Lesson 151

Romans Chapter Twelve

Responsibilities in the Christian Life

 

 

We are to have a transformed mind, renewed by consistent input of DVPT.

This gives us the capacity under the empowering of the Holy Spirit to fight the onslaught of the age.

 

 

 

We must recognize that just rejecting, turning from the scheming and seductiveness of this age, does not cut it, there must be a positive choice there must be a transforming and renewing in each of our lives.

 

 

BUT  alla  strongest contrast; be transformed metamorfo,w  [p.p.i]

 

metamorfow refers to an inner change of nature that is reflected in the life!

 

 

 

Uses of metamorfo,w

metamorfo,w Used of Christ!  Mt. 17:2; also Mk 9:2  transfiguration

 

Used of the inner change of the believer that should be ongoing in the life of each of us continually, pres. tense.  2 Cor 3:18   (p.p.i.)

 

 

 

#1. It spells out a condition required, unveiled face.

An unveiled face speaks of a choice to look  [seeing clearly]

 

#2. The place we are to look, “beholding in a mirror the glory of the Lord”

 

 

Where is the place to look for the glory of the Lord? Its in the mirror!  Jms. 1:23-25 gives us a clue!

#3. The thing seen, the glory of the Lord.”

Often used of the whole person, who and what He is! Essence!

           

 

#4. The result accomplished, the same image as the Lord;

note, there is nothing here that leaves any of  us out;

We are being transformed into the same image, [eikwn] Rom. 8:29

 

 

#5. Its a step by step process.  “From glory to glory”

its a process over time;

 

 

#6. Its empowered by Holy Spirit!  from the Lord, the Spirit.

from = apo [originator, source] the Spirit of the Lord.

 

 

Back to Rom. 12:2 

                       

Notice in the next phrase where the transformation takes place,

in your mind.” “by the renewing of your mind

 

 

The change is the result of what God does in us as we continue looking into the mirror of the Word, and through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the change is effected as we grow and mature as believers;

 

 

W.E. Vine says of the renewing of the mind that it is the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon our lives.

 

 

What is the purpose in view here?

            That you may prove what the will of God is,

 

As we grow and mature in the Word we will have the insight and the discernment to know what the will of God is in our life.

 

Then we have 3 adjectives to describe the will of God.

that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

 

 

 

12:3-8  The Believer’s Service within the Body of Christ.

            From here on the focus is our horizontal relationships

 

The subject here at this point is Spiritual Gifts   ca,risma  vs:6

 

 

That special ability given by God the Holy Spirit for the proper function of the local assembly.

 

- Main N.T. passages that deal with subject of  Spiritual gifts;

  Romans 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12-14  12:4-11;  12:28-30  prioritized.

  Eph. 4:11  communication gifts; also 1 Pet. 4:10-11

 

3 Major Problems with Spiritual Gifts throughout Church history.

#1  Problem of abuse of the gifts

 

 

#2  Exaggeration of their importance;

Typical quote;  The whole key to the operation of the Church lies in each believer exercising his/her spiritual gift!

 

 

#3 Neglect the proper use of spiritual gifts.

 

 

 

Must remember these gifts are given for the bodies function not to promote the individual over another in the body.  1 Pet 4:10

 

 

12:3-8 breaks down into two parts;

      1. Our attitude  12:3

      2. Our activity/service within the body  12:4-8

 

For through the grace given to me say to every man among you 

 

 

With this first phrase Paul is putting his apostolic authority behind the statements made here.

 

I say to every man among you  

 

           

not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; 

 

 

 

think more highly     mh. u`perfronei/n  > fronew  4x's in context;

basic to think, refers to any exercise of the mind;

 

 

Lit.  Do not think beyond the truth or reality of the matter.    

          Answer to over think or under think is to right think;

            This is saying to us do not go beyond the parameters of the facts, the truth, the reality of the situation.

 

 

Alan Johnson, writing in Romans Vol.2 pg. 94 on humility that is pertinent.

Humility, contrary to general opinion, is not assuming the least role, or taking the lowest notch on the totem pole. Rather, humility is an attitude and action which results from taking an honest look at where we fit best into the whole of God’s work as He has determined by His gifts to us.

 

 

 

 

 

The rest of the verse 3 is a transition to the main subject of spiritual gifts.

            "as he has allotted to each a measure of faith.” 

             

 

 

It is true that we are not as believers to think more highly about ourselves, are to be realistic about ourselves about things in general, see that idea in Phil. 2:3-4; 

 

 

 

The exhortation here is to be realistic about yourself and your spiritual gift, that is your place/function within the body of Christ.