Down an Unfamiliar Road

Renown missionary Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) was a French-German theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician. He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of “Reverence for Life,” expressed in many ways, but most famously in founding and sustaining the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, now in Gabon, west central Africa (then French Equatorial Africa). So we should take seriously what he said, “The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for.”

I like what Indian-born Dr. John Parankimahlil, popularly called Fr. P.D. Johny, wrote concerning the need and Importance of Guidance. He rightly points out that problems in life are becoming more and more complex. Traditional mōrēs (morals) and personal convictions concerning rightness and wrongness of attitude and behavior are breaking down. Many diverse factors inherent within our home, school, social and occupational activities and relationships pull us in different directions. We often find ourselves in such a state of confusion and bewilderment that it is difficult to steer straight ahead without the help of proper guidance.

He goes on to say that correct guidance helps an individual achieve well on various areas of personal and social life, as well as in educational and career pursuits. A society consisting of well-achieving and adjusted individuals would contribute more to achieving national and social goals. Such a society would also have individuals who are aware of social problems and can deal with them more humanely.

He then shares the following insights on the benefits of guidance:

No matter how young you are or how old you get, there is always a need for guidance. It helps a person to adjust along the way to different stages in life.

Experience reveals that no two persons are alike and no two persons get similar opportunities in life. That’s why every individual needs the help of guidance in order to know the particular kind of profession for which they are most suited.

Gone are the days when a child was supposed to take up the profession of their father or mother. Nowadays professions or occupations have become so varied and so complex that everyone has at first to get a general education and then to undergo a long training for the profession to be adopted. In other words, you never stop learning.

Maturity must be part of learning. That’s why guidance is required for the development of healthy and positive attitudes, habits, values, etc. towards work through a broadening awareness of the world of work, planning, and preparing for one’s career.

Guidance is also required for assistance in understanding and developing a positive self-image and development of social skills for learning an effective and satisfying personal-social life. It includes being aware of family relationships, attitudes towards home-life, and the role of family for healthy growth.

Guidance creates an understanding of socio-cultural values and awareness of social issues, concerns and problems, overcoming prejudices, developing right attitudes and values of co-operation, tolerance, righteousness, and social justice for peace and equality.

Today many individuals waste their precious time with a lot of unhealthy activities. People need to be guided to use their leisure time profitably. Proper balancing of work and family is also important. Many people spend hours engaged with others who share their view of life without criticism because it feels so comfortable.

In short, Guidance will be required:

• To understand oneself, one’s talents, abilities and potentialities and also the limitations.
• To recognize and develop favorable attitudes and habits and the elimination of undesirable traits.
• To develop resourcefulness and self-direction in adapting to changes in society
• To select appropriate courses in line with individual needs, interests, abilities, and circumstances.
• To get information on greater opportunities and trends and suitable advancement.

And the Bible is not silent when it comes to this topic of guidance. King Solomon made it clear that without good direction, people lose their way, the more wise counsel you follow, the greater your opportunities.¹ That’s why he laid out a path to follow for advancing in life by allowing God to be the main source for guidance.²

No doubt he learned a lot by reading what his father King David had to say about guidance. In one Psalm he prayed, “Show me how You do things, God; educate me in your ways. Take me by the hand; lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren’t you?”³ His father, David, was sincere in his prayer because later on, he would share with others how blessed they are when God gives you an opportunity to start over. He said that God does this by looking you straight in the eye and tells you like it is because He loves you.⁴

David was so inspired that he dedicated a whole Psalm to this subject of following the guidance God gives us. In fact, he points out the great advantage of having God as your Guide. If you ever lose your way and even stumble and fall, God is right there beside you holding tight to your hand and will help you get going again.⁵ And David was not the only one. Another young man confessed to God that by His Word he could see where he was going because His Word was like a beam of light on a dark path. That resulted in the young man declaring: “I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your instructions and guidance.”⁶

These lessons were well learned as we can see from what the prophet Isaiah had to say about the teacher who was coming: “Just as the Master kept you alive during the hard times, he’ll keep your Teacher alive and present among you. Your Teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: ‘This is the right road. Walk down this road.’ You’ll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You’ll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, ‘Good riddance!’”⁷

So when this Teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, came. He did exactly what Isaiah said He would do. But He only stayed a little while. And just as He was ready to leave He told His followers: “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left – feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.”⁸ In other words, I’m not leaving you without anyone to guide you.

It was quite possible that His followers did become anxious, but Jesus reminded them again, “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them right now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, He will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to Himself but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; He will take from me and deliver it to you.”⁹

So it isn’t that there is no guidance available and often very accessible, but we often fall into the same trap as Albert Schweitzer did: “The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for.” So where does that leave us? We can’t always blame our failures on others. Sometimes we must be honest and blame it on ourselves. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE – UNLESS YOU’RE A CHRISTIAN

I’m used to telling other people’s stories, but here is one of my own. Several years ago I went to see my doctor for a regular annual check-up. As he looked over my chart, telling me how good everything looked, he mentioned offhand that with my age and gender he thought I should have a vascular sonogram just to be on the safe side. I agreed and went for the test. I got a call telling me they found an aortic aneurysm in my abdomen, so I was sent to a vascular surgeon. The surgeon told me that my aneurysm was only about 3 centimeters wide, and since these tend to expand slowly, he would need to monitor it for the next year. (If an aneurysm bursts in the body, often there is not enough time to reach the spot and stop the bleeding. It’s like walking around with a ticking time bomb. This was in April.)

Eight months later in December, I woke up one morning with a bloated stomach and a lot of pressure pain. When it didn’t go away with Tums and Pepto Bismol, I asked my wife to take me to the ER. While there, they decided to do a C-Scan to see what the problem was. They never got around to my stomach because the swelling went down and the pain went away. However, the scan showed that my aneurysm had expanded to the critical 5-centimeter mark. This put it in the danger zone. So my vascular surgeon arranged for me to have it repaired right away. The surgery was complicated and took longer than expected. After reaching the recovery room my heart stopped and they coded me. They called my wife at 12:15 am., and asked her to immediately return to the hospital, and on her way, she was praying for God to keep me here, and He did.

After returning home for continued healing, I went back to work feeling great. One day after taking a walk with my wife and returning to the apartment, my right leg suddenly went limp and started to burn and tingle. I put it up and after a short while it started feeling better. However, I noticed that after only a few steps my hip area began to hurt badly making me limp. A few days later it would start in my hip, go to my thigh and then down to my calf muscle after only 30 steps or so. I was going on a trip to a conference so I quickly made an appointment to see a doctor. She told me it sounded like bursitis, where the lubricating sac in the hip had ruptured and it was bone on bone causing the pain.

I went to the conference and each day as I walked through the park from the hotel to the conference site I had to stop many times because the pain became unbearable. By the middle of the week, something strange happened, the pain would start in my calf, move up to my thigh and then into the hip. Upon returning home I went to see my regular doctor and he told me he didn’t like the look of my leg color and suggested that it could be a circulation problem. So I did another test. As soon as he saw the results he called my vascular surgeon. The surgeon told me that I had developed a blood clot in my leg that was depriving it of oxygen and that was causing the pain. So he performed an outpatient procedure to remove the blood clot and open the vein. Thank God I am now on my way to recovery.

When it was all over, I stopped and thought: was it an accident that my regular doctor just happened to think of my having a sonogram which led to their finding an abdominal aortic aneurysm? Was it just pure luck that I woke up one morning with a stomach ache that led to their finding it had expanded to the critical danger point in six months and had I wait 12 months as my surgeon suggested I might not be here? Was it happenstance that they called my wife who started praying and got a hold of other family members who prayed and I survived my heart stopping in the recovery room? Was it just a matter of good fortune that my leg started hurting for no reason and it was so severe that I sought medical attention that ended up identifying a potentially lethal blood clot? Was it just my lucky day that each time I walked across the park to get to a meeting, that the blood clot, nobody knew I had, did not break loose and instead of flying home in a seat it would have been in a wooden box?

