What God Expects

Scripture:  Romans12:1 (CSB) – Therefore brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God,  I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true worship.  

God never fails to let us know what He expects or requires of us.  Many times in the business world, supervisors don’t fully train or explain to their employees what is required of them. Employees are thrown into positions, and they have to basically figure out on their own how to complete their required tasks.  God thoroughly lets us know what is required of us, and He gives us what we need, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to enable us to fulfill what He requires in this Christian life.  II Timothy 3:16 says “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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  

God’s specific request of “I beseech you” was an urgent request – begging them/us to present our bodies a living sacrifice. To present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God means complete and total surrender.  It’s the difference between what a chicken and a pig bring to a bacon and egg breakfast.  A chicken brings a contribution, and a pig gives everything.  With God we sometimes bring an egg here and there, but God wants sacrifice – the ham and bacon.  (This is from the notes of the Dr. Tony Evans’ Bible.) I’ve never heard this explained that way. Only total surrender can be called true worship. Sacrifice is something given to God as an expression of thanksgiving and honor.  We are given the opportunity of making a decision to live a totally surrendered life.  If we make the wrong choices, there are consequences when we don’t decide to live a surrendered life.  

To be a brethren and/or a living sacrifice, we must be a Christian (John 3:16). This request is for people who have a personal relationship with the Lord.  To be holy means to be consecrated and pure.  Acceptable unto God means well pleasing – giving of satisfaction.  Sometimes we make a request of someone without giving the reason for the request.  God’s reason for the request is because of the mercies of God, and this is our reasonable service.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Help me to totally surrender to You in every area of my life.  You have been so merciful to me.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)