Study of Romans 12 – Verses 4-8

    Recalling our study from last week – how “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (v3), how we need to be merciful to one another just as God has been merciful to us, and how we need to use our strengths for good, in helping those who are weak – let’s now look at the next five verses that teach us how to use the different abilities we have been blessed with: 

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:4-8 NKJV)

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function…”

    Being women, we know this distinctly; we do not have the exact same function in the church as our brothers in Christ (1 Corinthians 14:34-36, 1 Timothy 2:11-12). God has given us abilities though, and we are to use them for good within the realm that He has given to us (consider 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Peter 3:1-6).

    We don’t all have the same function. Some men preach and teach, but we can be attentive to their sermons/lessons and encourage them in that effort (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Some may be excellent at talking to people in the community and inviting them to services, others may be capable to of making those who visit feel welcome. Some can work at sowing the seed, while others can water (1 Corinthians 3:6).  When we are knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, we will grow together in love (Ephesians 4:16) and in service!    

“…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

    When a person is buried in baptism (fully immersed in water for the remission of their sins, Acts 2:37-38), they are baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:26-28); they become members of His body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

    Take time just now to read and think on 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. We all have different functions, but we need to “have the same care for one other” (a.k.a. mercy, compassion, concern). We need to always be mindful of the weaker members so that we can guard them (as they grow stronger) and bear their burdens (stand with them as they go through trials, Galatians 1:1-3); we need to give them “greater honour,” which means we give them more respect, time, and attention – consider how a husband is to dwell with his wife with understanding, giving honour to her, as to a weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7) – that is how the church behaves toward its weaker members, as well.

    Another passage to read and think on is Ephesians 4:1-32. Each one of us need to walk worthy of the calling, endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit, and do our part. Each one of us need to be renewed in the spirit of our mind and put on the new man created according to God in true righteousness and holiness; we need to get rid of sinful habits – for we are members of one another; it’s not just about us anymore – we are living sacrifices, we have denied self – we remind ourselves daily that what we do/don’t do affects others in the church, affects the church’s reputation in the community, and affects how others think about God and His way. Being of Christ’s body, we represent Him to the world; we must work together – be a benefit, not a hindrance, to the work – we must do and say what is good so that our brethren are edified.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…”

    Not every member is a preacher, or an elder, or a deacon, but we each have abilities that allow us to do good within the parameters God has given to us.

    We each can use our abilities to be a benefit to others:

• If you have ability to serve and provide help to others, look for opportunities to serve others (Galatians 6:9-10, Matthew 25:34-40). Example: Visit, cook/bake, clean house, do yardwork, etc. for those who are sick or elderly.
• If you are able to teach, teach the younger women, as God instructed (Titus 2:3-5)
• If you have an ability to urge people toward better service, do it with all your heart (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25). Example: face to face words of encouragement, a phone call, write a heartfelt card or text, etc.
• If you have ability to give, be generous in your giving (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). Example: provide help (material and/or monetary) to those in difficulties, provide financial support to preachers, etc.
• If you are a natural leader, lead with a determination to be a good example to other women (Titus 2:3-5, 1 Timothy 4:12-16)
• If you are merciful, be cheerful in it, don’t hold a grudge or keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

“And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.” (Colossians 3:23 NKJV)

    We have all been given an ability, your ability may not be the same as mine, but we both need to use what we have been given. Think about what you are able to do, and look for opportunities to use your abilities to benefit others and bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

You can do it! So can I!!

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 3

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3 NKJV)

Be Merciful Just as God Has Been Merciful to You

    At the beginning of this chapter, Paul wanted the brethren in Rome to remember God’s mercy – His mercy shown to both the Jews and the Gentiles in giving them the gospel, the “good news” of Jesus the Christ and the hope found only through Him (Romans 1:16, 2:1-16, and 11:28-32).  

    When we meditate on God’s mercy, realizing all He has done for us because He loves us; how He gave us His Son, who died to set us free from sin, how He determined beforehand that all families of the earth would be blessed by Jesus (Genesis 12:3) – how all would have access to the gospel and to “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3); when we meditate on that, then we will willingly become living sacrifices, letting God’s word renew our minds and we will be transformed into people who are holy and acceptable to God, and we will prove His will to be good and acceptable and perfect!  

“…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly…”

    More highly means arrogantly, haughtily, to esteem oneself overmuch; more than is proper, to be vain.

    Think soberly means to be modest (in thought and feeling), to not let one’s opinion of himself (though just) to exceed the bounds of modesty (as shown within the Bible, consider 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 2:3-6). It means to have sound judgment, balanced, and disciplined, with thoughts and actions governed by wisdom and prudence.

    In meditating on God’s mercy, we will be better able to maintain a proper humility/humbleness – understanding who God is and who we are before Him - and we should also develop a greater capacity for showing mercy to others (Luke 6:35-36).

