Romans 12:1-2
¹I 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.
²And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
The apostle here urges the Romans and us to keep to the important duties from the gospel principles.
He sees the Romans, as his brethren in Christ, and calls on them by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him.
This is a powerful appeal.
We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy.
Let us present ourselves, meaning:
▪︎ all that we are,
▪︎ all that we have,
▪︎ all that we can do
as a living sacrifice.
After all, what return is it for receiving such very rich blessing.
Giving ourselves to God completely is acceptable to Him, and reasonable service, which we are able to give for a reason we understand.
Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul.
The progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this renewing work, till it is in the end perfected in glory.
A well-known enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this world.
Therefore take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, for this world will soon pass away.
Do not be trapped by those whose custom it is to walk in the lusts of the flesh, and with their mind on earthly things. You have a different destination.
The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness.
Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God.
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