Romans 12:3-16

Text

Romans 12:3-16. For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. Romans 12:4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: Romans 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. Romans 12:6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; Romans 12:7 or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; Romans 12:8 or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Romans 12:10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; Romans 12:11 in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer; Romans 12:13 communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality. Romans 12:14 Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

316.

What is the responsible part of man?

317.

How can we be in fashion with Christ?

318.

The Christian is trying to prove something. What is it?

REALIZING ROMANS, Romans 12:3-16

517.

What is the grace of Romans 12:3?

518.

We are not to think of ourselves highly, but rather soberly. Explain.

519.

God has granted to each man a measure of faith. I thought faith came by hearing, and hearing of the Word of God. (Cf. Romans 10:17) In what sense are both of these ideas correct?

520.

There are persons, some of them in the dark, who are prejudiced against God for making them the way they are. This is tragically wrong. Explain why.

521.

We all have some God-given office to hold in his body. Is this the thought of Romans 12:4-5?

522.

We are not only members of the body of Christ, the church, but of one another. Explain this thought.

523.

Prophecy is a gift. How could the ministry be a gift? Are these natural or supernatural gifts?

524.

It would seem from Romans 12:8 that exhorting was a separate function or office in the Roman church. Should it be so today?

525.

How could giving be a gift of God? Are we not all to give?

526.

Is showing mercy a gift? Some of these gifts are present in the church today. Designate which ones.

527.

What are some of the masks worn by those who are insincere in love?

528.

What a wonderful quality is hate when directed toward evil. Explain the word abhor in Romans 12:9.

529.

We are to be glued to that which is good. In a very practical way show how this is done.

530.

If we fulfilled the injunction of Romans 12:10, would we be accused of emotionalism? Explain why.

531.

In an everyday example, show how we could in honor prefer one another.

532.

Isn-'t Romans 12:11 a contradiction? How could a person be diligent and slothful at the same time?

533.

What spirit is meant in Romans 12:11?

534.

The sense of service for the Lord escapes us many times; as a result, we begin to serve ourselves or one another. What is the outcome?

535.

What plus factor must be present in our hearts if we practice the blessed trinity of Romans 12:12? Cf. Romans 8:28.

536.

Please remember as you read Romans 12:13 that you are not the recipient but the giver. Do the saints of today have needs we can meet? How would you define hospitality? How are we to consider these words: as suggestions, or ideals, or commands?

537.

Just how can we practice blessing those that persecute us? Give an example.

538.

Many times we are too busy to have a sincere interest in the happiness or sorrow of others. When we fail to do this, who do we fail? Can we be like Christ without this interest?

539.

Is Paul suggesting a loss of individuality in Romans 12:16? What is he saying?

Paraphrase

Romans 12:3-16. Also, by the apostolical authority which is given to me, I command every one among you, without exception, not to have an higher opinion of himself, nor a lower opinion of others, than he ought to have, but to think of both justly, so as always to behave wisely in his own station, without aspiring after offices in the church which he is not fit for; and to employ himself in the duties of his station and office, according as to each God has distributed his measure of spiritual gifts.

Romans 12:4 These gifts are necessarily different, both in their nature and dignity, (Romans 12:6.) For, as in one body we have many members, but all these members have not the same office in the body;

Romans 12:5 So we, the many disciples of Christ, are but one body, or religious society, under the government of Christ; consequently we are all members of one another, receiving edification and comfort from each other.

Romans 12:6 Having then spiritual gifts, differing according to the offices assigned us in the church; if our gift be prophecy, let us prophesy only according to the extent of our inspiration, without adding to or taking from the revelations made to us, or meddling with subjects not revealed to us:

Romans 12:7 Or if our gifts fit us for the stated ministry of the word, let us be diligent in preaching, not disheartened by dangers: or if one's gifts fit him for teaching the ignorant, let him be diligent in teaching such:

Romans 12:8 Or if they fit him for exhorting, let him employ himself in exhortation. He whose gifts fit him for distributing the church's alms, let him do it with honesty, disinterestedness, and impartiality: he whose gifts fit him for presiding, let him do with assiduity and prudence: he whose gifts qualify him for taking care of the sick, the afflicted, the imprisoned, and of widows and orphans, let him perform these services with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:9 Let your professions of love be real: abhor every evil action: adhere closely to a virtuous course of life.

Romans 12:10 In love to one another as brethren in Christ, show that kindness of affection which near relations bear to one another. In every honorable action, go before, and leading on one another.

Romans 12:11 In caring for each other, be not slothful. In spirit be fervent, when ye serve the Lord in the ordinary duties of religion, or in spreading the gospel.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope of eternal life. Be patient in affliction. And as the best consolation in trouble, continue earnest in prayer, although your prayers be not immediately answered.

Romans 12:13 Communicate your riches, for relieving the necessities of the brethren. Practise hospitality to strangers, especially those driven from their homes by persecution.

