In Romans 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of living a life that is consumed with God. We are challenged to align our lives with God's will, transforming our minds and living sacrificially.

The Foundation of a Life Set in Order

Knowing Jesus Christ as Your Savior

Before anything else, the foundation of a life set in order is knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior. Without this, no amount of Bible reading or prayer can truly set your life in order. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the cornerstone upon which everything else is built. As Romans 10:9 states, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Building on the Bible and Prayer

A life set in order is built upon the Bible and guided by prayer. These are the basics of the Christian life, yet they are often the most neglected. Without prioritizing Bible reading and prayer, our lives can easily go off track. These practices are essential for aligning our will with God's will.

Living as a Sacrifice

Presenting Your Body as a Living Sacrifice

Paul urges us in Romans 12:1 to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. This means living a life that is not about us but about glorifying God. It goes against our natural inclinations and the consumerist culture that surrounds us. Our biggest challenge is often ourselves—our thoughts, motives, and attitudes. Living sacrificially means putting all of these on the altar for God.

Living Holy and Acceptable Lives

To live holy means to be set apart for a purpose. God commands us to be holy as He is holy. This involves rejecting the culture's demands for conformity and instead being transformed by the renewing of our minds. We are only accepted by God through Jesus Christ, and without Him, we cannot live a holy life.

Proving God's Will

Paul also calls us to prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. This means living in such a way that our lives provide evidence of God's existence and His transformative power. We can only do this through the Holy Spirit's guidance and by rejecting the world's standards.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Being Spirit-Led

A life consumed with God is a life led by the Holy Spirit. This involves surrendering our bodies and allowing the Holy Spirit to have full control. The Word of God provides the litmus test for spirit-controlled living, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

Rejecting Sensual Living

Living sacrificially means rejecting a life dictated by our senses—what we see, feel, hear, and desire. Even Christians can fall into the trap of living sensuously, but this is low-plane Christian living. God has much more in store for us, and we must strive to live by the Spirit rather than our senses.

Life Application

Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to live sacrificially. Sacrifice your wants and desires and seek God's will in every aspect of your life. Pray about what God wants you to have and how He wants you to live. Give your days, hours, and even minutes to Him. By doing so, you will be well on your way to a life that is set in order.

Questions to Reflect On

• Are you prioritizing Bible reading and prayer in your daily life?
• In what areas of your life are you living sensuously rather than sacrificially?
• How can you prove God's existence and His will through your actions this week?
• Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to have full control of your life?

Conclusion

Living a life that is set in order requires us to be consumed with God, led by the Holy Spirit, and guided by His Word. By presenting our bodies as living sacrifices and rejecting the world's standards, we can live lives that glorify God and prove His perfect will. This week, take the challenge to live sacrificially and see how God blesses your efforts.