Verse By Verse Through Romans

Chapter Twelve

Romans 12:1 “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.”

• To beseech is to: “to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): - beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray” (Strong’s # 3870) . Also, translated: “pray” (Acts 27:34), “comforted” (II Corinthians 7:7), “desired” (II Corinthians 12:18), “exhort” (II Timothy 4:2).
• We are presentable to God because of the mercies [compassion; pity] of God (Psalms 5:4-7, Lamentations 3:22, Titus 3:3-5, and Jude 1:21).
• Present your bodies (Romans 6:13, Romans 6:19, I Corinthians 6:13-20, Philippians 1:20, and Hebrews 10:22).
• A living sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15-16 and I Peter 2:5-9).
• Reasonable [logical; rational] (Hebrews 5:14) service (Hebrews 12:28-29).
• Service to God requires faithfulness to His will rather than man’s (Galatians 1:10).
• Service is not the same as worship (Matthew 4:10). Service is broad; can be accomplished in anything pleasing to God. Wherein worship is focused and spiritual (John 4:20-24). People should understand this. The “service industry” is not confused with a “worship industry.”
• Focal point is “acceptable unto God” (Psalms 15:1-5, Luke 6:46, John 14:23-24, Ephesians 5:10, Colossians 1:10, I Thessalonians 4:1-2, and II John 1:9).
• In view of everything God has done, the only reasonable response is to give Him everything you are completely, continually, and acceptably.

• Don’t be a conformer to the world. This has long been the teaching among God’s people (Deuteronomy 18:9-14, I Kings 11:1-13, Psalms 1:1-2, Psalms 26:4-5, Psalms 97:10, Psalms 101:3, Psalms 119:104, Psalms 119:128, Proverbs 1:10-19, Proverbs 4:14-16, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 29:27, Jeremiah 15:17, I Corinthians 3:18-19, I Corinthians 15:33, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Ephesians 5:6-11, James 4:4, I Peter 4:1-5, and I John 2:15-17).
• Renewal of mind [translated also as “understanding” (Luke 24:45; I Corinthians 14:14; Philippians 4:7); Strong’s # 3563] leads to change in action (Ezekiel 18:31, Ephesians 4:17-32, and Colossians 3:10).
• Prove [try; test; discern; cf. Luke 12:56 and I Thessalonians 5:21-22] what is that good, acceptable, perfect, will of God. The perfect word of God (James 1:25) is our tool to accomplish this testing (II Timothy 3:15-17).
• Consider the points on verse 1 concerning “acceptable.” You cannot present an acceptable life without a transformed mind. Transformation can lead to discernment. Discernment can lead to pride if not checked. So, as the next verse will establish, don’t let living godly get to your head (Isaiah 65:5).

• Through the grace given to Paul (Romans 15:15, I Corinthians 3:1-10, Galatians 2:9, Ephesians 3:7-8, and I Timothy 1:12-16).
• Don’t think too much of yourself (Proverbs 25:27, Luke 18:9-14, and Philippians 2:3-11).
• Rather, think soberly (Titus 2:2 and Titus 2:6).
• Connect some of the points of verses 1-2 with this (Galatians 6:3-4).
• Be humble (Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 29:23, Isaiah 2:11-12, Matthew 18:1-4, James 4:6-10, and I Peter 5:5-6).
• This verse ties into what will begin to be addressed in the context going forward. That is, spiritual gifts within the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
• Whether it [God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith] is with the point about spiritual gifts or not, remember that our abilities are not of our own provision (I Peter 4:11). Serving as one has the ability to do so (Matthew 25:14-30).
• You cannot function correctly in the body if you think incorrectly about yourself and/or others (I Corinthians 12:25).

• For the Jews and Gentiles divided in Rome this is a massive point. It ties back to Romans 12:1-3. Think about this… The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (I Timothy 3:15). The very existence of the church supports the fulfillment of God’s promise (Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 22:18). The Gospel, the word of truth, is preached to every person on earth (Mark 16:15-16 and Colossians 1:5-6). Those obedient then unite as one people, in one body. This is the revelation of what was the mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 2:11-3:11). See: Romans 3:29
• One local body, many individual members, joined together (I Corinthians 12:12-27).
• The body is the church (Ephesians 1:19-23 and Colossians 1:12-24).
• There is one body (Ephesians 4:1-6 and Colossians 3:12-15).
• Christ is the builder (Matthew 16:13-18), the head and Savior of that one body (Ephesians 5:23 and Hebrews 3:1-6).
• The language here is not talking about the church as in all of God’s people (Acts 2:47 and Hebrews 12:22-23). This is more on the local level (i.e. Acts 11:22, Acts 11:26, Acts 13:1, I Corinthians 1:2, Colossians 4:15-16, I Thessalonians 1:1, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:18, Revelation 3:1, and Revelation 3:7).
• Being one body brings about the teaching of unity. Unity is taught in various ways throughout the Scriptures (Psalms 133:1, Matthew 12:30, Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:24, Luke 11:23, John 17:20-23, Acts 2:46, Romans 12:16, Romans 15:6, Romans 16:17-18, I Corinthians 1:10, I Corinthians 4:17, II Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:2, Philippians 3:16, I John 1:3-7, II John 1:9-11, and Revelation 2:14-16).
• There are different offices [works]. Some will be elders (I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), deacons (I Timothy 3:8-13), evangelists (II Timothy 4:1-5), teachers (Ephesians 4:11 and Titus 2:3-5), weak or strong (Romans 15:1-3), supporters (Romans 16:1-5), etc.

• In the notes on verses 4-5 we made reference to I Corinthians 12:12-27. The verses we are looking at here bring up the earlier part of that context wherein we see members of the churches in the first century had varying spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:1-11).
• When Christians in the first century were converted, they were given the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-38). The common way this was done, outside of two exceptions (Apostles and Cornelius) was through the laying on of an Apostle’s hands after water baptism (Acts 8:5-24, Acts 19:1-7, and Romans 1:11).
• Those gifts were temporary (I Corinthians 13:1-13). The same is expressed in the letter to Ephesus (Ephesians 4:7-16).
• It should be obvious that prophecy requires the direct work of the Spirit (II Peter 1:20-21) and thus doesn’t apply today.
• “Ministry” (Strong’s # 1248) is a broader term. This can just be “serving” (Luke 10:40) or sending relief (Acts 11:29). It can also be specific to work like that of an evangelist (II Timothy 4:5). In general, all Christians are to serve one another (Galatians 5:13).
• Teaching does not require the work of the Spirit and thus applies today. There is a point in which all Christians should be capable, to some degree, of teaching another person (Hebrews 5:11-14 and Titus 2:3-5). Even in the slightest form, we do so by singing (Colossians 3:16).
• Exhorting is comforting (Strong’s # 3870). All saints should be part of such work apart from spiritual gifts (I Thessalonians 5:11).
• In doing such work with simplicity, we could understand this to be singleness of heart (Colossians 3:22; Strong’s # 572). Or, when it comes to aiding needy brethren, it would be helping liberally (II Corinthians 9:13).
• Ruling applies to the work of elders (I Timothy 5:17).
• Looking at how the word translated “diligence” in other verses helps us to understand a bit more. To rule with diligence [σπουδή; Strong’s # 4710] is to rule with haste (Luke 1:39), not slothfully (Romans 12:11), with care (II Corinthians 7:12), etc.
• Being cheerfully merciful does not require the Spirit at direct work. If we want mercy [compassion; pity] we have to show mercy (Matthew 5:7, Matthew 18:15-35, and James 2:12-13).
• We should delight in the instructions of our Lord (Psalms 119:47). We cannot obey God grudgingly (II Corinthians 9:7, Philippians 2:14-16, and I Peter 4:9).

• The word “ἀνυπόκριτος” translated “dissimulation” [Strong’s #505] means: “undissembled, that is, sincere: - without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned.” A person who claims to love righteousness while tolerating evil is contradicting the text.
• Love for God and brethren is to be real, sincere, pure (Ephesians 6:24, I Timothy 1:5, I Peter 1:22, and I Peter 4:8).
• Abhor that which is evil (Psalms 26:4-5, Psalms 97:10, Psalms 101:3, Psalms 119:163, Amos 5:14-15, and Hebrews 1:8-9).
• Cleave to what is good (Acts 11:23 and I Thessalonians 5:15).
• Genuine Christianity is not merely doctrinal correctness; it manifests itself in sincere love and moral conviction.

• “Kindly affectioned” [φιλόστοργος] is defined: “(cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children); fond of natural relatives, that is, fraternal towards fellow Christians: - kindly affectioned” (Strong’s 5387). This is the only verse in which you will find this term.
• The point, as the verse continues to say, is to have brotherly love (John 13:34-35, I Thessalonians 4:9-10, Hebrews 13:1, I Peter 1:22, I Peter 3:8, II Peter 1:7, and I John 3:14-18).
• In honor is about “honor, precious, price” (Strong’s # 5092). Consider how honor is given to brethren among brethren (I Corinthians 12:23-24).
• Showing deference to one another (Matthew 20:25-27, Romans 15:1-3, Galatians 5:13, and Philippians 2:3).

• Not being slothful in business [haste; diligence; carefulness; forwardness; Strong’s # 4710] (Proverbs 6:6-11, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 18:9, Proverbs 22:29, Proverbs 24:30-34, and II Thessalonians 3:6-15).
• Being fervent [hot; Strong’s # 2204] in Spirit or in the Spirit (Acts 18:24-28).
• How this relates to the previous verse (I Peter 4:8).
• Serving the Lord (Romans 6:22 and Hebrews 12:28-29).

• Rejoicing (Philippians 3:1) in hope (Romans 5:1-2 and Hebrews 3:6).
• Enduring, persevering in tribulation (Mark 4:16-17, Hebrews 6:12, Hebrews 10:36, Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:12, and James 5:11).
• Endurance and hope tie together (Romans 8:24-25 and I Peter 1:3-9).
• Continuing instant in prayer (Luke 18:1, Acts 2:42, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 4:2, and I Thessalonians 5:17-18).

• “Distributing” [κοινωνέω] meaning: “to share with others (objectively or subjectively): - communicate, distribute, be partaker” (Strong’s # 2841). “1) to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner; 2) to enter into fellowship, join one’s self to an associate, make one’s self a sharer or partner” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). Also translated “partakers” (Romans 15:27), “communicate” (Galatians 6:6), “communicated” (Philippians 4:15), etc.
• “Necessity” [χρεία] meaning: “1) necessity, need; 2) duty, business” (Thayer; Strong’s # 5532). Most often translated “need.”
• Helping brethren who are genuinely in need individually (Acts 4:34-5:11, Acts 11:27-30, Acts 20:34-35, Ephesians 4:28, and I John 3:14-18) and collectively as a local congregation (Romans 15:25-27, I Corinthians 16:1-4, and II Corinthians 8:1-9:14).
• Understanding there is a time for the church to act and there is a time for the individual Christian to act (I Timothy 5:3-16).
• Given to, follow after hospitality (Acts 16:13-15, Acts 16:40, Romans 16:23, Hebrews 13:1-2, and I Peter 4:8-9). This is a qualification of elders too (I Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8).
• The local church was not organized for common social meals or entertainment. In Corinth, Paul specifically distinguished between eating common meals and the assembly of the saints (I Corinthians 11:16-34). The kingdom is not centered upon physical consumption and social activity (Romans 14:17).

• “Bless” is to speak well of, thank, etc. (Strong’s # 2127). “Curse” is to curse, doom, imprecate evil upon (Strong’s # 2672).
• Under the Law of Moses, civil justice was administered according to the principle of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus 21:22-25). There is a change in thinking in Christ (Matthew 5:43-48).
• This instruction keeps us from being vindictive. Think about how that applies throughout the Scriptures: Psalms 35:11-13, Luke 6:28, Luke 6:33-34, Acts 7:51-60, I Timothy 1:18-2:4, and I Peter 2:21-23

• John 11:33-35, I Corinthians 12:25-27, Philippians 2:17-18, Philippians 2:25-30, and Hebrews 13:3
• Remember, being merciful means to be compassionate. This matters not only towards others, but ultimately when we will be judged by our Lord (Matthew 5:7 and James 2:13).
• Think about Jesus here (Hebrews 4:14-5:10).

