[:en]Living Sacrifices:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” (vs. 1-2)
Biblical Pattern of a Christian:
- Humility – “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (v. 3)
- Unity – We are one body with many members and with different gifts and functions. There are different gifts: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, giving, leadership, showing mercy. So exercise your gift according to the grace given you. (vs. 4-8)
- Love – “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil’ cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (vs.9-10)
- Service – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (v. 11)
- Outlook – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (v. 12)
- Generosity – “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality” (v. 13)
- Living – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge’ I will repay” says the Lord.
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head” (v. 20)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (v. 21)[:]