Week 5 Day 2 Study: Old Testament references in Paul

The Living Sacrifice ( Romans 12:1-2)
Background to the book of Romans can be found here.

This song contains the image of sacrifice. Meditate on the words and unpack it in your own way. Click on the words for an exploration of the metaphor of sacrifice in the Old and New Testament.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Food for thought (written by Zane)

There is evident reference in the passage to Levitical Temple sacrifice, which at least the Jewish people in the Roman church would be familiar with. Keep in mind though that Paul spoke to a people that saw a backdrop of pagan sacrifice, which would have influenced their view of sacrifice (which Paul would also be aware of).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myAOjN8oYoo

This video outlines some of the worship practices that happened in Ancient Rome - how does it compare and contrast with the view of a living sacrifice and renewed mind that Paul speaks of ?