Not for one second! It was God taking care of one of His most insignificant sheep because He had a plan for me. That included moving the California where my wife and I could be surrounded by her wonderful family. It also involved being able to help my church register and begin preparations for a Theological Seminary extension program in California. And it also had to do with writing a Bible commentary on Romans that could be used as part of the extension program in the Ministry Division of this Seminary. Do I walk now in confidence knowing that He’s watching over me? You can be sure of that. Would I call all of this a miracle? Absolutely! “Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!”¹ – Dr. Robert R Seyda

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson X)

As Calvin sees it, there is sometimes an abnormal display of so-called Words of Wisdom, not only concerning things that are of no value but also of useless things people do not need to know. The same with supposed Word of Knowledge, especially when through rashness and presumption they go beyond the measure of what the person receiving it is given to know and reveal. As such, these people become spiritual soothsayers, clairvoyants, mediums, psychics, and fortune-tellers. This is an outrage God will not allow to go unchecked. Calvin notes that it is amazing how some innocent believers are led astray by such insane trivia, and some by foolish ambition. Consequently, they proceed beyond those bounds which are set for them by the Holy Spirit.¹ Augustine’s advice rings true in such cases. He said that it is better not to make up our minds too soon so that we continue arguing over things we know nothing about.²

Both John Locke and Daniel Whitby accept the term here, “the measure of faith” (KJV), to mean “the measure of spiritual gifts.” Locke in his paraphrase has “spiritual gifts,” while Whitby has “ministerial gifts.” However, very few, if any, English translations have rendered it as gifts, most have “faith.” Nevertheless, Whitby points to what Peter said about ministering according to the “ability which God gives.”³ And then Paul tells the Ephesians that God’s grace is shown to us by the measure of the gifts we received through Christ.⁴ And then when we look down to verse 6, this is exactly what Paul seems to be saying. The point is, what good is faith if it is not put into action through the gifts?⁵ Yet, by and in large, most other commentators leave it as “faith,”

John Bengel believes that no Christian should present themselves as the role model by which others are judged, nor to think that others should be exactly as they are by copying everything they say and do. Bengel thinks there have been many reasons why some in the Roman church might have thought this way, that’s why Paul addresses it here.⁶ Then Adam Clarke adds a similar admonition to the extent that no one should value themselves as being greater than what God has created them to be. They must always keep in mind that whatever they are or have already achieved they owe all praise to God. After all, the glory belongs to the Giver of the gift, not to the receiver of the gift.⁷

Not only does Jonathan Edwards insist that a person must know what they are doing and why they are doing it in order to be a useful believer; they must also be aware of what their duties are and why it is important that they follow God’s instruction in performing their ministry. They must also learn how to regulate how they do what they do so as not to go out of bounds. This is not only tied to a person’s measure or proportion of faith, but also the sure conviction and commitment that whatever they do it is to the glory, honor, and praise of God through Christ.⁸

On the subject of every person being given an allotment of faith, Robert Haldane sees a standard being set here by God with which we may measure ourselves. On the term “faith” used here, various explanations are offered by various scholars. When we examine the Greek New Testament text, the English word “faith” is mostly a translation of the Greek word “pistis” and the words “believe” or “believed” are mostly from the Greek “pisteuō.” The main elements in faith as it relates to God is best brought out in the use of this noun pistis and the corresponding verb pisteuō. This can be a firm conviction, producing a full acknowledgment of God’s revelation or truth⁹ It can also be taken as a personal surrender to God’s will.¹⁰ In addition, it defines the trust or confidence inspired by such surrender.¹¹ In other words, to have enough faith to believe in what we’re doing. The best way to choose which way the word is used is by the context surrounding it.

For Haldane, it simply means the faith by which we are united with the Savior and the faith by which all the fullness of God is imparted to us. So the measure or allotment of faith with which each believer is endowed, whether weak or strong, in the pulpit or in the pew, indicates with certainty both their real character before God and their relative standing among other believers. In other words, every believer can take a measure of their faith by comparing their beliefs with their believing. We often see that the person with the greatest amount of faith is also the one with the largest number of good deeds to the glory of God. So with this comes the understanding that not only our faith but every degree of it, is the gift from God.

Some might say then that God is responsible for the amount of faith they have. That’s what Paul said about grace, but not about faith.¹² This faith Paul is talking about is that which comes with the gifts of the Spirit. It is for both of these a believer must have their own faith. Yet, Paul cautions each believer to be moderate in their estimation of the recognition they might receive based on the level of their faith. In fact, respect others before thinking highly of yourself. This will help the believer avoid any situations that may inflame their own pride, or lead to their discouragement.¹³

Albert Barnes believes Paul is telling the Roman believers to judge themselves or estimate themselves, based on their commitment to the faith. For him, the proper use of such a rule is apparent when they do not rank themselves based on what they see in others. Another reason for this rule is that talent, education, level of responsibility, or wealth are improper measures by which to estimate our spiritual importance. All these things may be completely lacking in moral value since they may be possessed by both the best and worst of people. Furthermore, God is the ultimate Judge who uses His own standard of excellence which is influenced by the degree to which we are attached to Christ and His cause.¹⁴ Therefore, since this is God’s measuring stick for us, why not make it our measuring stick for ourselves.

Barnes feels there are other factors involved with this measurement of faith. How much of what we do for Christ promotes humility, and how much we do for ourselves that produces pride? When we consider that God has made us what we are, and given us all that we have, this allows for those who are unseen and unheard to be at the same level as those who are well-known. And when we take into account our own imperfections and short-comings as believers it should caution us not to overrate ourselves and our importance. Especially when we realize that we may at any time be confronted with this question: Is there enough evidence to convict us of being true friends of God? This alone should promote humility of mind and humbleness of spirit. If all Christians evaluated themselves in this manner, it would remove much of the danger involved when people take too much pride in their positions and what they gain by reputation in the world. It would also help produce in us a deeper appreciation for those blessed with the faith found in the Gospel even though they may not be adorned by any trappings of the wealth or notoriety that promotes so much pride in some believers who gain distinction among the people of this world.¹⁵

Anglican scholar Henry Alford tells us there is a play on words here in the original Greek, which cannot be seen as clearly when translated into English. The first Greek verb hyperphroneō would be equivalent to our English of being – “high-minded.” We can see that in the prefix, “hyper.” The second Greek phrase is eis-sōphroneō: “at the place of entry of being sound-minded.” This involves the Greek preposition eis which means “into,” “towards,” and the Greek verb sōphroneō which means “to be of sound mind or the being in one’s right mind.” This is expressed in English as “to become sober-minded, of sound mind, or having a right mind.” Thayer, in his Lexicon, lists it in the category of, “an opinion of one’s self,” or, “what one thinks of themselves.” When these two words are put together, the sentence can read this way: Don’t let the flattery of others cause you to think that you are smarter than you are.

Charles Hodge makes an excellent point here on how we should understand the measure of spiritual gifts bestowed on any congregation. First of all, Paul has shown his readers that these charismatic gifts were all unmerited. Therefore, they became occasions for thanksgiving, not grounds for making a toast. Paul wants the church in Rome to know that God’s main purpose in bestowing these gifts of the Spirit was for the edification of the church, not the exaltation of the receiver. And while the gifts were diverse and unique, they were all manifestations of one and the same Holy Spirit.

