God has done beautiful things for us. He saved us by grace, giving us something we don't deserve despite our past mistakes. But did you know that you've also been gifted by that same grace? What would Christmas morning be like if no one opened their gifts? Similarly, God has gifted each of us, and He's excited for us to unwrap and use those gifts.

What Does It Mean to Be a Living Sacrifice?

In Romans 12:1, Paul appeals to us "by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." This follows his teaching in Romans 11 about how we've been grafted into God's family. Once we were far off, but through Jesus, we've been adopted and brought into His family.

Under the old sacrificial system, animals were offered to cover sins. But Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate offering for our forgiveness. Now, our response should be to present ourselves back to Him as living sacrifices.

This is what worship truly is. It's not just singing songs in church—it's presenting ourselves to God in every moment, saying, "Father, I live for you. In You I have my purpose and being."

How Do We Avoid Conforming to the World?

Paul instructs us: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Our culture constantly pressures us to think and act like everyone else. But as believers, we're called to a different standard.

Transformation happens through the renewal of our minds, which allows us to "discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." When we face tests and trials, instead of just asking God to remove them, we should ask what He's trying to teach us through them.

Why Should We Strive for Excellence in Serving God?

Since when is "good enough" actually good enough? If something isn't worth working for, it probably isn't worth having. And if something isn't good enough for us, why would we think it's good enough for God?

We should strive for excellence not for our own glory, but for His. This might mean sacrificing personal preferences or comfort to present ourselves to Him in a way that brings Him glory.

What Can We Learn from David's Example?

King David made serious mistakes—adultery, murder, deception. Yet God called him "the apple of my eye." How is this possible? Because when David fell, his greatest concern wasn't losing his throne or palace, but losing God's presence: "Don't take your Holy Spirit from me."

This teaches us that it's not about whether we fall, but what we do when we get up. David sought God and asked Him to "restore unto me the joy of thy salvation." We all make mistakes, but through Christ's righteousness imputed to us, we can still present ourselves as living sacrifices.

How Does Grace Relate to Our Spiritual Gifts?

Grace is one of the richest truths in Scripture. It's unearned, undeserved, and unpayable favor freely given by God. It's the fuel behind our salvation, the power behind our purpose, and the foundation of our spiritual gifts.

Paul warns against pride in Romans 12:3, telling us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Pride either inflates our own gifts or causes us to envy someone else's. Instead, we should approach our gifts with humility, recognizing they come from God's grace.

What Spiritual Gifts Has God Given Us?

Romans 12:6-8 lists several spiritual gifts: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy. The emphasis isn't just on knowing your gift but using it in a way that glorifies God and builds up the body of Christ.

Like musical instruments that require practice to master, spiritual gifts need to be used regularly to develop. The more you use your gift, the stronger you'll become in it.

How Can I Discover and Use My Spiritual Gifts?

Grace doesn't just forgive your past—it fuels your purpose. Often, you can minister out of your experiences, using what once weighed you down to help others. Your spiritual gifts should be used in line with God's design, timing, and purpose for the body of Christ.

First Corinthians teaches that gifts are given for building up the body and should be used "decently and in order." This means sometimes we need to discern the right time and place to use our gifts.

Life Application

As you reflect on this message, ask yourself these important questions:

God has gifted you by His grace. Don't leave that gift unwrapped. Discover what He's given you, and use it for His glory and the building up of His church. Remember, worship isn't just an event—it's a lifestyle of presenting yourself as a living sacrifice to God.