Intro. MARKS OF TRUE DEVOTION (Rom. 12:1-8)

1. The "reasonable" or "spiritual" service of the Christian is that which expresses true devotion to God.

2. In this context Paul shows several marks of such devotion. 

I. SELF SACRIFICE (v.1)

A. Contrasted with Gentile's abuse of their bodies

1. Rom. 1:24; 1 Cor. 6:12, 19, 20; indulgence, without restraint 

B. Contrasted with Jewish animal sacrifices of old

1. Living; holy; acceptable to God (this is God's will for the Christian) 

C. Involves complete surrender of self

1. As Macedonians, 2 Cor. 8:5

2. Paul said, "I seek not yours, but YOU" (2 Cor. 12:14)

3. Self is the altar upon which every acceptable sacrifice to God is made. 

II. SELF ALTERATION (v.2)

A. Negatively

1. "Be not fashioned according to this world"                                                          2. "Love not the world" (1 Jn. 2:15-17)

B. Positively

1. "Be ye transformed"

2. The spiritual metamorphosis essential to newness of life

3. The Christian is different (from what he was; from the world, etc.) 

III. SELF EXAMINATION (v.3)

A. Proper evaluation of self essential to growth (2 Cor. 13:15; 10:12-18)                         1. Over-evaluation harmful ("not to think of himself more highly...)

2. Under-evaluation harmful ("good for nothing" concept; no self esteem)                   

B. Examine by right standard

1. The "measure of faith" (i.e., the faith as a measuring instrument)                          2. Looking into mirror of God's word (Jas. 1:23-25)

IV. SELF INVOLVEMENT (v.4-8) 

A. Something for all to do

1. Every member of body to function in keeping with talents and resources                2. Such is to be our spiritual service. 

Dan S. Shipley