LIVING SACRIFICES Devotion 7 of 24 This is not an exhortation for sinners, but for saints. It is a word to those who have been justified, and have peace with God (5:1). It is addressed to those who are dead to sin and alive unto God (6:11). This is an admonition to those who serve God with their mind, and are waging the warfare against the lusts of the flesh (7:14-25). This is a word to those who are not condemned and are in Christ Jesus (8:1). This word is for those who are led b y the Spirit (8:14), are being saved by hope (8:24-25), and for whom the Spirit intercedes (8:26-27). It is addressed to those who for whom Jesus is presently interceding (8:34), whom no external power or influence can separate from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (39). – Tomorrow:
Anyone who imagines that those in Christ Jesus can be ignored is in serious error. When no words of comfort are addressed to the saints, and exhortations given to them, they are harmed, not helped. This neglect can occur for at least two reasons. First, some have taught the saints they are locked into salvation, and nothing can possibly change their status. People are told if they lapse into sin again, they will not be lost, but merely lose a few rewards. Second, others are told the emphasis is on bringing alien sinners to Christ. The saints, it is assumed, will simply grow up in all things with a minimal amount of attention from their preachers and teachers. Of course, if either or both of these suppositions is true, our text is nothing more than meaningless fluff.
Many a local congregation rarely hears a word of admonition to the believers. Sermons are prepared for those who are alienated, and appeals are made to those who are at a distance from the Lord. Some few words may be addressed to matters like family life, contemporary issues, or the likes – but rarely are any words like those of our text heard by these congregations. From whence does such a propensity come? Certainly not from Scripture. The words before us are addressed to people whose faith had been spoken of "throughout the whole world" (1:5). They form a reasonable transition from the doctrinal to the practical. They are a spiritually natural conclusion to what has been said and taught.
BESEECHING
"I beseech you . . . " Other versions read, "I urge you" (NASB/NIV), "I appeal to you" (NRSV), "I call upon you" (YLT), and "I plead with you" (NLT ).
Beseeching assumes reconciliation to God, and a sensitivity to His will. A word of beseechment is addressed to the "new man." It is a summons for true spiritual life to exert itself. From another perspective, this is a word to faith.
It does not mean that what is urged will take place without further impetus. The perceptive minister knows God works in His people both to will and do of His own good pleasure (Phil 2:13). He is confident that God will "perform" a good work in them "until the day of Christ" (Phil 1:6). He also realizes the Lord does this, among other things, through admonitions, exhortations, and beseechments.
There is a sense of urgency and immediacy in beseeching. This is not something to be put off, or thought upon for a lengthy period, while hesitating to do what is said. Beseeching, urging, or pleading, are presented in the contexts of both danger and blessing. The danger is that the hearers will not engage in the action that is urged, thus putting themselves in jeopardy. The blessing is that the intended activity will produce spiritual results that can be realized in no other way.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, grant me grace to instantly and heartily respond to every word of beseechment, admonition, or exhortation that comes from You. Help me not to be tardy or slow in my responses.