After making the case for salvation through Christ, Paul emphasizes our security in Christ in the book of Romans. Then when he reaches Chapter 12, he tells us how we are to live. We do not need to earn our salvation, but we must live out our lives through the Spirit in a manner that honors and glorifies God. Romans Chapter 12 contains a wealth of inspirational Bible verses that remind and instruct us on how to be “living sacrifices.”
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship” (NIV)
Since we have salvation through grace by Christ, we must live our lives daily for Him. The old sacrificial system of animals and grain burned on the altar no longer applies. We now must dedicate our lives to God so that our actions of love and obedience serve as worship. Our hearts will indicate a better attitude of worship than any formal service. I need to ask myself daily, am I living for God, or am I living for myself?
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)
Living our lives for Christ will stand in contrast to how the world operates. Our values and priorities will be different, and often questioned or even ridiculed. But we must withstand the temptation to conform to blend in. Instead, we must let God change us from the inside out. This transformation is a lifelong process which may seem slow at times, but growth is always occurring. As we keep allowing God to transform us we will better understand His will and desire for our lives. This verse reminds me to live by God’s standard as taught in the Bible rather than any man-made standard, however well intentioned.
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (NIV)
We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can let God influence our response. Some of my closest times spent with God were in the midst of a prolonged illness or other difficult time. It seems that we too easily take God for granted when things are going smoothly, yet turn to Him in a crisis. While we should never ignore God, He is there when we need Him. This verse reminds me that I can turn to God and He will carry the load during these times. My joy and patience does not come from wonderful surroundings but from the confidence and faith that God will be with me every step of my journey.
Romans 12:13
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (NIV)
We had a friend who once needed a new car. She spent much of her life serving and helping others, but her old car became so unreliable that she was hampered in her ministry. A group of friends got together and pooled our money to provide not only a quality car, but insurance for the first year. It was a great joy to gather together and present her with this gift. While no one person could have met this need, the pooling of our resources enabled us to share with her. I see this verse advocating personal generosity with those around us in need.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” (NIV)
We all have a choice to make in life – to spread influence for good or evil. We cannot sit on the sidelines, for as Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” So how I overcome evil with good? I believe this verse is a summary of Romans Chapter 12. Beginning with submitting ourselves to God daily as living sacrifices, by allowing God to transform us by the renewing of our minds, this chapter gives the steps needed in overcoming evil in our lives. I have reviewed a few verses, but each verse in this chapter helps lead us to the result of overcoming evil.
A Result, not a Goal
It can be difficult to set out to “do good” and “overcome evil with good.” When we focus on what God has called us to do, through daily surrender and letting God transform us, we will see the result of “good.” The triumph of good over evil is a result, not a goal. Our goal must be a continual obedience to God, and good will triumph as a result.
Source:
The NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995.