Living sacrifices and the renewed mind (Romans 12:1–2)

Says "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (12:1, BSB). παραστῆσαι (parastēsai, "to present") is the verb used when believers present themselves to God (6:13; see note.exegetical.Rom.6.12-Rom.6.15.not-under-law). Word order of "pleasing to God" is var.Rom.12.1.euareston-order.

Uncertain λογικὴν λατρείαν (logikēn latreian). This note leans to reasonable or rational service, because 12:2 turns on the renewed mind. Spiritual worship is the main alternative, and it matches the BSB phrase "spiritual service of worship." See note.language.Rom.12.1-Rom.12.2.logike-latreia.

Says "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (12:2, BSB). The Greek has τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ (tō aiōni toutō, "this age"); the BSB says "world," not "age." The printed text uses imperatives (see var.Rom.12.2.syschematizesthe and var.Rom.12.2.metamorphousthe).

Implies The present imperatives support a continuing pattern, not one act only, so far as the appeal and the verbal aspect allow. Aspect is not a mechanical rule; see the Greek note.

Says "Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God" (12:2, BSB).