Romans 12 is a wonderful chapter with much wisdom about leading the Christian life. Romans is Paul's longest letter, and so it comes first in the New Testament. Here the veteran missionary puts together many of the things that the Holy Spirit has taught him about following Jesus. The entire book is edifying, but I call you attention to Romans 12 today. Read it and grow in the Lord.
Here are some notes to help in your meditation.
FIRST, WE READ EXHORTATIONS FOR US TO BE IN FULL SERVICE TO GOD (1-8)
A. In Romans 12:1 and 2, Paul urges them to present their bodies a living sacrifice to God and to be transformed by the renewing of their mind. This a recurring them in the letters of Paul. (See also 1 Cor. 6:19,20; Rom. 6:13,19; 8:11.)
We were once dead in our sins, but now we are made alive by the Holy Spirit to be used by God as lively instruments in His service. Without our body, no work can be accomplished for God. The word "reasonable" is also translated sincere or spiritual. We are not to copy the world's ways in our spiritual service. We must use the Bible as our guide (1 Pet. 1:14,15). The transformation called for here is an ongoing process (2 Cor. 4:16), not an immediate miraculous sensation. But rest assured -- Jesus changes people -- He can transform you, your family and your friends, if they will give themselves to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in their hearts and minds.
B. He encourages us to use to the fullest the gifts and ability God has given us. (3-8)
1. Cautioned not to be high-minded. What was the grace given to Paul? (Rom. 15:15,16; 1 Cor. 3:10; 15:10; Gal. 2:7-9; Eph. 3:7) His apostleship. Christians must think soberly and sensibly. The measure of faith could be each of our several abilities. It could also refer to a measuring instrument. If so, then faith is the instrument by which we measure our thinking.
2. Here we find the illustration of the body and its members. We are all members of the body of Christ. Each member has an important function, a needed function. This parallels our own body. ( 1 Cor. 12:12-27)
3. Some of the gifts God has given are:
a. Prophecy - This is not a natural gift. A prophet spoke for God. Other activities in the church call for spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:1-11, 28-30).
b. Ministry - or service. This is at the heart of many things the church does.
c. Teaching - teaching what has been revealed, carrying on the mission of the church to succeeding generations.
d. Exhorting - encouraging and reminding and affirming is so very important in the church.
e. Giving - giving is a gift and should be done liberally.
f. Leading - with diligence and attention to details.
g. Showing mercy - not halfheartedly, but in a compassionate, sincere way. Compassion and love are calling cards for Christians.
II. The Mission of Love and the Imitation of Christ(9-21)
A. To sincere love; hate evil and hold to that which is good. (9)
Pretended love is hypocrisy. "...hate evil and love the good," Amos 5:15. (Heb. 1:9.)
B. Proper attitude toward our brothers. (10)
We must emulate Jesus by loving our fellow man. We must reject everything that would hurt our brother, he must come first.
C. Fervent is our service to the Lord. (11)
As Christimas we are called to be industrious in our Christian service.
D. Rejoicing, patient and prayerful. (12)
Our hope sustains us through our trials, it allows us to be patient, which in turn makes us steadfast. When we realize our continuous need for the Lord's help, our prayer life improves. Prayers are neglected when we fell self-sufficient.
E. Caring for the needs of the saints. (13)
Hospitality includes receiving guests generously and kindly and extending this to strangers.
F. Blessing our enemies (2 Tim. 3:12). (14)
Following Christ is what brings these persecutions. The persecutor is at odds with Christ, therefore in need of our prayers and sympathy. "Do not curse," is not a reference to common profanity. It is an admonition not to call for calamity to befall a person.
G. Rejoicing with one another, as well as mourning and comforting. (15) When our brother has righteous cause to rejoice, we are obligated to rejoice with him, not envy his good fortune. We should have sincere sympathy for a brother in his sorrow.
H. We are to have the same mind; not to be conceited. (16)
This continues the thought of verse 15. It speaks to our disposition toward one another. We are to "be carried away with them that are lowly." We are to be guided and led in the thoughts, feelings, plans as humble objects.
I. Returning good for evil and giving place to God's wrath. (17-21) Evil for evil usually makes matters worse and lowers the Christian to the level of the evildoer. We need to "pre-think" our course of action. If we do not even keep the rules of honor set down by men, we cannot be keeping God's rules of honor. It is impossible to be at peace with all men, all the time. We will not be at peace with the enemies of Christ. However, we are not to stir up trouble over things that are not of importance. As the Roman's were Paul's beloved, so should they be each others beloved. Taking vengeance is not God's way for man. He has reserved the punishment of evildoers for Himself (Deut. 32:35). God has used the civil authorities to exact His punishment through the ages and that method remains in place today. Paul will have more to say about this later. Instead of personal vengeance, give your enemy food and drink. If there is any goodness left in him this course of action will cause a change of heart in the enemy. Following this procedure allows us as Christians to overcome evil with good.
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