Down an Unfamiliar Road

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.

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson IV)

Karl Barth notes that Paul brings up the subject of ethics here.¹ Every day our thinking is encompassed and influenced by the busy world around us. So any conversation with God is not initiated on its own, it must be logically done by an ethical decision of our will. And it is not done for our sake, but for the sake of His will. Such unplanned thoughts about God insert themselves in all that we are doing, trying to be, and longing for. So we can see how our conversation about God can be an ethical challenge in that it reminds us of what we should be doing, trying to be, and longing for. In that way, it can take what we are thinking about, transform it, and reconstruct it in order to give it its proper direction.

In other words, something first must die in order for it to be made alive. For Barth, this is the meaning of the words: “I beseech you, therefore, brethren.” To put it another way, everything Paul has been talking about on how we should think, act, and live as believers, boils down to the reality that we cannot use our way of reasoning as the only standard available for us as a guide for Christian living. That’s why Paul calls on all believers to submit every thought, action, word, and deed to God for His approval. That means, some things will make it and some won’t. Not just one time, but on a constant daily basis. This describes: yielding our whole selves – body, soul, mind, and spirit, to Him as a living human being.²

John Stott also sees this as an ethics issue as well. Paul’s appeal not only concerns spiritual factors but ethical matters. He learned from his own experience that there is no greater incentive for us to be holy in our living than to contemplate the mercies of God. That’s because it deals with both our bodies and our minds. This is carried out by presenting our whole being to God so we can be transformed by the renewal of our minds. In order for Paul to maintain the sacrificial imagery throughout the sentence, he uses five technical terms. He views us as brethren, responding in gratitude to God for His mercy by presenting our bodies as living sacrifices. They must be holy in order to be pleasing to God. Nothing less will qualify because this is only reasonable as we present ourselves in service to Him. Just like the sacrifices in the First Covenant were to be physically unblemished or without defect so that it resulted in a pleasing aroma to the Lord.³ In the same way, when we present ourselves as living sacrifices to God, we should be holy and acceptable.⁴

But Stott feels there is more to be understood when we see this living sacrifice as a spiritual act of service. Going back to the Greek adjective logikos, which can be used to mean either “reasonable” (KJV, LEB, NMB) or “proper” (NIV), or even ‘rational’. Some translations call it “spiritual” (ASV, NASB, NRSV), “sensible” (CEV), “intelligent” (Darby Translation, J.B. Phillips NT), “and others “appropriate” (CEB). The Complete Jewish Bible has “logical.” When looking at all these different ways to express logikos, then the offering of ourselves to God is seen as the only sensible, logical and appropriate response to Him in view of His freely given mercy. If we accept “rational,” this would imply service offered by heart and mind (REB). In other words, spiritual as opposed to ceremonial. This would mean that we are both physically and intelligently involved in our worshipful service. There is a delightful quotation from the first-century Stoic philosopher, Epictetus that shows how he uses this Greek word. He said: “If I were a nightingale, I would do what is proper for a Nightingale and if I were a swan, what is proper for a swan. In fact, I am logikos, so I must praise God.⁵”⁶

Jewish theologian David Stern joins the conversation by noting that this is logical “Temple worship” for believers. But he looks at the Greek noun latreia, which is translated as “service” by the KJV. Being a Jew, Stern notes that latreia corresponds to the Hebrew word ‘abodah.⁷ It is used to describe “work” or “service,” in an everyday sense. No reader of this text today should mistakenly use the Hebrew expression to interpret this Greek word latreia “service.” Instead, this same ‘abodah is also the technical term for the religious “service” performed in the Temple.⁸ That is the context in which the word is used here.⁹

Another Jewish writer asks us to consider that when we see the word “therefore” we should find out what it is “there for.” In this case, “therefore” segues from the concerns Paul expressed in chapters 9-11 into chapter 12. In those chapters, Paul stated that in spite of their disbelief and rejection of the Messiah, Israel is still God’s chosen people and that He is not done dealing with them. Paul also makes it clear that the plan of salvation extended to the Gentile, is tightly linked with that of the Jews and their future. As this Jewish writer sees it, the term “a living and holy sacrifice” as a mirror image of what went on in the Temple, and the phrase “house of living stones” implies that God’s people will be made of both Jews and Gentiles, so that together they will be serving the Lord and each other¹⁰.¹¹

Verse 2: Don’t let the people of this world change you to think like them, but let God change you with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect.

Now Paul uses some more interesting words to describe what he is talking about with regard to our rational spiritual service to God and the purpose it serves. First, he tells us not to conform but be transformed. The Greek verb syschēmatizō that Paul uses for “conform,” in simple terms means, “to conform oneself to another’s pattern,” or “be a copy.” It is only used once more by the Apostle Peter.¹² Then Paul uses the Greek verb metamorphoō translated as “transformed.” which is the root word from which we get “metamorphose,” which means “to change into another form, to transfigure.” We see this word used in three other Scriptures.¹³ So to put it in plain terms: Take the wrong form in your mind that you are imitating and have it transformed into the right form you should be copying.