They were also designed for the spiritual wellness of the entire body of Christ as well as the individual members of that body. While the members had various ministries and responsibilities, these gifts were matched to each person, and with each office. Since neither the Holy Spirit, the Son of God, nor the Father exalted one over the other because they constitute one entity, the Trinity, likewise, in the body of Christ the eye should not exalt itself over the foot, or the ear over the hand, etc. Paul had to address this issue in the Corinthian church,¹⁶ so he did not want to face the same thing in Rome.¹⁷

French scholar Frédéric Godet believes that this is where those who become part of the church ought to begin, the sacrifice of themselves, instead of seeking to make themselves great, as is done in the world. They should aspire to moderate and control themselves in conformity with the standard outlined for them by the will of God. Thus we see how this verse should be joined to the preceding by the word “for.” It is an application which confirms the principle that the measure of each person is defined by the words: “that which they have a right to claim.” In the believer’s case, it consists in their praying only to be that which God, through the gift committed to them, has called them to be. The gift received should be within the limits of every person’s claim and action, for it is by this that the will of God regarding them is revealed.

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson IX)

All of this “I’m-better-than-you-are” thinking was not restricted to the Roman church. Paul had to tell the Corinthians: “After all, what makes you so special? What do you have that you didn’t receive as a gift? And if in fact, it was a gift, why do you boast as if it weren’t?”¹ And he also told the Philippians: “Nothing should be done because of pride or thinking about yourself. Think of other people as more important than yourself.”² He also shares with the Corinthians a personal lesson on how any thoughts of being a special Apostle were quickly repressed by the Holy Spirit: “To keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited.”³

So it only makes sense that since Paul told them what not to think and do when they are given a special place in God’s plan to get the Gospel to the world, he should also tell them what to do. The Greek verb sōphroneō translated as “soberly” by the KJV means to think clearly without letting emotions becoming involved. Thayer, in his Lexicon, defines it as, “exercising self-control by putting a moderate estimate upon one’s self.” Paul uses this same word in his letter to the Corinthians when he told them he didn’t want them to think he felt he was more important than they were. He put it this way: “If we are ‘out of our mind,’ as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” ⁴ And to Titus he wrote: “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”⁵ Even the Apostle Peter cautioned his readers to do the same.⁶

But that was not all. Paul also wanted them to keep their focus and not try to go beyond the limits of the gifts and abilities that God bestowed on them to complete their mission. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “The Holy Spirit works in each person in one way or another for the good of all.”⁷ And to the Ephesians, he said: “Christ gave gifts to men. He gave to some the gift to be missionaries, some to be preachers, others to be preachers who go from town to town. He gave others the gift to be church leaders and teachers. These gifts help His people work well for Him. And then the church which is the body of Christ will be made strong.”⁸ In other words, spreading the Gospel and teaching the Word is a team effort. No member of the team should feel superior to the others.

Early church scholar Origen feels that everyone should know the limits to their spiritual understanding and ability. This is something that must be arrived at by faith. For instance, one individual feels called to do charity work, another to do counseling. another assisting the poor, another involved in caring for the sick, another the welfare of widows and children, another hospitality. This is something God has portioned out to each person according to the size of their faith. But imagine someone who received a calling and given understanding about one of these ministries who does not understand the limitations of their ability to handle it properly.

Still, they want to learn more about the ministry they have been assigned to, the doctrines of their faith, and desire to become more efficient and knowledgeable in their ministry. However, that is something they will have to learn and go to training for. But, they don’t want to start getting so involved that they would suddenly be expected to teach others. That would put them in a quandary of having to instruct people on things they had no expertise in. This is the case of someone who wants to go beyond what they are really capable of handling.⁹ What Paul is saying is, we should stay within bounds of our ability. There are some people who want to be big shots when they have no shot at being mediocre.

Other early church scholars touched on this subject as well. Basil the Bishop of Cæsarea hears Paul saying that we should accept the level of ministry we are assigned to and not seek to advance without the encouragement of others at our level, or the approval of those over us. Also, do not desire to rise higher in order to take over someone else’s area of leadership.¹⁰ For Ambrosiaster, Paul teaches us to be careful not to try to do too much and be too demanding in what we do. Keep in mind that we are there to serve others, not ourselves. We do what’s best for them not what’s best for us.¹¹ And Chrysostom feels that Paul is addressing these words to everyone, not just one group of people. Those who lead and those who are led, the employer and the employee, the educated and the uneducated, the women and the men, the young and the old. Sometimes, when God speaks He speaks to everyone, not just a few.¹²

Then Pelagius takes the view that since Paul is ready to terminate any idea that his human wisdom goes beyond God’s wisdom found in the Law, he informs the Christians in Rome that he is not writing to tell them what to think. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit he is telling them what God thinks they should know. He seems to be writing specifically to all those who are elders or teachers in the church, and whose example the others follow. Anyone who claims to have received a revelation on a subject God’s Word does not address is wanting others to think they are wiser than them. That’s why we find in Scripture this admonition: “Do not inquire after things higher than yourself and do not search after things greater than yourself but think always on the things that God has commanded you.”¹³

Note that Paul calls the Holy Spirit, God. For to the Corinthians, he declares that the Holy Spirit apportions gifts to each person as He wishes.¹⁴ Charismatic gifts which only Spirit-filled believers receive, are to be regarded as indicative of their measure of faith. The term “measure of faith” may be better understood by substituting the term “allotment of faith.” So along with the charismatic gift comes the sufficient amount of faith for the gift to operate. That’s why no one should seek a gift for which they have not been given the necessary allotment of faith to use it for God’s glory and the church’s benefit and edification.¹⁵

Also, Gennadius, the great early church scholar, points out that Paul said all this as a formula for those brethren who were running after charismatic gifts as though they deserved them. God did not order the Holy Spirit to dispense gifts in order that believers should be jealous of each other or that spiritual things should become an excuse for debate and controversy. Rather, that believers can enjoy harmony and friendship and the common bond they share in Christ. No believer receives spiritual gifts just because they claim them as their right. Both those who are deemed capable of several charismatic gifts and those who are given but one must remember that they are gifts given by God through the Holy Spirit. And knowing this should inspire each one to use these gifts according to the volume of their faith.¹⁶

Martin Luther says that Paul is saying all this in the interest of unity because there are few things that bring about division more than those who do not stay within the bounds of their calling. This results when they neglect their own ministry out of jealousy because of their desire for the gifts of others. Since it is God who distributes all gifts, He chooses those He wants to use in certain ways. That’s why no person should exalt themselves as though they should have more than all the others. It is through such arrogance that the unity of a congregation is destroyed. The Greeks say that everyone should practice only the art they are capable of,¹⁷ which fits this same criteria.¹⁸

Luther also addresses the expression “measure of faith.” As he sees it, this may be understood in the sense of God’s faith in the one to whom it is given. But also, since the Apostle Paul emphasizes the fact that various gifts are imparted with a measure of faith, we can also take it to mean the measure of faith that comes with the gift. Then again, some may see it as the measure of faith the believer needs to receive such a gift. But one thing that never changes is the fact that they are gifts. When such faith is increased either by the amount that comes with the gift, or the amount of faith the believer has in order to accept the gift, it will determine the number of gifts bestowed. For certain, there is one faith, one baptism, one Church, one Lord, one Spirit, and one God.¹⁹ Nevertheless, in this one faith, this one Church, this one body of Christ’s there are a variety of differing gifts. So keep in mind, whatever gift the Holy Spirit uses you to minister to the members of the body of Christ, it was picked out for you by God the Father to bless others.²⁰

Fellow reformer John Calvin also touches on the unique distribution of charismatic gifts by God. He points out that we must not get the words mixed up in the wrong order. So instead of reading it as “To everyone God has distributed,” instead, read, “To everyone as God has distributed.²¹”²² To put it another way, Calvin is saying that we must not interpret this as God indiscriminately distributing gifts to everyone, but as God distributes the gifts based on the measure of faith in each believer to receive and use such a gift. This means that individual spiritual gifts are given according to the level of a person’s faith. Therefore, those with little faith no doubt receive few spiritual gifts if any, while those of strong faith may receive several.

