Text: Romans 6:12-14
Our bodies can be used one of two ways – either for God or for sin. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). Our bodies are “for the Lord” (1 Corinthians 6:13) – a temple of the Spirit in which we are to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). How can we use the members of our bodies as instruments of righteousness?
Our Minds
- Must be set on God’s interests, not man’s (Matthew 16:21-23) – we must set our minds on spiritual things (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8)
- Our minds are what we use to understand God’s word (Luke 24:44-45) – do not be deceived and led astray (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Our Ears
- God has given us the ability to hear, we must do it (Luke 8:8,18) – listening must come before responding to the gospel (Acts 16:14)
- We must have our ears open to the truth (Proverbs 22:17; 25:11-12) – do not close your ears to the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Our Eyes
- We cannot always control what we see, but we need to control what we focus on (Matthew 6:22-23) – do not focus on sin (2 Peter 2:14)
- Have the determination of David (Ps. 101:3) – in particular, avoid lust (Matthew 5:27-28)
Our Tongues
- What we say is important (James 3:5) – directed by the heart [more on this later]
- What are we to speak? … truth (Ephesians 4:25), encouragement (Ephesians 4:29), rebuke (Proverbs 27:6), praise (Hebrews 13:15), teach the gospel to others (1 Peter 3:15)
Our Hands
- God’s people should be willing to work diligently (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10) – not for empty pursuits, but to fulfill our God-given responsibilities
- Also used in the sense of control (Matthew 26:45,50) – many things are out of our control; do not worry about them (Matthew 6:25); what we can control needs to be directed toward our service to God (Matthew 6:33)
Our Feet
- We must be sure we are heading in the right direction (Deuteronomy 5:32) – walk in the light (1 John 1:7); follow the straight and narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Go with the gospel (Ephesians 6:15)
Our Hearts
- Everything we’ve discussed in this lesson is tied to our hearts – therefore, watch over your heart (Proverbs 4:23)
- Serve God from the heart (Romans 6:17)
Conclusion
- Everything we say, think, and do must be for the Lord
- We cannot give any part of our lives over to sin – we must serve Him with our whole being (Luke 10:27)
