Romans 12:1–8, 14–21

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Religion, Department of Religion, Samford University

NOT CONFORMED BUT TRANSFORMED
Romans 12:1–8, 14–21
Paul explains the gospel of Jesus Christ and its implications in Romans 1–11. On the one hand, the Jews have a special place in God’s plan (Rom. 3:1–2; 9:4–5). This is why the gospel is for the Jew first (Rom. 1:16). On the other hand, the Jews’ special status does not mean God will save all humanity through the law. Instead every group is equally condemned before God — with or without the law (Rom. 3:19–20). “For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on all” (Rom. 11:32). God’s mercy to all in Christ leads to Paul’s memorable doxology: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways!” (Rom. 11:33).

Consecrate Ourselves (1–2)
Just as God’s mercy leads to verbal praise, it should also lead to a new way of life. This is Paul’s point as he uses “therefore” in his transition here. If one is truly appreciative of God’s matchless love, then one should gladly present one’s body as a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Further, as one gives one’s body, one must also renew one’s mind. This renewal is how one is transformed, resisting conformity to the present age and discerning God’s will for life in the new age inaugurated by Christ. God’s will in this new age is right relationships with others.

Live Humbly Yet Significantly (3–8)
One begins right relationships by not thinking more highly of oneself than one should. This language calls to mind earlier arguments in this book about Jews and Gentiles, as well as the statements in the next chapters about Christian unity. As he did in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul employs the metaphor of the human body to emphasize proper function and interrelationships. Each Christian must realize her or his place in the body and then function appropriately without pride or disrespect of others. In Paul’s words: “Outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10).

Do Good to All (14–21)
Paul’s words here are simple, and yet they are as profound as his earlier comments about God’s grace, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the law, justification or divine sovereignty. All of those earlier points culminate in the commands found here in this latter part of Romans. Living in accordance with these commands is what it means to live in the Spirit, not in the flesh (Rom. 6–8). Again Paul’s imperatives correspond to those in 1 Corinthians 12–14. Whether it is ancient Corinth or Rome or the contemporary American situation, Christians are too quick to make the Christian life about spiritual gifts or particular roles in Christ’s body. Instead of dwelling on these things, Paul highlights mutual love among believers.

Paul’s words present a serious twofold challenge to contemporary Christians. On the one hand, his emphasis on humility calls into question various forms of narcissism that pass for “success”-oriented Christianity. Christians who are obsessed with the “American dream” should be chastened by how Paul repeatedly calls for a concern about others. Of course, one must be a good steward so that one can help others. Still each person should surely measure his or her lifestyle against what is found here. Let there be no doubt that one’s true devotion is shown by the location of one’s treasures (Matt. 6:21).

On the other hand, Paul’s admonitions are a rebuke to Christian factionalism. Paul enjoins believers, “Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation” (16). This should give Christians pause when they are ready to find reasons for spiritual separation from or condemnation of other believers. Obviously there may be times for such judgments, but they surely must be the very last resort. Believers should seek reconciliation, even when others have been the perpetuators of pride. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. … Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good” (17–18, 21).