Romans 12:1-8 The Body of Christ Forest Hills Bible Chapel 11 September 2005

The World Trade Center The Pentagon Flight 93 crash in western Pennsylvania

Hurricane Katrina

A Minute of Silent Prayer In Memory of the Victims of 9/11 and the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. In Memory of the Victims of 9/11 and the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. On Behalf of the Families of those victimized on 9/11 and of those victimized by Hurricane Katrina. On Behalf of the Families of those victimized on 9/11 and of those victimized by Hurricane Katrina. For the Protection and Preservation of free societies around the world in which the Gospel of Christ can be proclaimed. For the Protection and Preservation of free societies around the world in which the Gospel of Christ can be proclaimed.

Romans: A Brief Review Introduction: 1:1-17 Introduction: 1:1-17 Condemnation: 1:18-3:20 Condemnation: 1:18-3:20 Justification: 3:21-5:21 Justification: 3:21-5:21 Sanctification: 6:1-8:39 Sanctification: 6:1-8:39 Vindication: 9:1-11:36 Vindication: 9:1-11:36 Application: 12:1-15:13 Application: 12:1-15:13 Conclusion: 15:14-16:27 Conclusion: 15:14-16:27

Romans 12:1-2 12:1-2 represents a transition to the final phase of Romans. 12:1-2 represents a transition to the final phase of Romans. 12:1-2 looks back at all of chapters 1-11; hence the “Therefore…” 12:1-2 looks back at all of chapters 1-11; hence the “Therefore…” 12:1-2 is a summation of all that is to follow: 12:3-15:13 describe what this “living sacrifice” looks like. 12:1-2 is a summation of all that is to follow: 12:3-15:13 describe what this “living sacrifice” looks like.

Romans 12:1-2 “I urge you…”; that is, Paul encourages us, or exhorts us. “I urge you…”; that is, Paul encourages us, or exhorts us. “in view of God’s mercy…”; It is always the mercy of God, not the anger of God, that should motivate believers to obey Him. “in view of God’s mercy…”; It is always the mercy of God, not the anger of God, that should motivate believers to obey Him. “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God –”; offer yourself, not something else; a living sacrifice of oneself, not the death of an animal. “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God –”; offer yourself, not something else; a living sacrifice of oneself, not the death of an animal.

Romans 12:1-2 “Do not be conformed (“schematic”) to the pattern of this world (“aeon”; this “age”). “Do not be conformed (“schematic”) to the pattern of this world (“aeon”; this “age”). Be transformed (“metamorphosis”) by the renewing of your mind. Be transformed (“metamorphosis”) by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – in the sense of affirm and verify God’s will. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – in the sense of affirm and verify God’s will. “The analogy of anesthesia” – you think you understand, but you don’t! “The analogy of anesthesia” – you think you understand, but you don’t!

Romans 12:3; Proper Self Analysis A proper estimation of self – vv A proper estimation of self – vv Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought to. Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought to. Think of yourself with sober judgment. Think of yourself with sober judgment. Think of yourself in accordance with the measure of faith God has distributed to each one. Cf. 14:1-2. Think of yourself in accordance with the measure of faith God has distributed to each one. Cf. 14:1-2. Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:15-16, 21. Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:15-16, 21. Remember our “corporate reading” of Romans. Remember our “corporate reading” of Romans.

Romans 12:4-5 The Analogy of the Human Body – one body, many members; each member functions differently. The Analogy of the Human Body – one body, many members; each member functions differently. There is unity, and there is diversity. Both of these are crucial to the overall health of the body. There is unity, and there is diversity. Both of these are crucial to the overall health of the body. In Christ, we form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. In Christ, we form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:6-8; Gifts to Serve the Body We have different gifts, according to the grace (i.e., gracious gift) God has given to us. We have different gifts, according to the grace (i.e., gracious gift) God has given to us. If your gift is prophesying, then do so in accordance to your faith (or the faith). If your gift is prophesying, then do so in accordance to your faith (or the faith). If it is serving, then serve. If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. If it is teaching, then teach. If it is to encourage, then give encouragement. If it is to encourage, then give encouragement.

Romans 12:6-8; Gifts to Serve the Body If it is giving, then give generously. If it is giving, then give generously. If it is to lead, do it diligently. If it is to lead, do it diligently. If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. We cannot, and we must not, stand alone; in Christ we belong to one another, and we need one another; we are indispensable to one another. We cannot, and we must not, stand alone; in Christ we belong to one another, and we need one another; we are indispensable to one another.