romans 12 esv commentary

The apostle adores the sovereignty of the Divine counsels. See note there. And how are they to believe in him uof whom they have never heard?3 And how are they to hear vwithout someone preaching? 2 Thus spiritual gifts are not to be regarded as a separate thing in themselves, but as part of our experience as Christ's body. 2 nOne person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 l“Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” This denotes the love of parents to their children; which is more tender and natural than any other; unforced, unconstrained. v19-20: Our part is to be merciful to others, leaving God to judge. See also Acts 17.21, and contrast Jer 6.16; there is a need for simple obedience. m“I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” In 2 Corinthians 8:8, forwardness (Rev., earnestness). 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. The same word is applied to “presbyters” in 1Thessalonians 5:12; 1Timothy 5:17; and to heads of families in 1Timothy 3:4-5; 1Timothy 3:12. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, it is used in relation to ministers in general: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord;" 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 1 Timothy 3:12, it is applied to the head of a family, or one who diligently and faithfully performs the duty of a father: "One that ruleth well his own house;" 1 Timothy 5:17, it is applied to "elders" in the church: "Let the elders that rule well, etc." Mattanot Anayim, c. 10. sect. Romans 12:2 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Romans 12:2, NIV: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. 8 But what does it say? 9 Let love be genuine. God can use me because of the grace He has given to me. The body is an orderly structure; there are offices or functions, for we all have a role to play. Outdo one another in showing honor. (9-16) And to peaceable conduct towards all men, with forbearance and benevolence. 11 for it is written. © 2020 Christianity.com. When a man's passion is up, and the stream is strong, let it pass off; lest it be made to rage the more against us. But to what class of persons reference is had here, and what was precisely their duty, has been made a matter of controversy, and it is not easy to determine. God must be served with the spirit, under the influences of the Holy Spirit. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. 12 qFor there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; rfor the same Lord is Lord of all, sbestowing his riches on all who call on him. It requires the bestowment of a favor without seeking any personal or selfish ends; without partiality; but actuated only by the desire to bestow them in the best possible manner to promote the object for which they were given; 2 Corinthians 8:2; 2 Corinthians 9:11, 2 Corinthians 9:13; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22. These include all God's relations to his creatures; if all are of Him, and through Him, all should be to Him, and for Him. With diligence - This word properly means haste Mark 6:25; Luke 1:39; but it also denotes industry, attention, care; 2 Corinthians 7:11, "What carefulness it wrought in you;" 2 Corinthians 7:12, "That our care for you in the sight of God, etc. Aimed at the heart and will. The new theme – God's righteousness worked out in our lives. He is served, not only by working for him, but by sitting still quietly, when he calls us to suffer. Cancel any time. He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness: the series of those charismatically endowed is continued, generally for the activity of public usefulness in the social Christian life, προΐστασθαι τῶν πραγμάτων, ἡγεμονικὸς καὶ ἀρχικός, ἱλαραὶ δὲ ἀντὶ σκυθρωπῶν, neither prevented by the desire of private advantage, nor by anxious deliberation, whether or not another may be worthy of the favour given, and whether proper moderation be observed in giving, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. [2] 2 Do not be conformed to this world, [3] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. There is that vast distance and disproportion between God and man, between the Creator and the creature, which for ever shuts us from knowledge of his ways. Recompense to no man evil for evil. 12 dThe night is far gone; the day is at hand. Our attitude to others means we show respect and give dignity. (1-10) God overruled their unbelief for making the Gentiles partakers of gospel privileges. In response to His compassion manifested to us in His abundant mercies, we willingly sacrifice ourselves. [4]. v18: Blessed are the peacemakers; therefore avoid all discord; let others promote strife; we will promote peace. But as regards election, they are obeloved for the sake of their forefathers. We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. For iI myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham,1 a member of the tribe of Benjamin. If then this Leaders respect the past, address the present, and live for the future. Thus our thoughts, and the way we think, must be changed; we learn to think the way God thinks. 29 For the gifts and pthe calling of God are irrevocable. We do not envy those who prosper, but rejoice with them; we do not despise those who suffer, but weep with them. prophecy – declaring the word of God to a specific situation; ministry – serving, including practical and background work; giving - contributing to the needs of the church; leading – ie: to rule, 1 Tim 3.4, 5, 12; implying care and diligence; showing mercy – delighting to serve others. Our mind to be renewed; this implies we share one mind, all moulded by God. ( D) Do not be conformed to this world,[ c] but be transformed by. Our Head is Christ, who exercises authority over the church, His body. In 2 Corinthians 7:11, carefulness (Rev., earnest care). Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. Only here in the New Testament. 28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. 13 cContribute to the needs of the saints and dseek to show hospitality. The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are conquerors. with simplicity—so the word probably means. To think soberly is to be realistic and serious, recognising personal strengths and weaknesses. 4 For jas in one body we have many members,5 and the members do not all have the same function, There is a voluntary yielding of our preferences, desires, and ambitions. In all things and in all circumstances, pray, and carry on praying. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[ a] serve the Lord. But as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under a pretence of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others. f“I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”, 21 But of Israel he says, g“All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”. Not that the Jews will be restored to have their priesthood, and temple, and ceremonies again; an end is put to all these; but they are to be brought to believe in Christ, the true become one sheep-fold with the Gentiles, under Christ the Great Shepherd. For he is the servant of God, tan avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you bstand fast through faith. The Divine counsels are complete; they have not only depth and height, but breadth and length, Ephesians 3:18, and that passing knowledge. It is but mock love, which rests in words of kindness, while our brethren need real supplies, and it is in our power to furnish them. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. In 2 Corinthians 7:12, care (Rev., earnest care). Or you, why do you despise your brother? In tribulation and affliction we are patient, showing endurance; we must press on in doing what God commands. There is the example of Phinehas (Num 25.11), who was commended for his zeal for God. Study the things that make for peace; if it be possible, without offending God and wounding conscience. hDo not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.8 iNever be wise in your own sight.