to which the soul is "born again by the incorruptible seed of God's Word" and the power of the Spirit. IV. Although it is a living sacrifice, it is a sacrifice READY FOR DEATH, should God require it. The life is to be so devoted to God as to be at all times and entirely at His service, and, if need be, cheerfully surrendered for His glory. It includes, in a word, willingness to be, to do, or to suffer whatever He may see fit to appoint. (R. Wardlaw, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |