Romans 12 is one of those sections of the Bible that tell a complete story – all in one passage. Paul presents a thorough explanation of what God is expecting of those who choose to follow Him. This passage, like many, goes along with the message of James, which says we’ve got to back up our talk with our walk.
The little boy that shows-up at the pool with his swimsuit and goggles on, and cheerily declares he is a swimmer, quickly is found-out to be “all talk and no walk”… when he promptly sinks to the bottom of the pool! Saying so – does not make you so. So it will be for many when they suddenly find themselves standing before the Judge on That Day.
It appears to me that a lot of folk nowadays want what Jesus offers, but they don’t want to actually “follow” Jesus. Many might even enjoy the fellowship of true believers (Hebrews 6:4-6). They might even call themselves Christians — but, there just isn’t any evidence of having been truly born again.
Maybe the Apostle Paul ran into this also. He might have written this passage with the purpose of showing each of us — the specifics of being a follower of Christ.
If you don’t see any of “Romans 12” in your life, in your lifestyle, in your worldview, in your daily doings, you might be advised to take stock, and “see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as [committed] believers.”
Romans 12 tells us…
What We Are To Be
Romans 12 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God, to
present your bodies
[dedicating all of yourselves,
set apart] as a living sacrifice,
holy and
well-pleasing
to God,
which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.
2 And do not be conformed to this world
[any longer with its superficial values and customs], but
be transformed and progressively changed
[as you mature spiritually]
by the renewing of your mind
[focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes],
so that you may prove [for yourselves]
what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect
[in His plan and purpose for you].
3 For by the grace [of God] given to me
I say to everyone of you
not to think more highly of himself
[and of his importance and ability]
than he ought to think;
but to think so as to have
sound judgment,
as God has apportioned
to each a degree of faith
[and a purpose designed for service].
4 For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts,
and these parts do not all have
the same function or special use,
5 so we, who are many,
are [nevertheless just] one body
in Christ,
and individually
[we are] parts one of another
[mutually dependent on each other].
6 Since we have gifts
that differ
according to the grace given to us,
each of us
is to use them accordingly:
if [someone has the gift of]
prophecy,
[let him speak a new message from God to His people]
in proportion to the faith possessed;
7 if service,
in the act of serving;
or he who teaches,
in the act of teaching;
8 or he who encourages,
in the act of encouragement;
he who gives,
with generosity;
he who leads,
with diligence;
he who shows mercy
[in caring for others],
with cheerfulness.
9 Love
is to be
sincere and
active
[the real thing—
without guile and hypocrisy].
Hate what is evil
[detest all ungodliness,
do not tolerate wickedness];
hold on tightly to what is good.
10 Be devote d
to one another
with [authentic] brotherly affection
[as members of one family],
give preference to one another in honor;
11 never lagging behind in diligence;
aglow in the Spirit,
enthusiastically serving the Lord;
12 constantly rejoicing in hope
[because of our confidence in Christ],
steadfast and patient in distress,
devoted to prayer
[continually seeking
wisdom,
guidance, and
strength], 13
contributing to the needs of God’s people,
pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you
[who cause you harm or hardship];
bless and do not curse [them]. 15
Rejoice with those who rejoice
[sharing others’ joy], and
weep with those who weep
[sharing others’ grief]. 16
Live in harmony with one another;
do not be haughty
[conceited, self-important, exclusive],
but associate with humble people
[those with a realistic self-view].
Do not overestimate yourself. 17
Never repay anyone evil for evil.
Take thought for what is
right and
gracious and
proper in the sight of everyone. 18
If possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone. 19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves,
but leave the way open
for God’s wrath
[and His judicial righteousness];
for it is written [in Scripture],
“Vengeance is Mine,
I will repay,”
says the Lord. 20
But if your enemy is hungry,
feed him;
if he is thirsty,
give him a drink;
for by doing this
you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21
Do not be
overcome and
conquered
by evil,
but overcome
evil
with good.
– Romans 12
I hope you see a bit of yourself here in this chapter. Works like these do not save you from hell (because we are not saved by works), but the “works” in our life will give evidence (or not!) of the work of salvation that God has accomplished in you.
FOR MORE:
If I Were To Let Sin Reign In My Body