Calvin contends that such reasoning is given here to help us make sense out of what Paul has just mentioned. Namely, since the distribution of these gifts is various. That’s why everyone must always stay focused on the limits of their faith when inspired by the Holy Spirit to use their gift. To put this in perspective, when a believer is given the gift of the “word of wisdom,” do not think it also can be used as the gift of the “word of knowledge.” Wisdom implies words of counsel and advice that may be dispensed to one or many believers together. Knowledge indicates information of which the speaker has no prior cognition and is often meant for only one person.

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson VIII)

Charles Ellicott explains his understanding of proving what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For him it is a double process: First, in deciding what the will of God is. Secondly, choosing and acting upon it. The “will of God” used here does not denote the divine attribute of His will by which the universe was created and the predestination of His creation. Rather, it refers to the thing willed by God as the right course of action. This raises the question of whether the adjectives good, and acceptable, and perfect (KJV), agree with the phrase, “that we may prove the will of God as being such,” or is it the opposite, “that we may prove the will of God as being good, and acceptable, and perfect for the believer?” Ellicott says that most of the commentators he knows, prefer this latter way of taking the passage. But he also admits that we cannot rule out the former as being impossible.¹

F. F. Bruce has some thoughts on why we should not be conformed to this world. He begins by pointing out that the Greek noun aiōn, “this world,”² is distinguished from the age to come.³ However, even while we live in this present evil age,⁴ whose false gods blind the minds of unbelievers,⁵ yet it is possible for believers living temporally in this age to conduct themselves as heirs of the age-to-come. This is because the old has passed away and everything has become new.⁶ They are, therefore, a new creation in Christ and their future is now extended to the world-to-come.⁷ It is by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, given as a pledge of their inheritance in eternity they can resist the tendency to live according to the standards of “this world⁸.⁹

John Stott focuses on how our conformity is actually nonconformity to this world’s way of acting and thinking. He interprets Paul’s call here as one to nonconformity so that holiness can be maintained. This is not new, it has been addressed to the people of God throughout Scripture. For instance, after Moses led the children of Israel out of bondage, God sent the message to them that they should not keep doing what they were doing while living in Egypt. And for sure, they were not to start doing what they would see in the land of Canaan where He was taking them. They should keep following the laws that He gave them and not borrow the laws of the Canaanites.¹⁰ Rabbi Saba says the reason for this is because the Canaanites had adopted many of the customs and laws of Egypt. Since they lived in Egypt for so long, that would be an even greater temptation than the pagan practices of the Canaanites alone.¹¹

Another example is found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Surrounded by the false devotion of both Pharisees and pagans, Jesus told His disciples not to acts like them.¹² I like the way William Barclay puts it: “Don’t try to match your life to all the fashions of this world; don’t be like a chameleon which takes its color from its surroundings.”¹³ Here Paul issues a summons to the church in Rome to rid themselves of any habits or customs that were influenced by the unconverted Romans who lived all around them. Rather, to be renovated, or transformed, by having a complete change of mind and outlook.

Barclay goes on to point out that both verbs “conform” and “transform” are used in the present passive imperative form. To make that a little plainer, since it is in the imperative form it means a command has been given, and since this command was said in a passive voice it means that Paul was pleading with the Romans to conform and transform. And by being in the present tense, it means right now, not later. It also denotes that this should continue to be their attitude. They must go on refusing to conform to the world’s way of doing things, and at the same time allowing themselves to be transformed according to God’s will.¹⁴

According to Evangelical scholar Douglas Moo, the transformation of the mind, by definition, is an internal process. In some way, Paul’s statement here is in response to a possible criticism of his gospel. By this time he was renown for teaching that Christians are no longer “under the law.” In other words, they were no longer tied to the Law of Moses in their search and efforts to be right with God.¹⁵ But this led some to ask, in that case on what foundation was their righteousness based? What directives do Christians follow to live a life pleasing to God? Paul’s answer was that God did not issue a new set of rules on a tablet of stone and then walk off and let them manage it. Instead, God is at work in us on a daily basis, changing us from within, even to the way that we think and act.

This has proven to be a great alternative to living under the law. After all, what law could conceivably cover all the issues people face in an ever-changing world? This would require a constant upgrading of the Law. And before long, the grandchildren would be bound to laws that their grandparents knew nothing about. No! Christians need instructions that are daily communicated from heaven by the Holy Spirit to cover things their grandchildren’s parents never had to face.

Moo sees this in its practical application. Many church organizations, wanting badly to get their congregations to obey God, take a legal approach to Christian ethics. So they compiled a list of teachings that drew from the First Covenant, Last Covenant, and some from the contemporary morals that were prevalent when the list was drawn up. By doing so, they leave the impression that Christian ethics consists mainly of conformity to those practical teachings. This puts many believers in these organizations in a quandary. As a result, they become schizoid Christians. This means they tend to lead a double life. They follow all the rules that matter to stay in harmony with the church, but they have a secular lifestyle in those areas not touched by church laws.

For instance, a Christian woman may refuse to abort her baby because she has been taught against it. But she may have a concealed racist attitude or cheat on her taxes thinking she’s only taking advantage of a human government but not against God. It is similar for men who refuse to even entertain any thought of adultery but don’t see getting involved in questionable deals that may cheat some investors out of their money because they continue to pay their tithes. Since the renewing the mind was an important factor in Paul’s doctrine of sanctification, then the goal of an organization’s ministry should be to focus on helping believers to allow the Holy Spirit to form their minds in a way that is pleasing to God, not just the church. This will require more expository preaching that goes beyond simply teaching people what is right and wrong. It will need to be Scripturally based and inspired by the Holy Spirit on things that are virtuous, spiritual, and holy.¹⁶

Verse 3: Because of God’s special favor given to me, I have something to say to each one of you. Don’t think that you are smarter than everyone else around you. You should not search for knowledge with pride but do so modestly within the measure of the faith God has given all of us.

Paul is not bragging here, any more than a courier running to the front-lines would be bragging upon arrival that he had a special message for those in charge. Paul’s gift was not special because of who he was or what position he held as an Apostle, but because of the One who wrote the message. Paul shared the same sentiment with the Corinthians when he wrote: “You are also God’s building, and through God’s loving-favor to me, I laid the stones on which the building was to be built.”¹⁷ Not only that, but Paul recognized this his special favor had a specific purpose.¹⁸ And when Paul wrote the Ephesians, he mentioned that this special calling was known to everyone.¹⁹ Then in his letter to Timothy, Paul says: “Our Lord gave me much of His loving-favor and faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.”²⁰

Again, we must put Paul’s comments here in context. Not only was he on a specific mission with a specialized calling, but such status gave him particular expertise in what he was about to communicate. It appears that Paul may have been falsely accused of being big-headed, and/or else, he was often tempted to be somewhat egotistical based on his personal encounter with the risen Christ. In either case, Paul felt it was worthwhile to warn the Roman believers of the pitfalls that await those who become proud and narcissistic because of being blessed by God’s special favor.

