All blue colored numbers are links to the slide show. note: Unless otherwise stated all quotes and biblical references are taken from the NKJV New King James Version of Scripture
- 1. Be a Living Sacrifice
- 2. Scripture Reading Romans 12:1 - 2 Christians’ are to be a living sacrifice
- 3. hagios - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 21 Sep, 2019TES 3 We must look back at chapter 11 to see why Paul used the word “therefore” in Romans 12:1. Paul is speaking of the omnipotence of God. In verses, 11:33-36 Paul poses several rhetorical questions. Therefore Paul is beseeching his brethren to be the best they can be. Your bodies a living sacrifice. What is a living sacrifice, but a gift to God? Allow nothing to defile your bodies, but keep our bodies as an unblemished (sin free) gift to God. Keep yourselves holy. What is meant by holy? Holy was translated from the Greek word “hagios” G40; meaning “physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated.” “which are from the same root as hagnos (found in hazo, "to venerate"), fundamentally signifies "separated" ” We are, therefore, to keep ourselves separated from the world and thereby, be acceptable or well-pleasing to God. This thought is continued in the next verse.
- 4. Paul calls us to be transformed. Paul exhorts his brethren not to become like all who are drawn to the sin of the flesh, but be separated or different (See also Ehp 2:2-3). A Christian is a changed person. Paul says that it is the mind that is renewed. The word mind is translated from the Greek word “nous” meaning “denotes, speaking generally, the seat of reflective consciousness, comprising the faculties of perception and understanding, and those of feeling, judging and determining1.” We can see Paul using this same term in Rom 1:28*; 7:23; 14:5. So Paul urges the transforming of the mind because as the mind goes so does the body. Through the work of the Holy Spirit who changes our perception and spiritual will. The studying of God’s word which changes our intellect and moral judgment.
- 5. Scripture Reading Romans 12:3 - 8
- Each of us is a part of the body of the church.
- 6. Paul warns his church not to think of themselves as better than their brother or sister or in fact any man. At best we are the same. We all began as sinners and we all have the sin nature within us. We should think of ourselves soberly, that is without self-aggrandizements. But for the grace of God, we would remain in our sin for all eternity. But through the grace of God, we as Christians are redeemed. The last part of verse 3 is important to realize. God has dealt with each of us with a measure of faith. The indication is that the measure of faith may not be the same for every Christian. There is also the implication that there may be more measures given to some as needed by the body. “Not only had Christ the Holy Spirit without "measure," but God so gives the Spirit through Him to others.”
- 7. (Ref 4,5) Each Christian is a member of the body or church, which in Greek is ekklēsia (gathering). As God put all things under Jesus (Eph 1:22); so also Jesus gives each of us apart in the church (His body). Therefore we have been granted different gifts that we can use for the health of the body. To some: Is given the ability to teach but takes individual development to maximize that ability. Is given Exhortation the gift of motivating and encouraging. Is given the gift of giving, which should always be done with a joyous heart. Some are given the gift of vision and direction but are never to be overbearing. Others are given the gift of mercy or helping the sick, the poor, and those in sorrow. (Ref 4,5) Each Christian is a member of the body or church, which in Greek is ekklēsia (gathering). As God put all things under Jesus (Eph 1:22); so also Jesus gives each of us apart in the church (His body).
- 8. Do not be envious of the gifts given to others, rather utilize the gifts given to you. For God has apportioned gifts as He sees fit. Many people see prophesy as looking into the future. However, prophecy is speaking with God’s voice. Vines dictionary defines G4394 prophēteia1 as: this as signifies "the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God" (pro, "forth," phemi, "to speak:" (a)the of the gift, e.g., Rom 12:6; 1Cr 12:10; 13:2;”2 Therefore for those who have received the gift of prophecy, they should exercise this gift with humility giving the glory to God. The purpose of this gift is not self-aggrandizement, but to reveal the mind and counsel of God.
- 9. Scripture Reading Romans 12:9 - 13
- How is our relationship as Christians, different than the rest of the world?
- 10. What is love? Love translated from the Greek word agapē . The Greeks use different words to delineate different types of love. “It was used by believers to denote the special unconditional love of God and is used interchangeably with phileo to designate God the Father’s love for Jesus (John 3:35), God the Father’s love for an individual believer (John 14:21), and of Christ’s love for a disciple (John 13:23).” To say that you love someone with an agape love cannot stem from an evil heart. Therefore Christians are to love one another with a pure unselfish heart; emblematic of the love Jesus shares with His children (Titus 1: 5-7). We are to love other members of the body of Christ in the same way that we love our natural family.
