Now What?
Romans 11:11-15
Paul begins this section by using the phrase, “I beseech you, therefore, brethren by the mercies of God…” The word beseech means to call you to or exhort. This next passage is a strong encouragement by God through Paul to godly living.
Paul not only uses words of strong encouragement, but he followed it up with his life example. Paul sacrificed all, a lavish life of job security, to live God to this world. He understood the idea in which he now conveys and I dare say, it was most likely his theme verse or concept.
He also calls us to present our bodies by the mercies of God. This is kind of a low blow for there is a no greater compelling reason to serve God than because of His mercies. Paul just spent the previous chapters building a case for God’s mercies to the Israelites and now calls them to action. When you face your sinful state and God and His mercy, how can one say no.
We are to present our bodies. The word present means to place besides or to stand by. This carries the concept that Christ has gone before us. We are not going into unknown territory for Christ has been there and wants us to follow suite. Also, what strength comes when we are lined up with Christ. Without Christ we do not even have the power to present our bodies.
Lastly, we are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. It is not a dead sacrifice but a sacrifice of living. It takes courage to die for someone or a cause but it takes courage and strength to live for such. When our lives are sacrificial we are acceptable to God and pleasing in His sight.