Romans 12:14 Bless them who persecute you: bless them by praying God to bless them, but never curse them.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them who are in prosperity, and grieve with them who are in adversity: these things are acceptable both to God and man.

Romans 12:16 Be of the same hospitable, forgiving, sympathizing disposition towards one another, as towards strangers and persecutors. Do not aspire after the grandeur of this life; nor affect the company of those who are in high stations: rather associate with men who are weaned from the world. And be not puffed up with an opinion of your own wisdom, lest it make you despise instruction.

Summary

We should not be high-minded because we are gifted, but we must be right-minded, that we may place a proper estimate upon everything, especially upon gifts, our own as well as those of others. If we have a gift, we must exercise it, neither being proud of it, nor looking down upon others as inferiors because they have a less shining gift. Whatever we are best qualified to do, that we must do, and nothing else. This alone gives success.
Our love must be unfeigned, for otherwise it is hypocrisy. It is not enough that we simply oppose evil; we must abhor it. We must cling to what is good at every cost. Our love for the brotherhood must be very tender, while in the matter of showing esteem, we must be examples to one another. In serving the Lord, we must be full of zeal, and fervent in spirit. In affliction, we must be patient, constant in prayer, and full of hope. We are to share each other's wants, lovingly caring for strangers in our homes. We must bless even our persecutors, and never curse them. We are not to pattern after proud ways and high life, but evince a preference for lowly ways and meek life.

Comment

2.

Duties to those within the church. Romans 12:3-16

Paul was inspired, and his utterances came by divine inspiration, but he was not so blessed of God because he deserved it. He had such a ministry through the unmerited favor of God. We should heed his words as the words of God, and all the more so when we see reflected in the life of the inspired spokesman the very truths he seeks to impart. The church at Rome was graced with a number of spiritual gifts. There were men in the congregation who had the gift of prophecy (Romans 12:6); evidently some had the gift of supernatural wisdom or knowledge (Romans 12:7; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8.) Others were ministering (Romans 12:7 a) and still others exhorting (Romans 12:7 b). They were ministering and exhorting only by God's power and wisdom. There was a strong temptation to misuse these gifts, particularly in the area of pride. Let us put ourselves in their place. If we were blessed with the gift of prophecy, would we not consider such a power the greatest blessing of our lives? Would it not be a strong temptation to convince every other member of the church that what we had received from God was indeed high and holy? Find ten men and women with this same idea, and there will be confusion and collision!

What is here said of spiritual gifts is also applicable to the ordinary places of service in the church today.

A clear renewed mind will reveal reality. Sober judgment will be made and sound decisions formed. In the exercise of the supernatural gifts, faith on the part of the one gifted had to be exercised. For example: Peter and John could not heal the lame man at the beautiful gate without faith (Acts 3:1-10), but it was not the faith of the lame man but of Peter and John (cf. Acts 3:16). The measure of faith had reference to the power exercised by those possessing the gifts. The expression, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith, would seem to refer to the gift itself. It does so only in the sense that sometimes the result is put for the cause. The result was the exercise of the gift; the cause was the faith of the gifted. The faith, too, was a gift of God.

In Romans 12:4-5, the human body as compared to the spiritual one is discussed. This passage is not the first time Paul uses such a comparison, nor the last one. (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27) There is perfect unity through diversity in the human body. The hidden, though inevitable, conclusion is that such is only true because there is a unified response to the one head. In the spiritual body, the church, Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). There should be that perfect willingness on the part of each one to count the other better than himself and as necessary as himselfno one indispensable and yet all doing what none other can do. When we realize that our proper relationship to the head depends upon our proper relationship to, every other member of the body, we will work together without high-mindedness.

319.

Paul's words are all the more meaningful to us because of his life. Why?

320.

Why was instruction concerning the proper use of spiritual gifts necessary?

321.

Why are we admonished to think soberly?

Note, please, the attitudes to be adopted by those who exercise their gifts, as in Romans 12:6-8. The gifts differ, but not the source. The expressions differ, but not the purpose. Each is to be used to its fullest extent, but with no attempt to control the use of another of God's gifted ones. There are seven areas of services here mentioned. In four of them we can see a need for special supernatural gifts: in prophecy, in ministry, in teaching and in exhorting, but not in the remaining three. We conclude, therefore, that the admonition is both specific and general. To those who are divinely blessed, as well as to those who serve without such needed aid, do it with all that in you is without thought of comparison with others. He that giveth evidently refers to those who have of this world's means and yet love the Lord. They are to give with liberality, perhaps realizing how rare such a person is and how needed is the gift. The rulers are doubtless the elders of the churches. Idleness or indifference will not produce an elder who rules well. A real word of emphasis needs to be sounded on he that showeth mercy, or perhaps better translated, he that showeth pity, It is easy enough to show pity or mercy to someone who is ill or shut-in the first time or the second or third visit, but how is our cheerfulness after the 100th call on the same unfortunate one? It should be the same as the attitude we expect from God when we ask him to attend to our needs (and many times the same ones) the 100th time.

