How does Romans 12:1 connect with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 about honoring God? Romans 12:1—A Call to the Altar “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.” • Paul pictures the believer stepping forward, not with an animal, but with his or her own body. • “Living” means continual, day-in, day-out surrender, not a single moment. • The sacrifice is “holy and pleasing” because Christ has already made us acceptable (Ephesians 1:6); we now live that out. • This is described as “worship,” showing that worship is far more than music or liturgy—it is obedience expressed through the body in everyday life. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20—A Call to the Temple “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” • The same body offered on the altar is revealed here as God’s dwelling place. • “Bought at a price” recalls the cross; redemption gives God rightful ownership. • Paul moves from identity (“temple”) to action (“glorify”), tying doctrine to daily conduct. One Message, Two Angles • Romans 12:1 emphasizes sacrifice—voluntary, continual offering. • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 emphasizes stewardship—honoring the Owner who indwells. • Together they teach: – The body belongs to God by purchase (1 Corinthians 6). – The body is given back to God by choice (Romans 12). – Worship and holiness are inseparable; true worship shows up in bodily obedience. Echoes from the Rest of Scripture • 1 Peter 2:5—“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…offering spiritual sacrifices.” • Leviticus 11:44—“Be holy, for I am holy,” grounding New-Testament calling in God’s unchanging character. • Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Galatians 2:20—“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” describing the life laid on the altar. Practical Ways to Present and Glorify • Daily decisions: diet, exercise, sexuality, and rest become acts of stewardship. • Service: using hands and feet for mercy, generosity, and witness. • Speech: offering the tongue for truth and encouragement (Ephesians 4:29). • Suffering: enduring illness or hardship with faith, showing that even a weakened body can glorify God. • Corporate worship: gathering with other “temples” to form a living house of praise. Encouragement to Continue The same mercy that invites you to the altar empowers you to stay there. Because the Spirit lives within, every ordinary moment becomes sacred space, every ordinary action a chance to echo heaven’s worship and honor the One who paid the ultimate price. |
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