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December 10th
The bible reading today is in Romans 11-13.
It was Paul’s pattern to start his communication with the churches with solid doctrinal content. Then he usually ended his teaching with exhortations about how to live the Christian life.
Dr. Leon Morris, professor, and writer of New Testament commentaries at Oxford University in London believed Paul was showing his readers that living the Christian life well was dependent upon good
sound doctrine. I agree.
Now to Chapter 12...“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers..."
God used Paul to appeal to the will and the spirit of the disciples in Rome. He wanted his chilidren to make a choice in the way that they would live for him.
"I appeal to you brothers...by the mercies of God,"
Such as...Mercifully Justified before God through Jesus Christ. Mercifully Adopted into the family of God. Mercifully Placed under grace and not under the law. Mercifully Indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Mercifully Helped in and through our afflictions. Mercifully Assured of our election by God.
So...In light of these mercies...Paul begs the church members...to present their bodies as a “living sacrifice”, holy and acceptable to God.
Paul beseeches the church members: “present your whole life”...upon the altar of God...saying to Him...”I'm all in...do with me as you will for your honor and your glory.” With the desire to be always dedicated to the Lord... which is your reasonable service of worship.” Romans 12:1
And we thought worship started with a song and a prayer at church.
Our Reasonable Service of Worship of God starts with humbly yielding our lives to him as completely as we know how.
From there, something else happens...in verse 2...“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
