Bible Questions and Answers

Can you explain Romans 12:1-2? How can we present our bodies for sacrifice?

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

Present your bodies a living sacrifice — we must stop serving ourselves and serve God by obeying the Gospel and the commandments of Jesus Christ. This requires a change in the way that we think, speak, and act:

Romans 8:12, 13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Do not be conformed to this world — we are to change our motivation. The natural motivation of this world is described by John:

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind — Change the way that we think to the way that Christ thought. Jesus describes it as being born again of the spirit. This change comes from reading the word of God and applying it in our lives.

That you may prove (discern) what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. — The will of God is laid out in scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16,17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn