Romans 12:1,2

SCRIPTURE

Romans 12:1,2
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.

LANGUAGE

Appeal (Vs 1)  παρακαλέω parakaleō; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke  — beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray.

COMMENT

Let's begin by talking about the interpretation of this verse. The word "appeal" (ESV & RSV) is rendered "urge" (NIV, NASB, & HCSB), beseech (KJV & ASV), and "encourage" (CEB). How you interpret Paul using this word seems to determine your understanding of this passage. It Paul issuing a command or is he inviting others to join him. As I look at the Greek meaning (above), and from what I gather of Paul in the context of what he is saying, this is an invitation to join him in his journey as a follower of God. The "therefore" in my opinion, refers to what Paul has been saying in 11:33-36, where Paul is basically singing in praise of God, and how He is superior to us in all ways, and is as such deserving of all praise. So he invites us to present ourselves before God as a living sacrifice because of the mercy of this all powerful and all knowing being, who has provided salvation. This is why we worship. It is not, and cannot be a command to earn God's favor. That is what the world says and offers, pay your penance and give God His due so that you can get your due. But our offering is always going to fall short. Do you want to know what God's will for you is? Love Him, then you will know his will for you.