“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” -Romans 12:1
Paul had just invested the previous 11 chapters detailing the most glorious realities of how God justifies, sanctifies, and restores a condemned humanity to Himself. He then turns one’s attention in Romans chapter 12 to the application of this reality–and begins by urging one to a spiritual service of worship. That word spiritual is the word logikos (lah-gee-kahs)–which is used only 2x in the New Testament. Here, in Romans 12, and in 1 Peter 2:2. The word is translated as spiritual, but actually means thoughtful or something that is being carefully thought through.
In other words, as one considers the precepts of doctrine that Paul presented in the previous 11 chapters, one is logically or reasonably urged to present one’s bodies as a sacrifice. That is to say that worship extends to the whole man, as well as to every facet of his life–work, home, church, city, etc. This call to holistic worship is thus rational, logical, and thoughtful. Why? Because as one comes to a deep realization as to the work of God on one’s behalf, one’s heart and mind is overwhelmed with gratitude. Thus, one is led to the offering (sacrifice) of one’s life as an act of worship to the Triune God–there is nothing left hiding in the closet that doesn’t make it to the altar…!
Are you moved to worship holistically as you consider the work of God on your behalf?
May we spend more time considering what God has done and continues to do for us…and worship Him as Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) urges us to do here in Romans 12:1!
Glory to God our King
Glory to God our King
Ruler of life and everything,
We present our bodies to Him
We present our lives to Him
Out of a thoughtful consideration for His mighty work within our souls
We present our all to Him.
— July 24, 2015