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Romans Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve general Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To see the difference between conformation and transformation, understanding the process involved in being transformed 2) To appreciate the diversity of service in the Body of Christ SUMMARY
Having concluded his discourses concerning the gospel (chs. 1-8) andGod's dealings with the nation of Israel his readers to full service in the kingdom of God He begins with a plea to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so that they can demonstrate in themselves that the will of God is good, acceptable, and perfect (1-2). He then encourages them to fulfill their proper place in the Body of Christ with proper humility and zeal (3-8). Finally, there are a list of commands which are to govern the Christian's life and attitude towards love, good and evil, brethren in the Lord, service to God, and response to persecution (9-21). OUTLINE
I. AN APPEAL TO CONSECRATION (1-2)
A. PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS LIVING SACRIFICES (1) 1. In view of the mercies of God (1a ) 2. Which is your reasonable (spiritual, NAS) service (1b) B. BE TRANSFORMED, NOT CONFORMED TO THE WORLD (2) 1. By the renewing of your mind (2a ) 2. To prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will God (2b) II. SERVE GOD AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY (3-8)
A. WITH HUMILITY (3) 1. In all seriousness (3a ) 2. For what we are comes from God (3b) B. WITH APPRECIATION FOR DIVERSITY (4-5) 1. Members do not have the same function (4) 2. But we are one, members of one another (5) C. WITH ZEAL, NO MATTER WHAT OUR GIFTS (6-8) III. MISCELLANEOUS EXHORTATIONS (9-21)
A. AS CHRISTIANS (9-16) 1. Concerning love, good and evil (9) 2. Loving and honoring brethren (10) 3. Fervent in our service (11) 4. Rejoicing, patient, prayerful (12) 5. Caring for saints (13) 6. Blessing our enemies (14) 7. Sharing joys and sorrows (15) 8. Humble in our relations together (16) B. RESPONDING TO EVIL (17-21) 1. Do not repay with evil, be mindful of what is good (17) 2. If possible, be at peace (18) 3. Give place to the wrath of God (19) 4. Overcome evil by responding with good (20-21) WORDS TO PONDER
the mercies of God - the many blessings alluded to in the first eleven
chapters a living sacrifice - an offering that is living, not dead
conform - "to fashion or shape one thing like another... this verb has
more special reference to that which is transitory, changeable, unstable" (VINE) - this word is different than that found in Romans 8:29 transform - "to change into another form; [as used in Ro 12:2] to
undergo a complete change, which under the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct" (VINE) overcome evil with good - the goal of the Christian's response to evil
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
- An Appeal To Consecration (1-2) - Serve God As Members Of One Body (3-8) - Miscellaneous Exhortations (9-21) 2) Upon what does Paul make his plea? (1)
- The mercies of God; their reasonable service 3) How is a Christian to present himself before God? (1)
- As a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God 4) How is one transformed? (2)
- By the renewing of their minds 5) What is the purpose of such transformation? (2)
- To prove (demonstrate) what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God 6) What illustration shows our dependence upon each other in the church? (4-5)
- Members of a body 7) How are Christians to respond to evil? (19-21)
- In a positive way, with good
Do Not Be Conformed To This World (12:1-2)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our text, we note the command: "And do not be conformed to thisworld..."
