WHO NEEDS INSTRUCTIONS?

ROMANS 12:1-21

 

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
   "If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
       if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
   In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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If you've ever assembled something with more than five parts, then you know the importance of instructions.  One small misstep can make the difference between an item not quite functioning and that same item functioning smoothly.  That's true of machines, buildings and toys, and it's also true of our spiritual life.  Of course it's easy, and maybe even a bit natural, for men to overlook the instructions.  Growing spiritually doesn't seem all that complicated.  But it's impossible to make progress without some guidance.

     After explaining the essential doctrinal truths of our relationship with God (Romans 1-11), Paul spends the remainder of this letter fleshing out our walk with God.  He gives us some specific instructions concerning how we as believers can put our spiritual lives together.  Romans 12 provides some of the most important steps in Paul's instruction booklet.

     Step One:  Devote yourselves completely to God (vv. 1-2).  Such a commitment to God may seem like a lot to ask.  But that commitment pales in comparison to all Paul has said in the first eleven chapters of Romans.  The same God who rescued us form sin, gave us his power, and protects our relationship with him wants to spur us on to this one great act.  This act of dedication is voluntary.  It's also serious, like making wedding vows.  And while it occurs only once, it can be renewed.  As we commit ourselves to God, our minds become transformed.  No longer are our thoughts shaped by the sinful world's ideas and standards.  Instead, they are reshaped by God himself.

     Step Two:  Serve others (vv.3-8).  People who are committed to God are easy to spot.  Their humble service gives them away.  They know God has given them specific talents, interests and abilities, and they use those gifts to serve others.  They also recognize that every person is different.  God has placed within the body of Christ a wide variety of people with complementary gifts and talents.

     Step Three:  Love others (vv. 9-21).  People who are committed to God sincerely love those around them.  Paul describes that honest, sacrificial love in these few verses.  Christians are called to treat both believers and unbelievers with such kindness that our relationship to Jesus is evident through our actions.  We should do all we can to bring peace to every relationship.  In all things, we should "overcome evil with good."  That's an exhortation that allows for a lot of positive creative action on our part! 

     Read Romans 12 thoroughly.  As you review Paul's instructions, ask God for the grace you need to follow them.  And then put your love into action by investing some time serving in your community or helping out in your church.  The instructions for being a spiritual man aren't complicated, but they do require diligence.  Remember, trusting and imitating Jesus over the long haul involves trusting and imitating him one day at a time.