Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do
not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Keep
Paul’s opening words in mind as you study chs 12–16. He urges us to present ourselves as living sacrifices because it is the proper response to “the mercies of God” (v 1). On this side of heaven, we are not fully renewed (7:14–25).
As a result, the exhortations of chs 12–16 show us that we still sin and fall short (3:23). But that is not the only purpose for this section; it is a guide for Christian living (see FC Ep and SD VI). God has shown us His undeserved mercies in Christ.
God has transformed our lives in Baptism and continues to renew us daily by His Spirit.
I pray: Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your mercies in Jesus Christ and for the
transforming work You began in my Baptism. Empower me by Your Spirit to present my body as a living sacrifice of worship acceptable to You in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Edward A. Engelbrecht, The Lutheran Study Bible (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2009), 1933.