Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

Romans 12 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.  It speaks about our response to the great gift of salvation we have received and how we are to live our lives in the joy of our salvation.

In Christ, we have been given everything we need, so we are free to give everything we have.  But what does that really mean?  And what does that look like in our everyday lives? 

How do we live in a way that reflects the new creation we are in Christ? And how do we live in a manner that brings honor and glory to Him?  

Romans 12 addresses those things and begins with the clearest of statements.  Jesus gave everything for us when He sacrificed Himself upon the altar of the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.  Therefore, we should do the same for Him.  We are to give everything for Him:

Romans 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

This tells us that we are to offer up all that we are to the Lord’s will. What a beautiful verse of commitment!  It speaks of trust.  It speaks of a complete surrender of self.  And it speaks of putting total faith in God.  

When we understand what Jesus has done for us, His immeasurable love for us, we can understand that He is worthy of our love and devotion, of our surrender and our sacrifice.  Therefore, there should be nothing that He can’t ask of us.  

Presenting ourselves as a “living sacrifice” is our “reasonable service.”   Now that might sound scary, but when we remember that Jesus is good and loving and faithful, we can trust that whatever He asks of us, He will also provide for us that which we need to accomplish it.  

Unity in Christ

Romans also speaks of our unity in Christ and the many gifts and how they differ among the members of the body.

Romans 12:5-6  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:

God has not given the same gift to each of us, but He has given to each of us the same Spirit.  That means we have unity with other believers, and every believer has the Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering them to live “acceptable unto God” and in “reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).    

According to the gifts God has given us, He will call us. 

And, according to the power of His Spirit indwelling us, He will qualify and equip us.  Finding rest in the Lord’s faithfulness will enable us to trust and surrender.  Then He can work in and through us, in ways that we can never imagine.  

When we lay down our lives for the Lord (Romans 12:1) and remember that it is by His power we are raised up, equipped, and empowered to live godly lives and serve Him (Romans 12:2). Then, by the power of His Spirit, we can live as Paul exhorts us to live in Romans 12: 

  • Be kind to others (vs 10), 
  • be diligent, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (vs 11),
  • rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, faithful in prayer (vs 12),
  • give to the saints in need, be hospitable (vs 13),
  • bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (vs 14),
  • rejoice and weep with others (vs 15),
  • live in harmony, be humble (vs 16),
  • do the right thing always (vs 17),
  • live peaceably (vs 18),
  • love your enemy (vs 19-20),
  • overcome evil with good (vs 21).

We often hear the motto for Christian life as “Let Go and Let God,” but we should rather think, “Trust God and Get Going.”  Trusting God flows from a heart that loves God– and that fulfills the great commandment (Matthew 22:37-38).  “Getting going” is motivated by a heart of gratitude for what God has done for us, and in us.  And that fuels a desire to love and serve others.  Such gratitude fuels us to fulfill the second commandment that Jesus gave us, “Love your neighbor as yourself.

So today commit to being a Romans 12 Christian, reflect on the transformation of new life that you have been given in Christ, and be fueled by the Holy Spirit to reflect Christ and share His love with others.  Surrender yourself to the Lord’s will and be transformed to live for Him.

…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

<*}}}><

*******

We Need Your Help 
If Reasons for Hope* Jesus has blessed you,
please consider supporting our ministry.

 Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
But YOU make it possible!
As an online biblical resource ministry, your goodwill and generosity keep us going in our mission to equip, encourage, and empower the body of Christ and reach the lost with the gospel of saving grace.

Your help is truly needed and greatly appreciated.
Did you know..it's easy to set up monthly giving?
And it helps us meet our budget!
 donate
Reasons for Hope*Jesus is a 501c3 Ministry
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.

If you are unable to donate but appreciate our ministry outreach, please encourage us by clicking here.

*******
*******

***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

Reasons for Hope* Jesus video banner

TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
  1. Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace 
  2. RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
  3. WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
  4. PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
  5. PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
  6. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
  7. JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
  8. Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
  9. THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share 
  10. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)

*****************

Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

SubscribeNow!

The goal of Reasons for Hope* Jesus is to help you establish your heart and anchor your soul in Jesus, and renew your mind in His Word.

 

Get equipped with knowledge!

Be encouraged in hope!

Live empowered with love! 

You have Successfully Subscribed!