- 11. Paul gives a similar exhortation to the church of Corinth (2 Cor 6: 1-10). Our ministry will be known by our words and more importantly our actions. Paul warns us not to allow any corruption, deceit, or allow dissimulation also called hypocrisy to filter into our ministry. Paul tells us to give preference to one another. As used in this context to show preference means: “"to go before and lead," is used in Rom 12:10, in the sense of taking the lead in showing deference one to another, "(in honor) preferring one another. “ As Christians, our preferred fellowship and worship should be with each other. This does not mean that we should cloister ourselves off from the world but rather to be different than the world with our testimony being true, honest, and forthcoming as the Spirit directs. Our residence is in this world but our home is with the Lord in heavenly places.
- 12. Scripture Reading Romans 12:14 - 16
- Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
- 13. How can it be possible for Christian to bless those who persecute you? In our strength, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Mat 19:26). Luke, quoting Jesus, said: "bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you: (Luk 6:28 NKJV). Jesus is our example, when, after being beaten, humiliated, and finally hung on a tree, He asked His heavenly Father to forgive those who had cried out for Him to be crucified (see also 1 Pet 2:21). Some might say well Jesus is the Son of God, and they would be right. However, He was also the Son of man. As the Son of man, Jesus was born of woman in mortal flesh. Steven also was a mortal man, and as he was being stoned, he too cried out for the forgiveness of those who were stoning him (Acts 7:60 NJKV).
- 14. If a brother or sister in Jesus, should sin against you; be slow to anger, instead be quick to forgive their transgression.
- 15. As Christians, we are to share in each other's joy and grief. It is easy to share in a person’s joy. Laughter is contagious and other people want to be around those who are happy. However the other side of that coin is more difficult. To share in another person’s grief can be just sitting with that person quietly listening. The touch they feel of your hand on their hand or shoulder brings a sense of unity to the griever. Never make light of their grief. Offer advice when asked, and be ready with Scripture. Offer to pray for the griever.
- 16. Scripture Reading Romans 12: 17 - 21
- 16 Repay no one evil for evil.
- 17. The apostle Paul was under constant persecution. Paul’s chief rivals were the Judiazers, who refuted Paul’s gospel at every meeting place. We all know there are different levels of persecution. The threat of physical harm The threat of death. Personal defamatory attacks on a person’s character. Attacks on the beliefs and practices of a person or persons. “Christians often suffer hatred and persecution from society (1Pe 1:6; 2:11-12; 3:14-17; 4:12-16; 5:9).” As Christians, we are to emulate Jesus in all things, including times of persecution.
- 18. In verse 18, Paul is telling the Roman church not to be provocative. Paul uses the words “if possible” knowing there are those who will not allow you to live peaceably. Do not inflame the evil words of others with your own evil words in retaliation. Retaliation will escalate the situation, thereby potentially causing violence. Do not succumb to the desire to get even, because, in the end, God will judge. The righteous will be vindicated while the persecutors will reap their just rewards (v19-22). Do not allow wrath (hatred) to linger, allowing it any room in your heart (v19). It is written that “vengeance is mine says the Lord” (Deut 32:25).
- 19. Jamieson, fauset and Brown write: As redemption under the Gospel is not by irrational victims, as under the law, but "by the precious blood of Christ" ( 1 Peter 1:18 1 Peter 1:19 ), and, consequently, is not ritual but real, so the sacrifices which believers are now called to offer are all "living sacrifices"; and these--summed up in self-consecration to the service of God--are "holy and acceptable to God," making up together "our rational service" ( Romans 12:1 ).
- 20. CREDITS 11/12/2019
- 20 NOG40 - hagios - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 21 Sep, 2019TES Howard, Jeremy Royal, The HCSB Translation Team, Blum, Edwin & Holman Bible Staff (2010). HCSB Study Bible. B&H Publishing Group. SG4394 - prophēteia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV). 2. Vine, W. "Prophecy, Prophesy, Prophesying - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words 1. ESDraper, Charles, England, Archie & Brand, Chad (2009). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 1055). B&H Publishing Group. 1.Howard, Jeremy Royal, The HCSB Translation Team, Blum, Edwin & Holman Bible Staff. HCSB Study Bible. B&H Publishing Group (2010). Al artwork was taken from bing search engine and believed to be a free domain.