Romans 12.9-21 - Capitol Commission
A Life of Service
1213 March 2012
RON J. BIGALKE, PASTOR/MISSIONARY, CAPITOL COMMISSION, 912.659.4212
Bible Study Title
Ron J. Bigalke , PhD / PO Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326‐0244 / www.capitolcom.org / [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY (weekly schedule)
GOD’S WORD IS TO BE HEEDED; YET, GOD ALSO GIVES THE PROVISION FOR DOING SO BECAUSE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS ALWAYS CONCERNED WITH LIVING BY GOD’S GRACE AND FOR HIS GLORY.
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MONDAYS @ 5 PM in 123 CAP TUESDAYS @ 7:15 AM in 123 CAP TUESDAYS @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Monday, 12 March 2012, and, Tuesday, 13 March 2012 Romans 12:9-21 – A Life of Service Romans 12:1-2 provided instructions with regard to the “transformed” life. Romans 12:3—13:14 describes the expression of the “transformed” life, especially with regard to the church (12:3-8), society (12:9-21), and the state (13:1-14). The logical progression for the expression of the “transformed” life is first to be related properly to God. Certainly, the believer’s relationship to God is to be the most intimate (12:1-2), which will be manifested by meaningful service to other Christians and a convincing testimony to an unsaved world. The logical progression of Scripture for living acceptable to God is based upon imputed (transferred) righteousness. Justification, which is related to the notion of acquittal, is the divine act whereby God makes humans—who are sinful and condemned—to be acceptable before Him, who is holy and righteous. Justification by grace through faith implies righteousness living in accordance with the standards of the Bible (which is defined in Scripture as sanctification). JUSTIFICATION
practical righteousness
Imputed Righteousness
Implied Righteousness
positional righteousness
SANCTIFICATION
The admonitions that are revealed in God’s Word are predicated logically upon the exhortation to present one’s entire being—as a decisive act—to God. Only as one who believes/trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ—by grace through faith—is it possible to manifest the “transformed” life, and thereby have a life of service that is “acceptable to God” (12:3—13:14). Submission to God is essential: “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (12:1).
One’s effectiveness in applying the principles of Scripture will be in proportion to one’s determination to heed the admonitions of 12:1-2, namely “to present” yourself as “a living and holy sacrifice,” to “not be conformed to this world,” and to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” God’s Word is to be heeded; yet, God also gives the provision for doing so because the Christian life is always concerned with living by God’s grace and for His glory. The results of the “transformed” life are evident as one relates to other Christians and to the general society of which we are an integral part.
TO SERVE WITH DIVINE ENABLING (12:1-8 in review from last week) There are 3 distinct commands in Romans 12:1-2. The Christian is admonished to “present” his/her life to God, to resist conformity “to this world,” and to “be transformed by the renewing” of his/her “mind.” The first command entails a decisive act. The last two commands entail a continual process that should be evident in the life of one who believes/trusts in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, if the admonition to “present” yourself as “a living and holy sacrifice” is heeded. The primary thought in the introductory verses of Romans 12 is that the “transformed” life will be evident in one’s daily life. The beginning of the “transformed” life is through a decisive presentation of your entire being to God. The transformation occurs “by the renewing of your mind,” which emphasizes the necessity to study the Bible. Only as the objective truths of God’s Word captivate our thoughts will our mind be renewed, and the “transformed” life will be the result. Not only is a restructuring of our thought life necessary, but also we are instructed to resist conformity “to this world” because Christians are to exhibit the life of the “age to come” (Eph 1:21). One of the many benefits of the “transformed” life is that the believer “may prove what the will of God is.” The reality that our lives have been dedicated to God will find expression through a life of service. The first expression of service is with regard to the church since the Christian’s initial responsibility is to other members of the “body in Christ.” There are two categories for ministering to others: (1) evaluate self realistically (do not “think more highly of [self] than [we] ought to think”); and, (2) exercise God’s gifts accordingly (“as God has allotted”). Proper evaluation of yourself will lead to proper exercise of your spiritual gifts. There is unity as “one body in Christ,” yet there is also diversity because God has sovereignly distributed a variety of gifts to the members of
CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES MONDAY (12 MARCH) AT 5PM, 123 CAP *new time* TUESDAY (13 MARCH) AT 7:15AM, 123 CAP TUESDAY (13 MARCH) AT 12 NOON, 123 CAP (lunch provided through Walton EMC sponsorship)
Georgia A Life of Service
the church. Each member has a distinct function that he/she was purposely designed to fulfill. There are 7 spiritual gifts stated in verses 6-8. Prophecy:
proclaiming biblical truth
Service:
meeting physical needs
Teaching:
explaining biblical truth
Exhortation:
admonishing with biblical truth
Giving:
supplying to those in need
Leading:
administering decently and orderly
Mercy:
bringing cheer and joyfulness
toward those who are spiteful toward you (12:14; cf. Luke 6:27-28). The forbearance described is not mere outward blessing; rather, it would include refraining from inward reservations or private expressions. We should empathize “with those who rejoice” and “with those who weep” (12:15). Instruction was already stated for giving “preference to one another,” and demonstrating empathy toward others is an appropriate expression of such preference. The emphasis of Scripture is upon an attitude of active and creative love toward those who are enemies (12:20). There are two reasons why we are never to take our “own revenge” (12:19). First, vengeance is the responsibility of God. The Old Testament, (which is quoted) substantiates this truth (cf. Ps 11:6; 140:10; Prov 25:21-22). Our responsibility is to “leave room for the wrath of God” because He can execute vengeance much more effectively than we ever could. Moreover, the Christian’s continual remembrance and knowledge that there is a coming literal doom of the unrighteous is a profound incentive to live righteously, and ample motivation to love and pray for those who are lost.
TO SERVE WITH HOPE AND JOY
Second, we do not want to take our “own revenge” because God does not desire for the church to “be overcome by evil,” but wants us to “overcome evil with good” (12:21). There is a fundamental spiritual principle stated here. If one returns evil for evil, then evil has effectively destroyed him/her. However, if someone returns good for evil, then evil is overcome. Do you desire for your enemies to respond with kindness? Scripture instructs us to be kind to them. We should consider what we seek to accomplish in our relationships. Do you merely desire to “get even” with enemies, or do you desire to see them become healed by responding positively toward you? If our desire is for healing, then we are to use kindness in our interactions toward enemies. If you condescend to evil, then you have already been overcome by evil, and your archenemy will have truly defeated you. Let good overcome your life so you can serve others and thereby glorify God.
(12:9-21) The broader responsibilities of the Christian include love for other believers (12:9-13, 16) and even for those who are not Christians (12:14-21). Verses 9-21 could be accurately entitled, “How to Work Well with Others.” While it is absolutely critical to understand what Christ accomplished for sinners through His death upon Calvary’s cross, such knowledge and belief is to have tremendous significance in the interpersonal relationships that we encounter daily. There are practical ramifications that are the result of being justified by God. To possess the righteousness of God—by grace through faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—is to affect your interaction with other people, both those who are Christians and even those who are not. The Christian faith is applicable to both vertical and horizontal relationships. Vertically, an individual must have justification with God (which was the repeated emphasis of Romans 1—8). Horizontally, a Christian is to live in peace with those we encounter in our daily lives. The admonitions of Scripture explain how it is possible to live in peace with others, even foes.
There is a faith unmixed with doubt, a love all free from fear; A walk with Jesus, where is felt His presence always near. There is a rest which God bestows, transcending pardon’s peace, A lowly, sweet simplicity, where inward conflicts cease. There is a service, God-inspired, a zeal that tireless grows, A being “crucified with Christ,” where joy unceasing flows. There is a being “right with God” that yields to His commands Unswerving, true fidelity, a loyalty that stands. – Anonymous
. . . “DO NOT TALK CREAM AND LIVE SKIM MILK.”
Love is defined as being “without hypocrisy” (12:9) and without being selfish (12:10) For lack of better words: “do not talk cream and live skim milk.” Love for fellow believers is expressed through the exercise of spiritual gifts in an energetic, humble, joyful, and kindly manner (12:6-13). All our actions as believers should be with due consideration toward other Christians. Our attitudes are to be hopeful and joyful (12:12). The expression of love toward those who are not Christians is to be with behavior that is both decent and kind. Christians are told to be forbearing
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 , 19 MARCH @ 5 PM in 123 CAP T UESDAY , 20 MARCH @ 7:15 AM in 123 CAP and again @ 12 N OON in 123 CAP