2. What does the word "conformed" mean to you...? a. Is it just a word that we quickly glance over? b. How does it relate to your daily living? 3. We need to be very familiar with the concept of "conformity"... a. Not just to understand what Paul is saying b. But because this word plays a very important role in our lives, whether young or old [That we might properly apply the exhortation of the apostle Paul, let'sexamine the concept of conformity...] I. UNDERSTANDING CONFORMITY
A. DEFINITION... 1. To conform to another's pattern (RWP) 2. E.g., the desire to be like someone else a. Do what they do b. Say what they say c. Wear what they wear 3. To accept the ideas, the fashions, way of walking and talking, etc., that is popular 4. A conformist, therefore, is someone who: a. Is afraid to be different b. Feels a need to be like everyone else B. CONFORMITY IN OUR SOCIETY... 1. There is tremendous pressure to conform to the standards of the group a. Even adults feel a need to conform b. Also many young people (in their clothes, cars, etc.) 2. The pressure to conform is often strongest during adolescence a. The young often have low-esteem b. They want desperately to be accepted and esteemed by others 3. Advertisers often complicate the problem a. Trying to market and sell their products b. Trying to get people to conform to use their products (an old ad campaign: "Wethead is dead!") C. THE DANGER OF CONFORMITY... 1. It can easily lead you to do things you know are wrong a. E.g., boys in a car for a joyride, and one begins popping pills b. E.g., men at a business luncheon, where drinks are served 2. When others follow suit, the pressure to conform is great a. Ridicule to conform is often applied b. Once you give in, the next time conformity is easier 3. Conformity to the things of this world can separate us from God! - cf. 1 Jn 2:15-17 a. By giving in to the lust of the flesh (immorality) b. By succumbing to the lust of the eyes (materialism) c. By yielding to the pride of life (arrogance) [We now understand why Paul commands us "do not be conformed to thisworld"! There are grave dangers in conforming to another's pattern.How shall we deal with the pressures of conformity...?] II. DEALING WITH THE PRESSURE TO CONFORM
A. BE A TRANSFORMIST, NOT A CONFORMIST... 1. A conformist (as used here) is one who... a. Undergoes a superficial, shallow change b. Becomes a cheap imitation, letting others do their thinking for them 2. A transformist is one who... a. Undergoes a real change (like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly) b. Experiences a true "renewal" 1) That begins with conversion - Ti 3:5 2) That involves a renewal of the mind - Ro 12:2 3) That continues as we go through life - 2 Co 4:16 3. Becoming a transformist... a. Addresses the reasons why many conform 1) A feeling of insecurity (yet we learn that God loves us, we are special! - 1 Jn 3:1) 2) A desire to follow the crowd (yet we learn the ultimate end of following the world - 1 Jn 2:15-17) b. Marks the difference between... 1) Christians who are truly converted 2) Those who are shallow imitators of true disciples B. BE A LEADER, NOT A FOLLOWER... 1. A transformist is a leader a. Who "proves" to others what is good, acceptable and perfect - Ro 12:2 1) Presents their bodies as living and holy sacrifices - Ro12:1
2) Has the courage to say "no" to things that are wrong b. Whose example helps others fight off the pressures to conform 1) Giving others the strength to say "no" 2) Encouraging others to do what is right - e.g., Joshua, Josh 24:14-15; Judg 2:7 2. A conformist is but a simple follower a. Letting others do their thinking for them b. Letting others lead them into harm's way CONCLUSION
1. Everyone experiences the pressure to conform to the standards and practices of the world... a. Especially the young who are so impressionable b. But even those who older are persuaded by those in positions of power and influence 2. We have a choice... a. Either to buckle under and be led by those destroying their own bodies, minds, and souls b. Or look to Jesus, the true nonconformist, and allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds 3. If we are to conform, let us conform to the image of Jesus - cf. Ro8:29
a. For that will require a true transformation of the inner man b. And we can demonstrate what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God!
Be Transformed (12:1-2)
INTRODUCTION
1. In Ro 12:1-2, Paul makes the following plea regarding transforming our lives: "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. 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 perfectwill of God."
