Romans 12 is a pivotal Bible chapter that is often overlooked as just another random piece of The Word. But Romans 12 is a very important chapter that deserves more credit than is given. Why? Because this section is really an overview of everything that the Christian life should be! Is gives gentle and staightfoward direction for everything that should be incorporated into a mature Christian walk. If you follow the guidance of Romans 12, then you are sure to cover all the bases of your life in Jesus-no matter what area it concerns! Our Lord says that the law can be summed up in one statement-"Love your neighbor as yourself". This chapter covers all areas of the fulfillment of the law of love. So, let's break down these 21 verses, section by section, and see how we are to live.
The address begins with our buddy Paul, a knowledgable diciple of God, who wrote much of the New Testement. He starts by saying "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The first step of our Christian walk is to put EFFORT into it. This means that we are suppose to live sacrificially, not slack. A living sacrifice is a person who puts the utmost effort into GIVING, service, and showing love in all ways, to his Christian brothers, and those who will come to Christ. Just as our Lord went to the cross as the ultimate sacrifice, we too are to follow in his example. For most of us, this does not mean carrying a literal piece of wood up a hill, but it does means a GIVING of ourselves, especially if it is outside our own interest or comfort zone. Now, to some people being a living sacrifice sounds too burdensome. But notice that Paul does not refer to sacrificial living as a "burden", but that it is our reasonable service. To be sacrificial is a reasonable request! But since it might be hard at times, we do it throught the "mercies" of God, as stated. God does not ask us to do a task without his mercy to see us through.
And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. How do we avoid becoming conformed to a meaningless exisistence, like some people we might know? Do we engage in sinful or destructive behaviors, all our lives, just to fit in with our friends? Is it easier to just give in than become an island? It is! But our Lord says that we are not to follow those paths that are wrong but be transformed. A transformation in life is an amazing thing. It suggest a total turnabout from what was to a new and wonderful creation. How do we become transformed to Christlikeness? Through the renewing of our minds. The apostle Paul knows that we are sinners, so this statement does not suggest an abrupt and complete abcence of sin (even many sins), but that we are to keep our Chrisitianity fresh by making it a continuous process to renew and start anew. This can be by making your focus on the things of God-start small-a prayer every morning or night-and build up from there. Soon you will make it a habit to "refresh" you Christianity again and again-all the while growing closer to God. Think of a caterpillar that turns into a butterfly. Same with us-God does not transform our lives to stifle us, but to turn us into to something even more beautiful.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Humility is a good character trait to have. And this is what Paul is saying. Every man, not just some elite people, but EVERYONE, accordingly to his ability, should think of himself and his abilities in a balanced and down to earth way. Paul is not suggesting a total abondonment of one's realization- every person should have a healthy respect and self esteem-as the person in question is a just as meaningful to God as the next-but all he is saying is that no one should become arrogant or egotistical. Nobody likes a stuck up person, simple as that!
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office,So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Here it says that all believers make up one spirit body-the body of Christianity! We belong to God, and in and through and to each other. But just as a human body has different parts for different functions, so do the members of Christ have different jobs to carry out. Can an arm function as a leg? Can a heart do the work of a stomach? Of course not! In the same fashion one person cannot do the millions of jobs that spread the work of Christ. So everyone is called to do their own special thing.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching
Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Continuing on that thought, the Bible goes on the display some of the many important jobs that a Christian may do while on earth. By God's wise choosing, some of us are given a few talents, some many, to do his work. We all have our talents-and whatever out specialty, we should use it to its fullest and not neglect it. If we are in a position of authority, we should be dilligent, or, if our talent is mercy, we should do it cheerfully. On that note, one should never feel that he doesn't have a "special" talent. Any skill that you have can be used to the glory of God!
Let love be sincere. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Love must be sincere and never phony. What could be worse than a person who pretends to care about you, but doesn't, only to feed their own selfish ends? Also, we are to totally shun the evil in the world, and cleave (cling) to that which is good. If you see a Chrisitan trait worth persuing, don't just say, "Oh, that's the right thing to do" and pass it by! We are to hold tightly to the values, workings, paths, and godly demonstrations that make up our Christian walk!
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. We are to be kind and show much love to one another. As the next step in brotherly love, we should naturally consider another to be better than ourselves because we honor them and truly admire them. Have you ever heard two friends argue playfully, No YOU'RE the better one here, you are the better half", or a friend say, "Joe is the bomb when it comes to computers" or "Lisa is the most terrific mom I know." That's what this verse is talking about!
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. Here's a biggie! How many people are slack when it comes to their jobs? How many would cut corners or goof off all day, or not even work at all! How many people with their lazy attitudes complain endlessly about working, even when pay and hours are decent? We should not take a lazy or slack attitude, but work dilligently for the Lord, with a fervent spirit. To have a fervent spirit is to work passionately, so much that your positive attitude glows from within!
