“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:11-14)

There are many key takeaways from today’s verses. But I wanted to draw your attention to the word “offer” as it appears three times within these four verses. Thinking about just the word offer by itself, we see that it’s used as a verb (action word) in all three occurrences. Oxford defines the verb [to] offer as to “present (something) for (someone) to accept or reject as so desired.” Now looking at the first usage we have the command “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin.” Interestingly enough Paul is saying that it is our choice to, or not to, sin. When we offer ourselves to sin, it is we who are choosing sin over the righteous path. On the contrary, Paul then urges us to instead offer ourselves to God. We are to repent and change from our sinful ways. Repenting places our sin on the cross, knowing Christ will wipe the slate clean. But sin, puts Christ Himself back on the cross needing Jesus’ sacrifice to be realized time after time. Jesus died for the sin of all mankind, and then rose again in the honor, power and glory of God. His risen body is our hope and the good news of the gospel. Amen! This is why Paul’s third use “offer every part of yourself,” to Jesus is so important. Jesus deserves all of ourselves, with no part left out (for sin). Today, may we all offer ourselves completely to Him who saves.