How does 1 Corinthians 6:20 connect with Romans 12:1 about living sacrifices? Bought with a Price: Foundations – 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” – Paul reminds believers that Christ’s sacrificial death paid the full, literal price for our redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19). – Because ownership has changed hands, every part of us—mind, will, emotions, physical bodies—now exists for God’s honor. Living Sacrifices: The Companion Text – Romans 12:1: “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” – The same bodies purchased in 1 Corinthians 6:20 are the bodies presented in Romans 12:1. – “Living” means ongoing, daily dedication rather than a one-time offering on an altar. From Purchased to Presented Why 1 Corinthians 6:20 naturally flows into Romans 12:1: 1. Ownership leads to Offering – Purchased: Christ’s blood secures us. – Presented: We respond by willingly placing ourselves at His disposal. 2. Price reveals Value – The cross sets our worth; we are not disposable. – Valuable recipients gladly return that worth in worship. 3. Bodily Obedience – Both verses stress the body: purity, service, integrity (Philippians 1:20). – Christian worship is never merely internal; it shows up in what we do with our hands, eyes, mouth, and schedule. Practical Outworking Living out both passages looks like: – Moral purity: avoiding sexual immorality (context of 1 Corinthians 6). – Daily choices that honor Christ: healthy habits, ethical work, sacrificial love. – Service and good deeds (Hebrews 13:15-16; Ephesians 2:10). – Constant surrender: “I have been crucified with Christ… Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Encouragement to Continue – The price paid is permanent; His claim on you is secure. – The living sacrifice is continual; keep placing yourself on the altar each new day. |