Romans 12:1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Specifically, Paul is talking about the mercy of God as spelled out in the eleven preceding chapters—God’s mercy to the terribly fallen human race through the provision of his Son. Radically sinful man was radically lost. But God provided a radical righteousness through the radical person of his Son, which made a radical new life and view of history possible. In view of this mercy God calls us to commitment. Remember the massive theology of Romans 1–11 which burst into consummate doxology in the final verse of chapter 11: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen”? That very theology is the foundation for committed living. 1
Application
- His mercies should be the motivation for our obedience.
- But what actually motivates you to live a life that is pleasing to God? Is it fear? Is it faith? Is it joy? Is it manipulation? Is being obedient something you have to do or is it something you want to do?
Prayer
Lord, search my heart and help me to have pure motives for the things I do.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Book