The previous lesson ended with a quote from Romans 12:1 and 2. [Rom 12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [Rom 12:2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Paul with these words set forth the essence of the Christian life. A life free of deliberate sin and one directed to pleasing God through a renewed mind that proves that God’s way is right. Christians are to be role models so that others may come to know the way of God through Christ.  As Paul wrote: [2 Cor 5:17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. That fits the teaching of Romans about a living sacrifice made possible through following the Savior

Going back to the words reasonable service of verse one, it is a reference to worship of God. A life given to God is worship in its truest sense. There aren’t any trappings of splendor, fancy robes, buildings or artifacts commonly used in religious exercises in the modern day “worship services.” The only place in scripture that makes reference to a place for the assembly of the church is found in Acts: [Acts 20:8] And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. An upper chamber and the next verse says that Eutychus fell from the third loft. A three story building of some type is all that we know about it. The type of place, its amenities, or appearance isn’t important when God’s people assemble. There are two other interesting facts relative to service to God. The assembly of Christians is never referred to as worship or service as is done today and has been done for years. It could be argued that Romans 12:1-2 can be a reference to the worshipful acts done in a building. That would be stretching the meaning of Paul’s words about service since the word used for service doesn’t refer to worship. However, a different life does include meeting with the like minded brothers and sisters in Christ when possible, and it is reasonable to believe assembling together is included in the teaching of Romans 12:1-2.

Worship, service, and religion are linked together by the scriptures in a very unique way. Religion is defined in James 1:27: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James said to help the needy and to stay away from the sin of the world. James is the only place a definition of religion for Christians can be found.

The Good Samaritan came upon a man at the side of the road who had been injured by robbers. Two men, one a priest and the other a Levite, passed by first and ignored him, but a Samaritan stopped to help him. Why they didn’t help isn’t known, but the Samaritan showed his compassion on the man and tended to his wounds and needs. He practiced the true worship that the Bible instructs us to render to God through helping others. The Samaritan wasn’t conformed to the ways of the world and proved to anyone who cared to notice that he understood what God expects of us.

Acts performed in a building aren’t the service that the Bible tells is acceptable though he expects us to meet together for prayer, study, and fellowship. All that of course is part of the Christian life. Paul wrote Galatians 6:9-10; [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. [10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. True worship for each and every Christian is a life of service to God through helping others.

© 05-29-2006 DEC