Oxymoronic

The English language is filled with word pairs that seem to contradict. We refer to these as oxymorons. A few examples of these are “jumbo shrimp,” “boneless ribs,” and “female intuition (just kidding).” Correspondingly, the Bible pairs many seemingly contradictory truths to illustrate the supernatural nature of the Kingdom of God. Examples of these truths are “The first will be last” and “When we are weak we are strong.” No better illustration of this is seen in Paul’s letter to the Romans (Read Romans 12:1).

Sacrifices were common in the day of Jesus. In Jerusalem, Jews regularly stood in the temple by an altar and watched one of their best animals killed, drained of its blood, and burned as a religious offering. God instructed the people to observe this to provide for the temporary forgiveness of sins.

Similarly, the Romans were familiar with pagan sacrifices which involved killing animals. So, as Paul challenged the Christians at Rome to “present (their) bodies as a living sacrifice,” the word sacrifice carried gruesome and hideous connotations.

Paul used the Greek word for “body,” which implied a person’s entire being, including the spiritual aspect of their existence. Paul challenged his readers, and us, to be completely surrendered to him. Everything that gives us our identity is to be turned over to God. Only in doing this in repentance on a daily basis can we be alive. Only in sacrifice can we truly live (Read Galatians 2:20).

When Jesus was crucified, He died for our sins. Jesus was the “one sacrifice for sins forever (Hebrews 10:12).” Ritual sacrifice is no longer required. In light of what Christ has done for us, Paul asserted it is “reasonable” for us to worship and serve Him.

You cannot grow in your faith without being willing to forfeit pleasure. Obedience requires sacrifice.