King Solomon was keenly aware of how fatal high-mindedness could be when he said: “Pride goes before destruction, and arrogance before failure.”²¹ He also admonished: “When you see a man who is wise in his own eyes, there is more hope for a fool than for him.”²² Could it be that Paul had these words of Solomon in mind: “Don’t try to be overly righteous or act overly wise; why should you disappoint yourself?”²³ And the prophet Micah was given this word from the LORD: “O man, He has told you what is good. What does the LORD ask of you but to do what is fair and to love kindness, and to walk without pride with your God?”²⁴

However, Jesus decided to teach this same principle through show and tell. When some of His disciples came to Him and asked: Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Matthew tells us that Jesus called a little child into their circle. He then position the child in the middle and said to them, “I tell you that unless you change and become like little children, you won’t even enter the Kingdom of Heaven! So the greatest in the Kingdom is whoever makes themselves as humble as this child.”²⁵ And Luke tells us how Jesus used two men who stood up to pray as examples of one who was self-conceited and the other self-effacing, and which attitude really pleased God.²⁶

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson VII)

Henry Alford also sees the term “world” used here as a reference to the ungodly aspects of the carnal world as opposed to the spiritual kingdom of Christ. He also says that the metamorphosis of the mind does not refer to the method by which it is renewed, but the manner in which the transformation takes place. In other words, it doesn’t happen just by sitting around and studying the Scriptures. It takes an active Christian life in addition to such studying. Otherwise, one cannot prove what they read as being real. According to Alford, the Apostle is not speaking of simply acquiring Biblical facts and information, rather, it is combining practical experience with guidance from the Scriptures with help of the Holy Spirit. Also, according to Alford’s understanding, the perfect will of God means that once it is acquired, the believer should not try to make any additions or changes. This is the work of the Spirit.¹

H. A. Ironside has an interesting model in explaining the renewing of the mind. For him, it is when the cross of Christ stands in between the believer and the world. To conform oneself to the ways of this present evil age would require becoming unfaithful to the One whom the world has rejected but whom you have declared to be your Lord and Savior. Ironside then tells this story to make his point. After listening to a devoted Christian lady give an inspiring testimony, a young woman in the audience said to her, as she shook her hand, “‘I would give the world to have your experience.” The older saint looked at her and said, “My dear, that’s exactly what it cost me. I gave up the world for it.” The loyal heart is glad to make such a remark, not do it grudgingly. The Apostle Paul entreats us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means to occupy the mind with Christ and the things of God. It implies that the believer’s affections are set on things above.² By doing so, we can become more like the One who won our hearts for Himself by His love. Then, by walking in loving obedience to His will we prove how good, and acceptable, and perfect God’s will is for our lives.³

British preacher Octavius Winslow had some thoughts on a human’s capacity to reason. For him, when the Word of God is opened, it declares that from the time of Adam and Eve’s fall the inner nature of mankind became thoroughly corrupt. Just as the Apostle Paul told the Ephesians about the futile thinking of those without God. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.⁴ But this was not news. Long ago it was recorded that only fools say there is no God.⁵ That’s because no human on earth who is right in their own eyes is also right with God. Who can claim that they always do what is right and never break the law?⁶ People who live with very little influence of God in their daily lives show little interest in a deeper spiritual relationship with God. In fact, they actually try to avoid all contact with such phenomena. As Paul told the Corinthians, these people can’t imagine what the gifts of the Spirit are all about, they make no effort to understand them. Even though they call themselves Christians, they consider such things as unnecessary and silly.⁷

Believers who find themselves in such a spiritual stupor need to wake up. As Paul says here, the need to take their ordinary, everyday way of living – their waking up, eating, going-to-work, work, returning home from work, after-work activities, and then going to bed – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing and making Him an everyday part of their life is the best thing they can do for themselves and Him.⁸ Believers being restored to a sound mind, and increased spiritual understanding and discernment, followed by getting rid of those customs and habits that have become obstacles, is the best way of grabbing hold of the new vision that comes with this renovation of the mind. Then, and only then, will it be possible for them to understand the mysteries of God that come from knowing the truth.⁹

And in another sermon, Winslow touches on the subject of not being conformed to this world. It starts with duties clearly written for professing believers. Paul is begging his brothers and sisters that the Word of God makes it as clear as the sun in the sky, that with eyes wide open to the mercies of God, and as an act of intelligent worship, to give God their bodies as a living sacrifice, consecrated to Him, and acceptable by Him.¹⁰ But that is not the only duty, they are also told to leave worldly things behind; don’t make them part of their lifestyle; don’t let such things make them unholy, and God will welcome them like a loving Father so they can be His sons and daughters.¹¹

Furthermore, stop being attracted to the things this sinful world has to offer. For when a believer goes after and participates in these things, they show that they do not really love God; all these worldly things, these evil desires – the craze for things immoral, the ambition to buy everything that appeals to the flesh, and the pride that comes from wealth and importance – are not what God wants to offer them. They are from this evil world itself.¹² When they do this, they are like an unfaithful wife who loves her husband’s enemies. In the same way, don’t they realize that making friends with God’s enemies – the sinful pleasures of this world – makes them an enemy of God?

Winslow then reiterates that if a believer’s aim is to enjoy the sinful pleasures just like the unsaved in the world, they cannot possibly be friends of God.¹³ The Christian who lives a holy life, as far as God the Father is concerned, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord – not contaminated and infected by their contacts with the world.¹⁴ How much clearer and more implicit can the Holy Spirit lay down the Christian duties in reference to their interaction with worldly people? Anyone who does not take Him seriously and continues to be engaged with the world and their sinful activities is only grieving the Holy Spirit;¹⁵ wounding their own soul and making their claim of being a Christian a cheap brag.¹⁶ That is some tough preaching by Winslow, but it is all Biblical.

Charles Hodge echoes the words of Jesus who said that God is to be worshiped with spiritual acts of the heart and mind, not just rites, rituals, and ceremonies; not with speculation or supposition, but according to the truth of God’s Word,¹⁷ something that Paul alludes to in verse 1. But there must also be a corresponding practical effort of living in holiness that comes from offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. In other words, what value is there in salvation if there is no continuing sanctification? To begin with, the fact that mankind is universally corrupted and devoted to sin means that we live in a world that is populated by those who enjoy their sinful ways. So to be conformed to the world, therefore, is to be and live as much like them as possible, while still claiming the special calling as children of God.

The word “conformed” accurately describes copying the character, manners, customs, and values of those who are being conformed to. By the same token, the word “transformed” expresses with equal strength the opposite idea. Also, the word “world” can be better understood as a Last Covenant term that comes from the fact that the Jews saw themselves as a separate civilized group among the uncivilized peoples all around them. They were a unique nation among nations because they worship the one and only true God. So as Gentiles began to turn to Christianity and came into unity with Jewish believers, they were referred to as coming out of the impure world full of sinners into the holy kingdom of God. Then among the Gentiles believers, as well as the Jews, they were no longer a part of this world but were made part of the world-to-come.¹⁸

Hodge continues to focus on the vocabulary Paul uses in this text by pointing to the word “prove,” which signifies both being tested and approved. All depending on how the word is used, it could either be taken to mean that after having been renewed in mind the believer may try or prove what is acceptable to God, namely, decide whether it is right for use in serving God; or, that believers may approve of what is right for God’s service. There are also some scholars, such as Erasmus, who see the words “good,” “acceptable,” and “perfect,” are predicates describing the “will of God. However, there are other scholars who see these words as substantives defining the “will of God.” In other words, that the believer is to approve that God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect. Obviously, the first understanding of these terms as predicates is what Paul is advocating here. Believers should delight in, practice, and enjoy whatever is good and acceptable to God as a perfect tool to fulfill His will for their lives¹⁹.²⁰

Frédéric Godet cautions us not to take verse 2 as the definition for completion of sanctification in the body and mind of the believer. Sanctification is not a one time for all time process such as Justification. The interaction between verses 1 and 2 are very instructive. In verse 1 we find the action involved concerns first the body – presented as a sacrifice. Then in verse 2, we find the mind as the subject – being renewed. Now both these actions of body and mind will then work together to ascertain what are the good and acceptable things that please God and, thereby, fulfill His will for our lives. So with Paul pointing to the believer’s body as a consecrated instrument, then he goes on to indicate the rule according to which the believer ought to make use of it.

