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Delve into Paul's insights in Romans 12, focusing on personal ethics, love, harmony, and mercy. Discover the transformative power of faith and the practice of Christianity as outlined by Paul. Gain a deep understanding of living a life guided by love and service.
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Paul and the Practice of Christianity Looking at Romans 12 Letter to the Romans
Introduction: 12:1,2 • “Therefore” (gar) having completed the doctrinal section and defended the righteousness of God, Paul seeks to explain the life of faith. • Paul appeals (as in Eph 4:1; 1 Cor 4:16) for “transformity” rather than conformity in the language of Jewish sacrificial worship. Letter to the Romans
12:3-21 Personal ethics (1) • (1) 3-8 The exercise of gifts “by the grace given me” towards mutual interdependence. • Prophecy • Service • Teaching Letter to the Romans
Exhortation • Giving (in finance) • Giving (in help) • Acts of mercy Letter to the Romans
12:3-21 Personal ethics (2) • (2) 9-13 The Law of Love expressed in various activities • Love (agape) includes the sense of volition and intellect • It inspires mutual affection (v10) • It “stays on high alert” (v11), never losing its buzz. • It stays hopeful, endures suffering, perseveres in prayer, shares the needs of the family Letter to the Romans
12:3-21 Personal ethics (3) • (3) 14-21 looks beyond the Christian family • Reminiscent of Matt 5:44 • Sharing joy and sorrow • Living in harmony: “Aspire not to lofty tasks but follow the stream of lowly duties” (David Smith). • Peace (18) as much as possible! Letter to the Romans
12:19-21: A word on Vengeance • “Leave it to the wrath of God”; this suggests • (1) that we leave the exercise of judgement to God as in Deut 32:35, or • (2) that we should let the principle of retribution inherent in the moral universe pursue its course (cf 1:18) Letter to the Romans
Vv20-21 suggest the first. Mercy is the opposite of retaliation, giving a “burning sense of shame”. Paul quotes Prv 25:21f but omits the last bit “and the Lord shall reward you”. Paul develops the meaning: “the best way to get rid of an enemy is to turn him into a friend” (Bruce). Letter to the Romans