Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

This verse is one of the most important in all the Bible, and contains more key theological terms and truths for its size than perhaps any other verse of Scripture. Having completed his explanation of sin, salvation, sanctification, and sovereignty, Paul now does to the Roman believers, what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. He urges the Rome believers to act on the truth they have received. I beseech you is to urge, call, exhort, encourage. This is the root word to which Jesus used to refer to the promised Holy Spirit who would come to the disciples after His ascension into heaven. The only thing that saves a human race lost in sin is the mercy of God, as displayed through the finished work of Jesus upon the cross. In view of God’s mercy, Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. What would be a reasonable response to the cancellation of judgment? Offering oneself in gratitude for the grace that has been shown would not be unreasonable.

Challenge:

Your are God’s temple, because the Spirit of God dwells within you. The temple was a holy place, because God was there and the people went there to meet with Him. Therefore, He makes you holy and acceptable by His cleansing blood shed for the world. Your challenge this week is to present yourself a holy influence toward those in your life. Give yourself to Him completely this week. Because of what He has done for you. Truly, it’s reasonable to give yourself to the Lord, and to say, “I’m laying my life down for You, Lord, because You gave Yourself for me. You have great things awaiting me. And I don’t want to miss any you have for me.” Be open to the needs of others in your life and ways you can come along side them to assist. Listen to the voice of the Spirit, as He directs you along the path that He has for you. Allow God to use you and empower you to make a impact in someone else’s life each day. Be an encourager to your co-workers. Be a blessing to your family. Be available to your friends. After all, this is your “reasonable service.” God bless you.