DRAWING NEAR
On a scale of 1 to 10 (1= “Virtually nonexistent”; 10= “Almost perfect”), how would you rate your church’s “body life”—how people serve and relate to each other in the body of Christ? Why?
What do you wish was different in your church body?
THE CONTEXT
After pages of rich theological truth, Paul spends the balance of his letter to the Romans explaining how these doctrines should look in a believer’s or congregation’s daily life. This is a repeated theme in Paul’s writings: Theology can never be divorced from life; it always has practical ramifications and implications.
Paul’s description here is nothing short of supernatural living! Paul demonstrates that when believers give themselves fully to God and then, in the power of the Spirit, live out in experience what is true of them theologically in Christ, the result is staggering. Such an other-worldly life will be like a bright neon sign in a dark culture.
Christians who are living sacrifices in the service of God are godly, not worldly; transformed, not conformed; humble, not proud; helpful and generous, not stingy; unified with others, not divided from them; loving, not hypocritical and hateful; other-centered, not self-absorbed; enthusiastic, not blah; forgiving, not vengeful. To find out more about this kind of supernatural life, read on.
KEYS TO THE TEXT
Spiritual Gifts: A spiritual gift is a graciously given supernaturally designed ability granted to every believer by which the Holy Spirit ministers to the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are divine enablements for ministry that the Holy Spirit gives in some measure to all believers. They are to be completely under His control and used for the building of the church to Christ’s glory. The Greek word (charisma) emphasizes the freeness of the gift. A spiritual gift cannot be earned, pursued, or worked up. It is merely “received” through the grace of God. The categories of spiritual gifts are given in Romans 12:3–8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4–10. Each believer has one specific gift, often a combination of the various categories of gifts blended together uniquely for each Christian. Spiritual gifts are not for the exaltation of the one with the gift, but to be used in loving concern for the benefit of others in the church.
UNLEASHING THE TEXT
Read 12:1–21, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
Romans 12:1–21 (NKJV)
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.
beseech (v. 1)—urge, admonish, encourage; from the same Greek word that means to call alongside for help
therefore (v. 1)—Since all things were created for the glory of God (11:36), we should live our lives for the same purpose.
mercies of God (v. 1)—a phrase summarizing the gracious, extravagant work of God on behalf of sinners that Paul had discussed in chapters 1–11
present your bodies (v. 1)—Believers are called to devote or offer themselves completely and unreservedly to the Lord. This is the only way we can honor God with our unredeemed bodies.
reasonable service (v. 1)—Reasonable means logical; in light of all God has done for us, this is what we should do for Him.
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.
conformed (v. 2)—to assume an external appearance that does not match the internal reality
this world (v. 2)—literally, “this age”; the system of beliefs and values that comprise the spirit of the times in which we live
transformed (v. 2)—The Greek term is the source of the English term “metamorphosis”; the meaning is to change in appearance (because of the inner changes that have and are taking place).
renewing of your mind (v. 2)—to be made new in the way one thinks by being saturated with the Word of God and controlled by the Spirit of God
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.
soberly (v. 3)—the exercise of sound judgment
measure of faith (v. 3)—the correct proportion of the spiritual gift needed to fulfill one’s role in the body of Christ
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
many members . . . one body (v. 4)—The church is a unified diversity.
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 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;
prophecy (v. 6)—literally, “speaking forth” the truth of God, not necessarily predicting the future
7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
ministry (v. 7)—service, from the Greek word from which we get our word “deacon”
teaching (v. 7)—the ability to interpret, clarify, systematize, and explain God’s truth clearly
8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
liberality (v. 8)—simplicity, single-mindedness, and openhearted generosity
leads (v. 8)—literally, “standing before”
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
in honor giving preference (v. 10)—showing genuine appreciation and admiration for fellow believers by putting them first
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
fervent in spirit (v. 11)—literally, “to boil in spirit”—that is, to have an inner enthusiasm that results in productive labor
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
given to hospitality (v. 13)—Literally “pursuing the love of strangers”; this kind of openness and generosity should be the hallmark of believers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
Repay no one evil for evil (v. 17)—a ban on individual application of the “eye for an eye” principle of justice
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
heap coals of fire on his head (v. 20)—a reference to an Egyptian custom of demonstrating shame and contrition by carrying a pan of burning coals on one’s head; kindness to hateful, undeserving enemies produces shame
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1) Paul begins chapter 12 with a call for believers to give themselves fully and completely—body, mind, and will—to God. According to Paul, what is involved in doing this?
2) What evidence do you find here that the Christian life is not to be lived out in isolation?
3) What has God given each of us to use in service to others?
4) If keeping God’s law is impossible (as Paul has already argued in this letter), how can you expect to live out the list of commands Paul gives in verses 9–21?
GOING DEEPER
Read 1 Peter 4:7–11 for more insight about spiritual gifts.
1 Peter 4:7–11 (NKJV)
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
EXPLORING THE MEANING
5) What insights does Peter add to the doctrine of spiritual gifts presented in Romans 12? Who has the gifts and what is their purpose?
(Verses to consider: 1 Cor. 12:1–31; Eph. 4:7–16)
6) According to Paul, what attitudes and actions glorify God and build up the body? What attitudes and actions dishonor God and tear down the body of Christ?
7) Why is the metaphor of a human body a good one for the church?
TRUTH FOR TODAY
Supernatural living is conforming our outer lives to our inner lives, living out the redeemed, purified, and holy nature we have in Jesus Christ, becoming in practice what Christ has made us—new creations. Supernatural living is not a mystical, undefined life based on elusive good impulses and sincere intentions. It is practical living that results from conscious obedience to God’s standards of righteousness, a life lived within divinely-ordained parameters. It is thinking, speaking, and acting in daily conformity with God’s Word and will.
REFLECTING ON THE TEXT
8) The nineteenth-century Englishman Robert C. Chapman wrote, “Seeing that so many preach Christ and so few live Christ, I will aim to live Him.” What principle or truth have you learned from this passage that you want to stop talking about and start living?
9) Based on your experiences and the evaluations of Christian leaders and friends, what do you think your spiritual gifts are? How are you using these God-given abilities to serve the body of Christ?
10) Write out a verse from chapter 12 that you will memorize and meditate upon this week to help you renew your mind.
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
ADDITIONAL NOTES