Romans 12 Verses 1 to 2 Wholly Sanctified Life Human Sanctity and Salvation December 8, 2024
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· 5 viewsGod intends us to be sanctified through Him in this life.
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Romans 12 Verses 1 to 2 Wholly Sanctified Life Human Sanctity and Salvation December 8, 2024 Sacred Life Series
Lesson 12 Class Presentation Notes AAAA
Background Scriptures:
• Leviticus 11:44–45 (NASB95)
44 ‘For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth.
45 ‘For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.’ ”
• 1 Peter 1:13–16 (NASB95)
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
16 because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”
Main Idea:
• God intends us to be sanctified through Him in this life.
Study Aim:
• To understand the meaning of God’s call to live a sanctified life.
Create Interest:
• Paul’s appeal in our focus Scriptures is that we should refuse to let ‘the present age’ squeeze us into its mold, dictate to us how we should think and indeed what we should think, and tell us how we can and can’t behave.
• Instead, we are to be transformed; our minds need to be renewed. We have to set the pace ourselves, and work out what sort of people we should be. The basis for this is not what the surrounding culture expects of us, but what God in his mercy has done for us.
Lesson in Historical Context:
• Paul divided several of his letters into two major sections, a doctrinal portion and a practical one. He followed that pattern in this epistle too, though the doctrinal part is more than twice as long as the practical. (In both Eph. and Col. the doctrinal and the practical sections are about equal in length.)
• The second part of Paul’s epochal statement penetrates the physical, external world to confront the internal world of the mind. Jews focused all of their attention on the ethical behavior of a person, which is good in many ways. It’s a very bottom-line approach to good and evil.
o However, Jesus was not satisfied with mere external, physical obedience. He called for His followers to have clean hearts first, then clean hands (Matt. 15:17–20; Mark 7:14–15).
o That’s because both sin and righteousness begin in the mind.
• Paul has concluded his lengthy and demanding explanations of human sin, of the gospel of Christ, of the role of the law, of ethnic Israel and true Israel. With the “therefore” of 12:1, Paul begins to develop resulting general applications to the Christian life. The motivation for all his exhortations is God’s mercy in making salvation available to all in Christ (hence the “therefore”—Paul has not randomly switched topics; he is continuing an argument). He focuses first on life in the church (Rom 12) and then moves to life in the world (Rom 13). He’ll move back to life in the church in the final two sections of the book.
Bible Study:
Romans 12:1–2 (NASB95)
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
• 12:1–2. The start of this practical section is indicated by Paul’s I urge/exhort The Greek word used here, parakaleō, describes urging or encouraging someone to do something.
• Therefore also shows a transition (cf. “therefore” in 3:20; 5:1; 8:1). The basis of Paul’s exhortation is God’s mercy (oiktirmōn, rendered “compassion” in 2 Cor. 1:3; Phil. 2:1; Col. 3:12, and “mercy” in Heb. 10:28). God’s compassion has been described in detail in the first 11 chapters of Romans. “mercies of God” Refers to the undeserved kindness God shows toward sinners—one of Paul’s main themes so far in the letter.
• Think of all the mercies of God Paul has explained to us thus far:
o Justification from the guilt and penalty of sin
o Adoption in Jesus and identification with Christ
o Placed under grace, not law
o Giving the Holy Spirit to live within you
o Promise of help in all affliction
o Assurance of a standing in God’s election
o Confidence of coming glory
o Confidence of no separation from the love of God
o Confidence in God’s continued faithfulness
• The content of Paul’s urging is to offer your bodies (cf. Rom. 6:13) as living sacrifices. “bodies “The Greek word used here, sōma, refers to the entire person.
o “living sacrifice”: This expression might indicate that believers are to continually offer themselves in service to God. It also could describe believers as dead to sin yet alive to God (Rom 6:11).
o A Christian’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19–20). In the KJV “offer” is translated “present” (Rom. 12:1) and “yield” (6:13, 16, 19).
o The word “bodies,” mindful of the Old Testament sacrifices, represents the totality of one’s life and activities, of which his body is the vehicle of expression.
o In contrast with Old Testament sacrifices this is a “living” sacrifice. Such an offering is holy (set apart) and pleasing (cf. “pleasing” in 12:2) to God.
o Furthermore, it is spiritual (logikēn; cf. 1 Peter 2:2) worship (latreian). Latreian refers to any ministry performed for God, such as that of the priests and the Levites.
Christians are believer-priests, identified with the great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Heb. 7:23–28; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6).
A believer’s offering of his total life as a sacrifice to God is therefore sacred service. In the light of Paul’s closely reasoned and finely argued exposition of the mercies of God (Rom. 1–11), such an offering is obviously a desirable response for believers.
• Paul then stated general implications of a believer’s offering his life to God as a sacrifice.