 “…God has dealt to each one a measure of faith”

    Think of Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. One man was given five talents, another was given two, and the other only one. Each man had a responsibility to use what they had been given; each one was expected to end up with more than they started with. When we apply this to the matter of our faith, God gives some a large quantity of faith – they readily believe and willingly obey and continue to grow and develop as they learn through study and application. To others, He has given a different measure: they may hear of God, but they need to understand Him and His way (i.e. they need to see that His way is good and acceptable and perfect), then they will commit themselves to Him and His way, and continue to grow and develop in their walk. Then to others God has given a smaller measure: They hear about God, His power and might, and they believe but they are fearful of Him, and because of that fear (and their fear of doing differently than what they have always done) they don’t develop their faith beyond the point of simply believing that God exists. But we are each to develop whatever measure we were given – for some it will be easier, for others it will require effort – but, again, this is where being merciful and compassionate toward others, like God is toward us, comes into effect: those who are strong need to be helping those who are weak! Those full of faith should be examples in both word and deed to those who need God and His way to be proven, and to those who have focused on only one facet of God. Wherever we are in our faith, we need to keep going and keep growing so that we can help others to do the same!        

    Remember, not everyone has the same background, or the same upbringing. Not everyone has the same capacity to reason or understand. Not everyone has the same learning style (some are visual, some are aural/hearing, others learn through reading/writing, or through doing/hands-on). We each have our own strengths and weaknesses (both physically and spiritually), not everyone has been given the same measure of faith, so we need to be careful not to look down on a brother of sister who is weak where we are strong; instead we must help them (see Romans 15:1-2, Galatians 6:1-3). It may be that our weaker brother or sister is strong in areas that we need help, and they in turn can help us (read and think on Ephesians 4:15-16). If we are proud and unmerciful, looking down on others and/or criticizing their weakness, we are creating an obstacle that will prevent the body from functioning as it should.

    Think daily on the mercy God has shown to you. Appreciate your strengths in that they allow you to be a benefit to others, but remain aware of your own weaknesses and always lean on God for His help (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Hebrews 4:16). Take time to read and consider Luke 18:9-14. Determine that from wherever you are right now that you will begin to grow and develop your faith, that you will seek God and submit to Him, wholly trusting that His way is the best way!

You can do it! So can I!!   

 

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

“…do not be conformed to this world…”

    Conformed means to model or pattern yourself after someone or something, to take the shape/appearance of something, like gelatin in a mold.

    We are not to be conformed to this world. We are not to model ourselves after the world nor carried about by their always changing standards. When we see phrases like “this world” (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 2:2, “this present world,” 2 Timothy 4:10), “the world” (also “darkness,” John 3:16-21)“this age” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), and “those on the outside” (Colossians 4:8-9) Jesus and the inspired writers are referring to those who are under the sway of the wicked one (1 John 5:19), who listen to the lies and deception of the devil and do what he desires (John 8:44); who follow after self and sin. The world are those who push situation ethics rather than integrity, those who encourage you to do whatever it is that will make you happy as long as it does not make them feel judged or crosses any of the ever changing lines society is told to draw by the ‘squeakiest wheel’ of the day/week/month (read and consider John 15:18-19, and 17:14).

“…whose mind the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4 NKJV)

    We are not to speak like the world (Ephesians 4:29-5-7). We are not to dress like the world (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:1-4). We are not to conduct ourselves like the world (1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:12, 3:15-17, Titus 2:1-10, 3:8, 14). We are not to be conformed to this world, because we are no longer of this world (read and consider Romans 6), we are now in Christ (John 17:14-17, Ephesians 4:17-24).

“…but be transformed…”

    Transformed means to change for the better. It is not just an outward change, but the change of our very mindset so that we allow our innermost man to be improved, built up, and refined as we follow a different and better way (John 14:6, 1 John 2:3-6). Consider that our hope as God’s children is to see Him as He is – for we will be like Him – and so we purify ourselves just as He is pure (1 John 3:1-3); through trusting obedience we allow God’s instructions and commands to transform us toward holiness and purity. We can be transformed from a lump of clay to “a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:19-26, Isaiah 64:8).

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)

“…by the renewing of your mind…”

    Renewing means being improved, renovated to a new and better condition. Specifically, it means that you remove the old ways of thinking, no longer resting on what you think you know, instead, you read God’s word with fresh eyes, with a heart that is ready to hear and obey (like young Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:9, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears”).

    Your mind is your ability to reason. It is your capacity to understand God’s truth and recognize what is good and what is evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).  

    When we reason out all that God has done for us, all that He continues to do for us, and all He promises yet to do; when we begin to comprehend His immense love for us, the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, and His perfect, consistent, unchanged will and way, we will conclude that what He asks of us – deny self, take up your cross, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24) – is the most rational and reasonable thing to do! Our minds, renewed in/by God’s word, will govern our words and conduct, and our progress will be evident to all (1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15-16)!