2. As we consider this text, several questions come to mind... a. What does it mean to be transformed? b. What is the goal of transformation? c. What should motivate us to undergo transformation? d. What does one do in order to experience transformation? [Starting with the first question ("What does it mean to betransformed?"), let's consider . . . ] I. THE DEFINITION OF TRANSFORMATION
A. THE WORD... 1. The Greek word is metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo'-o) a. Lit., "to change into another form" (Vine's) b. From which comes the word "metamorphosis" c. Used to describe a change of form (e.g., when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly) 2. In the NT, this word is used to describe: a. What happened to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration - Mt17:1-2
b. What is to happen to Christians in their service to God - Ro12:1-2
B. THE CONCEPT... 1. The idea being commanded by Paul is this: a. Christians are "to undergo a complete change, which under the power of God, will find expression in character andconduct" (Vine's)
b. I.e., we who are "caterpillars" are to become "butterflies" 2. Note that Paul uses the passive voice a. Indicating that "transformation" is something we allow to be done to us b. Not something we do by our own power alone c. Rather, we submit to God's power and by His grace... 1) We are "changed into another form" 2) We become a "new creation" - cf. 2 Co 5:17 [But this leads us to our second question ("What is the goal oftransformation?")...] II. THE GOAL OF TRANSFORMATION
A. TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST... 1. As expressed by Paul - 2 Co 3:18 2. As predestined by God - Ro 8:29 3. The purpose of being a disciple (to become like his teacher) - Lk 6:40 4. The goal of Christian living - cf. Co 3:9-10 B. TO LIVE LIKE CHRIST... 1. To present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God a. Is this not what Jesus did on earth? - cf. He 10:5 b. So we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices - Ro 12:1 2. To prove that God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect a. Was this not Jesus sought to do on earth? - cf. Jn 6:38 b. So we are to demonstrate that God's will is right - Ro 12:2 [Such is the goal of being transformed; indeed, it is the goal of beinga Christian! Yet why do many never experience the transformation Godoffers? Why do they remain "caterpillars"? Perhaps they lack theproper motivation...] III. THE MOTIVATION FOR TRANSFORMATION
A. THE MERCIES OF GOD... 1. In our text, Paul appealed to transformation based on God's mercies - Ro 12:1 2. What mercies of God had Paul discussed earlier in his epistle? a. Freedom from sin - Ro 6:16-18 b. Gift of eternal life - Ro 6:23 c. Peace with God - Ro 5:1 d. Access to the grace of God - Ro 5:2 e. Saved from the wrath of God - Ro 5:9 -- Should not God's mercy move us to repent and seektransformation? - cf. Ro 2:4-5
B. THE LOVE OF CHRIST... 1. Elsewhere, Paul revealed the motivating power of the love of Christ - 2 Co 5:14-15 2. Such love compelled him to live for Jesus - cf. Ga 2:20 -- Does not the love of Christ move us to live FOR Him and LIKEHim?
C. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE... 1. The alternative to being transformed is being conformed to this world - Ro 12:1 a. The word conformed (suschematizo, soos-khay-mat-id'-zo) as used here implies that which is "transitory, changeable,unstable" (Vine's)
b. I.e., at the most we can only be an imitation, a cheap copy 2. If not transformed, we will either be conformed to... a. The world 1) Act like the world, be like those in the world 2) In which we will bring shame to the name of Christ b. Other Christians 1) Outwardly we may act like Christians, appear like them 2) But it will be just a cheap "copy", which eventually reveals its true nature! -- Is that what we want? To bring shame to the name of Christ?To be "plastic" Christians, or to be the real thing?
[Why not let the mercies of God and the love of Christ motivate us toseek transformation? The process is not as difficult as one mightthink...] IV. THE PROCESS OF TRANSFORMATION
A. IN THE BEGINNING... 1. Remember, transformation is a passive process ("be transformed") - Ro 12:2 a. We cannot change ourselves by our own strength or meritorious works b. As Paul vividly illustrated his dilemma prior to his conversion - Ro 7:14-24 -- We must submit to God's working on us! 2. It begins when we are baptized into Christ! a. For there we experience the working of God - Co 2:11-13 1) Spiritually circumcised as our sins are removed 2) Buried then raised with Christ 3) Made alive with Christ, forgiven of all trespasses b. For there we experience the renewal of the Spirit - Ti 3:5 1) Saved by the mercy of God 2) Involving a washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit c. For there we rise to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-8 1) Having been buried with Christ by baptism into His death 2) Having been crucified with Christ that we might be free from sin 3) Having been raised to live with Christ -- When joined with faith and repentance, baptism becomes the starting point in which true transformation can take place!- cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38
