Romans 6:13

In particular, we should not use our natural capacities to commit sin. Positively we should "present" or "offer" ourselves to God and our members (eyes [representing what we look at], ears [what we listen to], mouths [what we say], hands [what we do], feet [where we go], hearts [what we love], minds [what we think about], wills [the decisions we make], etc.) as His tools to fulfill His will (cf. Romans 12:1). The believer has a choice. We can present ourselves to sin or to God (cf. Ephesians 4:17-32). The unbeliever only has this choice to a limited extent since he is the slave of sin.

"Some commentators think that Paul . . . pictures this ’presenting’ as a ’once-for-all’ action, or as ingressive (’start presenting’), or as urgent. But the aorist tense in itself does not indicate such nuances and nothing in the context here clearly suggests any of them. In fact, the aorist imperative often lacks any special force, being used simply to command that an action take place-without regard for the duration, urgency, or frequency of the action. This is probably the case here. However, we may surmise that, as the negative not presenting ourselves to sin is constantly necessary, so is the positive giving ourselves in service to God, our rightful ruler." [Note: Ibid., p. 385.]

I find that it is helpful for me to make this conscious presentation of myself to God daily.

"The moment we come to exhortation, we have to do with the will; whereas believing is a matter of the heart: ’With the heart man believeth.’" [Note: Newell, p. 229.]

"Paul’s first instruction (’know’) centered in the mind, and this second instruction (’reckon’) focuses on the heart. His third instruction touches the will." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:532.]

Some Reformed interpreters believe that progressive sanctification is automatic. They believe that God automatically transforms every true Christian into the image of Christ during his or her present lifetime. If this transformation is not obvious, then the person professing to be a Christian must not be one. I would respond that he or she may not be, but there is another possibility.

"Is the Holy Spirit being allowed to transform your life?

"There are only two possible answers: yes or no. If your answer is no, there are two possible reasons. Either you do not have the Spirit within you (i.e., you’re not a Christian), or He is there but you prefer to live life on your own." [Note: Charles R. Swindoll, "Is the Holy Spirit Transforming You?" Kindred Spirit 18:1 (January-April 1994):7. This article is an excerpt from the same writer’s book Flying Closer to the Flame.]

"Why does the Lord want your body? To begin with, the believer’s body is God’s temple, and He wants to use it for His glory (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:20-21). But Paul wrote that the body is also God’s tool and God’s weapon (Romans 6:13). God wants to use the members of the body as tools for building His kingdom and weapons for fighting His enemies." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:533.]