Our Lives as Offerings

Key Passage: Romans 12:1

Devotional:

Being a living sacrifice, as described in Romans 12:1, means surrendering ourselves completely to God in worship, obedience, and daily devotion. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices where animals were physically offered on the altar, a living sacrifice is a continual, voluntary commitment to God—giving Him control over every aspect of our lives.Key Aspects of Being a Living Sacrifice include:

1. Total Surrender

Luke 9:23 says, “And He said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” This means that we are to put aside selfish ambitions and submit to God’s authority daily.

2. Holiness and Transformation

Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” To live a life of sacrifice means letting go of worldly values and allowing God to reshape our thinking, desires, and actions.

3. Worship as a Lifestyle

In Colossians 3:17, the Apostle Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Worship isn’t just about singing or attending church—it’s how we live every moment in obedience and gratitude to God.

4. Daily Commitment, not a One-Time Event

Unlike Old Testament sacrifices, which were one-time offerings, a living sacrifice is ongoing. Every day, we choose to live for God rather than for ourselves. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” A life of sacrifice is a daily commitment to letting Jesus guide and direct our lives rather than following our own desires.

5. Service to Others

Being a living sacrifice is not just about personal holiness; it also involves serving others with love. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

To be a living sacrifice means to daily offer yourself to God in worship, obedience, and service-choosing His will over your own. It’s a lifelong journey of transformation where we live for God's glory rather than our own.

Application Question: How can you take a step today towards a life of daily sacrifice to God? Further Reading: Colossians 3

Written by Eric Heatherly