Scripture

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. — Romans 12:1

I’m Saved!

Because we are saved, we know that salvation is the most valuable gift we possess. But many times we take it for granted and don’t properly respond to this magnificent gift. This happens because, prior to properly responding to the gift of salvation, we have to first understand what this gift includes. Salvation is not just a ticket out of hell and into heaven, as some may think; it is a multifaceted gift that includes justification, regeneration, adoption, sanctification, propitiation, redemption, reconciliation, glorification, and righteousness.

Access to this wonderful gift was made possible by Christ’s sacrifice, and our proper response to that sacrifice is service. Romans 12:1 implores us to serve God by:

1. Being a living sacrifice — Sacrifice is not a one-time thing, but an ever-present way of life—it’s a lifestyle. Furthermore, we should never expect to do something for God without sacrificing something (time, talent, or treasure). Thus, as living sacrifices, we must continually ask ourselves: “What does God want me to do during this juncture of my life and what am I willing to sacrifice to do it?”
2. Being holy — The Greek word for “holy” in Romans 12:1 is hagios, which means “to be separated from the secular for the sacred.” Before we can serve Christ, we have to understand that God has given us salvation for the sole purpose of serving Him. Thus secular things (like careers and relationships) are secondary to our sacred service to Him.
3. Being acceptable — Romans 12:1 says that our service should be “acceptable” (which means “pleasing”). Thus, we exist to please God, not the other way around.

Now What?

Since we have concluded that service is the proper response to salvation, this week:

1. Write down two things that you are willing to sacrifice to serve God more fervently; communicate them to someone who will hold you accountable to what you have written.
2. Click here to download and listen to our podcast titled, “The Will of God”

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