Romans 12:1-2 – Be a Living Sacrifice: If you’re a follower of Jesus, then you’ve likely heard about Paul’s command to become a “living sacrifice”. But what does that really mean? In this article, we’ll explore Paul’s interpretation of the Greek word parakaleo and the fatherly love of Elohim for this type of sacrifice. And we’ll look at how Paul’s own experience and faith have affected how he understands the passage.
Paul’s plea for his readers to hear him
This epistle concludes with Paul’s plea to his readers to hear him. In this brief plea, Paul calls for them to live holy lives. What does it mean to be holy? What does it mean to be filled to overflowing with the joy of the gospel? How does this epistle apply to our everyday lives? How does Paul’s plea for his readers to hear him in Romans 12:1-2 affect us today?
In this passage, Paul reminds his readers that the efficiency of the universe depends on the humblest of creatures. While his contribution may be unseen and without much prominence, it is important for us to acknowledge it. Our contribution is essential to our world, and we need to accept it. Paul calls this ability charismata, a gift given by God. We should accept it, and be willing to do the work of the Lord.
Paul’s command to be a living sacrifice
One of Paul’s primary challenges for the Roman Christians was to be a “living sacrifice,” presenting their bodies in worship to God. The exhortation was not based on sentimental considerations, but rather upon the specific compassion of God. Paul enumerated the specific compassion of God in previous chapters of the epistle. For those who do not understand the command to be a “living sacrifice,” let’s look at two examples.
In Romans 12:1, Paul exhorts the readers to “present their bodies as a living sacrifice,” which means that they must dedicate their minds and spirits to God. True sanctification requires the complete dedication of one’s being, which includes the body and the soul. Paul’s command to be a “living sacrifice” has a profound impact on Christian practice today. It is an invitation to follow Jesus’ example and live a life of holiness and service.
Paul’s understanding of the word parakaleo
The word “beseech” in Romans 12:1-2 is the Greek term “parakaleo,” a form of exhortation. It is often used to describe military commanders before battle, warning troops about the conditions of battle and encouraging them to fight to the end. Paul is using parakaleo as a kind of soft love’ to Rome’s Christian community. By calling Rome’s Christian community his “brethren,” he is encouraging them to remain faithful in Christ.
The Greek word parakalesis is often translated as “comforting,” but the meaning is more complex than that. The term implies both a person’s “presentness” and a “sacrifice,” which is the literal definition of worship in the Old Testament. But it also implies a “present” or “offering” of oneself, such as a priest performing a sacrifice. And it can refer to the person’s “body.”
Elohim’s Fatherly love for the living sacrifice
The teachings of the Bible make clear that worshipping Elohim means giving up one’s body, but the real test is whether we can truly do so. Thankfully, it is possible to do this. By reading the Instructions of Leviticus, we can see how a rational act of worship for Elohim is appropriate for our present circumstances. As Christians, we must be able to discern the purpose of our actions and consciously choose to obey what is best for us.
In the Old Testament, God was called Jehovah, Elohim, or El Shaddai. Unlike the God of the New Testament, this God did not dwell on men. He lived in the Holy of Holies and dealt with lawbreakers and disobedient people in terrible judgments. In contrast, Jesus spoke of the Father’s love and care for His disciples, describing the feeling of His Father towards His people. But people could not understand how He could love His own children so much.
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