At this point in Romans there is a marked shift to very practical Christian living that is based on the gospel system of grace that Paul has related in detail. On this basis, he now appeals to the Roman Christians to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice unto Him (v. 1). Surely if the Lord died for them (and us), they (and we) can live for Him!
The criteria for what constitutes the Christians’ acceptable sacrifice to God is not the standard of the world, but the will of God, which should be sought intentionally and carefully (v. 2). Individuals are transformed into a “new creation” when they become Christians (2 Cor. 5:17) and the transformation and growth continues for a lifetime.
Twice in this chapter Paul alludes to the very needed quality of humility in the life of the Christian. He is “not to think more highly than he ought to think” (v. 3) and he says in verse 16: “Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.” Certainly this quality was essential to the unity of Jew and Gentile (see chapter 11), along with those with various differences and abilities in the one body of Christ (vv. 4-5). Notice also the phrase “sober judgement” in verse 3. In chapter 11 Paul spoke of Jews and Gentiles judging one another (improperly). In our text he admonished all Christians to make certain they carefully looked inwardly, “with sober judgment” (v. 3; compare this to Mt. 7:1-5).
Rather than having a divisive spirit, they were to have humble hearts and use the gifts that the Lord provided them (v. 6). The particular gifts here seem to be a mixture of the miraculous and non-miraculous, but all of them, as well as the abilities that we have today, are to be used in proportion to our ability. This, as designed by God, builds up the body of Christ. (Compare this section with 1 Cor. 12 and Eph. 4:11-16.)
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In verses 9-21 Paul gives a host of practical commands that really strike at the essence of Christian character and the Christian life. It will not be possible to elaborate on these individually right now, but these bear the marks of authentic Christian living. Notice that Paul does not define the Christian life as “going to church every Sunday.” These admonitions strike at who Christians are day in and day out. Christians seek after love, the interests of others, and things that make for peace (when possible).
The final verses of chapter 12 are summed up well as Paul says in verse 21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Christians seek to peacefully give back their lives to the Lord who redeemed them. They do so through genuinely walking in love and serving with zeal. If you want a challenge, and I hope you do, read verses 9-21 reflectively and see where you need to grow and plan how you will go about it. When we understand the system of faith and grace in Christ Jesus, we are compelled to humble, faithful service!
Daren Schroeder
