“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)

The great argument of Paul’s letter to the Romans is the justification of man on the basis of grace through faith. The first eleven chapters are devoted to this great theme concluding with a hymn of praise as Paul stands in awe of God’s ways. Now, in chapter 12 Paul moves to a practical plea for a sacrificial living.

God beseeches us to sacrifice our own bodies to him. In chapter 6 Paul says: Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:12-13) The surrendering of our bodies to godly principles means that our entire self is yielded to God.

First, God wants a living sacrifice. Under the Mosaical law the sacrifice was taken to the altar where it was slain and consumed. However, here the Christian’s physical life is not forfeited, but the carnal self is lost and a new life of honor is embraced. The old carnal feelings of envy, pride, and revenge must give way to love, joy, peace, and gentleness. A desire to please peers is replaced by a desire to please God. This desire to honor God is to be the chief affection of our heart.

Next, we notice this sacrifice is to be holy. Under the Law of Moses the animal offered was to be free from blemish. Here God enjoins holy living; to be totally dedicated to him. Those members of the body that must yield to God’s will are the eyes (Matthew 5:29), the ears (James 1:19,20), the hands (Mark 9:44), the feet (Mark 9:44), and the mouth (Ephesians 4:29). God wants our mind and heart. He wants our all.

This living, holy sacrifice of our bodies is well pleasing to God. Under Moses’ law only the priest could offer such sacrifices. However, through Christ all of his disciples are priests qualified to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Such offerings must include our tribute of thanksgiving and adoration to God.
(Hebrews 13:15,16)

This consecrated life is motivated by the mercies of God. Shall not the Christian sacrifice all earthly affections to Christ? Shall he not hear the voice of Jesus above all others? When we think of what we owe the Lord, any sacrifice in our life will seem like a feeble effort to show our gratitude and love.

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’” (Job 28:28)

In vivid terms Job describes (see Job 28:3) the way of those who mine precious metals. Man will hazard his life in search of precious ore. But, where is man’s success in pursuit of wisdom? He can dig and blast away, but true wisdom is beyond his reach. True wisdom is of incomparable value. Man cannot estimate its worth. Its price is far above gold and rubies. It cannot be discovered by man’s intuition. It is the property of God alone. (Job 28:12) It had to be revealed!

The wisdom from God contains two key elements is the 1) “fear of the Lord” and 2) “abstaining from evil”. True wisdom reminds us that it is man’s obligation to live in the fear of God. Man’s life on earth is fragile and quickly moving toward eternity. We were created for a higher purpose than to pursue the temporary. Solomon said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

True wisdom protects us from destructive behavior – “to depart from evil is understanding.” Sin will not only destroy the soul eternally, but can disrupt relationships in this life – families, churches, communities, and even your own sense of worth. God’s wisdom points to abundant living, because it is in harmony with our design and purpose.

True wisdom is founded upon a recognition of God’s sovereignty. It gives us a true basis for faith and hope and promises special blessings to those who pursue it. Thankfully, God revealed his mind to us so that that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” (1 Corinthians 1:31)