1. A Living Sacrifice Romans 12 A Living Sacrifice
(Romans 12:1-2), “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
The concept of sacrifice requires one to subjugate the natural tendency toward self-interest
Instead, we are to present ourselves in holiness to God. This sacrifice is a reasonable one. It is logical, and the proper expectation for a Christian who has obtained mercy in Christ.
(Titus 2:11-14), “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
To be a “living sacrifice” implies activity on our part. 
(Galatians 5:25), “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
This transformation begins by renewing one’s mind toward doing the will of God (cf. vs. 2). 
Until we want to do God’s will we can never be living sacrifices that please God.
Romans 12:3-21 teaches us how to be a living sacrifice that is acceptable to God.
Based on an article by Joe R. Price (The Spirit’s Sword) January 11, 2004

2. Romans 12:3 Philippians 2:3-4 1 Peter 5:5-7
Think Soberly
Romans 12:3
Philippians 2:3-4
1 Peter 5:5-7
THINK SOBERLY
(Romans 12:3), “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
Soberness means to be in one’s right mind, so as to exercise self control
Our context is interesting, as Paul’s meaning here goes hand in hand with the idea of humility
“not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think”
It is important to have a realistic or moderate estimate of yourself
This allows us to get outside of self, and be more concerned both with our service to others, and to God Himself
(Philippians 2:3-4), “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
(1 Peter 5:5-7), “…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
If we do not think soberly, we will see ourselves more as servants of self than servants of God. If that’s so, we will make little effort to sacrifice for Him!

3. Function Faithfully Romans 12:4-8 Ephesians 4:11-13
(Romans 12:4-8), “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
We must see that we are parts of the whole.  The world does not revolve around us.  And, for that matter, the church doesn’t, either. 
We are “individually members of one another” and are to faithfully function according to the abilities and opportunities given us by the Lord (12:4-5, 6-8). 
Although we are variously blessed, the living sacrifice shows honor for the body of Christ by faithfully accepting his or her role in it.
(Ephesians 4:11-13), “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
By each doing his or her part, WE ALL become what Christ wants us to be!

4. Romans 12:9-10 Amos 5:14-15 Galatians 5:13-14
Love Sincerely
Romans 12:9-10
Amos 5:14-15
Galatians 5:13-14
LOVE SINCERELY
(Romans 12:9-10), “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
True love is “without hypocrisy” whether it is for one’s family and friends, one’s brethren, one’s enemies, God’s truth or for God Himself. 
Our love for good is directly opposite to our abhorrence of evil (v. 9).
(Amos 5:14-15), “Seek good and not evil, that you may live; so the Lord God of hosts will be with you, as you have spoken. 15 Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
Like ancient Israel, we must “hate evil” and “love good” 
Without genuine love for what is good in the sight of God we can’t be holy sacrifices
We will be blemished with spots of sin that defiles us before God. 
Sincere love is shown toward our brethren through kind words and consideration  (v. 10).
(Galatians 5:13-14), “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

5. Romans 12:11-16 Matthew 20:28 John 2:17; 17:4
Serve Fervently
Romans 12:11-16
Matthew 20:28
John 2:17; 17:4
SERVE FERVENTLY
(Romans 12:11-16), “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
Jesus Christ is our example in this. He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). 
Zeal for God’s purposes marked His life of service on this earth
(John 2:17), [After Jesus cleansed the temple of the moneychangers], “Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”
(John 17:4), [Jesus, as part of his prayer before the final events of His life], “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”
His example of service is set before us as a worthy reminder of how we should serve the Lord:  (cf a)
It obliges us to crucify ourselves in order to give constant care and devoted service to others

6. Romans 12:17-21 Hebrews 12:23 2 Corinthians 5:10
Live Peaceably
Romans 12:17-21
Hebrews 12:23
2 Corinthians 5:10
LIVE PEACEABLY
(Romans 12:17-21), “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Retribution belongs to the Lord; He is Judge of all
(Hebrews 12:22-24), “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”
(2 Corinthians 5:10), “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
The gospel calls us to overcome evil with good – not be conquered by evil. 
If we take vengeance into our own hands against those who wrong us we fail to honor God’s righteous judgment and we descend to the realms of worldly thinking and conduct. 
Living sacrifices obey the word of God, not the selfish appeals of the world. 
Living sacrifices set their minds on things above. 
Living sacrifices please God, not self.

7. Have you made yourself a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Conclusion
CONCLUSION
Have you made yourself a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ?
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20), “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Have you made yourself a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ?