Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 24
People approval began to wain when Jesus expressed hard truth (Joh 6:66). Our primary goal should be to hear "well done good and faithful service" (Mat 25:23, 2Ti 4:7-8). "...acceptable to God..." (Rom 12:1, "...acceptable to us..." (Rom 12:2). Election: We choose Christ for our savior, He chooses us; He knew ahead of time. The quality of the acceptable life -- what is God doing in it (Rom 14:17-19)? The pursuit of God's pleasure is the beginning of wisdom (2Co 5:9, Eph 5:10, Eph 5:17). Sacrifice is well-pleasing to God (Phi 4:18). Obedience to parents is pleasing (Col 3:20). Employees being subservient are well pleasing to God (Tit 2:6-9). Our Great Shepherd supplies us everything we need to stand approved in His presence (Heb 13:20-21). God's will indicates His pleasure (1Ti 2:4-6, 2Pe 3:9 1Th 4:3). "reasonable service" -- logical, sensible, or rational (Rom 12:1). It is reasonable that if Christ gave His life to us, that we should give ourselves to Him (1Co 6:20). Genuine "service" is an act of worship.
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:10, Romans 12:1, Romans 14:17-19, Hebrews 13:20-21, Romans 12:2, Titus 2:6-9, Romans 12:1, Colossians 3:20, Matthew 25:23, Philippians 4:18, John 6:66, Ephesians 5:17
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.