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… Here is — I. SOMETHING TO BE DONE. Note — 1. The terms of the text. (1) "Present" is elsewhere rendered "yield" (Romans 6:13, 16, 19), a word commonly used for bringing to offer in sacrifice (Luke 2:22). (2) "Bodies," a part of human nature, is here used to represent the whole. Our whole nature consists of body, soul, and spirit. But as the body is the visible part of our nature, the organ of practical activity, as soul and spirit cannot now be devoted to God, except as connected with the body, nor themselves without the body, and as the body cannot be presented as a sacrifice separate from the spirit; moreover, as the allusion to the ancient sacrifices required the recognition of the material part of our nature, we may conclude that by "your bodies" is intended "yourselves."(3) The animals required by the law were brought alive to the altar, and in offering them up they were slain. So soon as the offering was made they were dead sacrifices. Yield yourselves a sacrifice in life, a sacrifice for life, a sacrifice rich in life. (4) "Holy," not nominally but really, cleansed from guilt, purified; passively and actively, not ceremonially, but experimentally; not outwardly only, but inwardly. (5) "Acceptable"; the sacrifice real, the bringing of the offering sincere; the Mediator recognised in the offering, therefore acceptable, i.e., well-pleasing unto God. The sacrifices under the law were pleasing to God as representing certain ideas and facts, and as expressing certain sentiments; but the sacrifice before us is in itself an object of Divine complacency (Psalm 147:11; Isaiah 62:4, 5; Malachi 3:16, 17). 2. That which is here required is not "devotions," but devotion. Present the offerings of true worship, but above all, present yourselves. All that we are is required, beside that which we have. Bring money, time, and influence as offerings, but above this, offer yourselves, your natural selves, your redeemed selves, the best in yourselves, and the whole of yourselves. (1) That you may be what He requires, His children, servants, witnesses, and as such, poor or rich, least or greatest, according to His will. (2) That you may do what He requires, in obedience as a son, and in work as a servant, and in testimony as a witness, etc. (3) That you may suffer and submit to all that He requires. 3. Now there are three things necessary to this — (1) Knowledge of God. No such sacrifice as that described in my text was ever offered to an unknown God. (2) Reconciliation to God. There can be no devotion or consecration where there is indifference or alienation. (3) Love to God. II. A STRONG MOTIVE POWER BY WHICH TO DO IT. 1. "The mercies of God," which are the manifestations of His goodness recorded in the previous part of this Epistle (see Romans 2:4; Romans 5:8, 20, 21; Romans 8:38, 39). But there are mercies which Paul does not mention, and which the Christian shares with all men. The mercies of God are countless in number, infinite in variety, and inestimable in value. Gratitude is a strong motive-power, by whose aid we may present our bodies an offering for life, holy and acceptable. 2. And is there not some force in the statement that this offering is a reasonable service? The victims under the law were irrational. This yielding ourselves to God is a reasonable service because — (1) Worthy of our nature and constitution as rational beings. (2) In harmony with the object of man's creation. (3) The natural fruit of our redemption to God. (4) A meet and right acknowledgment of our obligations to God. (5) It commends itself to our judgment and conscience and heart. (6) While involving thorough enthusiasm, it is far from all fanaticism and superstition. 3. And is there not something due to the earnestness of Paul in this matter? "I beseech you." This man knew what it was to offer himself a sacrifice to God, and did what he recommends, by powers and aids within reach of all Christians. Here lies the secret of his power (2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13).Conclusion: 1. Young brethren, render my text into life. In the school, home, place of business, present yourselves living sacrifices. The religious habits you now form are of immense moment to you. Let them be right habits even from the beginning. 2. Lukewarm and backsliding brethren, my text shows you what you ought to be, and indirectly what you are. A sacrifice it may be, but to self, to vanity, covetousness, pleasure, etc. 3. False brethren, why do you creep into our churches? You are as wood, hay, and stubble in our spiritual building, You are a cancerous growth on the body of Christ. Why do you not leave Christians alone? If you be an infidel, be honest, and do not profess to be a Christian. Go to your own company, but know that there is forgiveness for your falseness if you repent and turn from your evil ways. 4. And let the Pharisees of doctrine and of ritual digest my text. Theory without practice, doctrine without duty, a creed without spiritual life, will avail you nothing. (S. Martin.) 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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