“…so that you may prove…”

    Prove means to test something to determine if it works as it should. In this instance, we take God at His word, follow His commands, and prove to ourselves that He is good, wise, and true!

    In allowing God and His word to renew our mind and transform us, we will prove to both ourselves and others around us that God is real and worthy of our complete submission and faithful obedience.

Specifically, you will prove “…what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

    Good being good in its very nature and beneficial in its effect. It pertains to what is upright, honourable, and right in God’s sight.

    Acceptable is that which is well-pleasing in the sight of God, wholly aligned (with His will).

    Perfect means having reached its end or purpose; it is complete and lacks nothing.

    Will of God means God’s plans and purposes; what He wishes us to do.

    All has been made known to us. God’s will is complete and lacks nothing. Everyone who hears and obey God’s will – allows it to renew their mind and transform them – can be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)!

    When we remove worldly influences and allow our minds to be renewed and ourselves to be transformed by God’s word and will, we will prove that God’s will is good and beneficial, that His will is excellent and doable, and all that He has given us, and all that He has commanded of us is perfect and complete; we have no need to wonder if what we are doing is right, because His word tells us - we can be sure and certain of it – it does not change!

    Are you ready to assess in your heart to find just how much you have allowed the world to conform you to their ways and notions? Are you ready to remove yourself from their mold and renew your mind with God’s word, so that you can be transformed for the better? Take God at His word, prove Him to be true and wise through humble obedience. I’ve proven it to myself, and I will spend the rest of my days encouraging others to do the same! Renew your mind, be transformed, and prove to yourself – and to others - that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect!

You can do it! So can I!

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 1

    I would like to take this study, as much as it is possible, verse by verse. In each verse, we will dig into the words used and the commands given to gain a better and deeper understanding of what God spoke through the apostle Paul. Are you ready? Let’s begin this week with verse 1:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1 NKJV)

“I beseech you therefore… by the mercies of God… ”

    Beseech means to strongly urge, to implore, or fervently ask. “I strongly urge you brethren…”

    Therefore means because of what I have just said, because of this, for this reason. So, whenever you see the word “therefore” in the Bible, read the context (chapters and/or verses before) to understand what the current command/instruction is ‘there for.’ To understand Romans 12:1, you need to read Romans 11:28-36. In these verses we find that because of God’s mercy, the gospel was given to the Gentiles after the Jews rejected it. “…because of God’s mercy and compassion on you…”

“…that you present your bodies a living sacrifice…”

    Present your bodies means our physical bodies, our capabilities: everything we can do with and within our bodies. We can use our bodies (our members: mind, heart, hands, etc.) as instruments of either sin or righteousness. Take time to read Roman 6:1-23.

    A living sacrifice means that God does not require blood or death (as required under the Law, i.e. animal sacrifice), but instead He desires us to have a willingness to sacrifice whatever is needed within ourselves (sin) and our lives (company, habits) so that we may commit wholly to Him and His way. Consider Matthew 16:24. People in Jesus’ time would have understood that anyone seen carrying a cross was not going to return, and we now can understand that when we deny self and take up our cross, we, too, will not return to our old life/ways because we are now following Jesus (1 John 2:3-6). “…show yourself ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to follow God and obey His commands…”

“…holy, acceptable to God…”

    Holy means sacred, set apart. “…allow God’s word to make you different than the world and more like the Lord…”

    Acceptable to God means we do what He requires and commands. We study God’s will, the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 5:8-10, 15-17), so we can “do what aligns with His will, what is approved by Him...” Consider these examples:

• 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – praying for all who are in authority is good and acceptable in the sight of God.
• 1 Peter 3:1-4 – women having chaste conduct and the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in the sight of God.
• Hebrews 11:6 – Without faith it is impossible to please Him, we must believe that He is and that He will reward us when we diligently seek Him – God made mankind to do exactly that: Acts 17:26-27.
• 1 Peter 2:5 – we are to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (Think on Genesis 4:1-7)

 “…which is your reasonable service.”

    Reasonable service means rational (conclusion). As we gain knowledge through study, and gain wisdom through use of that knowledge (obedience), we will develop spiritual understanding: comprehending the vital importance of God and His word, Jesus’ sacrifice, His example, etc. We will begin to comprehend the value of the spiritual blessings found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). Our rational response to this understanding and comprehension is to wholly commit to do what is needed to be holy – different than the world, and more like Him – because we adhere to His instructions and guidance. “…this is the most logical, the most sensible, response you can give to God who loves you and shows you such mercy.”

To summarize: I strongly urge you brethren, because of God’s mercy and compassion on you when He gave you access to the gospel of Christ; show yourself ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to follow Him and obey His commands, allow God’s word to make you different than those in the world who don’t know Him and become more like the Lord, doing what aligns with His will and what is approved by Him, for this is the most logical, the most sensible, response you can give to God who loves you and shows you such mercy.

    Are you ready to present yourself a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God?

You can do it! So can I!!