FREE FROM SIN: HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1, ESV
Theme: Purity is important to God. Strive to keep your thoughts, actions, and life free from sin.
WHOLISTIC PURITY
If you grew up in the church (like me), “purity” implies sexual purity. However, this verse isn’t about sex. Are your thoughts about your competitors pure? Do you envy things, power, position, or people? Do you control your anger? Manage your words and keep your conversations holy? What thoughts or actions did you entertain this week that were less than perfectly holy?
Last week we talked about the temple and the tabernacle, their layout, regulations, and holiness. These were the places God resided before Jesus made it possible for each of us to become God’s place of residence. Our bodies are to be considered in the same way that the temple was: set-apart and laid out to be of use to God and His people. The sacrifice was Jesus. We are acceptable because of it. We are little temples because of it. We are holy because of His perfect sacrifice. Because Jesus sanctifies us, we can offer pure spiritual worship.
FACING THE SUNRISE
When the sun comes up, I want to be ready to serve. Posture and position make a huge difference in my focus. When I face towards the east in the early morning and watch the window, expecting the sun to rise, hope rises in me, also. The rhythm of morning and evening is dependable and brings stability. The darkest, coldest part of the day comes right before the sun rises and yet the sun does rise, bringing light and warmth. The temple gate always faces east. Like a disciplined soldier facing morning inspection, I rise to meet God and present my “temple” as a living sacrifice. I do this by praying, reading my Bible, and listening for God’s voice before I start any other activities. This is a spiritual act of worship.
HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE
Holy and acceptable sacrifices made in the temple were pure and unblemished. Holy and acceptable lives are free from sin, blemish, or fault. That’s the goal. It is also impossible for anyone but Jesus. No lambs cover our sin. No delicious food sacrifice makes up for our mistakes. We can’t free ourselves from sin. We can’t be or become holy or acceptable independently.
However, that’s exactly what is expected of us “by the mercies of God.” Throughout the book of Romans, we find references to our “freedom from sin” (Romans 6:7, 18, 22; 8:2, Revelation 1:5). Each reminds us that Jesus set us free from both sin and death by His blood sacrifice. There is no other reason we are holy or acceptable. There is no other way God could even be near to unholy people, much less live in us as He lived in the holy of holies. Because of Jesus, we have become the holy of holies. Because Jesus died to make us acceptable to God, we should be motivated to strive to live like Him, a willing sacrifice of worship. Believers look to His example and Word in order to direct our thoughts, actions, decisions, and life.
Make It Personal: Purity is important to God. In what areas of your life is God directing you towards purity? How does knowing that you’ll never be perfect this side of death encourage or discourage you in your efforts?
Pray: Thank You, Lord, for purifying my impure heart. Help me offer myself daily as a living sacrifice. I want to keep up the good fight against sin, temptation, and distraction. Come live in me. I offer myself as a temple for Your presence and as a place for worship. Help me to remember my purpose to follow Jesus, the “firstborn of the dead” who “loves us and frees us” (Revelation 1:5).
Read: Romans 6:20-22; Romans 8:1-4; Revelation 1:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV