2. Romans, #6 The Applications of Divine Righteousness, 12:1 - 13:14

3. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  Thus far, we’ve examined: The Need of Divine Righteousness, chps.1- 3:20 The Manifestation of Divine Righteousness, chps.3:21 - 5 The Attainment of Divine Righteousness, chps.6-8 The Maintenance of Divine Righteousness, chps.9-11

4. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  Today, we see the last two lessons: The Application of Divine Righteousness, chps.12- 13 The Abuses of Divine Righteousness, chps.14-15 (chp.16 will not be included in our study)

5. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  Recognize the Division between the Doctrinal and Practical sections of the Epistle: - Chapters 1-11 give the schematic of God’s plan to save man. -While Chapters 12-15 then give us the application aspect of God’s plan: >What does it require of me once reconciled? >How do I maintain this freedom from condemnation obtained through God’s Grace and My Faith?

6. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  How then do I live in response to God’s Plan- How do I stay pleasing to Him? Through Sacrifice and Transformation: >putting to death the “old man of sin” (cf.6:6-7 i.e. sacrificing self) >and being reborn to a new life (cf. 6:8- 14 i.e. resurrection / transformation). The importance of Romans 12:1-2 cannot be overlooked in this process applying Divine Righteousness!

7. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  How then do I live in response to God’s Plan- How do I stay pleasing to Him? These two verses serve as a pivot point between the doctrinal and application portions of the book. Most of chps.1-11 serve as context for these two verses. Outside of 1:16-17 (theme/purpose of the book), these two verses are the most critical in the letter.

8. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  So, let’s examine closely these phrases: “by the mercies of God” -which have been outlined & explained through His eternal scheme to bring about man’s salvation: >showing both the need of grace >as well as the application and effects of it.

9. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  So, let’s examine closely these phrases: “present your bodies” -Outside of our souls, our bodies are the most precious possession we own. -Here they are to be “living sacrifices”. -This is not in opposition to dead animal sacrifices presented by the Jews under the previous law system. Why?

10. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  Two important reasons: 1. That concept may be part of the Hebrews letter (cf.Heb.9:1,11-12,28), but has not been part of the context of Romans. 2. In truth, no Jew presented a dead animal for sacrifice to begin with. Live animals were brought to the altar and presented to the priest. So, to what does “living sacrifice” refer?

11. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  The “living sacrifice” of “our bodies” refers instead to: The previous context, Rom.6:13,19: where living is put in opposition to dead, not in reference to dead animal sacrifices, but rather to becoming dead to sin through crucifixion or putting to death of the old self- the man/body of sin! (see also 6:4-11)

12. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  Again, let’s examine closely these phrases: “living, holy, acceptable sacrifice” Our bodies, purchased/redeemed by God with the sacrifice of Jesus (cf.5:8-9), are to be dedicated not to the pursuit and fulfillment of its own lust, but to God as “living sacrifices”. Barely living or sick is not acceptable, see also 1Cor.11:30; Eph.5:14. Our sacrifice should be unblemished in this regard!

13. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  Again, let’s examine closely these phrases: “living, holy, acceptable sacrifice” This is not attained by perfect law keeping but by the cleansing nature of Christ’s blood, Eph.5:26; Heb.9:22. Relative to our sacrifice being “holy,” it is not to be tainted with the pollution of divided interests, v.2; cf. 1Pet.1:15-16; James 4;7-10. In these ways, and in these alone, will the sacrifice of “our bodies” be “acceptable” to God!

14. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness Think about it…. Is this not the same answer given by the Lord to the rich young ruler in Mark 12:30? It is the same thing here in Romans 12:1!

15. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  How are we enabled to do these things? We are “transformed” by the process of renewing the mind! By refusal to be conformed to the world, 1Jn. 2:15-17 Does God do it for us by the Holy Spirit? If so, why does the Spirit lay the responsibility for it squarely upon us in v.2? No, it is accomplished day by day (2Cor.4:16) through the continual process of enlightenment through the Word by dedication to its understanding and application. (cf. Eph.5:10; Phil.4:8-9)

16. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness It occurs quite naturally, albeit not without considerable effort, and is a process of that which begins at baptism, Rom.6:3.

17. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness  What results from this Living Sacrifice of the Body and Transformation of the Mind? A changed attitude/activity toward: > Self, 12:3-8 manifested through service >One Another, 12:9-16 manifested through service and devotion >All Men, 12:17-21 manifested by non-retaliation & overcoming evil with good >Government, 13:1-8 through good citizenship >Love & Lust, 13:8-14.

18. Romans #6, The Application of Divine Righteousness Conclusion? True sacrifice and transformation alters every aspect of our lives…. or it is neither sacrificial nor transforming! This is the effect of God’s plan!