• Multiple instructions in one verse here.
• There are clear instructions in the New Testament for saints to to be likeminded (I Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:2, Philippians 3:16, and Philippians 4:2).
• This is an instruction wherein the like-mindedness is to be “one toward another” (Romans 15:1-7). Couple this with Romans 12:9-10. If we apply John 13:34-35 and Ephesians 4:1-3 to that, this should be simple.
• Mind not the “high things” can mean several things. Could mean things above your place (Psalms 131:1-2, Matthew 20:21-28, and Acts 1:6-7). However, in light of the whole sentence, this is in contrast to who saints keep company with. Rather than seeking the “high,” keep company with the low (Proverbs 23:1-8). Again, who are we trying to fit in with (Romans 12:1-3)? Think about what this would have prevented among the saints when the rich were being highly esteemed (James 2:1-13).
• To be carried away to men of low degree [the humble]. In other words, keep company with the humble (Proverbs 16:18-19; cf. Psalms 138:6). Don’t just patronize others, but to willingly associate with and identify with those of humble circumstances.
• Then the teaching against one being their own source of wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-7, Proverbs 23:4, Proverbs 26:12, Isaiah 5:21, and I Corinthians 3:18-19).

• The points that begin here carry through to Romans 13:10.
• Not repaying evil for evil (I Thessalonians 5:11-15; cf. Romans 12:14). We will discuss vengeance more when we discuss verses 19-21.
• The Greek term translated “honest” [καλός] is broad in meaning. The term is most often [83 times] translated “good” (Strong’s # 2570). Notably, saints are to let men see our “good” [same Greek term] shining forth (Matthew 5:14-16; cf. Titus 2:7-8). The other times wherein this term is translated “honest” are: Luke 8:15, II Corinthians 8:21, II Corinthians 13:7, and I Peter 2:12.
• "Provide things honest in the sight of all men" does not mean seeking the approval of men (Galatians 1:10), but living in such a way that our conduct cannot justly be condemned (as the Scriptures already cited above demonstrate: I Peter 2:11-12; Titus 2:7-8).

• “If it be possible” implies that there are times wherein it may not be possible (Matthew 5:10-12, John 15:18-16:3, John 16:33, Acts 17:1-10, and Acts 19:21-41).
• “As much lieth in you” makes this a subjective instruction. What I mean by that is there is personal responsibility being measured according to one's ability and circumstances. Not all saints have the same measure, function, gifts, or abilities. Yet each is responsible according to what he has (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 12:47-48, Romans 12:3, and II Corinthians 8:12).
• Saints are peacemakers and peace seekers (Psalms 34:14, Proverbs 12:20, Matthew 5:9, II Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 3:15, I Thessalonians 5:13, II Timothy 2:22, Hebrews 12:14, and I Peter 3:10-11).
• Peace cannot come through compromising the truth (Proverbs 23:23, John 2:13-17, Acts 4:1-5:42, I Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 1:6-10, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 5:6-11, II Thessalonians 2:15, I Timothy 6:12, II John 1:6-11, and Jude 1:3-4).

• Don’t seek your own vengeance (Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 32:35, Psalms 94:1, Proverbs 20:22, Proverbs 24:17-20, Proverbs 24:29, Nahum 1:2, II Thessalonians 1:4-10, and Hebrews 10:30-31).

• This instruction was given under the Old Law too (Proverbs 25:21-22).
• Moses, inspired by God, taught this principle (Exodus 23:4-5).
• Jesus taught this principle very clearly (Matthew 5:43-48 and Luke 6:27-28).
• As we have already covered (Romans 12:18), sometimes it is not possible to be at peace with all men. Rather than returning evil for evil, let your good conduct expose the evil of your enemy (I Peter 2:12; cf. Psalms 56:5-6).

• This serves as a summary of the previous points.
• Overcome evil with good (I Peter 3:8-9).
• Doing good to all men (Galatians 6:7-10). *Of course, some people just fail to understand what is good. It is not good if it is contributing to sinful behavior. Our “good” must be in accordance with God’s definition of good (Ephesians 5:10 and II Timothy 3:16-17).
• Be cautious not to strengthen the hands of an evildoer (Jeremiah 23:14, Ezekiel 13:22-23, and II Thessalonians 3:10).
• As we enter into the next chapter, the context is not changing. There is another option, aside from God, for the punishment of evildoers. That is civil authority.