2. He hears the intercession of the Sptrit in us. (continued)
Matthew Fleury
SERMON TWENTY-SEVEN
THE CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies o living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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 12:1-2
THE APOSTLE having confirmed the fundamental doctrines of Christianity now stresses Christian duties. Christianity is practical. It tends to the right ordering of the life. It is designed not only to inform our judgments, but to transform our lives. The text reminds us of our duty to God.
I. THE PRESENTATION OF THE BODY TO GOD.
A. The Nature of the Presentation.
1. A voluntary sacrifice. Presenting of them denotes a voluntary act done by virtue of that absolute despotic power which the will has over the body and all the members of it. It must be a free will offering. This is to glorify God with our bodies (I Corinthians 6:20).
2. A living sacrifice. A body sincerely devoted to God is a living sacrifice, a living sacrifice inspired with the spiritual life of the soul. It is Christ