Bible Studies

Present Your Bodies A Living Sacrifice Part One

by Doug Laird 
04/27/23
Free to Share

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

Present Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice

Part One

In Paul’s letter to the born-again believers in 1st Century Rome, he urges them to present their physical bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord (1).

In his letter to the born-again believers in Ephesus, Paul implores them to walk (live) in a manner worthy of their calling (2).

In this presentation, we will see the major part that “presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice” plays in living a lifestyle befitting those who bear the name Christian. Paul refers to doing so, as engaging in our “spiritual service of worship.”

In accordance with the Matt. 28: 19, 20 plan of God, it is when born again believers are gathered together (physically or via means of modern day means of communication) for worship services that the Word of God is to be taught and reiterated.

Worshiping God by means of applying the Word of God, mostly takes place when we are away from our local assembly (or means of communication), as we go about our daily routines.

Many Church-goers can quote Scripture, but lack its consistent application, during the remaining 167 hours or so, when they are away each week. In modern day terminology, we might say that many “Christians” are talking the talk, but not walking the walk.

For some, the Romans 12: 1 sacrifice will call for a single act of martyrdom, whereas Eph. 4: 1, call for a daily-dying of one’s independent self will, in order to become an ambassador for the Kingdom of God, while here on Earth. Believers who are called to martyrdom, and the believers who “die daily” will receive the Crown of Life (3).

Some scholars interpret the Crown of Martyrs and the Crown of Life as two separate crowns. Other scholars interpret them as being one in the same. Either way, we don’t serve God to be rewarded, but God has chosen to reward, in Heaven, the believers who make the sacrifice of martyrdom, and those who make the ongoing, daily sacrifices, associated with post salvation discipleship.

Whereas Romans 12: 1 martyrdom calls for a one-time act of confidence to face immanent death courageously, the Eph. 4: 1 “daily-dying” calls for long term steadfastness, dedication, persistence, and endurance.

The devil wants us to fear death, and only a minority of born-again believers finish the course, looking forward to his/her earthly departure (4).

In both scenarios, it takes the enabling John 15: 5 power of God to overcome the obstacles necessary to succeed.

The devil, being fully aware of human tendencies, promotes the fear of death, and does all that he can to wear down the forward progress of an advancing disciple (5).

Note that in many cases, the believer’s attitude towards death and the unspoken testimony of how he or she handles the process of dying, can be the most powerful testimony to those around him/her. The hospital, nursing home, or hospice center may very well prove to be an advancing disciple’s last assigned “mission field” before the Lord calls him or her home, as he or she testifies, by word and actions, to the attending staff and visitors.

We must be careful not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought (6). Peter thought he had his act together when he claimed his willingness to lay down his life for the cause of Christ, but within hours after making that bold claim, he would deny that he even knew Him (7).

Many believers thought they had their act together, only to discover that couldn’t handle intense adversity any better than their unbelieving counterparts when the day of testing came knocking at THEIR door.

This daily-dying goes far beyond the repenting and the forsaking of sin and evil. That much we (should) have learned in Christian Kindergarten 101. It is not until we are challenged to give up OUR comfort zone, plans, and desires, in order to fulfill HIS plan and desires, that we will experience the cost of discipleship (8).

This daily-dying will continue as an advancing disciple moves forward to the point that he or she can honestly say, “… besides You, I desire nothing on earth (Psalms 73: 25 NASB).”

Desiring nothing but God (and or the things of God), will change such things as the content of one’s prayer life, daily priorities, motivation, and outlook for the future, evidenced by his or her thoughts, words, and actions (9). Advancing disciples become Christ-centered; no longer self-centered, seeking His will, and not their own.

End of Part One

______

(1) Romans 12: 1 (2) Eph. 4: 1 (3) James 1: 12/Rev. 2: 10 (4) Heb. 2: 15/2Tim. 4: 7/2Cor. 5: 8 (5) Dan. 7: 25 (6) Rom. 12: 3 (7) John 13: 37, 38 (8) Luke 14: 26 – 33 (9) Luke 22: 42/Luke 14: 26/Matt. 6: 2/Phil.1:21.