Spiritual Living...

One act that is a supreme, all-encompassing, all-affecting act is to be a true worshiper—to offer oneself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). This is the key to spiritual living.

In the Old Testament, God required animal sacrifices. These were, in fact, dead sacrifices. But in the New Testament, God requires living sacrifices, i.e., living men and women as spiritual sacrifices for the glory of God.

In the Old Testament, the sacrifices were the indication of their genuine faith in God’s promises. Whereas, in the New Testament, it is the inward living sacrifice—the presentation of one’s heart, mind and soul as a living sacrifice.

There are three elements in a living sacrifice that are fundamental to our spiritual living:

We must present our bodies to God

"...to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice..."
The word "present" is a temple term that has the idea of yielding, surrendering, or offering. "Offering myself to God as a living sacrifice" implies that my soul has been given to God in salvation. This is the starting point.

The body is the place where humanness resides; it is the center of desires, disease, depression, and doubt. In this body or humanness, sin finds its expression. This body must be brought to subjection; it must be offered to God continually as a living sacrifice.

The Christian’s body is God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) because the Spirit of God dwells within him or her (Romans 8:6). It is our privilege to glorify Christ in our body and magnify Christ in our body (Philippians 1: 20-21).

We must give our minds to God

"...And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
The Greek word for "conformed" means putting on an act, masquerading. In fact, Paul is saying, "Don’t parade yourself as if you belong to the world." The word "transformed" means to change the outward appearance to match the inward form.

Our minds must be presented for renewal. It is in the mind that we find the mixture of new nature and the flesh (humanness). A renewed mind is the mind that is saturated with the Word of God—constant preoccupation with the Truth.

We must present our wills to God

"That you may prove what the will of God is."
When we present the body and mind, then we will approve what is the perfect, good, and acceptable will of God. We surrender our wills to God through disciplined prayer. It is only when we yield our wills to God that His power can take over and give us the power to be victorious Christians.

A renewed mind will be expressed in a submissive will and in a body presented as a living sacrifice.

May we begin this New Year with a commitment to live for the glory of God. Let us remember that the key to spiritual living is a saturated mind, an obedient will, and a consecrated body, and these go along with the redeemed soul.

Pastor Nanda