Marks of True Devotion Romans 12:1-8 (Romans 12:1-8) READ The "reasonable" or "spiritual" service of the Christian is that which expresses true devotion to God. Born out by the response given here… “I beseech you THEREFORE…” Refers back to: (Romans 11:36), “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” In this context Paul shows several marks of such devotion.

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) Contrasted with Gentile's abuse of their bodies (instead, sacrificial) (Romans 1:24), “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) [context: fleeing fornication], “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” Contrasted with Jewish animal sacrifices of old (instead, living, continual sanctified and holy) Note: Involves complete surrender of self As Macedonians, 2 Cor. 8:5 (2 Corinthians 8:5), “And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” Paul said, "I seek not yours, but YOU" (2 Cor. 12:14) Self is the altar upon which every acceptable sacrifice to God is made.

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) Self Alteration (2) Stated Negatively “do not be conformed to this world" (1 John 2:15-17), “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” Stated Positively “But be transformed" The spiritual metamorphosis is essential to newness of life (being born again, cf. John 3). The Christian is different (from what he was; from the world, etc.) He has a New mind, hence a new life… New mind: (Barnes) “But here it seems to be used as applicable to the whole spirit as distinguished from the body, including the understanding, will, and affections.” i.e. – our conversion must not be mere outward conformity. It has to have its seat in the heart of man!

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) Self Alteration (2) Self Examination (3) “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly…” Proper evaluation of self essential to growth (2 Corinthians 13:5), “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified.” Over-evaluation harmful ("not to think of himself more highly...”) Under-evaluation harmful ("good for nothing" concept; no self esteem) Examine by right standard The "measure of faith" (i.e., the faith as a measuring instrument) Looking into mirror of God's word (James 1:23-25), “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) Self Alteration (2) Self Examination (3) Self Involvement (4-8) There is something for all to do! Every member of body is to function in keeping with their own talents and resources This is our reasonable and spiritual service. Examples in text: Prophecy (inspired preaching) Ministry (service/servant mentality) Teaching Exhortation Giving (with liberality) Leading (with diligence) Showing mercy (with cheerfulness) Note: these actions, if done correctly, have at their seat the heart of man (a renewed mind)…

We must be steadfast in our service to our Master! 1 Corinthians 15:58 Conclusion We must be steadfast in our service to our Master! 1 Corinthians 15:58 (1 Corinthians 15:58), “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”