Romans # 21 Rom 12-1 thru 12-8
We’re going to continue on the book of Romans. Last time we left off with the end of Romans chapter 11. In chapter 11 Paul talks a lot about Israel’s rejection of Christ, and because of that God has shown mercy upon the Gentiles, but Paul goes on to teach in chapter 11 of the future salvation of Israel.
I. ROM 12:1-2
A. Paul now changes his teaching to more of a practical manner, teaching on what we should do.
1. When Paul says, “I beseech you” in (V 1) it would be better translated, “I urge you.”
a. What is he urging us to do? To present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.
b. We are to yield ourselves over to the Lord Jesus Christ, to sacrifice our will to His will, our plans to His plans, our desires to His desires.
i. He also goes on to use the word “Holy.”
ii. Part of what is being acceptable unto Him is living a holy life.
2. In (V 2) where Paul says, “And be not conformed to this world,” he means “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world.”
a. But even the word “world” means “This present age.”
b. In other words Paul is saying, “Not Living according to the lifestyle of the present evil Age.”
B. In the middle of (Romans 12:2) says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
1. In the Greek tense this V is a continuous action, meaning “Keep on being transformed.”
2. The word “Transformed” means “A total change.”
a. Paul is telling the believers that there needs to be a total continuous transformation in our minds.
b. This is only going to happen by the Word of God, time we spend with the Lord (Prayer, worship, praise and listening to Him) and our fellowship has an important part to play.
c. If our fellowship is with unbelievers, this can hinder the renewing process of our minds.
i. But on the other hand, if our fellowship is with those who truly walk with the Lord, that will help us in renewing our minds.
3. In the last part of (V 2) Paul says, “That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
a. By us getting our minds renewed to the things of God, we will know what God wants us to do.
i. What the perfect will of God is for us.
ii. The Word teaches us that the HS will lead us and guide us.
b. But the last ½ of (ROM 12:2) can also mean that as we get our minds renewed to the things of God, we will know that God’s will for us is acceptable, good and perfect.
i. In other words, as we get our minds renewed, we’ll accept God’s will for us as perfect.
II. ROM 12:3-5
A. In (V 3) Paul says, “Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.”
1. Some have interpreted that V to mean that we are to think very little of our selves.
a. Thinking of ourselves as an old rotten sinner, but that is not what Paul is saying here.
2. Paul says that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think.
a. In other words, we are to think of ourselves highly, but not more highly than we ought to think.
i. We should know that we are children of God, heirs of God, joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ.
ii. God sent Jesus to die for us so that we would have eternal life.
iii. That means that God sees us as valuable and precious.
b. But even still, we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think.
i. Pride is very dangerous. When we start to think that we are better than someone else, we’re getting lifted up in pride.
c. (Proverbs 16:18) Says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
i. People often paraphrase this V to says, “Pride goeth before the fall.”
ii. 1st the pride comes then the fall is soon to come.
3. Paul goes on to say in (Romans 12:3) “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
a. He’s saying this to show that we are all equal.
B. But there is something else that we can get from this.
1. Sometimes you here someone say that they don’t have any faith.
a. That’s a contradiction to the Word of God.
i. God says that we have the measure of faith. Now it’s up to us to grow in faith, or to strengthen our faith.
b. Now you do that by meditating on the Word of God.
i. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
ii. Then, very simply, you just believe what God has said.
C. Let’s read ROM 12:4-5 again.
1. In these 2 Vs, Paul is telling us why we should not be lifted up in pride.
a. We are 1 body with many parts to that body.
b. He’s making a comparison between the physical body and the body of Christ.
2. You’re not going to think any less of your physical toe, because it’s a toe.
a. It’s an important part to you.
b. So is every member of the body of Christ. No matter what function they serve in that body, they are important.
3. The thing that Paul is trying to do here is bring unity to the body.
a. (Psalm 133:1-2) Says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.”
i. Unity allows the anointing of God to flow.
III. Let’s go on to ROM 12:6-8
A. In (V 6) Paul is still talking about us being 1 body, but many members.
1. Each member has a different gift.
a. The word “Gifts” in this V is the Greek word “Charisma” which means “A Grace Gift.”
b. Each of us have a God given Gift, Function or Ministry.
2. He goes on to list some of them, but by no means is this a complete list.
a. 1st he says Prophesy, 2nd ministry, which could be a minister of the Word to a severer in the church, 3rd he says Teaching, 4th Exhortation, 5th Giving, and 6th Mercy.
b. There are so many areas that God can use you. Don’t feel that you’re not doing anything for the Lord.
i. You’re probable already doing it and you don’t even know it.
WOLCC Thurs. 11/30/95
