Paul's letter to all the believers in Rome
A chapter of admonition. Be diligent in ones offices. Be good and bless those who are evil.
Romans 12 - ASV
1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
A very strong request. It is a serious matter. Attention alone is not enough.
Think of the great mercies of God. We did not justly gain our reward. It is the grace, the blessings, the free gift of God.
Present even your bodies; not just your spirits, your souls. Be of Christ. Be with Him through and through.
A new kind of sacrifice. Not a dead one for atonement. Christ had already offered up Himself as an atonement. We are offering a living sacrifice, not for sin; but for the glory of God, the glory of His kingdom, His union, His family.
Our aim must be directed to God, acceptable to Him. We should not act in ungodly ways.
We are to serve Him alive, for He is a living God. We render our spiritual service to Him which is a living sacrifice. All the time we afirm that He is living and we are living in Him/according to His will.
2. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Be fashioned according to God and His will. Be opposing to the fashions of this world. Be holy for God is holy/set apart.
WE are to change our old selves into new Godly ones, renewing our minds. Deleting the evil of the past; installing all Godly attitude, sentiment, deeds and purpose. Be perfect in the perfect will of God.
We are not alone. We are led by the will of God.
We prove ourselves by our deeds. Trees are recognised by their fruits.
We are not our old selves. All things have passed away. All things are new. Be transformed, not conformed to this world or to the powers of the air.
3. For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
Paul is what he is by the grace given to him; not by his own effort and deeds.
The assemblies are composed of people of all sorts.
Be what you are. Be honest to yourselves. Be careful by/with ones given/alloted faith.
4. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:
Each has a different alloted faith, strength and purpose. All are parts of a commonwealth. All should be in unity, working together.
5. so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.
The body of/in Christ consists of many different strength, ability and personalities.
6. And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;
God distributes according to His will which we ought to follow for our good/righteousness. Let us produce the utmost with what is alloted to us.
Let us strive to perfection with whatever is entrusted to us.
Let us be absolutely faithful to God. Be good and faithful stewards.
7. or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;
Let us give ourselves in faith, trusting in God.
Let us not dwell on tasks that are not our allotment, but work faithfully with what is entrusted and granted to us.
His grace is sufficient to us.
8. or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let us do our jobs well, no withholding.
9. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be truthful. Do not pretend or act falsely.
Do not fancy evil. Do not dwell in mistakes. Be honest.
Clink to goodness. Be with God. Be righteous. Be good. Be opposing to evil and any thing that is evil.
Have true Godly love. Not just any kind of hypocritic expression.
10. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;
Love the brethren. Do not be rough to one another.
Let others be honored first. No need to force ones way to reward.
11. in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Be zealous and active in serving God.
Be continuous. Steady.
No need to complain to God; but be attentive.
12. rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;
We can rejoice in hope. The hope of our future. Rejoice in the promises of God which cannot fail.
Do not give up praying. Talk to God always.
13. communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.
Help the saints/true believers with their needs/livelihood.
14. Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
Love, cherish, and save.
Work for the good of others. Think of good things. Do not be snared by violence and evil.
Have understanding. Be considerate.
Know that they are in sin, needing salvation. Work for their salvation. Pray for their good. Do not allot bad things to them.
15. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
Be attentive, be sensitive. Do things according to the need of the time.
Share with others their needs.
16. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Be unity in truth and action.
Do not set your minds on unreachable things. Work for lowly tasks for the sake of others.
17. Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
Do good to others.
Work for the glory of God. Work for the salvation of others.
18. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
Try to work peacefully, for peace. Do not start with strive, destruction and hurt.
19. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
Know that God is in control, and He is just.
God is the final judge. Look up to Him.
20. But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.
Help whoever needs help.
Work for their good. Aim for the salvation of their souls.
21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Know that you are struggling against evil. Use good.
Your powerful weapon and tools is goodness.
Oppose evil and destruction with what is opposing to it - goodness, love, righteousness, Godliness, truth, faith, hope, steadfastness in sincerity, kindness, thoughtfulness, care, blessings, prayers to God.
Have mercy.
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