October 2012
Searching the Scriptures
“Search the Scriptures…They are they which testify of me.” John 5:39
Author: Bob Moses
Commentary on Romans
Chapter 12
We arrive at Chapter 12 and find that it is pretty straight forward, and easy to understand. Therefore I will not contribute much in the way expository. I would encourage you nevertheless, to ponder the content prayerfully and meditate upon the passages to glean their full meaning and how to apply their teaching to your daily walk.
Verse 1—3: “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. 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. 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.” Paul is calling us into remembrance that we are not of this world nor should we be conformed to this world. We are to think spiritually and seek out what God would expect of us. Further, we are not to be boastful or high-minded, but to soberly contemplate our position both before God and our fellow man.
Verse 4 & 5: “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.” Our body is made up of different parts. The eye has a different function than the ear, the hands different than the feet, the arms differ from the legs, and so forth. Thus the body of Christ is also made up of different members and each of us has a different function.
Verse 6--8: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; 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.” These are the attributes of the various functions of the body of Christ. And not these only, seek out and discover what your calling is before God, then be about it with diligence.
Verse 9—13: “Let love be without dissimulation-(hiding or under false appearances). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned-(tender affection: kind) one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Not slothful-(laziness) in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Notice the parallels and contrast shown here. Love, be kind toward one another, preferring one another (over the non spiritual); Not lazy, but fervent; rejoice, be patient; instant in prayer, given to hospitality. All these reflect spiritual qualities, which are to be manifest in Christians. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like.
Verses 14—18: “Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 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. Recompense-(to return in kind) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men.”
Verses 19—21: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place- (turn from) wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 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. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
| 
