“1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
1. Offering a Living Sacrifice Pleasing to God (v.1)
When it speaks of “offering your bodies,” it does not mean we can casually offer ourselves. Serving God is not merely about presenting ourselves to Him; God has a holy standard for offerings.
In the Old Testament, God required offerings to be holy, without fault or defect. In the same way, we are called to strive to present ourselves to God as good offerings, which are pleasing to Him.Discussion
1: How can we become a holy
offering to God?
2. Living According to God’s Standard (v.2), every aspect of our lives, both internal and external, should align with God’s standards:
1. Do not conform to the pattern of this world: “Conform” implies being molded or shaped. We are told not to follow the changing voices and the trends of the world.
2. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind: Paul teaches us to let the Holy Spirit and God’s truth renew and transform our thinking.
3. Purpose of God
Standard:
The goal
is “you will be
able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good,
pleasing and perfect will.”
Discussion
2: What is God’s will?
Two
Aspects of God’s Will
3.1 God’s Sovereign Will – A clear example of this is in Jesus’ prayer at Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:39, Jesus said, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me; yet not as I will, but as you will.” God’s sovereign will enclose Jesus’ sacrifice to fulfil salvation. This is a will that must be obeyed and fulfilled. Thus, Jesus surrendered His request, allowing God’s perfect will to take priority.
3.2 God’s Commanded Will (general will) – For instance, the Ten Commandments instruct us to worship God alone, keep the Sabbath, honor parents, and avoid murder, adultery, theft, lying, and greed (Exodus 20). Jesus expanded these commandments, teaching us to “love one another” (John 15:12) and to share the gospel. This constitutes His commanded will. To test and approve God’s will is not about seeking direction on everyday aspects of life—like whom to marry or where to
live. Instead, it’s about applying biblical truths to daily life, making time for God by clearing
away distraction and creating a quiet space through prayer, reflection and
spending time alone, we open ourselves to feel God’s presence and guidance.By surrendering personal plans and preferences,
we focus on testing and
approving God’s call and following it
faithfully.
Paul encourages us to test God’s
will by experiencing it. Living by God’s commands allows us to learn firsthand
that His will is good and pleasing. Those who obey find joy in discovering that
His ways lack nothing. When life concludes, such individuals can look back with
satisfaction and without regret.
If our minds are not renewed and
we remain shaped by worldly values, we risk misunderstanding Scripture and
making excuses to avoid its commands. When we obey God’s commands, we come to
know His will.
The transformation of our minds,
a calling from God, is a significant challenge that requires reliance on Christ
and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need a humble heart that seeks truth
.his help us test and confirm what we offer matches God’s desires—a sacrifice
pleasing to Him.
Romans 12:1-2 aims to make our
entire lives a “spiritual worship.” Worship = service, involves using our
minds, hearts, and bodies to reflect God’s worth. In God’s eyes, the goal of
human life is to exalt Christ.
St.
Francis’ Life as a Sermon
In the Middle Ages, St. Francis of Assisi, famous for his preaching, once took a disciple on a walk through town instead of giving a sermon. When they returned, the disciple asked, “Aren’t you going to preach?” St. Francis replied, “I already did. Just walking through the streets was my sermon.” Church history recounts that people saw Christ in St. Francis’ joy, peace, and compassion.
Our
lives are a sermon. Being a Christian is not about giving God a small amount of
time or money each week to feel at peace.
We shouldn’t view faith from a self-centered way which focus on seeking convenience and personal benefit.
Offering Ourselves
Offer yourself to God. Pray for the Spirit of Christ to renew your mind fully, helping you to recongnise His good, pleasing, and perfect will. We are fellow believers on the journey to heaven, grateful to serve in the places God has placed us.
Prayer
Together,
let us pray:
Lord,
let us see how wonderfully your mercy has reached us. Grant us willing hearts
to offer ourselves for your use daily and in all things. We thank and pray in
Jesus’ victorious name. Amen.