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.Some people in this day and age of broken dreams consider hope to be nothing more than childish fantasy. But our Lord tells us not only believe in hope for our lives, but to rejoice in the fact of the good things to come! Because in the Lord, they oftentimes do! Rejoicing for the good times is the easy part. It's patience in the bad times that's tough. When things are terrible in our lives, it can seem nearly impossible to have a calm and tranquil perspective. And it nearly is impossible-if we try to do it alone! But if we rely on him, our patience can come from God-and a sound mind helps us to think clearly to have faith-and the thought that follows is to continue instant in prayer. This means that our prayers should be ready whenever trouble starts to arise-spontaneous-not just "portioned out" for when we have "more time". The time to pray is now! Spontaneous prayer demonstrates total reliance upon God.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. To distribute is to give. We are to give to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need. And there are many different types of needs! Maybe a sibling in Christ has a spiritual need. Just the gift of your time or encouragement is an excellent gift. Now notice the second line. It talks about being hospitable. But not only are we to PRACTICE hospitality, we are to be given to it! To be given to something is to be totally commited to it. While some people have a real gift for opening up their homes to entertain their guests, there are many other ways to be hospitable. When you go out with your friends or family, do you insist they make the descisions or have first choice? Are you generous when you are with others? Hospitality is a godly trait!
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Wow! This is a hard one! How many of us are just dying to curse someone that has offended us, or even worse, somebody who continually persecutes us? That's not an easy thing to do! Paul is not saying there should be an abscence of anger (for even the Lord gets angry at injustice) but that you should have a forgiving attitude. Are you strong enough to return a nasty slight with love instead of revenge? If you do, you have a real gift! And while its hard, it's something we should all put into practice.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. This is a prime example of being a living sacifice like we talked about. To truly feel somebody else's emotions, to the point of getting excited or sheddng tears, is the ultimate example of Christian love-putting onesself outside their comfort zone to truly grieve for another. Don't just say "I feel your pain" and not mean it. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes-take an interest in their concerns. When we love someone that deeply we should want to take the time to not only hear about their problems, but truly understand what they are going through as best we can-in that way, we carry each other's burdens and "fulfill the law of Christ."
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. To be of the same mind is to in agreement, or to live in harmony with one another. And, like we talked about, our mind should not be in an arrogant mindset. Do we mind high things? What are high things? To dream big is good. To better oneself is great and commendable. But are we so stuck on status and materialism that it starts to take precedence over what's important? Is the well being of yourself and others drowned out becasue you are so busy looking out for number one and attaining the "high life?" On that note, we are not to "be wise in out own conceits" or think that we know so many answers, we must be mini gods, never needing that solid support of our God and his ways. Always be humble enough to turn to the Bible or admit when you are less than perfect. It keeps you human. Also, it says we are suppose to condescend to men of low estate. Does that just mean a beggar on the street? No. There are many, many, MANY wanys to be poor or lacking, and we should never consider ourselves to be superior, but to reach down to help others. And not only are we suppose to lend a hand, we are suppose to CONDESCEND to those in need! To condescend is not to look down, but to GO down to another's level! We should never be ashamed or "too good" to associate with someone "different". What if you saw a person with Down Syndrome? Do you secretely think you are better than them? Does someone stutter? Can someone not afford name brand clothes? Doe someone have a physical deformity or lack a capability? As sad as it is, many people will turn someone away because of these things! Considering yourself superior is a terrible witness for anybody, especially a Christian.
Repay to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Again, a forgiving attitude is key. Revenge is ultimately for the Lord, as will be talked about in a minute.
If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men. This is a interesting point. Paul says "as much lies within you". He acknowleges and sympathizes that we are only human, and he understands this. Many Christians mistakenly are on a quest to attain near-perfection in their Christian walk. But even the apostle unfderstand our downfallings and gives us leeway. God does not demand perfectionism, but, as much as possible under the cicumstances, to try our best
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Paul also emphatizes with our humaness, recognizing that anger and revenge will be present, and for us to direct it the best we can. Ultimately, God is the final and righteous judge, and will deal in his own and perfect way, the revenge or justice we are seeking.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. What a wonderful verse. Isn't this powerful? WE have the power to persuade our enemy! God takes it one step furthur-not only are we to forgive those who hurts us, we are to feed and water and provide for their needs! Did you want revenge on your enemy? You just got it! Even in love their is a place for godly revenge!-and the results are sweet!
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
This statement ties up the whole message. Short, but powerful. This verse can apply to everything that was talked about-if we overcome evil with good in all we do, we are sure to fulfill the commands in Romans 12. We come out on top-a godly Christian and the values to match!
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