Romans 12.1-8 - Capitol Commission

 

Being “in the Right”   

 5­6 March 2012 

RON J. BIGALKE, PASTOR/MISSIONARY, CAPITOL COMMISSION, 912.659.4212 

Bible Study Title 

   

CAPITOL  BIBLE STUDY   (weekly schedule)  

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Ron J. Bigalke , PhD  / PO Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326‐0244 / www.capitolcom.org / [email protected] 

MONDAYS @ 5 PM in 123 CAP  TUESDAYS @ 7:15 AM in 123 CAP  TUESDAYS @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP 

Monday, 5 March 2012, &, Tuesday, 6 March 2012 Romans 12:1-8 – Being “in the Right” The righteousness of God is a truth proclaimed throughout Scripture. Believing this truth is more than just intellectual assent. Being “in the right” with God demands a practical response in one’s daily life. The nature of this “righteous” life is described in Romans 12:1—15:13, and will be the subject of the Capitol Commission Bible studies for the remainder of the 2012 legislative session. The practical response to being “in the right” with God is to dedicate your life to Him, which results in a transformed life (12:1-2). Being “transformed by the renewing of your mind” is evident by the sharing of spiritual gifts “that differ according to the grace given to us” (12:3-8). The transformed life is evident by interaction with others, who constitute the church (12:3-8), society (12:9-21), and government (13:1-14).

twofold experience, whereby those who have faith (i.e. believers) have been made holy in Christ, and continue to mature and desire holiness by the empowering of the indwelling Holy Spirit until believers enjoy complete conformity to Christ (which is glorification). The great, eternal truths that the Bible reveals to be true for the one who believes/trust in Jesus Christ is not something to be merely intellectual; rather, biblical truths are to profoundly affect the manner in which we live. The final section of the Book of Romans addresses this very subject. However, it does so based upon what has been previously revealed. The introduction to Romans is contained in the first 17 verses of chapter one. Romans 1:18—3:20 demonstrate how humanity universally is in need of God’s righteousness. The pagan needs God’s righteousness (1:18-32), as does the moral person (2:1-16) and the religious person (2:17—3:8). The reason for this universal need is because the character and conduct of humanity is sinful (unrighteous). As a consequence of sin, all humanity begins life as estranged from God because we are all sinners by nature and practice (1:18—3:20). The Roman lyricist Horace (65-8 BC) believed that a deus ex machina (“God from the machine”) should never be introduced on the stage unless some entanglement developed among the characters that only a god could resolve. Truly, the universal need of humanity described in 1:18— 3:20 is such an entanglement. The “but now” of 3:21 is indeed profound and begins a tremendous transition. GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS . . . IS RECEIVED THROUGH FAITH . . . ON  THE BASIS OF HIS GRACE. . . .    

Being “in the Right” with God Affects All Life

The Capitol Commission Bible studies have always begun and ended with the first and last verse of a biblical book. Since we completed the study in First John last week, and there are a only 11 legislative days remaining, the remaining Bible studies will focus upon Romans 12—16 since these verses are so applicable to the issues encountered among the Capitol community. Romans 12 introduces the final division; therefore, some context to what has already been revealed is necessary. Romans 12:1—15:13 reveal how God’s righteousness (i.e. being “in the right”) is applicable to all aspects of life. Romans 1—11 reveal the truth that God’s righteousness becomes one’s own when—by God’s grace—one has faith/trust in the work of Jesus Christ upon Calvary’s cross. When one is reconciled to God, it is both certain and eternal because the believer is in union with Christ and has the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. All those whom God “justified, He also glorified” (8:30). Justification is a legal (forensic) term with regard to acquittal; it refers to God’s action whereby He makes human beings, who are sinners and worthy of condemnation, to be made acceptable before a God who is holy and righteous. Sanctification is a

The remedy for our sinfulness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is received by grace through faith (3:21—8:39). The nature and provision of God’s righteousness is the subject of 3:21—4:25. God’s righteousness is not received by good deeds (3:21); rather, it is received through faith (3:22), and is available to all (3:22-23) on the basis of His grace (3:24). God’s righteousness is consistent with His character (3:25-26), and excludes any human boasting (3:27-31). God’s response to universal human sin is just because His character is such; therefore, the remedy to the problem of sin must destroy sin adequately, and, simultaneously, allow God to exercise His entire mercy. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only person who is adequately holy, and was the only acceptable offering that could be offered to an entirely holy God. The sacrifice of Christ upon Calvary’s cross allows God to be both just and the justifier. One who is justified by faith can be certain that God will never forsake him/her. God will complete the good work that He has begun; therefore, all believers can expect an ultimate glorification. Even now, believers are able to “exult in hope of the glory of God” (5:2). Romans 5—8 reveal the certainty and enduring quality of the believer’s justification. Romans 9—11 are a

 

CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES  MONDAY (5 MARCH) AT 5PM, 123 CAP *new time*  TUESDAY (6 MARCH) AT 7:15AM, 123 CAP  TUESDAY (6 MARCH) AT 12 NOON, 123 CAP (LUNCH PROVIDED FROM GEORGIA EMC) 

Georgia  Being “in the Right”   

  vindication of God’s character and a defense of His actions and conduct toward all humanity. The final section of Romans corresponds well with the earlier assertion, “the just [righteous] shall live by faith” (1:17, KJV). With great detail, Romans 12—15 explain the manner of such living.

