Today's lesson comes from Romans 12: 1-12. We are now moving into the second major portion of the book of Romans. In the first eleven chapters, Paul has been presenting and supporting the doctrines of deliverance from sin. In chapter twelve, he now focuses on "How to Behave." He will get very practical in his writings and we should pay very close attention. Chapter twelve is rich in admonitions regarding our daily lives. It can be divided into three sections: vv. 1,2 "In Relation to God," vv. 3-8 "In Relation to the Church," and vv. 9-21 "In Relation to Society." When a life is entirely consecrated to God, and the Holy Spirit is given control, the manifestations of the old self-life cease. Then the fruit of the Spirit is evidenced in the everyday life.
The first section is "God's Will Proving." vv. 1, 2 The first two verses of this section set forth the essentials of living a life separated to God. Paul starts by saying that based on what he has previously written, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Jewish sacrifices were slain but our sacrifice is alive and meant for service to God. Our entire self, talents, capabilities, natural endowments, possessions, preferences, are to be surrendered and set apart for God. As Jews were to offer animals that were entirely free from blemish within and without, so must our offering be "acceptable unto God." That is the sacrifice that God is pleased with. It is our "reasonable service." The Greek word means "rational," "agreeable to reason." Our sacrifice is to be real and heartfelt. We are not to be conformed to the world (v.2). This includes the whole current of life and influences around us. It is not legalism to state that there are some worldly fashion trends that the Christian should avoid. Modesty is a must to the believer. Our minds are to be "transformed" (Greek word is metamorphoo which describes the process a caterpillar passes through to become a butterfly). Our minds are renewed as we read the Word of God and begin to internalize the Word so that our thinking becomes aligned with God's thinking. That transformation will "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." When our entire lives, mind and body, are consecrated to God, we will be molded into Christlikeness and that is the only reasonable thing to do.
The second section is "Mutually Serving." vv. 3-8 Paul wants everyone to know that humility is the primary Christian grace, outshining all others. The Christian is to "think soberly" and realize the brevity of life and the nearness of eternity. We would all be lost in sin without the grace of God and His mercy. The church is composed of many members, but all in one body. There is real value in the variety of manifestations and abilities:
1. It gives freedom for expression of all that is in each individual.
2. Each part has an influence on the other.
3. It enables the church to do the great variety of work that needs to be done.
4. It meets the need of every kind of person.
5. It finds a use for every individual.
There are many gifts and talents given by God. Everyone has an important part to play in the kingdom of God. Paul lists the following gifts: prophecy (speaking the words from God), ministry (service), teaching, exhorting (comforting and encouraging), giving (with no selfishness), ruling (leaders in the body), and mercy (expressed with cheerfulness). The fundamental thought is that every person is to give himself wholly to the work for which he is fitted, or to the work which he has been allotted.
The third section is "Radiantly Living." vv. 9-12 Love is to be pure and sincere. This is made possible when God's Spirit fills the believer's heart with "perfect love." Yet, we are to hate what is evil. We are to hate sin with the whole soul. We cleave to what is good which shows that our hating of evil is sincere. We are to "be kindly affectioned" and implies the closeness of family ties like the affection between parents and children. A Christian is "not slothful in business," but he is diligent. Whatever he does, he does it "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Since the believer is anticipating the Lord's return, he is "rejoicing in hope," and is "patient in tribulation." He will remain "instant in prayer," which is the source of all spiritual supply. When the Christian does these things, he is "radiantly living."
The Golden Text is "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1Peter 2:5) The only way we can be a holy priesthood, and acceptable to Jesus Christ is when we offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Our sacrifice must be total and complete, with no reservations. We are to be holy as He is holy and that requires a complete consecration.
My summary points:
1. We are to present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice.
2. We are all part of the body of Christ and we are to serve one another with our gifts.
3. We are to love one another and hate evil.
Next week's lesson is "A Life of Submission." Romans 13: 1-14
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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