Is Our Sacrifice Available, or on Hold?
Romans 12:1-11
INTRO: When I think of sacrifices I think of Cain and Able. Both seemingly doing something that is required. However, both their hearts were very different. Are we putting on a show? Going through the actions of making sacrifices for the Lord? Have we put our all on the altar for God? Does He even want us to do anything for Him?
Romans 12:1 - 11
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.2
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.3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.4
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:5
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;7
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;8
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;11
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
When we look at God's Word, we can see…
I. The Need for Totally Giving Ourselves to the Lord - 1-3
A. Present a living sacrifice - 1
1. When you present do you want it right? Can you get it back?
2. Can we base our sacrifice on past (dead) works?
B. Reasonable service -1b
1. What is too much for God to expect from us?
2. Did you tell God whatever He wanted you would do?
C. Examine His will for your life - 2-3
1. At least every decade or daily
2. For what He wants, not what would be fun, noticed, or good
We can also see…
II. The need for everyone to do their part - 4-8
A. Many members in one body
B. Working for the same cause
C. Use our different gifts for the body's good
D. Do the job God has given you. - 6-8
Let us not forget …
III. The Need for avoiding evil - 9
A. Abhor that which is evil
1. Hugh Hefner
2. Larry Flint - Hollywood, etc.
3. Rosie O'Donnell
B. Cleave to that which is good
1. Godly things should be popular with us!
2. We should be setting an example
3. Presentable to present our sacrifice (US)
And while we are at it, he reminds us of…
IV. The need for everyone to share in the love He has for us. 9-11
A. We must first love Him
B. We should love one another
C. We should prefer one another
D. We should Forgive one another
E. We should work hard
F. We should serve God together
Questions:
Have I given my all to God?
Am I willing to give Him my life?
What is my reasonable service?
How does He want me to treat my brothers and sisters?
If I am a living sacrifice, how will it affect my brothers and sisters?
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 091706pm first used 02-09- 97