{"id":3554,"date":"2016-06-04T11:44:00","date_gmt":"2016-06-04T11:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/christian-gospel.info\/?p=3554"},"modified":"2020-12-29T15:38:07","modified_gmt":"2020-12-29T15:38:07","slug":"romans-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/?p=3554","title":{"rendered":"ROMANS 12"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

We hope you find these notes helpful. Do feel free to download the material on this website for your own personal use, and also to distribute if you so wish. Please be aware that all the writing is copyright, so no alterations should be made.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please feel free to comment on any aspect of what you find on this website using the contact form at the end of each article. We would be pleased to hear from you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BELIEVERS IN RELATION TO ONE ANOTHER IN THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The epistle to the Romans is in three main sections, chapters 1-8, 9-11, and 12-16. Each begins on a personal note by the apostle, and each closes with a note of praise to God. Chapters 1-11 are more expositional in character, whilst 12-16 are more exhortational, but this should not be pressed. We note the general and important lesson that true exhortation can only be on the basis of previously known and understood exposition. Duty must be governed by doctrine, practice by principle.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Romans 12<\/span><\/td>\nBelievers in relation to one another in the body<\/span><\/td>\nSERVICE<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Romans 13<\/span><\/td>\nBelievers in relation to the powers that be<\/span><\/td>\nSUBMISSION<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Romans 14-15:7<\/span><\/td>\nBelievers in relation to another’s conscience<\/span><\/td>\nRECEPTION<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Romans 15:8-33<\/span><\/td>\nBelievers in relation to another’s background<\/span><\/td>\nUNITY<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Romans 16<\/span><\/td>\n Believers in relation to Paul<\/span><\/td>\nSALUTATIONS<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

STRUCTURE OF ROMANS 12<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Verses<\/span> 1-5<\/span><\/td>\nExhortations to godly living<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Verses 6-8<\/span><\/td>\nExercise of gifts in the Assembly<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Verses 9-21<\/span><\/td>\nExhibition of grace to others<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES, AS FOUND IN THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS CHAPTER 12, VERSES 1 to 5:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:1\u00a0 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a012:2\u00a0 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a012:3\u00a0 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a012:4\u00a0 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a012:5\u00a0 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:1-5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 EXHORTATIONS TO GODLY LIVING<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Verse 1<\/span><\/td>\nRendering the body to God<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Verse 2<\/span><\/td>\nRenewing of the mind<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Verse 3<\/span><\/td>\nRestraining of the mind<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Verses 4,5<\/span><\/td>\nRelating to the members of the body, the church
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

12:1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 RENDERING THE BODY TO GOD<\/strong>
\n<\/span>
\n12:1\u00a0 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The first three exhortations, “present”, “be not conformed”, “be ye transformed”, prepare us to prove the will of God. <\/span>
\nI beseech you-<\/span><\/strong> as we are not under law, but grace, we should respond to exhortations. “Draw me, we will run after thee”, Song of Solomon 1:4, “I will draw all unto Me”, John 12:32. <\/span>
\nTherefore-<\/span><\/strong> the exhortation has a logical basis.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nBy the mercies of God-<\/span><\/strong> this is the basis of the exhortation.\u00a0 Remembering that chapters 9-11 form a parenthesis, this refers to 8:32, “He that spared not His own Son”.\u00a0 In Genesis 22 the father surrendered his son to sacrifice, then Isaac surrendered himself, and the ram surrendered to the knife.\u00a0 By the mercies of God- the tender mercies, not the same as mercy in 9:18, which is judicial mercy.
