Today’s Scripture Readings:

AM: Romans 12.1-8 & PM: Romans 12.9-21

ROMANS CHAPTER 12: DEDICATED SERVICE

Brent Willey [am] & David Fiddament [pm]

Introduction:

1. The first 11 chapters in Romans are highly theological, whereas, chapters 12-15 are intensely pragmatic – designed for daily living.
2. Chapter 12 has two noticeable sections worthy of our consideration.

AM Service (Brent):

I. TRANSFORMED SERVICE – Verses 1-8

1. Leaving the Cocoon: A Changed Life! (Verses 1-2)
   1. V. 1: “Living Sacrifice”
   2. V. 2: “Conformed” versus “Transformed” [suschematízō: conform to a pattern] vs. [metamorphóō: change forms]
2. Serving with Humility: A Measure of Faith (Verse 3)
3. Using the Gifts: “The Same Thing, Only Different” (Verses 4-8)
   1. Verses 4-5: The Many Members of the One Body
   2. Verses 6-8: Gifts, gifts, gifts, “let us use them” (verse 6).
4. Our transformation has two purposes:
   1. To put us in a right relationship with God (vs. 1-2).
   2. To prepare us for a life of service (vs. 3-8).

PM Service (David):

II. OVERCOMING EVIL WITH GOOD – Verses 9-21

1. Transparent Relationships: Make Love Real! (Verses 9-13)
   1. V. 9: “Let love be genuine” [anupókritos: “no hypocrisy”].
   2. V. 10: “Outdo one another in showing honor” [proēgéomai: “to lead the way for others” – to take the first step].
   3. V. 13: “Contribute to the needs of the saints…”
2. Loving the Enemy: “But don’t give in to them!” (Vs. 14-21)
   1. Vs. 14-15: Always do the right thing!
   2. Vs. 16-18: Be a humble peacemaker!
   3. V. 19: Leave the vengeance to God – He’ll get it right!
   4. Vs. 20-21: Make your enemy ashamed of his bad behavior!
3. In relating with others, we are to exemplify the characteristics and the attitude of Jesus Himself! (Cf., Phil. 2.5)

Conclusion: Until we are truly “transformed,” we will never involve ourselves in the level of service the Lord desires of His people.