2. Illustration of a person who was a living sacrifice
The example of the Apostle Paul
a. He saw his life as a drink offering (Philippians 2: 17, 2 Timothy 4: 6)
b. He was ready (Acts 20: 22 – 23; Acts 21: 13)
i. To be bound
ii. To suffer
iii. To die for the name of the Lord Jesus
3. Inspiration to be a living sacrifice
God’s love was experienced by the Apostle Paul
a. Love poured out into the heart (Romans 5: 5)
b. Love demonstrated (Romans 5: 8)
c. Love that is proven by the giving of God’s own Son for us (Romans 8: 32)
d. Love from which we cannot be separated (Romans 8: 38 – 39)
Cf. Galatians 2: 20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
4. Instruction concerning how we may be a living sacrifice
a. Through the use of the mind (Romans 12: 2)
i. Transformed
ii. Renewed
iii. “Living sacrifice” becomes part of our mind-set
b. Through the discovery and development of our gifts (Romans 12: 6 – 8)
i. Gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us
ii. Let us use them
c. Through the practice of faith in daily life (Romans 12: 9 – 21)