\nThat ye present your bodies-<\/span><\/strong> in 1:24 bodies were dishonoured; in 3:13-15 they were used for sinning; but in 6:6 the body of sin is destroyed (robbed of its authority); in 8:10 the body is dead or totally inactive in the service of God apart from the energy of the Spirit within.\u00a0 In one sense the body is His already, being bought with a price, 1 Corinthians 6:19,20, but here it is presented to God in willing surrender.\u00a0 The body is perhaps the most liable to lead us to sin, being the headquarters of the sin-principle within, (hence\u00a0 the expression ‘body of sin’ in Romans 6:6), and capable of being used as an instrument of unrighteousness, 6:13.\u00a0 To present means to hand over, being the same as is translated “yield” in 6:13. Sit is the same as in Luke 2:22, where the infant Christ is presented to the Lord, and Acts 1:3, where the risen Lord “shewed (presented) Himself alive”, to His disciples.\u00a0 Present is in the aorist tense signifying a decisive action.\u00a0 This does not necessarily mean it is done only once.\u00a0 Rather, it means that when it is done then it should be done decisively.\u00a0 We are to take up our cross daily, Luke 9:23.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nA living sacrifice-<\/span><\/strong> this is the same thought as in 6:13, where the apostle exhorts us to “yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead”.\u00a0 Death must come to rid us of association with Adam, then in resurrection we begin life in association with Christ.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nHoly-<\/span><\/strong> everything that touched the altar had to be holy in Old Testament times.\u00a0 God’s standard does not change, although the way it manifests itself may.\u00a0 Holy also signifies suitable to offered to God, separate from defect.\u00a0 Defects would be features that are not Christ-like. Wild animals could not be offered on God’s altar.\u00a0 See Acts 10:, where Gentile unbelievers are likened to wild beasts.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAcceptable unto God-<\/span><\/strong> as they will be if living, holy and Christ-like. Acceptable means well-pleasing to God, and therefore that which He is able to accept.\u00a0 Cf. Hebrews 10:8, “neither hadst pleasure therein….offered by law”. Christ’s sacrifice was made in willing submission to His Father, not as a result of coercion.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nWhich is your reasonable service-<\/span><\/strong> reasonable literally means logical, rational, intelligent.\u00a0 The logical outcome of a consideration of the compassion of God.\u00a0 Note the mind has been at work, and had made deductions and come to conclusions.\u00a0 The word for service here is religious service, being service directed to God.\u00a0 The believer can perform greater service than even those of Aaron’s line as they stood at the altar.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 RENEWING OF THE MIND<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:2\u00a0 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

And be not conformed to this world-<\/span><\/strong> do not conform yourselves to this age, marked as it is by having rejected Christ.\u00a0 The Devil is the god of this age, 2 Corinthians 4:4.\u00a0 To conform means to fashion oneself according to the outward resemblance to the world. . It is not possible for a believer to turn into a worldling, for that would mean there had been a change of nature; The Lord Jesus described His own thus, “they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world”, John 17:14.\u00a0 Since we have Divine life, then in that respect we are of heaven, as He is.\u00a0 But there can be the adoption of the superficial things that mark the world, and we can “walk as men”, 1 Corinthians 3:3.\u00a0 The “but of the next phrase presents the spiritual alternative.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nBut be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind-<\/span><\/strong> really speaking, fashioning ourselves like the world is mindless.\u00a0 Transformed means to be changed as to the manifestation of the reality within.\u00a0 This is the same as “growing up into Him in all things”,\u00a0 Ephesians 4:15.\u00a0 The renewing of the mind involves constant adjustment of the thinking processes by the application of truths to do with Christ.\u00a0 The mind of the worldling is occupied with Adam’s world, for he can rise no higher.\u00a0 The mind of the Christian should be focussed on heavenly, spiritual things, so that the new things introduced by Christ, (as opposed to the old things of Adam), may transform us into His likeness.\u00a0 The wise man said of the sinner “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”, Proverbs 23:7.<\/span>
\nThat ye may prove-<\/span> <\/strong>test, prove, with the expectation of approving; primarily used of metals.\u00a0 Having presented, and not fashioned, and been transformed, we shall be in a position to know what the will of God is in every situation.\u00a0 The proving is done before we act, not afterwards.\u00a0 Abraham’s servant said, “I being in the way, the Lord led me”, Genesis 24:27.\u00a0 He acted on the mind of God expressed though Abraham as he sent him on his mission, but then further light was given him.\u00a0 If he had not acted on the first instruction, he would not have come across Rebekah.<\/span>
\nWhat is that good-<\/span> <\/strong>beneficial to others; as unbelievers we were only interested in self, now we are constantly to think of others.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd acceptable-<\/span><\/strong> meaning well-pleasing to God.\u00a0 What this is will be known by a renewed and transformed mind.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd perfect will of God-<\/span><\/strong> God’s perfect will is that which attains the goal God intends.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 RESTRAINING THE MIND<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:3\u00a0 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For I say, through the grace given unto me-<\/span><\/strong> the apostle is careful to emphasise that he only speaks in according with the favour (grace) of God given him; he does not speak on his own authority or in his own strength.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nTo every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think-<\/span><\/strong> this does not mean that a man may think highly of himself as long as he does it in moderation.\u00a0 Rather, not to be high-minded, which is being minded above what a man should.\u00a0 It is the character of the world, and its god, to be full of pride.\u00a0 The opposite is dependence on God in faith.\u00a0 “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith”, Habakkuk 2:4.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nBut to think soberly-<\/span> <\/strong>in a controlled way.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAccording as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith-<\/span><\/strong> God has measured the boundaries within which faith, (meaning, in this context, dependence on Him), operates; if we are high-minded, we shall go beyond this measure.\u00a0 The measure is the same for all believers, for it is not “a” measure of faith, as if some had more than others, but “the” measure that is common to all believers, as they control their thinking so that it does not stray into the realm of pride.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12:4,5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 RELATING TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

