Romans 12:1-2

Passage

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Introduction

In Romans 12, Paul has just finished an extensive theological treatise in which he has demonstrated that the solution to our sin problem is justification is by faith through which we are all brought to a common salvation. Now in Romans 12 Paul takes the theoretical and makes it practical. It is worth noting the way in which Paul makes his appeal.

The degree of exhortation - I appeal. In the passage Paul appeals, urges, or exhorts his readers.

The relationship of the exhortation - brothers. Paul appeals to the common ground that exists between everyone.

The common ground - God's mercy. Paul notes that it is God's mercy that unites each believer in a common ground.