A Reasonable Request

Romans 12:1-2

One of our professors used to say “when you see a therefore. You want to see what it’s there for.” In mathematical proofs, it is used to identify the conclusion. Each preceding statement has been proven to be true. And thus, the conclusion is inevitable. Throughout the book of Romans, Paul reviewed a series of known facts, and concluded that as a result a certain thing is true, gradually building to this point, Just as we established the basis for many solving many problems in geometry.

Paul initially established that all humans are inherently sinners, deserving judgment. He then established that keeping some set of moral values could not provide escape. He went on to establish that faith in Christ could eliminate any guilt, paying the debt in full, in Romans 5:1. Chapter 6 describes how sin’s hold was destroyed, while chapter 8 shows how a Holy life can be attained. Paul then shows us what is required on an individuals part in order to be saved. Chapter 11 has shown how God has planned every step to provide salvation for each person. On that basis, Paul states that it is only reasonable that we devote ourselves to God. After all, look what he has given for us.

“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.” (Romans 12:1)

God did not demand that we straighten out our lives before he would save us, nor did he threaten to take it away if we did not live up to it afterward. Romans 6:23 says it is a gift. Once a gift is given, the giver has no right to take it back. That would just be a loan. God does ask that we do live in a certain manner, as a favor to him however. Paul says it is a reasonable request if we appreciate what he has done. Since Jesus Christ gave his life for us, it is not unreasonable that we give our lives to do what he wants, a life that is pleasing to him.

Romans 8 told how to live such a life that is pleasing to him, that it can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot allow the world to mold us to be like it, but must allow the Holy Spirit to change our attitude and thought patterns to conform to that of God. Instead of trying to guess “What would Jesus do?”, we think like him so that we respond as he would naturally. As I Corinthians 2:16 says, “… But we have the mind of Christ.”

“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.” (Romans 12:2)

It is easy for a Christian to get caught up in living in the world and thinking like the world. Both Matthew 6:19-34 and Luke 12:13-40 address this very issue. When we try to serve God while living “the good life” in the world, we find ourselves stumbling into trouble like a person with double vision, until we finally make a choice whether to serve God or not. The world will force us to make the choice. I John 2:15 warns, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” You can’t have it both ways.

Ephesians 4:22-24 expresses a need to eliminate the old lifestyle. “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” As we see in Romans 6-8, we have the power and provision, Now Paul is asking us to live accordingly. He will describe some of the characteristic behavior of living such a life.