B. RENEWING THE MIND... 1. The process of transformation continues as we renew the mind a. As indicated in our text - Ro 12:2; cf. also Ep 4:20-24 b. Unless there is a renewing of the mind, any change in our lives will be superficial 2. Renewing the mind is made possible by where we set our minds a. Setting our minds on things above - Co 3:1-2 b. Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit - Ro 8:5 c. I.e., feeding our minds with the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, etc. - Ac 2:42 3. With our minds "renewed" we can experience a true transformation! a. By putting off the old man and putting on the new man - cf. Co 3:2,5-10 b. By living according to the Spirit - cf. Ro 8:5,13 4. The process of transformation is really quite simple a. Set your minds on things above in order to renew your mind; for example... 1) Meditate and contemplate on God and His Word 2) Keep your mind in communication with God via prayer 3) Involve your mind in spiritual worship via frequent assembling with others 4) Center your mind on Jesus via the Lord's Supper ...and your mind will gradually be renewed! b. With renewed minds, it becomes possible to put off the old, and put on the new! 1) To put off the old man with its sins 2) To put on the new man patterned after the example of Christ 5. Modern studies in self-improvement confirm this truth a. We become what we think b. We can change attitudes and behavior by filling our mind with positive mental images -- In our efforts, we are not alone; God is at work with us! - cf.Ph 1:6; 2:12-13
C. WHAT HINDERS MANY CHRISTIANS... 1. If it is so easy, why do many Christians remain "caterpillars"? a. Were they not regenerated at their baptism? (yes) b. Don't they have the promise of God's help? (yes) 2. The problem is likely a failure to renew the mind a. Can a mind be renewed on a starvation diet? (e.g., irregular Bible study) b. Can a mind be renewed on a junk-food diet? (e.g., trashy movies and novels) 3. Why many Christians do not experience transformation... a. They become what they think, and much of what they think upon is not becoming! b. They spend more time watching things of the devil than reading things of the Spirit! -- Our attitudes and behavior is but a reflection of what goesinto our minds!
CONCLUSION
1. We have been called to be "transformed" into the image of Christ... a. We have all the motivation we need (God's mercies and Christ's love) b. We have the opportunity to start anew by the washing of regeneration c. We must allow our minds to be renewed by setting them on things above -- Are we submitting to "brain surgery" by the Great Physician...? 2. God wants to give us a complete "make over"... a. He has provided the means (Jesus' blood) to remove the deformity of sin b. He provides the tools (Bible study, prayer, fellowship) to fashion a new person -- Are we making good use of the mercies of God? In light of God's wonderful grace, this is our "reasonable" service.Shall we not prove to the world that God's will is "good, acceptable,and perfect"...?
Finding Our Function In The Body (12:3-8)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our text, we find Paul expressing several principles concerning the church... a. Christians are one body in Christ b. As one body, we are individually members of one another c. The members do not have the same function d. We should serve in whatever function God has given us ability 2. The last two principles often cause one to ask... a. "What is my function in the body of Christ?" b. "How do I determine what function(s) I have?" 3. It may help to compare it to choosing a vocation... a. There are principles used in determining one's aptitude and vocational direction b. These principles may help one determine what our functions might be in the body of Christ [For example, when people contemplate career choices, one thing they dois acquaint themselves with job descriptions. So let's...] I. EXAMINE THE FUNCTIONS
