Rom 12:1-2, "1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

1) "I beseech you ... by the mercies of God"

God has mercy on us each and every day. Whether you're a Christian or not, you are here by the grace of God. It is only His mercy that you are still alive.

In Acts 5 we read of Ananias and Sapphira who died when they lied to the Holy Spirit.

In 1Cor 10:8-11 Paul relates how the children of Israel were judged and killed when they committed fornication, murmured and tempted Christ.

And these things happened to them as examples to us, so that we would be admonished not to do the same. If we therefore think of ourselves, the fact that we are still alive is only because of His mercy.

God is gracious to you but if you carry on in sin you will be destroyed.

2) "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice to God"

This is an amazing appeal from God. God wants your body too, not only your heart and soul.

Some would say that it sounds better to give your heart, soul and spirit to God. However, God doesn't make a mistake when He says that you must give your body as a living sacrifice unto Him.

Your body contains your soul and spirit. When He therefore speaks of your body as a living sacrifice He means your whole being, soul and spirit included.

People addicted to drugs or sexual immorality sometimes want to give their lives to God but their bodies are weak and demands that lifestyle, as we read in Rom 7. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

However we are commanded to present our members to be instruments of righteousness and not to wickedness. For sin shall no longer rule over this dying body. Mortify the lusts of the flesh; do not listen or give in to its lusts. Present your body as a living sacrifice to God unto righteousness.

God wants your whole body, soul and spirit so that you are holy, holy, holy.

3) "This is your reasonable service"

It is your duty to present your body as a living sacrifice unto God; it is not an option. However if you obey your body's lusts you are hasting with exceptional speed towards utter destruction.

If your mouth is not surrendered to God then slander, evil jesting, and mockery will come out. But when you've surrendered your mouth to God, you will not slander, gossip or curse, but speak words of comfort and life to those around you.

Present your whole being to God as a living sacrifice so that it will be evident that you belong to Jesus Christ.