God for our life, which our prior study in 1 John taught us grants us effectiveness in our prayer life (1 John 5:13-15; cf. John 15:7-8, 16).

THE BASIS OF THE TRANSFORMED LIFE 

(12:3-8) The primary thought of verses 1-2 is that the transformed life will be demonstrated inevitably in daily life in relation to those who constitute the church (12:3-8), society (12:9-21), and government (13:1-14). The expression of the transformed life will be evident in how we interact with fellow believers (this, of course, was also a primary teaching from our study in 1 John). Only when our lives are dedicated to God can we minister effectively and freely to others. The relevance of this truth to the Capitol community is apparent because every government authority serves as “a minister of God” (13:1, 4).

THE EXPRESSION OF THE TRANSFORMED LIFE 

(12:1-2) Being “in the right” with God is on the basis of His imputed righteousness. In the negative, the guilt and sin of Adam was imputed (transferred) to all humanity. In the positive, the righteousness of Christ is imputed (transferred) to those who believe/trust in Him for salvation. The explanation of God’s imputed righteousness in Romans 1—8 means that believers are to live righteously in accordance with the will of God. Righteous living is implied in Romans 12—15 because it is the natural consequence of imputed righteousness.

THE  TRANSFORMED  LIFE  IS  A  DECISIVE  ALLEGIANCE  TO  GOD.  .  .  .  WHEN  THE  ABSOLUTE  AND  OBJECTIVE  TRUTHS  OF  GOD’S  WORD  SATURATE  OUR  THOUGHTS,  THEN  OUR  MIND  WILL  BE  RENEWED,  WHICH WILL BE MANIFESTED . . . BY A TRANSFORMED LIFE.   

There are three distinct commands in verses 1-2. First, believers are admonished “to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice to God.” Second, believers are to resist being “conformed to this world.” Third, we are to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The first instruction indicates a decisive act: “present your bodies.” The last two instructions indicate a continual process that is the consequence when the command of verse 1 is heeded. The constant progression is stated both negatively (“do not be conformed to this world”) and positively (“be transformed”). The Greek word (metamorfou'sqe / metamorfousqe) translated “transformed” indicates an inner change of character that is manifested outwardly, similar to the biological metamorphosis of a butterfly. The transformed life is a decisive allegiance to God, which is the consequence of an inner character and devotion. The transformed life occurs “by the renewing of your mind.” Such renewing can occur only when one’s thought process is redirected, which occurs through the study of God’s Word. Believers are to memorize, reflect upon, and personalize the truths of Scripture. When the absolute and objective truths of God’s Word saturate our thoughts, then our mind will be renewed, which will be manifested ultimately by a transformed life. The transformed life demands resistance to the character and conduct of “this world.” Believers are not to conform their lives to the changing trends of society. The believer’s responsibility is to be conformed to the life of Christ and to portray the life of the age to come (Eph 1:21). We only belong to “this world” temporarily, and are obligated to exhibit the life of the age to come. The benefits of the transformed life is to “prove” (know) the will of

Verse 3 instructs us to examine our life and to evaluate ourselves realistically. It is crucial that we all do this because God “has allotted to each a measure of faith,” that is, a particular spiritual gift. If you are to fulfill the “will of God,” you will need to evaluate your life and gifts. To exercise our gifts “accordingly” (vv. 4-8), we cannot idealize our abilities or overestimate our importance, nor are we to disparage our unique gifts. We are to view our lives and service from the perspective of the Word of God so we can properly discern where God chose to place us in service to others as an expression of the transformed life. Believers in Jesus Christ are “many members in one body” (12:4; 1 Cor 12). The body of Christ is characterized by unity and diversity. Believers are “members” of the same body because we possess a common life in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, each believer has a unique function that God designed us to fulfill. Some of the spiritual gifts that God grants are listed in verses 68. The “gifts” are given supernaturally, that is, they are abilities and capacities bestowed sovereignly by God. Our responsibility is to discover and develop our spiritual gift for the benefit of others. The purpose of spiritual gifts is stated explicitly in Ephesians 4:12-16. God gives gifts so we may equip each other “for the work of service.” God’s gifts produce unity and maturity among believers, so we may be equipped properly to fulfill the will of God. Only when believers exercise their gifts in the manner that God intended will we effectively reach those who are not members of the body of Christ. Next week, we will learn how the transformed life affects our relationships with society and government! Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor to provide ongoing Bible studies to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with me, or contact me by email or phone (912.659.4212). We are praying for you personally throughout the day and week (1 Tim 2:1-4).

ABOUT CAPITOL COMMISSION  Capitol Commission state directors are pastors/missionaries who teach weekly verse-byverse Bible studies for the entire Capitol community. State directors also meet personally with many government leaders to proclaim God’s grace in salvation, to encourage our leaders, pray with them, and provide biblical counsel. The mission of Capitol Commission is to reach Capitol communities for Christ—one person at a time, to disciple them, and to prepare them for a lifetime of ministry, wherever God chooses to place them. Capitol Commission is a charitable and religious nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Capitol Commission is supported by the generous gifts of businesses, churches, and individuals. Capitol Commission is not state-funded; rather, those with a heart for the Capitol community fund it. Please join us in this ministry!

N EXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES: M ONDAY , 12 MARCH @ 5 PM in 123 CAP T UESDAY , 13 MARCH @ 7:15 AM in 123 CAP and again @ 12 N OON in 123 CAP