Homiletic Magazine 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… (Children's sermon): — I. WHO THE PRESENT IS FOR. We read of all kinds of presents for all sorts of persons. Jacob brought one to Esau (Genesis 32:13), and sent one to Joseph (Genesis 43:11); Abigail to David (1 Samuel 25:18); Naaman to Elisha (2 Kings 5:17); Queen of Sheba to Solomon (1 Kings 10:10). Then there are birthday and Christmas presents, and the more imposing testimonials given to men and women for special work. But the present we speak of is for God. Why should we give presents to every one but Him? The wise men brought Him presents; why should not we? II. WHY SHOULD WE GIVE IT. 1. We give presents to those whom we love — to parents, etc., and if we loved God we should bring something to show our love. Mary brought an alabaster box of ointment, worth about £9, to show hers. 2. We give to those who deserve well of us — especially if they have done or suffered much on our behalf. Masters give pensions to old and faithful servants, and the Queen medals to her brave soldiers. If some one were to save you from drowning or fire you would want to give something to show your gratitude. How much has God done for us! 3. We give presents to those who we think will be pleased to receive them. We know it gives them pleasure partly because of the value of the present, but chiefly because of the love that prompts it. So with God (Isaiah 43:24). III. WHAT SHOULD WE GIVE. 1. Something worth giving. What costs little is usually worth little. The gift is valuable according to its value to the giver as Jesus taught in the parable of the widow's mite. God complained that His people gave Him the blind and lame. He was not pleased with it because it cost them nothing (see also 2 Corinthians 14:24). What we bring must be worth something to us or it will be worth nothing to Him. 2. Something God will care to receive. We avoid what our friends already have, or what would be unacceptable, and find out what they would like. Money, gold, jewellery, land, etc., are of no value to God. The only thing we can give is our. selves — our bodies, including our souls; and God will be pleased with nothing else. But how? By using our hands to work for Him, our tongues to speak for Him, etc. A missionary tells of an Indian who offered his blanket, gun, wigwam — but got no blessing till he offered himself. IV. LESSONS. 1. We are to give, not lend. Seneca says, "There is no grace in a benefit that sticks to our fingers." 2. We should give our bodies while young and worth giving. (Homiletic Magazine.) 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. |
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