This helps the believer find the lifestyle that God wants for them. That’s why the old model under the Law must be discarded, and a new model, a superior type, to become a reality in the believer’s life by the power of the Holy Spirit acting within them. This involves being transformed, literally, metamorphosed. The term form or pattern, must not be taken as the external pose suitable for imitation, like style or attitude, but an internal organic form, the supernatural product of a divine principle of life which manifests itself for all to see. So it is not by looking around them that the believer learns how to outwardly use their body to please God, but by putting themselves under the dominion of a new power which makes the inward changes required to make the transformation necessary for such use.²¹

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson VI)

Another reason this renovation of our mind is necessary is so that we can demonstrate what the will of God is for our lives. The world persuades itself and boasts that the lifestyle they have constructed works the best. But what they don’t tell you is that it works best for them when they let it control their lives. But Paul is adamant that what is good and right must be ascertained from God’s Word. As Calvin sees it, the world boasts and takes delight in its own inventions because it reinforces their choices. But Paul affirms that nothing pleases God except what He has commanded. When those in the world strive to find perfection in their character, virtues, and values, they do not consult the Word of God because it doesn’t work with their methods for achievement in this life only. That’s why it is so important for believers to understand what it takes to perfect in the will of God for them to enjoy both their life here and the life-to-come.¹

Some scholars expressed their opinion that Verse 1 is directed to the Jews, while Verse 2 was meant for the Gentiles. But John Locke gives us a different view. Verse 2 is actually a prelude to Verse 1. In other words, Paul is actually saying that believers should not let the world influence their thinking. That since they came out of the world they need to have their minds transformed. That way, they will be better able to discover what God’s will is for their lives. Therefore, present your bodies as a living sacrifice to God as part of the process.

This was not a new message for Paul. Look at what he told the Ephesians: “I tell you this in the name of the Lord: You must not live any longer like the people of the world who do not know God. Their thoughts are foolish. Their minds are in darkness. They are strangers to the life of God. This is because they have closed their minds to Him and have turned their hearts away from Him. They do not care anymore about what is right or wrong. They have turned themselves over to the sinful ways of the world and are always wanting to do every kind of sinful act they can think of.”²

Then, when we examine Paul’s words to the Thessalonians we hear him say: “Now then, brothers, you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God, as, in fact, you are doing. We ask and encourage you in the Lord to do so even more. You know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For it is God’s will that you be sanctified.”³ So by looking at it this way, these first two verses here can be seen in a different context. As Locke sees it, this is the only way a believer can keep their bodies as a vessel in sanctification and honor, prepared for God’s service.⁴

Daniel Whitby also has an interesting thought here by noting that since the Jews knew that justification could not be obtained by way of obedience to the Law, Paul is telling them that the Gospel of Christ has perfected and spiritualized the Law. This was done by taking the ceremonial and judicial parts of the Law to assist us in fulfilling the moral parts of the Law. This begins with the required sacrifices in the Temple being done away with through the sacrifice of Christ. So accepting Christ’s sacrifice by faith, which makes the forgiveness of our sins effective, it is only reasonable that we bring our bodies to God and offer ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice to be used for His service.⁵

John Bengel adds to Calvin’s description of what “world” means. For him, it implies those morals, virtues, and ethics defined by the kingdom of this world as opposed to those defined by the kingdom of God. Thus, the only way for a worldly-minded person to become spiritually-minded is by the metamorphosis (transformation) of the mind. This is necessary for them to discern, which Bengel calls: “acquiring the ability to prove,” what is good and well-pleasing in God’s perfect will.⁶

Jonathan Edwards takes what he said about knowing what you are doing and why you are doing it when it comes to serving God, and goes a step further. This can only happen if the Holy Spirit is there to teach a believer what their duties are and why it is important that they follow God’s instruction in doing their duties. It does this by sanctifying the soul’s tastes and the mind’s curiosities. Instead of them being things of earth, they become things of God. And since they are things that are agreeable with the mind of Christ, only those things that please God are accepted and anything that displeases God is rejected. Says Edwards, “For the sanctified ear tries words, and the sanctified heart tries actions, the same way the mouth tastes food.⁷”⁸

Adam Clarke saw a similarity between Paul’s world and the world of his day in the eighteenth century. Clarke reports that the way things were back then, the world’s way of thinking and living was as much opposed to the spirit of genuine Christianity as that faced by the Apostle Paul. Clarke lets us know that it involved pride, luxury, vanity, extravagance in dress, and riotous living. But Clarke was not so much concerned about his sinful neighbors who sat in taverns on Sunday morning, as he was for those who sat in the pews at church. They were in danger of being easily persuaded to join the other crowd. What they didn’t know was that it was unworthy of a Christian to think that way. Besides, such pursuits were as injurious to their souls as it was to their health.

As a result, people need to be completely metamorphosed, transfigured with new habits and a new form of worship. By the renewing of their mind, this inward change produces outward results. It cannot be the other way around. If believers today do not follow the same instructions Paul gave the Ephesians, then any outward change is of little worth.⁹ Once this happens, then the person will have all the practical proof and experimental knowledge needed to discover the will of God which contains His purpose and determination. Furthermore, they will find it well-pleasing to their own minds. Once the mind is transformed, then God’s will for their lives is perfected to that point. This is necessary in order for them to grow further in Christ.¹⁰

Robert Haldane focuses on the word transformed: Many fiction writers use this term to signify the change or metempsychosis of animals into trees, or for humans to appear as animals, much like what we see in Greek mythology. This term does not mean a simple change but denotes the entire change that transpires in a person when they become a child of God. To use the technique of these writers, it’s like a ferocious wolf becoming a pedigreed dog, or a wild tiger turning into a prized cat. They may appear similar to what they looked like before, but they are a completely different species. There are some who have attempted this on their own in a plan of deception. But the only one being fooled is themselves. A true Christian can spot them immediately and know they are only make-believe. The only thing they’ve changed is the outside. On the inside, their hearts, minds, and tendencies are still the same.

The Apostle Paul made it clear when he wrote the Corinthians: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”¹¹ Paul was talking about a radical difference between what they were and what they are now. So the question is rightly asked, “How can this happen when an infant is christened with water?” Or, “is such a change possible when an individual is merely dipped in water?” Or even more questionable, can this be guaranteed when a person simply joins a church? If the change expected is as great as the Word of God teaches, there will be little difficulty in judging of the character of those who profess Christianity.

As Haldane sees it, the Spirit can help us determine if this took place. If the person has truly metamorphosed from the sinful nature that controlled their behavior in the past to be conformed with Christ in the present, there is no need for speculation. The spirit within them will bear witness with the Spirit that they are certainly children of God.¹² But this is only the beginning. Like the infant that comes out of the womb, they are ready now to grow and mature into the person God deemed them to be. And when they do not mature as they should, then they go back to the altar and renew their minds so they can be transformed once again into God’s perfect will for their lives. Based on all that Paul has said until now, that is the only logical or reasonable service they can render to God through the Holy Spirit.¹³

Albert Barnes also looks at the original Greek text to find even more nuggets of wisdom that God so graciously hid away just for those who were interested enough to search, so that upon finding them it would bring joy and a greater appreciation for the truth. The Greek verb that Barnes is speaking of is dokimazō translated in the KJV as “prove.” But this word can be used in context to see (1) whether a thing is genuine or not, or, (2) it can be employed after examination to approve it and deem it worthy. Thayer in his Lexicon puts it in the first case for verse 2. Such testing was done on metals, especially silver and gold with fire. But it can only be done with a renewed mind which is essential to conduct a successful inquiry into what will work in your life so that you can please God with your service.