12:4\u00a0 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For as we have many members in one body-<\/span><\/strong> as humans we have bodies consisting of many members, such as organs, limbs, etc.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd all members have not the same office- each part of our body has its own function to perform, being fitted for that task by God.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nSo we, being many, are one body in Christ-<\/span><\/strong> the human body is used as an illustration of the relationship between Christ, who now that He has ascended to heaven is the head of all things, and believers of this present age considered collectively as the body of Christ, see Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:18,24.\u00a0 The way this is ideally worked out is in the context of a local assembly, as 1 Corinthians 12 explains.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd every one members one of another-<\/span><\/strong> the emphasis in this passage is on the relationship between the members of the body of Christ.\u00a0 Just as members of our body interact for the good of the whole, so should believers relate to one another in a positive way, so that God’s purpose may be worked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES, AS FOUND IN THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS CHAPTER 12, VERSES 6 to 8:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:6\u00a0 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a012:7\u00a0 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a012:8\u00a0 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:6-8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 EXERCISE OF GIFTS IN THE ASSEMBLY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:6\u00a0 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Having then gifts differing according to the grace given unto us-<\/span><\/strong> just as members of our bodies have abilities, some more, some less, some visible, some invisible, so it is with the body of Christ, the church.\u00a0 The gift God has given to each believer is perfectly matched by the needed grace, (which is unmerited favour, here considered as given to believers after they are saved by grace), for the exercise of that gift.\u00a0 He favours each member in such a way, and to such a degree, that the gift can be used for His glory, and the building up of other believers.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nWhether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith-<\/span><\/strong> in the days before the New Testament was written, and therefore before it was available for study, prophets were raised up by God so that they could tell forth His mind and will.\u00a0 They were to do this in faith, however, i.e. in reliance upon Him, and not adding or taking from the message given to them to pass on.\u00a0 A prophecy which unfolded the mind of God on some deep matter needed to be accompanied by the proportionate amount of faith on the part of the prophet, for he must believe the doctrine he is setting forth.\u00a0 To unfold a matter and only half-believe it would not advance the cause of truth.\u00a0 There are no prophets today, since the need for them has gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:7\u00a0 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering-<\/span><\/strong> if prophets needed to be careful lest they alter God’s word, the ministers, i.e. those who did deacon work in the church, needed to be careful lest they became slack.\u00a0 They must wait on their ministry, that is, be committed to it, attentive like a good waiter is attentive to the diners in a restaurant.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nOr he that teacheth, on teaching-<\/span><\/strong> the teacher must be attentive to his particular work for the Lord, giving time and energy to it, see 1 Timothy 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 3:15.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12:8\u00a0 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation-<\/span><\/strong> this is a very valuable ministry, for the saints need to be encouraged and strengthened, for they live in a hostile environment.\u00a0 There is plenty to discourage us, so we need the ministry of encouragement.\u00a0 Note that prophecy and ministry come first, then when a doctrinal foundation has been laid, the exhorter can encourage continuance in the faith already taught. Needless to add, the methods of stimulation and motivation which the business world uses is of no value in Christian things, for the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God, and He condemns those who seek to incorporate these techniques into the church, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nHe that giveth, let him do it with simplicity-<\/span><\/strong> that is, without self-seeking. The giver should have a simple aim of benefitting another, and glorifying God.\u00a0 He (or she), should not give to gain some advantage, which is why the giving should, ideally, be anonymous.\u00a0 Each believer will want to respond to God’s goodness by supporting His work financially, see 1 Corinthians 16:2.\u00a0 So clearly this gift of being able to give is distinct, and relates to those to whom the Lord has given resources, so they may channel them to the furtherance of His interests.\u00a0 Every believer is expected to give to the Lord’s interests, 1 Corinthians 16:2, “every one of you lay by him in store”.\u00a0 Some, however, have resources God has given them, and they are given the gift or ability to handle those resources wisely for God.\u00a0 The apostle makes a clear distinction between those who are determined to be rich, 1 Timothy 6:9, margin, and those who are rich, verse 17.