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Living Sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1–2) — A Sermon by R.C. Sproul

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Turning Point in Romans

R.C. Sproul marks a turning point in Romans, moving from Paul’s doctrinal exposition—how the gospel works (justification, grace, sanctification, election, perseverance, providence)—to practical application in Romans 12:1–2.

He emphasizes that the word “therefore” signals a major conclusion drawn from the entire argument of Romans up to that point: because of God’s mercies, Christians must live differently.

Sproul explains Paul’s plea—“I beseech you… by the mercies of God”—as an appeal rooted in grace. Paul’s “therefore” is driven by what God has already done: salvation and forgiveness happen by mercy, not merit. In response, believers should offer themselves to God.

Living Sacrifice as Worship, Not Mere Duty

Sproul interprets “present your bodies a living sacrifice” as the new-covenant fulfillment of Old Testament sacrificial worship. Christ’s sacrifice is once-for-all; now the appropriate response is that God’s people become the sacrifice—their whole persons devoted to God.

He stresses:

  • This is not martyrdom as such, but whole-life devotion beginning the moment one comes to Christ.
  • The sacrifice must be holy and acceptable—not an offering tainted by sin or hypocrisy.
  • Worship should be heartfelt and repentant, producing a “sweet aroma” rather than the “stench” God rejected in hypocritical worship.

He also addresses why Paul says “bodies”: it’s about offering the person, not just a spiritual mood, because worship includes the whole self.

“Reasonable Worship” and Renewing the Mind

Sproul highlights “your reasonable service/worship” (“logikē latreia,” logical/reasoned worship). He argues Christians are not meant to be mindless or content with superficial religiosity. True worship engages the mind and grows beyond “milk” into deeper understanding.

This leads into Romans 12:2:

  • Do not be conformed to “this world” (Sproul distinguishes the passing age from the spatial world, referencing saeculum, the present age shaped by secularism).

  • Be transformed through a radical change (metamorphosis imagery).

  • The means of transformation is “renewing of your mind.” Sproul connects this to repentance (Greek metanoia = changing the mind).

He argues that a renewed mind is a necessary condition for transformation—people may know doctrine academically, but real change requires that thinking reach the heart.

Knowing God’s Will

Sproul closes by applying the passage to the common question, “How can I know the will of God?” He says it’s not found through signs, gimmicks, or superstition, but through Bible-fed mind renewal leading to discernment of God’s will.

For Sproul, the clearest, universally applicable “will of God” is sanctification—spiritual maturity and growth in holiness, regardless of job, spouse, or location. As the believer grows, they become better able to recognize what pleases God.

Presenters / Contributors

  • R.C. Sproul (primary speaker)

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