One of the first things a renewed mind will help the believer do is obey God and be prepared to understand His precepts and guidelines. There must be the proper correspondence between the feelings of the heart and the will of the mind. So instead of seeing God’s laws as cruel and His commandments as restrictive, it will help the believer see benefaction in His laws, and the beauty of His commandments. So we can see that a heart in love with the fashions and follies of this world is ill-suited to appreciate the necessity for prayer and humility. Jesus offered this test to His critics: “If any of you are really determined to do God’s will, then you will certainly know whether My teaching is from God or is merely My own idea.”¹⁴

So the point Paul is making is that the reason why the mind must be renewed is that it will allow us to test all the options and suggestions we are given in finding those things that fit God’s will for our lives and ministry.¹⁵ It is clear that Barnes sees a difference between the general will of God for all believers and His exact will for each believer. We should all know the general will of God. As Jesus explained it, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. But it will take a more precise tuning of the mind of each believer to test and prove what God’s perfect will is for them.

George Matthew Adams (1878-1962) was an American newspaper columnist and founder of the George Matthew Adams Newspaper Service, which syndicated comic strips and columns to newspapers for five decades. His own writings were circulated widely to The Gettysburg Times and many other newspapers. In one of his books he made this comment about enthusiasm: ““Enthusiasm is a process – not merely a condition.”¹ American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson agreed by saying that nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. President Donald J. Trump used this quote in one of his twitter responses on April 13, 2014.

I like what Dr. Todd Thomas once wrote about enthusiasm involving the heart as well as the head and hands.² For him, this is the challenge of truly engaging a person in the possibility of achieving more than they think is accomplishable. Clear processes incur at the level of effectiveness. Dr. Thomas goes on to say, that continuous improvement provides identification of actions where greater efficiency can be achieved. And both of these factors can create “good” results.

For Dr. Thomas, the question is whether you want good results or great results. Greatness doesn’t come from the excellence of process. It comes from the willingness to do what is necessary, to stay focused and to deliver what is best. This is not a work-flow; it is enthusiasm. Thomas reminds us that enthusiasm is not “perkiness.” It is a dedication and energy around what needs to be done. It is desire, not just achievement. Enthusiasm means you do what you do with vigor.

Here are five basic building block that incites enthusiasm.

Honesty – which should be the bedrock of one’s character, as it will define who you are before you even allow others to know more about you. If you always deal in the truth, you’ll live a life with far less worry. You can use your analytical mind to think of new ideas, rather than misinformation and excuses. Honest intentions in speech and action gain the attention and respect of others. Honesty promotes openness, empowers us and enables us to develop consistency in how we present the facts. Honesty sharpens our perception and allows us to observe everything around us with clarity

Fiery Motivation – is the drive or desire to accomplish a goal using all available resources and accessing higher forms of behavior to maintain the drive or desire. In other words, fiery motivation will not be discouraged or lose steam but instead will become more focused and keep alert until the goal is achieved. The body, mind, and emotions will only relax once the task is done. When that happens, fiery motivation redirects all forms of stress where it can completely be ignored since you only focus on one specific thing.

But you must be aware that if fiery motivation is not harnessed, one possible consequence may be burning out afterward since you may have increased stress levels in other areas of yourself in order to remain focused and maintain your drive. So always use all available resources in maintaining the state of need for accomplishment. Motivation starts, directs, and maintains behavior during normal circumstances. However, fiery motivation does more than that in the sense that it intensifies behavior.

Hard Work – There are skeptics who are quick to point out that hard work doesn’t always make sense. But don’t worry, here we are talking about intelligent hard work. Exhausting yourself for something without thinking it through is a fool’s game. But working hard, with focus and desire is the key to getting ahead. No matter what you want to do, you must keep your head on straight in the effort. You have to spend time working on your craft. If you want to play the piano, then go do that. Start doing it, then learn what it takes to be the best. You’ll improve in skill and realize that repetition is key. Repetition is the key to hard work! Keep going and follow the formula of the greats.

Confidence – is a major component of enthusiasm and involves the value you place on yourself. Confidence is about the faith you have in your abilities, the person you are, and how you view your most important relationship – especially the one with yourself. Confidence gives you the strength to pursue your dream, it psyches you up to get the job or opportunity you’ve prepared and dreamed about. Confidence tells the story of who we truly are in the most authentic way possible. It is your representation of the way you want to be seen and how you want to see yourself. Be confident in everything you do and you will never be disappointing.

Perseverance – is the need to understand that everyone fails at one point or another. Sometimes, the way we get knocked down is completely out of our control. But we have to respond and we have to rise to the occasion. You’ll find persistence and perseverance are ingredients that any happy and successful person put into practice. Look at it this way: if you want what you are doing to count for something later on, the consistent effort you put into completing it will affect the value it has down the road.

The Bible is not silent on this subject of enthusiasm. The Apostle Paul wrote to the congregants in the church in Rome and told them that whatever they do in gratitude to God for His grace and what they do for each other, don’t be lazy but always work hard. Work for the Lord with a heart full of love for Him.³ And to the brothers and sisters in Corinth, Paul also encouraged them to ask for the gifts and talents available from the Lord to help others. But don’t become complacent, ask the Holy Spirit to give you even more so you can do an even better job.⁴ And to the believers in Galatia Paul made it clear that the best help comes from those who do not do what they do to get something in return. In other words, they do it with enthusiasm.⁵ That’s why Paul encouraged young Timothy to stoke the fire that was put in him by being anointed to serve. Keep the flames going so that his strength and boldness would not waver.⁶

The Apostle Peter echoed the same thought when he told his readers not to be afraid to continue when you know you are doing what is right.⁷ Later on in the same letter Peter advised them that not to take on responsibilities when you feel pressured. And don’t be persuaded to participate in helping others just for the money. Whatever they were asked to do, to do it with enthusiasm because they want to, not because they have to.

So when you offer to help someone else and they timidly respond by saying, “Thanks, but you don’t have to do that.” One response you can use is this, “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.” There was a song written by Johnson Oatman in 1897 we sang in church years ago, titled, “Count Your Blessings.” Many who sang those words thought it was all the things God had done for them. But it could also be interpreted to mean the blessings you received for helping others. So when given a chance to go out of your way to help, count it a blessing. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

SOMETIMES, BURNT BISCUITS AREN’T BAD

An elderly gentleman once told this story that proved to be an inspiration to me. I hope it inspires you as well.

He said that when he was a young boy his mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. He remembered one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

When everyone was called to the table, there was a plate of fried eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits. he recalled waiting to see what his dad would say. Yet, all Dad did was reach for a biscuit, smiled at his mom and asked him how his day was at school.

He couldn’t recollect what his dad told him that night, but he does remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite! When this young boy got up from the table that evening, he remembers hearing his mom apologizing to his dad for burning the biscuits. He’ll never forget what his dad said: “Honey, you make the best-burned biscuits in the world!”

Later that night, he went to tell his Dad good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. His dad wrapped him in his arms and said, “Your Mommy put in a hard day at work today and she came home exhausted. She did her best under the circumstances, And besides – a little-burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

This taught this young lad that life is full of imperfect things… and imperfect people. In fact, none of us can say we are perfect all the time. We tend to forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what we’ve discovered over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults – and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences – is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

This should be our prayer every day. That we will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of our life and lay them on the altar at the feet of God. Release them into God’s hands so that His will and His will alone is done. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give us a relationship where a burnt biscuit doesn’t lead to leaving a relationship in ashes. We can extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friend to friend!

Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections. So don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s hands – keep it in your own. A burnt biscuit can represent anything a person tries to do for you out of love and compassion that may not be perfect. So, the next time someone offers you a burnt biscuit, smile and say, “I’ve never had a biscuit like this before, but I’m sure it’s okay!” – Dr. Robert R Seyda

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson V)

That’s why Paul called for a complete renovation of the mind. King David knew where that transformation began when he prayed: “Give me a new heart, O God, and renew my spirit to be more resolute.”¹ Even Ezekiel shared this message from God: “Get rid of all the sins you have done, and get a new heart and renew spirit!”² And how was this to be initiated? Paul says it all starts with having the mind completely retuned. Thayer, in his Lexicon, says it has to do with a renovation or complete change for the better. Paul uses this word again in reference to our new life in Christ.³ As such, we can see where it would involve a 180-degree turn in one’s moral, ethical, and spiritual thinking. This concept was not new to Paul. He told the Philippians to start thinking about what was true, honest, fair, pure, lovely, of good report, with virtue, and things held in high esteem.⁴ And how were they going to able to do this, Paul told them to have the same mind as Christ.⁵ In other words, start speaking and acting the way Jesus said we should.

Paul then said to the Roman believers, when you do this you will find out and verify those things that are good and acceptable to be part of God’s will for your life. David had similar advice for his subjects. He explained to them that when they started looking for that which would strengthen their inner person; would inspire wise thinking; would bring joy by focusing on what was right; would open one’s eyes to see the good in things; would bring reverence for the LORD that would last; would help one appreciate all that the LORD has said in order to guide us; would be worth more than the finest of gold, and taste better than the sweetest honey, they would find it in God’s Word.⁶ Said Solomon: “Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the person who acquires understanding.”⁷ And to Paul’s point about satisfying God’s will for one’s life, Solomon also said: “Then you will win favor and esteem in the sight of God and of people.”⁸

That’s why Paul reminded the Ephesians: “At one time you lived in darkness. Now you are living in the light that comes from the Lord. Live as children who have the light of the Lord in them. This light gives us truth. It makes us right with God and makes us good.”⁹ It was also the prayer of Epaphras for the Colossians that God would help them to be strong and to make them complete. Also, that they would get to know how God wanted them to conduct themselves in all circumstances.¹⁰ And Paul’s advice to his protegé Timothy was this: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work.”¹¹

Early church scholar Origen was also intrigued with the idea of a transformation of the mind. As he sees it, Paul reached the place where he proposes that there are two forms we can choose to conform to, one form representing this world and another form representing the world-to-come. For those who love this present life and the things which are in the world, they adopt the visible forms that typify life in the present age and pay no attention to the unseen forms available.¹² What they don’t realize is that the forms of this world are passing and cannot be depended upon to last. But the things which are not seen are eternal and will last forever. These eternal, unseen forms of the world-to-come can only be viewed by faith. That’s why the world does not like those who conform to them. In fact, they hate and persecute those who do.¹³ But the angels of God, who belong to the age-to-come rejoice each time someone is transformed to conform to what will be, not what will pass away.¹⁴

Then the early church Bishop of Laodicea looks back to the prophet Jeremiah and believes this is what he meant when he talked about writing the law of God on the heart.¹⁵ For those who are spiritually minded in heart and mind will know what is good and acceptable and perfect, and will desire only those things that are pleasing to God. If you have the goodness of the good Father in your heart, you will only want to do that which is good. Not just for yourself, but for God and others. By doing so, you will end up encouraging everyone to do good. However, doing good will surely bring you into conflict with those who do evil. When that happens, don’t let them scare you or cause you to quit. Resist the evil that is inspired by the devil and it will go away.¹⁶ Only by resisting evil and staying on course to do good will promote advancement in becoming more and more like Christ.”¹⁷

For Chrysostom, the fashions of this world lead to being submissive and then end up becoming worthless. They are like fads, they come and go. There is nothing noble or uplifting about them, and they do more harm than good. And when it comes to what Paul said about being renewed, it can be one of two things. First, that we need to be renewed in order to learn what is the appropriate thing to do in serving God. Second, if we learn what is the appropriate thing for us to do in serving God then we will be renewed by doing it. As far as Chrysostom is concerned, it can be either way. The one certain thing is that we serve God and do whatever He wills for us in order to reach the destiny He has predetermined for our lives.¹⁸

Martin Luther has a lot to say about what Paul states here. According to his thinking, Paul is describing Christian progress. He is addressing those who are already believers. Christians do not stand still if they are truly living for God. They do what God has given them to do and then by His leading move on to the next assignment. As Luther sees it, the Apostle Paul’s call for the renewing of the mind is not a onetime process. It is something that takes place from day to day and progresses further and further. Paul said this himself: “The inward man is renewed day by day.”¹⁹ He also wrote: “You have put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in fuller and fuller knowledge, closer and closer to the image of its Creator.”²⁰ Luther then distinguishes the difference between that which is “good” and that which is “acceptable” as part of the “perfect” will of God. In his mind, the “good” will of God is what we should be doing as His little children. The “acceptable” will of God is what we do to keep ourselves pure and holy as maturing children. The “perfect” will of God is that we look only to Him for guidance in doing good and being pure and holy.²¹

Luther also contends that only faith can transform the mind and lead us to where we may prove the will of God. He finds this expressed by the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians: “I pray that Christ may live in your hearts by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love. I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself.”²² This brings Luther to the conclusion that we should not be dismayed when things happen to us that displease us. The “good” will of God helps create good out of evil. The “acceptable” will of God is that we cheerfully love making good out of evil. If it is acceptable to Him it should be acceptable to us, even if it took dealing with evil. The “perfect” will of God is that we remain good all the time and seek ways to convert evil thoughts so they become good and acceptable to Him²³.²⁴

Reformer John Calvin points out that the term “world” to which the believer should not seek to conform, has several significations. Here, Paul uses it to identify the opinions and the morals of mankind. Since believers are commissioned to live in a wicked society, Paul warns them to keep their sinful tendencies under tight rein. The best way to do that is to adopt and renew every day the character and virtues of Christ. This will require a new way of thinking, and that will necessitate a renovation of the mind. When we read the leading philosophers of the past and those of today, they ascribe supremacy to the mind above the emotions. Some call it “mind over matter.”²⁵

Some in the world of psychological thinking today have a similar term to offer: “emotional intelligence.”²⁶ But Paul goes higher than this. Such intelligence as spoken of by the world’s wise men involves the logical thinking of the human mind. Paul is pointing to the mind of God which is communicated to believers by the Holy Spirit.²⁷ Calvin reiterates that no matter how much we may flatter ourselves, Christ’s declaration is still true – that every person must be born-again to even begin to comprehend the mind of God. This is necessary because once you enter the kingdom of God, your mind and heart must be aligned with God’s righteousness in order to grow and go forward.

For Calvin, it boils down to this: Paul explains the purpose for which we must have a renewed mind – in order to say goodbye to our own advice and opinions, as well as that of others who teach we must be like them in order to succeed in the Kingdom of God. If we truly want to be more like Christ, then we must listen more to Christ. Think of it this way: Picture your mind like a closet. Over your lifetime you have stuffed many things into this closet. Some good memories, and some bad memories. All of your opinions, biases, preconceptions, prejudices, partisanship, etc., are piled up inside. Think of your mouth as the lock on this closet. When we unlock and open the door too quickly, things may fall out we were trying to hide or didn’t want anyone to know it was in there. Once we become believers, we must get out a garbage bag and go through this closet and clean it out. Not so much to throw away things we don’t want to remember, but to make room for the things God wants us to store there once we complete the renovation. It won’t happen overnight, but the closet will become more orderly and useful as we move along in the sanctification process.