Beseeching #

Romans 12:1

Intro.

In the previous chapters Paul has been teaching very important Theological truths. He has spared no expense of ink in detailing each argument, and laying to rest many side arguments that may come to mind. He now shifts gears completely, and dives into a very practical section of the book. He is careful to transition, based on the truth of the Theological arguments he has presented.

He starts out, beseeching. Beseech - To ask or entreat with urgency; to supplicate; to implore. It is carries with it, more than the idea of simply asking, but the idea of pleading, to urgently comply.

I. Presentation (Rom 12:1) #

A. Why are we to present ourself? #

1. “Therefore” (goes back to chapter 11)

2. “reasonable service”

B. What are we to present? #

1. Bodies -

1Cor. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2. Your heart, belongs to God!

Prov. 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

3. Your head, hands, feet, tongue, eyes, and nose belongs to God!

C. Way it is to be presented: #

1. Living Sacrifice - usable, moldable, pliable

2. Holy - clean - God is interested in a clean vessel!

3. Acceptable unto God!

II. Purpose of the Presentation (Rom 12:2) #

A. Conformity to Christ (Transformation) #

B. Renewing - to make new again #

Col. 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

• The Word Keeps you clean!

Psa. 119:9 ¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

III. The Prodding (Rom 12:3) #

A. Don’t become Prideful! #

1. Be careful of high mindedness!

Rom. 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

a) In his illustration of the branches, Paul then warns not to become high minded!

b) Don’t think, wow, I’m really something! - No, God chooses to use man, and we should be grateful, but never prideful!

Prov. 16:18 ¶ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

2. Paul is all to aware of the christians temptation

Gal. 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

B. Don’t become critical #

1. This soberly -

2Th. 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

Don’t criticize those with less faith, encourage, help, strengthen!