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Saturday, August 20, 2011

A Living Sacrifice



 

 Read Romans 12:1, 2. In the earlier part of his letter, Paul clearly demonstrated that anointed Christians, whether Jewish or Gentile, were declared righteous before God by faith, not by works. (Rom. 1:16; 3:20-24) 

In chapter 12, Paul explains that Christians should show their gratitude by a life of self-sacrifice. To that end, we have to make our minds over. Through inherited imperfection, we are subject to “the law of sin and of death.” (Rom. 8:2) 

We, therefore, need to be transformed, “be made new in the force actuating [our] mind,” by radically changing our inclinations. (Eph. 4:23) Such a complete change can be brought about only with the help of God and his spirit.

It also requires serious effort on our part, using our “power of reason.” It means that we do our utmost not to be “fashioned after this system of things” with its corrupt morals, debased entertainment, and warped thinking.—Eph. 2:1-3.
 

 Paul also invites us to use our “power of reason” to prove to ourselves what is “the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Why do we read the Bible daily, meditate on what we read, pray, attend Christian meetings, and share in preaching the good news of the Kingdom? Is it because the congregation elders exhort us to do so? 

True, we are thankful for the helpful reminders of the elders. But we engage in Christian activities because we are moved by God’s spirit to demonstrate our heartfelt love for Jehovah. Furthermore, we are personally convinced that carrying out such activities is God’s will for us. (Zech. 4:6; Eph. 5:10) It brings us much joy and satisfaction to realize that by leading a truly Christian life, we can be acceptable to God.




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