Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)
Verse 1 Most bible scholars believe that based on the structure of the Greek Grammar in this passage, the second verse is the answer to the first verse.
- Before we can understand what, it means to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, we must first understand verse 2
Verse 2 Paul starts by commanding us not to be conform to the patterns of this world.
- That Greek word translated in the NIV as “conform” means just that or “to be shaped by.”
- But what is interesting is the verb is in the passive verb form.
- The action of the verb happens to the subject with no volition on the part of the subject.
- So, we are being formed against our will.
- But what is interesting is the verb is in the passive verb form.
- The question then becomes what is forming or shaping us?
- The verse goes on to say to the patterns of this world.
- In the Greek, it’s the word age.
- Do not be conformed by the age.
- Considering the passive form, it could be translated as “be not conformed to this age.” (YLT)
- The implication is that the age we live in is shaping us. Against our will.
- Question: So, what are the things of this age that are shaping us?
- Each age will have a different answer.
- Verse 2 continues, Paul tells us to not be shaped by the age, but rather to be shaped by the renewing of our mind.
- Question: So now we need to understand what it means to renew our mind.
- The word here means to be transformed.
- But it is also a passive verb form So it is happening to us again.
- But remember the first verb be conformed (by the world) was also in the passive.
- So, the implication here is something is also going to be shaping us.
- The question is what? The world or God?
- Will we allow the age to shape us, or will we allow God to shape us.
- So how do we allow God to shape us?
- First, and greatest way to do this is with the word of God.
- The second way we can reshape our mind is with the Holy Spirit.
- Third, the third way we can renew our mind is mediating and studying the character and nature of God.
- The verse begins with “Therefore” which ties this section back to the end of Chapter 11.
- Romans 11:33-36 Paul is reflecting on the nature and character of God.
- He starts with reflecting on the knowledge and wisdom of God. (Verses 33-34.)
- Then he moved on to God’s abundant nature. (Verse 35)
- Then on His ability to create all things. (Verse 36)
- It is from this place of reflection on God’s nature and Character that Paul says, “Therefore, I urge…
- This idea of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, for Paul was the natural outflow from reflecting on the character and nature of God.
Now back to verse one. Now that we understand verse 2, let’s go back to verse one.
- We already looked at the word “Therefore.”
- The next word in the verse after Therefore is the word “urge” in the NIV.
- Which in the Greek is a command. Could be seen as the word exhort in command form.
- Paul isn’t just making this as a casual suggestion.
- The next phrase, “in view of God’s mercy,” points us back to the cross of Christ.
- None of this is possible without the cross of Christ.
The verse continues with to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship
- The real answer to the question of verse one and how do I offer my body as a living sacrifice is answered in the renewing of our mind. Allowing our mind to be reshaped by God Himself. So that we will act and think in Godly ways that are pleasing to Him.
So ultimately the way we offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—true and proper worship, is through a renewed mind. It’s less physical than we may have thought.
- We offer our body as living sacrifices when we allow God to shape and form us rather than the age.