11-15-09 AM - Learning to Live Again: Live A Life Of Service

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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. And do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)

1. A PERMANENT SACRIFICE – “PRESENT”
The word “present” is the same word that was used in the Old Testament of the priest who would go up to the altar in front of the temple.

Jesus said: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”
Luke 9:23-24

When we present ourselves for service it is expected to be a permanent sacrifice.

2. A PERSONAL SACRIFICE – “YOUR”

My job is to examine my own heart and life and make the sacrifice that God wants ME to make for HIS kingdom.

Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” – John 15:16

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
- Gal. 5:22-23

What sacrifice am I making?
What would not get accomplished for God’s Kingdom if I wasn’t doing it?

3. A PHYSICAL SACRIFICE – “BODIES”
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice…

We are called to use our bodies to accomplish the right things for God.
Romans 6:12-14
Gal. 5:19-21

4. A PRACTICAL SACRIFICE – “LIVING AND HOLY”

God wants us to offer ourselves as a sacrifice that is living, breathing, and producing.

God wants us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him,

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
– Hebrews 13:15-16

God’s direction is very clear – now it is up to us to follow.