In Romans 12:9-13 are a list of attributes to be found in the life of a genuine Christian. Let us not love in word, but in deed and in truth. If we pretend in our love, it is only a pretense to man; God is not deceived. In our relationship to one another, our motives and purposes should be transparent.

It is not enough to pronounce a definition of evil; we must have an aggressive opposition to it. Within our inmost beings we must hate sin. It is fully as necessary to speak out against evil as it is to speak up for righteousness. This marks a very vital aspect of our relationship to Christ and God. If our emotions are not involved in our religion, we worship in vain. Intellectual assent to right and wrong will never accomplish God's will in our lives. There must be within us an emotional response to God's will, or we simply do not love the Lord.

322.

What is the meaning of the expression measure of faith?

323.

Why does Paul use the figure referring to the human body?

324.

In what sense are we all essential yet not indispensable?

325.

Both to those with supernatural aid and to those without what was the word of admonition?

We are to be glued to what is good. We are to adhere with all our hearts to the good. How many Christians are truly lovers of good? Too many are grey instead of white in their conception of good and evil. As a result, there is no conviction in either direction. We can be sure they are in the power of Satan.

In our love for each of God's family, we should have no mere polite acceptance of one another. Must we always find some attribute of loveliness in someone before we can love them? If our Lord had so waited, we would all be lost. Let us love one another with a true feeling of the family relationship for Jesus-' sake.
In honor preferring one another could also be translated, setting an example for one another. Let us challenge (provoke) one another to love and good works. If he can do it for Christ, so can I, is the thought here.
In the care of the needs of one another do not be negligent. What a reproach this is to the average church! We do not even know the needs of one another, physically or spiritually; if we do, many times we do nothing about it. It's the job of the preacher, or, Let the elders take care of that, is often heard. Here it is enjoined upon all.
In zeal be boiling over. Someone defined zeal as communicated feeling. We love the Lord and one another, but our love is of no help to others or to our Lord until it is communicated.
Serving the Lord: never for an instant should we lose the sense of serving him, as a slave to a worthy Master.
Here is a trinity of triumph for every Christian: (1) the hope of heaven; (2) the providence of God; (3) steadfast prayer. These qualities must become a veritable part of us. The factual knowledge that, on the basis of the death of Christ, we have the hope of glory is not at all enough. There must be the eagerness of a pilgrim going home, the joy of a true child at a family reunion. We can and will be patient with complete abandon in any and all tribulation. All things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to his purpose. All our hope and trust must be undergirded with constant, fervent prayer.

326.

Who are those who rule?

327.

Why is it difficult to show mercy with cheerfulness?

328.

How do our emotions become a vital part of our religion?

329.

What is the meaning of in honor preferring one another?

When one suffers, all suffer. We come to the aid of one another as a loving brother or sister. When a brother in the flesh is seriously ill, how concerned we become. What of the ills of the spirit and the flesh of our brothers in the Lord?
Moses E. Lard translates the next phrase, keeping on in love for strangers. This was an Old Testament practice. It should indeed be the practice of each and every one as a Christian. Perhaps this could have reference to Christians who are strangers, but it should not stop there.
Continuing the list of those wonderful qualities of a true child of God: Bless the persecutors, bless and curse not. This was the admonition and practice of our Lord. Oh, that we might practice it today with those who misunderstand us and despitefully use us! A genuine feeling of good will toward those who are unfriendly to us is the only Christian attitude.
Verse fifteen contains a real barometer of our spirituality, showing how we can sympathetically share the joys and the sorrows of others when we have the mind of Christ. He bore our sorrows and carried our griefs. How this is needed today!

Let there be no distinction of persons is the admonition of Romans 12:16 b. There are natural preferences that develop among brethren. The Christian, and especially any leader of God's flock, cannot allow such personality traits to cause him to show a distinction to the extent of slighting one and honoring another.

Condescend is a meaningful and strong word: Be carried away by (or condescend to) the things that are lowly. Not only things but people are involved in this. It should be our desire to be hidden as much as possible by the work we do. No task or person should be too small or menial in the service of Christ.

Be not wise in your own eyes. This is not an admonition concerning wisdom alone. Paul here says we should manifest our wisdom or sound judgment before God and men rather than before the mirror. The estimate we hold of our wisdom should be one of true humility, seen in the light of our mistakes and lack of knowledge.

330.

Is Paul suggesting that all are responsible for the needs of others?

331.

Define zeal.

332.

How can we bless our persecutors?

333.

Give the trinity of triumph for the Christian.

334.

How can we tell whether we have the mind of Christ?

335.

The Christian should be carried away with something. What is it?

336.

What is the meaning of being wise in our own eyes?