A. PROPHECY (Preaching)... 1. The Greek word propheteia is defined as "the speaking forth of the mind counsel of God" - Vine's 2. Originally, this referred to the gift of the Spirit by which one was inspired to reveal God's truth 3. Today, the service most akin to prophecy is preaching a. Where one proclaims the counsel of God as already revealed b. By expounding upon the Word of God, not through direct inspiration B. MINISTRY (Serving)... 1. The Greek word diakonia means "to serve" 2. It is often used to describe any sort of service a. E.g., the service offered by Timothy - 2 Ti 4:5 b. E.g., the service offered by Phoebe - Ro 16:1-2 3. In a more official capacity, it is used to describe those qualified and appointed to serve as deacons (diakonos) C. TEACHING (Instructing)... 1. Involves instructing others of the Word of God 2. There are variations of this function a. Private teaching - e.g., Ac 18:26 b. Older women teaching the younger women - Ti 2:4 c. Teaching in more formal sense, which not all were to do - cf. Ja 3:1 D. EXHORTING (Building up)... 1. The ability to build up and strengthen others 2. Some may do this publicly (e.g., preachers, teachers) - e.g., Barnabas 3. Others may be adept to it more privately and daily - He 3:12-13 E. GIVING (Sharing)... 1. Some people find themselves abundantly blessed 2. I.e., God has given them "seed for sowing fruits of righteousness" - cf. 2 Co 9:8-11 3. Thus it is within their ability and responsibility to give and bless others - 1 Ti 6:17-19 F. LEADING (Shepherding)... 1. This likely refers to the work of elders (pastors, overseers) - cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1 Pe 5:1-2 2. They have the responsibility of watching out for our souls - He13:17
3. They must meet specific qualifications to serve in this function - cf. 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9 G. SHOWING MERCY (Loving)... 1. Perhaps this service is best illustrated in Mt 25:35-36 2. Can involve visiting the sick, the dying, the bereaved; ministering to those in prison, etc. [I doubt Paul's list is meant to be exhaustive; but it illustrates thatthere is a great variety of functions in the body of Christ. With anunderstanding of the options of service available, how do we know whichone(s) we may be best suited for? Those in career counseling wouldsuggest that one...] II. EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES
A. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES... 1. E.g., training programs offered in teaching, preaching, evangelism, etc. 2. E.g., experienced brethren (going with them as they fulfilled their service; "job shadowing") 3. Even if you prove not to have the potential for a certain work, you gain understanding and appreciation for what others do B. TRY SERVING IN ALL AREAS OPEN TO YOU... 1. Be willing to try everything you can 2. You may have a talent you did not know you had! 3. You may find yourself to have many talents! C. DON'T GIVE UP AFTER THE FIRST FEW TRIES... 1. Failures may be due to inexperience, not lack of potential 2. Only with time and many efforts can we know what might be our forte [As you explore the opportunities given you, be open to advice andcounsel from others...] III. INQUIRE FOR ADVICE
A. OTHERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE OBJECTIVE... 1. Pride can get in the way - cf. Ro 12:3 2. Others may see our strengths and weaknesses more clearly 3. They may see where weaknesses are due to inability and not inexperience B. ESPECIALLY MATURE CHRISTIANS... 1. Such as elders a. Who must be multitalented men of experience b. Part of their role as elders 2. Other older Christians are often very helpful CONCLUSION
1. The more diligent one can be to... a. Examine the functions of service in the body of Christ b. Explore the opportunities to learn and serve in the different functions c. Inquire for advice from others -- The sooner one should be able to discern what is their function in the body of Christ 2. Then the challenge becomes one of being diligent in utilizing our function... a. As Paul admonishes his readers in our text - cf. Ro 12:6-8 b. As Peter admonishes his readers in his epistle - cf. 1 Pe 4:10-11 Brethren, there is much work to do. Let us be diligent to do it "withthe ability God supplies, that in all things God may be glorifiedthrough Jesus Christ..." - 1 Pe 4:11
A Love That Can Hate (12:9-10)
INTRODUCTION
1. In Romans 12, Paul discusses the practical side of the Christian life 2. In the first part of the chapter, he establishes the general principle of self-sacrifice... a. As the foundation of all goodness - Ro 12:1 b. Accomplished through a transformation - Ro 12:2 c. Manifested in humble service of one's abilities - Ro 12:3-8 3. Beginning with verse 9, we find a series of exhortations... a. That continue to the end of the chapter b. That at first glance, may at time seem disconnected 4. For example, consider the exhortations in our text (Ro 12:9-10)... a. The first and last relate to love b. But the intervening clause pertains to hate -- But upon careful reflection, these exhortations may not be disjointed [One way to connect these exhortations is to describe them as depicting"A Love That Can Hate". To see how that is possible, consider that a
Christian must first have...] I. AN HONEST LOVE
A. LOVE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY... 1. We are to have a love that is honest, sincere and genuine - Ro