• Such an offering represents a complete change in lifestyle, involving both a negative and a positive aspect.
o First, Paul commanded, Do not conform (lit., “Do not be conformed”; this Gr. word occurs elsewhere in the NT only in 1 Peter 1:14) any longer to the pattern of this world (aiōni, “Age”). Living according to the lifestyle of “the present evil Age” (Gal. 1:4; cf. Eph. 1:21) must now be put aside.
o Second, Paul commanded, But be transformed (pres. passive imper., “keep on being transformed”) by the renewing of your mind. The Greek verb translated “transformed” (metamorphousthe) is seen in the English word “metamorphosis,” a total change from inside out (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18).
• Note: be not conformed to this age (aioni) but (2) be … transformed as befitting members of the coming age. “The contrast between this age and the age to come is obviously in Paul’s mind when he uses these contrasting verbs.”
• This age, as opposed to the age to come (cf. Eph. 1:21), is “evil” (Gal. 1:4); Satan is its “god” (2 Cor. 4:4). All of us in our unregenerate condition “formerly walked according to the course of this age … in the lusts of our flesh” (Eph. 2:2–3, NASB, marg.).
o But as men of faith we have been resurrected with Christ and transferred to His heavenly realm (Eph. 2:4–10; cf. Col. 1:13).
o When Christ arose from the dead “the powers of the age to come” (Heb. 6:5, NASB) became operative in history. Those who have died with Christ and been raised with Him to newness of life (6:4) have become members of the coming age.
o “In Christ they have entered the new age; already they have received the first fruits of the Spirit (8:23), and are under obligation not to the flesh but to the Spirit (8:12).”
The key to this change is the “mind” (noos), the control center of one’s attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and actions (cf. Eph. 4:22–23).
Ephesians 4:22–24 (NASB95)
22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
As one’s mind keeps on being made new by the spiritual input of God’s Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship, his lifestyle keeps on being transformed.
• Third, Paul added, Then you will be able to test and approve (dokimazein, “prove by testing” [1 Peter 1:7, “proved genuine”], i.e., ascertain) what God’s will is—His good, pleasing (cf. Rom. 12:1), and perfect will.
• These three qualities are not attributes of God’s will as the NIV and some other translations imply.
o Rather, Paul said that God’s will itself is what is good, well-pleasing (to Him), and perfect. “Good,” for example, is not an adjective (God’s “good” will) but a noun (God’s will is what is good—good, i.e., for each believer).
• As a Christian is transformed in his mind and is made more like Christ, he comes to approve and desire God’s will, not his own will for his life.
o Then he discovers that God’s will is what is good for him, and that it pleases God, and is complete in every way.
It is all he needs. But only by being renewed spiritually can a believer ascertain, do, and enjoy the will of God.
We now have a good overview of what Paul is saying…but you ask, How do you do this as it seems very hard and almost unattainable? Let’s find out.
• Paul urges and pleads with believers to have a balance in their lives. There are things we should do and not do. Balanced preaching has both positive and negative principles that we should apply in our lives. Consider what Paul says in Colossians.
o Colossians 3:1–3 (NASB95)
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
o The positive principle is “seek those things above.” Here in Romans 12 we are to present our bodies to the Lord (positive principle)
o The negative principle is “not on things on the earth.” Be not conformed to this world (negative principle).
• What does Paul mean when he says, “be not conformed?” The word “conformed” comes from the Greek word suschematizo which means “to conform your mind and character to another’s pattern.” It is derived from the Greek word “schema” which means “fashion, actions, the manner of life of a person.”
o We are not to pattern our way of living by this world’s philosophy and lifestyle. We are not to live in the carnal mold of an unsaved world. As ambassadors of Christ, we are to be different in our attitudes, actions, appetites, attire, and acclamations or words. We are new creatures in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB95)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
• Christians are to adjust their way of thinking about everything in accordance with the “newness” of their life in the Spirit (see 7:6).
o This “reprogramming” of the mind does not take place overnight but is a lifelong process by which our way of thinking is to resemble more and more the way God wants us to think.
o As N. T. Wright has put it: “If the ekklēsia of God in Jesus the Messiah, in its unity and holiness, is to constitute as it were its own worldview, to be its own central symbol, it needs to think: to be ‘transformed by the renewal of the mind,’ to think as age-to-come people rather than present-age people
• New Testament scholar Kenneth Wuest paraphrased this clause: “Stop assuming an outward expression which is patterned after this world, an expression which does not come from, nor is representative of what you are in your inner being as a regenerated child of God” (Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1955], 1:206–7).
Note as a thought to soak on:
• Jesus Christ is the One we are to pattern our lives after, not an ungodly world. He is our example and blueprint for living.
o John 13:15 (NASB95)
15 “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.
o 1 Peter 2:21 (NASB95)
21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
Having set the stage for what you are about to learn, work on these questions.
• “How do I become a non-conformist in a carnal society?
• How do I not conform to this world?” The Bible gives specific answers and principles.
Realize this World is not Your Final Home.
• Christians don’t fit the mold of this world because they are new creatures in Christ and don’t belong in the mold of a carnal society. Our citizenship has changed from this earth to Heaven. We are strangers and pilgrims that are just passing through this world. This world is not our final home.
o 1 Peter 2:11 (NASB95)
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
o Hebrews 11:13 (NASB95)
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
o Philippians 3:20 (NASB95)
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
• Christians need to be more concerned about what God thinks than what society considers important. If we are going to be non-conformists in a carnal society, we must change our thinking on many matters.
Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed…
• Every one of us is in one of two categories: Either we’re conformers or transformers. Right now, you’re either trying to figure out what she’s wearing, what he’s driving, or how you can fit in and be cool—or, like J. B. Phillips, you’re saying, “I don’t care what the world is doing. I’m not going to let it squeeze me into its mold.”
• Are you a thermometer—adjusting to the temperature of the culture, or are you a thermostat—changing the climate of the culture? If you are a conformer, a thermometer, you’re in for perpetual frustration because by the time you take the temperature and figure out what’s hot, by the time you change your look, or buy the car, or redo your house—the world will have moved on, leaving you out of style. Truly, this is a great mystery to a lot of Christians.
o They try to make their ministries relatable by analyzing what the world is doing to emulate it. But by the time they figure it out and implement it, the world has moved on. That’s why Christians are known for being out of style.
• What’s the key? Don’t be a thermometer. Be a thermostat. Don’t be a conformer. Be a transformer. Say, “I’m in a whole different place than you are, world. I’m living for eternity. I’m preparing for heaven.”
Rely and Relinquish your Life to the Holy Spirit’s Control.
• If we are unwilling to yield and surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit each day and rely upon His power to live the Christian life, we will conform to this world.
o Ephesians 5:18 (NASB95)
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
o Romans 6:13 (NASB95)
and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
• You give Him your mind (v. 2a). The world wants to control your mind, but God wants to transform your mind (see Eph. 4:17–24; Col. 3:1–11). This word transform is the same as transfigure in Matthew 17:2. It has come into our English language as the word “metamorphosis.” It describes a change from within. The world wants to change your mind, so it exerts pressure from without. But the Holy Spirit changes your mind by releasing power from within. If the world controls your thinking, you are a conformer; if God controls your thinking, you are a transformer.
o God transforms our minds and makes us spiritually minded by using His Word. As you spend time meditating on God’s Word, memorizing it, and making it a part of your inner man, God will gradually make your mind more spiritual (see 2 Cor. 3:18).
• You give Him your will (v. 2b). Your mind controls your body, and your will controls your mind. Many people think they can control their will by “willpower,” but usually they fail. (This was Paul’s experience as recorded in Rom. 7:15–21). It is only when we yield the will to God that His power can take over and give us the willpower (and the “want to” power!) that we need to be victorious Christians. My dad said to me many times, “you can do anything you want to, as soon as you get your “want to” up.
• We surrender our wills to God through disciplined prayer.
o As we spend time in prayer, we surrender our will to God and pray, with the Lord, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” We must pray about everything, and let God have His way in everything.
• If we are going to be victorious Christians, we must look to the Lord for help and be focused upon our love for Him.
Replace that Which is Bad with that Which is Good.
• Fill the vacuums of your life with that which is good and productive. Someone said, “An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.” There is truth to that statement.
o Stay busy for the Lord and serving other people.
o Encourage others instead of enticing them; love people instead of laughing at them.
o Use your time to tell others about Christ and make time to pray and study God’s Word.
• Colossians 3:1–2 (NASB95)
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
• Psalm 34:14 (NASB95)
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
• Proverbs 4:23–27 (NASB95)
23 Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth
And put devious speech far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
26 Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.
27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.
If you are struggling with sinful habits or friends, replace those habits or friends with good ones. Fill the voids of your life. If you don’t, Satan will.
• Matthew 12:43–45 (NASB95)
43 “Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it.
44 “Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order.
45 “Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”
Resolve to Do What is Right.
• If you are going to be a non-conformist in a carnal society, you need to make up your mind now that you are going to do what is right. Make your choice now.
o Psalm 119:30 (NASB95)
I have chosen the faithful way;
I have placed Your ordinances before me.
• Don’t wait until the time of temptation. That may be too late.
o Debates with your fleshly nature don’t go to well.
o We have a way of rationalizing wrong and making excuses for evil behavior.
o Scripture is filled with believers who resolved to do what is right.
Again, this requires us to make time regularly to meditate on who Jesus is and what he has done, and to reflect on what his will for us is in the circumstances he sends our way—how He would have us behave, and how he may be changing us.
• Ephesians 5:17–20 (NASB95)
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
What are some lasting truths in Romans 12:1–2?
1. Experiencing salvation motivates us to live for Christ.
2. God calls believers to offer themselves to Him as living sacrifices.
3. Living such a life is worshipful service to God.
4. Christians are not to be conformed to the ways of a non-Christian world.
5. Being transformed into the image of Christ is an ongoing process
Questions to Soak on and answer with other Christians:
• What influences have significantly shaped your life?
• What is the most reasonable response to God’s great mercy? (12:1–2)
• What must happen in order for a person to discern and agree with the will of God? (12:2)
• What makes offering our bodies as living sacrifices an act of worship?
• How can a Christian renew his or her mind?
• How do people unite in Christ act toward each other?
• How can the gifts God bestows on Christians help others in the church or community?
• How can you put a spiritual gift to work for others this week?
