Can you believe we’re 3/4 of the way through Romans already? Amazing. This one includes so much about how to walk out our lives of faith. Basically the whole of it is encouragement and ways to live, to see where you are and where you need to grow. It’s such a good chapter for that. Enjoy.
Please read Romans 12:1-2
Dedicated Service
1[a]Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
God has a good and acceptable plan and purpose for your life. So be transformed in your mind, so you may find it. Because you are the only one who can find His plan for your life. Though others can assist in the discovery.
Please read Romans 12:3-8
3For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. 4For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, 5so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]. 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; 7if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, [d]with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.
We all have gifts apportioned to us by God. And none of them are to be cause for thinking more of yourself than you ought because all of us belong to one another and all our gifts are for the service to others. And should be used for others benefits.
Please read Romans 12:9-13
9Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; 11never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; 12constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], 13contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.
Lists like this are so helpful to learn how to walk out this life of faith. Let’s look a little closer…
Love must be sincere and active
detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness
Hold on tightly to what is good.
Be devoted to one another with brotherly affection.
Give preference to one another in honor
Do not lag behind in diligence
Glow with the Spirit
Enthusiastically serve the Lord
Constantly Rejoicing in Hope
steadfast and patient in distress
continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength in prayer
contributing to the needs of God’s people
Practice hospitality.
Where are your strengths? How about your weaknesses? In prayer work to strengthen your weaknesses.
Please read Romans 12:14-16
14Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.
Yay, more of them…
Bless those who cause you harm or hardship, bless and do not curse them.
sharing others’ joy
sharing others’ grief
Live in harmony with one another
Do not be conceited, self-important, exclusive, haughty
associate with those with a realistic self-view
Do not overestimate yourself. i.e. be humble.
No one would say this is all easy. But we all have faith and strengths in some of these and can see readily where we need to work to strengthen other parts.
Please read Romans 12:17-21
17Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. 18If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap [e]burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Almost all of them…
Never repay anyone evil for evil.
Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.
as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
never avenge yourselves
You are beloved. As beloved we should live in all these ways. By no means are they the only lists and encouragements, but it’s all delightful to me when I find them. And often means I need to slow way down and break them down into bite sizes to make them part of my life. How do you do it? I would love to hear.
Grow your faith, beloved.
Footnotes
[a] Romans 12:1 –[a]Therefore I urge you- Paul now begins outlining for the believer the practical application of the theological truths taught in chs 1-11.
[b] Romans 12:1 –[b]brothers and sisters- Lit brethren.
[c] Romans 12:2 –[c]transformed and progressively changed – From the Greek word meaning “metamorphosis.” Refers to the process that leads to an outward, permanent change.
[d] Romans 12:8 –he who leads, [d]with diligence; – Or without ulterior motives.
[e] Romans 12:20 -you will heap [e]burning coals on his head- This may refer to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a penitent person carried a bowl of burning embers on his head to show his shame and guilt. By analogy, being kind to an enemy may lead him to shame and repentance.
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