Present Ourselves as Living Sacrifices

Responsibility of Believers The message is directed towards church members, highlighting their responsibilities. Romans is full of inexhaustible treasure and truth. Beseeching Believers A call to action based on Romans 12:1-2: Present bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is considered a reasonable service. Do not be conformed to the world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Prove what is good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God. Memories and Inspiration A reflection on attending a communion service at Millers Cove and remembering men of God from the past who preached the Word. These men’s teachings made a significant difference. Grace and Responsibility Grace is essential for salvation, and nothing can be added to it. Salvation is by grace through faith, a gift from God, not of works. There is a call to heed what the apostle is trying to convey to believers. The Widow’s Offering The story of the widow who gave all she had (two mites) is used as an example. Jesus noticed her sacrifice, while others did not. She gave from her poverty, while others gave from their abundance. This illustrates the concept of giving one’s all to God daily as a living sacrifice. Living Sacrifice God needs those who are alive, committed, and sold out to Him. The apostle beseeches believers to understand the importance of this concept for their lives and to bring honor to God. These actions enable believers to experience God’s work in their lives. Gifts from God Everyone receives a gift from God when they are saved. This gift can be shared with others, even if it’s just a testimony. A good testimony from a heart sold out to God can lead others to salvation and hope. God has given everyone work to do. Urgency and Transformation Beseeching involves urging with conviction. Consciously making an effort to offer oneself daily will transform the heart. God can use anything if it is yielded to Him. Example: Balaam’s donkey. Holiness and Consecration In the Old Testament, a lamb had to be pure and spotless for sacrifice. Believers should offer themselves to God as a living sacrifice, willing and ready for His use. Offer something holy, clean, and ready for use, not marred by pride or selfishness. Consecrate oneself to God, repent of sin, and offer something He can use. Spiritual Death and Surrender Physical blood is not required as a sacrifice now, but a spiritual death is necessary. Lay down oneself and allow God to be in control. When one relinquishes control, they can present something living, holy, and acceptable to God. Urgency in Preaching Preaching should be urgent and have conviction. The message is not worldly philosophy but transformative truths from the Word of God. Giving oneself to God daily will transform one’s living. Mercies of God It is through God’s mercies that believers can even be a sacrifice. God can take what individuals have if they repent and become pleasing to Him. Confessing sins leads to forgiveness and cleansing. Even if one feels they have little to offer, God can use them when they are right with Him. “Little is much when God is in it.” Overcoming Hesitation Urging listeners to stop hesitating, procrastinating, and holding back from God. God has given something to do, say, or share. The time for holding back is over; start giving oneself to God. Get holy, get right with God, and be acceptable. Allow the Holy Spirit to search and help release what is hindering. Presenting Your Body Presenting one’s body to God as a living sacrifice. God already owns believers, having bought them at Calvary. Believers have a free will and a mind, making them unique. Give it up and let God have it. Living Sacrifice vs. Dead Sacrifice A dead sacrifice has no choice, but a living sacrifice does. A choice must be made daily. The Holy Spirit cares about how believers live, walk, talk, and dress. God wants believers to be presentable to the Father. God’s Use of the Least God can use the least among us to do wondrous things. God can use small things and things we don’t think are worthy. Clean the vessel, make it presentable, and give it to God. Personal Testimony A personal testimony of resisting God’s call to preach. Initially, there was a strong conviction and a sense of being called to preach. Tried to convince God He had made a mistake, citing inability to speak in front of people. God did not negotiate but waited until there was surrender. The final response was, “God, I’ll do whatever you want me to do, but I need you to help me.” God Can Use Anyone God can use anyone, the least or the greatest, as a vessel, tool, or instrument. Offer oneself to God, and He will use it. Practical Application To grow with God, give Him your body. God wants to use hands, feet, ears, eyes, and mouth. He will send feet to new places, give the mouth new words, and open ears and eyes to new things. This happens when one lays everything in God’s hands. The Meaning of “Present” The word “present” means both to hold up for view and a gift. God wants you to present Him your body. Let God figure out how to use you. God’s Goodness and Promises God has lifted us from horrible pits, set our feet on solid rock, and given promises of heaven. He fills us with the Holy Spirit eternally. He asks us to give back what is already His: our free will. Bring the flesh under subjection through godliness and moral living. The Key to Peace Yielding oneself to God is the key to peace. This is a reasonable service, not above the call of duty. It is expected of those who have received an eternity’s promise. The Living Sacrifice The problem with a living sacrifice is it tends to squirm on the altar. You cannot crucify yourself; the Holy Ghost knows how to do it. Giving up and letting God nail you to the cross may be uncomfortable but yields peace and righteousness. Trusting God’s Plan Give it up and let Him have it, even if you don’t know what it means. Trust Him because He knows. Be willing to be a part of His plan and be used. Let the Holy Ghost do the work you cannot do. Not Conformed to the World A big problem is letting the world conform us. The world does not have the answer; Jesus is the answer. God needs sold-out men and women who will do whatever He says. If conformed to the world, this will never happen. Too many people are too attached to the things of this world. Seek first the kingdom of God, and all other things will be added. Transformation and Renewing of the Mind Line up with the Word of God, not the world. Transformation is needed daily due to our fallen nature. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The mind is more than just the brain; it is consciousness, perception, judgment, and understanding. The Holy Spirit can transform your thinking and renew your mind daily. Proving God’s Will Giving yourself to God will transform you by renewing your mind. This allows you to prove what is good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God. Many wonder what God’s will is for their lives. God asks us to give ourselves up to Him every day. Be a vessel that He can employ for His service. Overcoming Conformity We conform to the world by setting conditions on what we are willing to do. Trust God and let Him do something with you. He will not do anything that isn’t good. Stretch out your arms in prayer and let God nail you to the cross. Renewed Mind In becoming a willing vessel, your mind is renewed. You can see, hear, and feel again. This is not just a Sunday deal but a daily practice. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice daily. Victory and Freedom This practice will bring victory and freedom. Dying to oneself is necessary to be truly free. Give your life to Him, and you will know what life is all about. He is urging us to take that step and let Him have all of us. Surrender your flesh daily and ask Him to do with it what He wants. Proving God’s Will You will prove what is good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God. He’s got you and is doing it through you. You will know what freedom and joy are. He will renew you.