Living For Jesus (Part 2)
Living For Jesus (Part 2)
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
Welcome back to my little miniseries! In last Wednesday's devotional, we identified one command given in Romans 12:1-2 as, "do not be conformed to this world." If you missed this, I would highly encourage you to go back and read it! In this devotional, we will cover the other command in the passage, which is, "present yourselves as a living sacrifice."
Other posts in this miniseries:
The Passage:
Before we start, I want to go over the passage again. Romans 12:1-2 reads:
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (ESV)
Present Yourselves As A Living Sacrifice:
So, we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. But, how are we supposed to do that? Well, Paul has elaborated on what this means.
Instead of being conformed to this world, we are to be transformed by the renewal of our minds so that we can discern the will of God: what is good and acceptable and right for Christians to do. Here's the big idea: Christians are not only to refrain from doing the wrong things the world does, but they are also supposed to do what God deems as good and acceptable and right.
That's hard. It's one thing to decide not to participate in sin, but it's a whole other thing to do things that are the exact opposite of sin. This reminds me of the verse I used in my post on Sunday (found here):
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)
The actions we do — those that are good and acceptable and right — help to shine God's light into the world around us. By choosing to do what is right, we help to show others Christ.
But how is this a sacrifice? Well, sacrifice could generally be defined as "something given up," and in this sense, "giving up something in honor of God." And when we choose to follow the teachings in this verse, we give up a lot.
One thing we give up is our own desires: those that would conform us to the world. Following the Lord's will might also lead to us giving up a dream and instead taking the Gospel to the world. We might also lose friends or family who don't like the fact that we disapprove of sins they are committing.
But what is the effect of our sacrifice? What do we get out of this?
First of all, don't ask that question. As I mentioned before, we are doing this for God's sake, not our own. We do it to bring glory and honor to Him.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Second of all, when we live for Jesus, it opens doors to spread the Gospel. People often notice when a Christian acts differently and might ask why. This is a golden opportunity to share with them the Gospel, and perhaps in doing so we can help bring someone to the Lord.
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," (1 Peter 3:14-15)
Lastly, be aware of the fact that Jesus knows what you suffer for His sake, and there are rewards waiting in Heaven for those who fear the Lord.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)
But this is the reward we as Christians long for the most:
"....Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." (Matthew 25:21)
Oh to hear these words from the mouth of Jesus when we enter Heaven's gates! Oh to be there and look upon our Lord! Oh to forever be in the joy and gladness found in the presence of God's glory!
Let's Pray:
Dear Lord,
We marvel that You would give us a way through which to enter Heaven! We praise You for the great sacrifice You made for us when You sent Your Son to die for our sins! We pray that we would always live for You, that we might do what is good and acceptable and right in Your eyes. Lord, we offer our lives to You, that You might use them for Your glory.
In Jesus' Holy Name,
Amen
Related Songs:
Living For Jesus — Thomas Chisholm
Faithful Servant — The Herbster Trio