Our reading this morning is the first eight verses of the 12th chapter of Romans.  This is that marvelous beginning section of Romans, when Paul, having made his theological statement, having spelled out in a very clear and beautiful way his whole understanding of justification by faith, comes now to offer those practical instructions that we are to receive if we’re going to live the Christian life. 

This is the word of the Lord. “I appeal to you therefore brothers and sisters by the mercies of God, that you present your body as a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, who is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to the world, be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of the Father.  For by the grac…