\u00a0 The former are warned of the perils of the love of money, the latter are encouraged in the distribution of money.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nHe that ruleth, with diligence-<\/span><\/strong> the word rule can mean take the lead, or it can mean to direct a business.\u00a0 The latter would follow on well from the previous idea of giving, and would be in connection with the administration and organisation of Christian charity, education, or medical work, for example.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nHe that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness-<\/span> <\/strong>as with giving, in a general way all believers should be merciful, but some are gifted in a special way with the ability to minister to the needs of those who are in need, whether saint or sinner.\u00a0 “A merry heart doeth good like medicine”, Proverbs 17:22.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES, AS FOUND IN THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS CHAPTER 12, VERSES 9 TO 21:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

12:9\u00a0 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:10\u00a0 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:11\u00a0 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:12\u00a0 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:13\u00a0 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n12:14\u00a0 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.<\/span> <\/strong>
\n<\/span>
\n 12:15\u00a0 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:16\u00a0 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:17\u00a0 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:18\u00a0 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:19\u00a0 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:20\u00a0 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
\n<\/span><\/strong>
\n 12:21\u00a0 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:9-21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 EXHIBITION OF GRACE TO OTHERS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12:9\u00a0 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Let love be without dissimulation-<\/span><\/strong> that is, hypocrisy, as when we show what appears to be love for the wrong motive.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAbhor that which is evil-<\/span><\/strong> in connection with evil things, the opposite of love should mark us, as it did the One who “hated iniquity”, Hebrews 1:9.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nCleave to that which is good-<\/span><\/strong> be wedded to good things in a life-long marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:10\u00a0 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Be kindly affectioned one to another-<\/span><\/strong> this is the love of those who are in a family.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nWith brotherly love-<\/span><\/strong> which is strong and effective.\u00a0 “A brother is born for adversity”, Proverbs 17:17
\nIn honour preferring one another-<\/span> <\/strong>be the first to step forward to give honour to another in the family of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:11\u00a0 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Not slothful in business-<\/span><\/strong> which was originally spelt ‘busyness’, meaning diligence.\u00a0 The Greek word is “spoude!”, the cry of those who spurred on their favourite runner at the Olympics. <\/span>
\nFervent in spirit-<\/span><\/strong> boiling-hot in enthusiasm.\u00a0 Compare the Laodiceans, who were lukewarm, Revelation 3:16.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nServing the Lord-<\/span> <\/strong>slaving away for Him.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:12\u00a0 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rejoicing in hope-<\/span><\/strong> as in Romans 5:2.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nPatient in tribulation-<\/span><\/strong> as in Romans 5:3. Not allowing the present afflictions to deprive us of the rejoicing which the thought of the future hope brings.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>
\nContinuing instant in prayer-<\/span><\/strong> steadfast prayer is the source of strength in adversity, and the source of the strength, also, to persevere to the end.\u00a0 “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint”, Luke 18:1.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:13\u00a0 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Distributing to the necessity of the saints-<\/span><\/strong> sharing with those in need.\u00a0 Remember the Lord’s word about those of a future day, who will feed, clothe and visit those who are in need during the tribulation period, “Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye did it unto me”, Matthew 25:40.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nGiven to hospitality-<\/span><\/strong> literally ‘pursuing hospitality’, actively seeking opportunities to share the home God has given to you, with others.\u00a0 Those who receive such an invitation to hospitality should consider whether, if they refuse, they are depriving a believer of an opportunity to serve the Lord.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12:14\u00a0 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not-<\/span><\/strong> there is a play on words here, pursuing hospitality to bless others thereby; bless those that pursue you to harm you. There is a double exhortation to bless because it is not easy in such circumstances.\u00a0 And the oppositie is mentioned as well, for paul knows that the flesh resists doing this, so we need the help of the Spirit.\u00a0 As Peter wrote, “not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are hereunto called, that ye should inherit blessing”, 1 Peter 3:9.\u00a0 Believers have an added blessing from God as part of their inheritance if they respond to evil in the way that is encouraged here.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:15\u00a0 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rejoice with them that do rejoice-<\/span><\/strong> share in the joys of others, not being so “spiritual” as to be unfeeling.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd weep with them that weep-<\/span><\/strong> the shortest verse in English is “Jesus wept”, John 11:35; the shortest verse in Greek is “Rejoice evermore”, 1 Thessalonians 5:16.\u00a0 The Lord Jesus was present at a marriage, and supplied the wine of His joy which was superior to any other.\u00a0 He stood by a graveside and wept, but went further and turned sadness into joy with the raising of Lazarus.\u00a0 We cannot do this, but we can console those who are sad by giving them thoughts of Christ.\u00a0 Did He not promise that His people would do greater works than He had done? John 14:12.\u00a0 It is a greater work to turn a believer’s sadness into joy than it is to turn water into wine.\u00a0 It is only because He has gone back to the Father, with all that involves in terms of the release of spiritual power, that we can accomplish such things.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12:16\u00a0 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Be of the same mind one toward another-<\/span><\/strong> minding or feeling the same things towards each, not being partial to those you consider more on your level.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nMind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate-<\/span><\/strong> do not have such a high opinion of yourself that you are not prepared to allow the needy, (men of low estate), to “take you by the hand” so that you go to help them. <\/span>
