Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Text Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

The phrase, “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice”, pictures for us a scene from the Old Testament. When a worshipper brought a sacrificial offering, they would identify with it by assuming a place beside the animal, thus symbolizing the giving of oneself. Speaking unto those that have been saved by the marvelous grace of God, Paul calls for the total surrender of one’s living body as a sacrifice unto to Lord; a sacrifice that gives God total control over every aspect of one’s life. Total sacrifice permits God to live His life in and through us so that His will is accomplished in all things! We note not only the degree of the sacrifice, but we note the depth of the summons, “I beseech you therefore.” The word “beseech” is not a mild request given for your consideration, but rather a plea that implores and prays for your involvement. Paul begs the brethren not to turn a deaf ear to the call for a living sacrifice of self which he declares to be “your reasonable service.” The question that each of us must answer is, “How could the complete sacrifice of ourselves be reasonable?” When placed in the scales of reason, what would cause the believer to give God all? Paul’s answer is, “the mercies of God.” Is the merciful and gracious acts of God on your behalf worth the sacrificial offering of self; His death on Calvary, daily provisions, and His endless love? When we consider all He has done; “Is He not worth it?” “We love him, because he first loved us.” I John 4:19