Welcome to the next Bible Study of Romans, Chapter 12:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Romans 12:1-21“, followed with a Summary and Prayer.

Verse 1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service.”

Paul urges believers to offer themselves to GOD. The phrase “living sacrifice” suggests a life dedicated to GOD, contrasting the dead sacrifices of the Jewish tradition. The reference to “reasonable service” indicates that this is a sensible and fitting response to GOD’S mercy.

Verse 2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD.”

Paul contrasts conformity to the world with transformation through the renewal of the mind. This transformation allows believers to discern GOD’S will, which is described as good, acceptable, and perfect.

Verse 3: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Paul emphasizes humility. He instructs believers to view themselves realistically, acknowledging that faith and gifts come from GOD.

Verse 4: “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:”

Paul uses the analogy of the body to illustrate that the church consists of diverse members with different functions, all working together.

Verse 5: “So we, being many, are one body in CHRIST, and every one members one of another.”

This verse reinforces the concept of unity in diversity. Each believer is interconnected and plays a role in the body of CHRIST.

Verse 6: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;”

Paul highlights that spiritual gifts vary among believers and should be used according to GOD’S grace.

Verse 7: “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;”

Paul continues to list gifts, emphasizing that everyone has a role, and that they should faithfully execute those roles.

Verse 8: “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Paul encourages the proper use of gifts. The emphasis on attitude is crucial gifts should be exercised with the right character.

Verse 9: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

Paul stresses the importance of genuine love, urging believers to reject evil while embracing good.

Verse 10: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

Paul exhorts the community of believers to express affection and honor towards one another, fostering a spirit of unity.

Verse 11: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the LORD;”

Paul encourages diligence and passion in service to GOD, reflecting an active and committed faith.

Verse 12: “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”

This verse advocates for a hopeful attitude, perseverance in trials, and a commitment to prayer.

Verse 13: “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

Paul calls for practical expressions of love, highlighting the importance of supporting fellow believers and showing hospitality.

Verse 14: “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”

Paul teaches radical love, instructing believers to bless even those who persecute them.

Verse 15: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

Empathy is emphasized here, indicating the need for mutual sharing in joy and sorrow within the community.

Verse 16: “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

Paul promotes humility and valuing unity over social status. This encourages inclusivity and understanding.

Verse 17: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”

Paul instructs against retaliation and emphasizes the importance of integrity in relationships.

Verse 18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Paul acknowledges the challenges of maintaining peace, encouraging believers to strive for harmony when possible.

Verse 19: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the LORD.”

Paul reminds believers to leave vengeance to GOD, reinforcing trust in divine justice.

Verse 20: “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”

This teaching goes beyond mere tolerance; it represents an active form of love towards enemies, aimed at transformation.

Verse 21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Paul concludes with a powerful principle: goodness should triumph over evil, advocating a countercultural response to wrongdoing.

Let’s summarize Romans Chapter 12:

In “Romans 12:1-21“, Paul outlines practical advice for Christian living and community life. He emphasizes themes of humility, unity, love, and the importance of spiritual gifts, urging believers to reject conformity to worldly values. The call to live sacrificially, empathize with others, and respond to evil with good challenges believers to embody the teachings of CHRIST in their daily lives.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, we come before You with grateful hearts for the wisdom found in Your marvelous, righteous Word. Help us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to You. Guide us in the renewing of our minds that we may discern Your good, acceptable, and perfect divine will. Teach us to love one another genuinely, be diligent in our service, and to live in harmony with all people. Empower us to overcome evil with good, reflecting the infinite love of CHRIST in our actions. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!