Frameworks:
Romans 12
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for verse-by-verse study or meditation. To focus each
verse we have also added in italic a description of what is happening)
CHAPTER
12
v.1,2
Be a Living Sacrifice
v.3-8
Be humble as you serve in the Body of Christ
v.9-21
Let goodness flow in all you do
[Context:
We continue to provide a brief summary of each previous chapter
to provide present context:
Part
1: Ch.1-8 Our lost state & God's Justification & the New
Life
Part
2: Ch.9-11 Considering the State of Israel
Now,
Part 3: Ch.12-16 Living the Christian Life
v.1,2
Be a Living Sacrifice
v.1 (so,
as a consequence of the warnings I've just been giving, give your
entire being over to God, like a living sacrifice to please Him)
Therefore,
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer
your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this
is your true and proper worship.
v.2
(specifically
let your mind be renewed to conform to God's way of doing things)
Do
not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve
what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
v.3-8
Be humble as you serve in the Body of Christ
v.3
(build humility
by realising your faith expressions are purely a gift from God)
For
by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think
of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself
with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed
to each of you.
v.4,5
(remember, as
church we are all different but needing each other) For
just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members
do not all have the same function, so
in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs
to all the others.
v.6-8
(his grace has
given us different gifts to whichever they are use them to the
full extent) We
have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of
us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with
your faith; if
it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it
is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then
give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is
to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
v.9-21
Let goodness flow in all you do
i)
create a loving community of good
v.9
(let your love
be real, detesting evil, holding onto the good) Love
must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
v.10
(cling to each
other in love, honouring others more than yourself) Be
devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.
v.13
(be a sharing
hospitable person) Share
with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
v.15
(empathize with
the needy) Rejoice
with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
v.16
(be harmonious,
avoid pride or conceit) Live
in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to
associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
ii)
stand out as different
v.11(go
all out for God and keep at it) Never
be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the
Lord.
v.12
(if it gets
tough do this) Be
joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
iii)
don't respond negatively to those against you
v.14
(bless
those against you) Bless
those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
v.17
(don't do wrong
when wronged) Do
not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right
in the eyes of everyone.
v.18
(as much as
you can live at peace with others) If
it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with
everyone.
v.19
(let God deal
with those who harm you) Do
not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath,
for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” [Deut
32:35] says
the Lord.
v.20
(bless
your enemy) On
the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if
he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you
will heap burning coals on his head. ”
[Prov. 25:21,22]
v.21
(just
do this:) Do
not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.