Chosen by God!
As God’s living temple, we are to have an intense desire to be transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter’s description of believers as “living stones” in I Peter 2:5 is a reminder of the lifestyle we are to live.
“And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” (I Peter 2:5 NLT)
It also reminds us that all we are is a result of Jesus' finished work on Calvary. Because of this we should be willing to live a life of sacrifice physically and spiritually. Jesus called us a “holy priesthood” and that calls for us to live a life that is acceptable to God through the Holy Spirit that empowers us.
Paul tells us how we are to live a life that is acceptable and pleasing to God in Romans 12:1-2:
“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 HCSB)
Like Peter, he reminds us that we are to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” After all that Jesus has done for us this is our “spiritual worship.” The practical worship is a reminder that we are not to be “conformed to this age, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” It’s through this transformation, which is achieved by spending time in the Word and in God’s Presence that we will be able to “discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
This is a great reminder that anything God asks us to do, He also equips us to do. He really doesn’t make it difficult. All we have to do is desire Him more than we desire the world.
Be Encouraged! ❤
Leisa Wilkins Ministries
"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"
Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager
www.leisawilkins.com