1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
S(cripture) - can't decide - it's all rich
O(bservation) - so much here - "give your bodies to God" - a holy and living sacrifice. why? NOT to EARN God's favor but as a response to what God has already done. what has God done? given his Son as a living sacrifice for our sins.
"this is truly the way to worship Him" - worship - not merely songs from our lips but songs that come from the heart of those who have given themselves completely to God.
This is a passage on obedience - obedience as worship. Giving God our bodies so He can transform us so we will learn (and live out) God's will. And repeat the dance - giving God our allegiance so he can change us into people who live good, perfect, and pleasing lives. . .
A(pplication) - This is the Kingdom life that Jesus spoke of. But Paul interjects the effects of a crucified and resurrected Jesus. Jesus said, "Whoever hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man . . ." Obedience - submission to God's will - is not optional for Christ followers - is essential for the Kingdom life.
As we enter the Advent Conspiracy, our focus needs to be on worship which is so much more than what we do on Sunday - worship is a lifestyle - it is presenting our bodies - our lives to God. If we can get this right, our Sundays and our Christ-masses will be filled with overwhelming joy - joy realized in pleasing God.
Is this your great Christmas wish? to please God? Make this your prayer.
P(rayer) - Abba, it is so simple and yet so difficult - to give ourselves away to you - to trust you with our lives - to be obedient no matter the cost. But joy cannot come without obedience - without seeking to please you - not because of what we have done, but because of what You have already done for us. This is Christmas (incarnation) and Good Friday (sacrifice) and Easter (resurrection transformation). Knowing what You've done causes me to fall on my knees and give my life to you. Amen.
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