\nBe not wise in your own conceits-<\/span><\/strong> be not wise according to your own opinion, so that your mind is closed to the thoughts of others.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:17\u00a0 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Recompense to no man evil for evil-<\/span><\/strong> note the use of word evil in view of the word repay in verse 19.\u00a0 This attitude is totally contrary to the Adam-nature, but in harmony with the nature of Christ.\u00a0 “When He was reviled, He reviled not again”, 1 Peter 2:23.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nProvide things honest in the sight of all men-<\/span><\/strong> be sure that the things you do are beyond the reproach of critical unbelievers, who watch closely your life, and who have a higher standard for you than they have for themselves. ‘<\/span><\/p>\n

12:18\u00a0 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peacebly with all men-<\/span><\/strong> as much as depends on you, live in harmony with unbelievers, not antagonising them.\u00a0 There is no virtue in being deliberately provocative.\u00a0 On the other hand, some unbelievers are determined to make trouble for believers, however desirous of living peaceably with them the believers are.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:19\u00a0 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves-<\/span><\/strong> as those who are dearly loved by God, but hated by men, do not retaliate when angry men attack you because of your faith.\u00a0 When we appreciate God’s love for us, we shall have the right attitude of heart towards those who hate us.\u00a0 This is not to say we should condone injustice.\u00a0 Christ asked why He had been struck by the officer at His trial, in order to expose the illegality of the act, John 18:22,23.\u00a0 Paul embarrassed the magistrates in Philippi by asking why they were preparing to scourge him, when as a Roman citizen he was protected for that punishment, Acts 16:37-39.\u00a0 By doing this, the apostle was protecting the new believers in Philippi from harassment after they had left. <\/span>
\nBut rather give place unto wrath-<\/span><\/strong> step aside when the wrath of men is coming your way; let it pass, and let God deal with the matter, as detailed in the quotation which follows.<\/span>
\nFor it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord-<\/span><\/strong> God is perfectly capable of defending His cause in the world, and He will do it in His own way.\u00a0 “The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God”, James 1:20, so we should avoid carnal reactions to situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:20\u00a0 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Therefore-<\/span><\/strong> in view of the foregoing exhortations.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nIf thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst give him drink-<\/span><\/strong> now the positive action after the negative refusal to retaliate. We should actively do good to our enemies, for this fulfils Christ’s word, “Love your enemies”, Matthew 5:38-48.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nFor in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head-<\/span> <\/strong>perhaps the apostle deliberately chose a passage from Proverbs which seemed to suggest vengeance, in order that we show that we have understood his teaching by doing good to our enemies.\u00a0 It may be that there were fire-sellers in the East, carrying live coals on their heads in a container.\u00a0 If their fire was going out, it was kindness to give them a coal from your own fire.\u00a0 This is the desirable outcome of doing good to an enemy.\u00a0 On the other hand, by doing good to an enemy, the believer is adding to the judgement which, if the enemy remains unrepentant, God in His vengeance will execute on him in the judgement day.\u00a0 Both outcomes preserve God’s right to deal with the enemies of His people.<\/span><\/p>\n

12:21\u00a0 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Be not overcome of evil-<\/span><\/strong> which you will be if you retaliate, for that is part of the purpose of the enemy in attacking, to get us to act contrary to Christ.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nBut overcome evil with good-<\/span><\/strong> the preposition for “with” is “en”, so the idea is of the believer surrounding\u00a0 himself with righteous deeds, so that they form a protective shield when the enemy comes.\u00a0 Note how this attitude in relation to persecution prepares the way for the next chapter with its insistence that we do not resist the powers that be.\u00a0 The Roman believers would soon be persecuted fiercely by the authorities, so the apostle’s instruction is very timely.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We hope you find these notes helpful. Do feel free to download the material on this website for your own personal use, and also to distribute if you so wish. Please be aware that all the writing is copyright, so no alterations should be made. Please feel free to comment on any aspect of what […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":8,"footnotes":""},"categories":[200],"tags":[803,465,804],"class_list":["post-3554","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-romans-12","tag-christian","tag-gospel","tag-info"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3554","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3554"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3554\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4670,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3554\/revisions\/4670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}