Being anti-worldly will save no one. To scoff at modern fashions will not be counted as being holy. When one withdraws from the world in monastic fashion it still does not make one a special sheep in Jesus’ fold. Being a nonconformist does not necessarily mean to be transformed. And, furthermore, this transformation is not a part of fashion, lifestyle, or once’s social climate. Rather, the mind must be transformed, re-wired, so to speak, functioning with a new mindset. The old psychological cliche, “It’s all in the mind,” isn’t so far from the truth here. Under the First Covenant of the Law, it was what the body was subject to and trained to do that influenced the heart to treasure and have the mind assent to. But under the Last Covenant of Grace it is the other way around: What the mind is set on and adapts as truth the heart is influenced to treasure and the body to become obedient to. And this being changed from the old way to the new way can only take place through the miracle-working power of God’s Word, Christ’s blood, and the transforming force of the Holy Spirit.

Was Paul introducing some new concept to the church in Rome? Not by a long shot. We find the same call for holiness when Moses addressed the children of Israel: “Do not follow the crowd when it does what is wrong and don’t allow the popular view to sway you into offering testimony for any cause if the effect will be to pervert justice.”¹⁴ And before they were ready to enter the Promised Land, here is what the LORD told them to be aware of: “When you enter the land Adonai your God is giving you, you are not to learn how to follow the abominable practices of those nations… For whoever does these things is detestable to Adonai, and because of these abominations Adonai your God is driving them out ahead of you. You must be wholehearted with Adonai your God.”¹⁵

Jesus was not quiet about this subject. He told His disciples: “If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. You do not belong to the world. I have chosen you out of the world and the world hates you.”¹⁶ Paul saw the reasoning behind Jesus’ instructions. He told the Corinthians: “The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”¹⁷ The Holy Scriptures say, “He is the One Who gets them in a trap when they use their own wisdom.”¹⁸ They also say, “The Lord knows how the wise man thinks. His thinking is worth nothing.”¹⁹

As a Christian, do not be imitators of other people just because of what they can do and get away with.²⁰ We can see the trap that Paul spoke of even more clearly today. When believers are planted and nourished in the Word of God, they have little trouble seeing the contrast between the world’s philosophy of morality and what the Scriptures say. But when they drift away from the Bible, the humanistic discipline practiced by the world seems less abhorrent, and they allow it to have a growing influence in their lives every day.

By the time Paul wrote the Corinthians again, he admonished them further that the same thing that blinded the world to immorality, would happen to them if they did not heed his warning: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”²¹ So, if Satan was able to confuse and mislead the world because he convinced them to shut their eyes to the light of truth emanating from the Word of God, the same will happen to believers if they let it. That’s why Paul sent them this final word of advice: “Do not be joined together with those who do not belong to Christ. How can that which is good get along with that which is bad? How can light be in the same place with darkness?”²² Thayer, in his Lexicon, tells us that the Greek verb heterozygeō Paul uses here about being unequally joined together involves being in a yoke. That would infer, that the stronger and more stubborn partner in the yoke would lead the other less assertive partner astray. In Paul’s day, this was a clear reference of believers fellowshipping with idolaters in their houses of worship.

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson III)

Robert Haldane focuses on the mercies of God in Paul’s plea for believers to be willing to give their all for Him. We see that the words “acts of mercy” are used here in the plural form. That’s because it refers to all the number of instances that Paul describes involving God’s Divine compassion. In the foregoing chapter, the Apostle declared the merciful acts of God in the calling and restoration both of the Gentiles and the Jews.¹ But throughout his preceding discourse, there is contained a most striking and encouraging display of the mercies of God to all believers. We see it in their election and predestination to eternal life, their calling, their deliverance from condemnation, their justification, their union with the Lord Jesus Christ, and communion with God, with the enjoyment of all the unspeakable blessings of the Last Covenant. That’s why Paul urges believers to devote themselves to the service of God in gratitude for these mercies because they should give us plenty of reason to be obedient to His call.

As we can see, the Apostle Paul does not think like the world in this matter. The human logic of some believers rejects the grace of the Gospel because it’s based on cheap grace which can lead to self-indulgence. The social thinking of many is that morality can be better taught and practiced if one’s salvation is put in people’s hands so they can earn their salvation with good works. They claim that history tells us that mankind can be more compassionate with each other than God has been. What they are missing is that without God there would be no kindness or mercy among unregenerate mankind.

That’s why Paul presents the mercies of God for believers to consider as the most powerful motivator for them to devote themselves to His service. Paul carries this on throughout the remainder of this Epistle by stressing the duty of holiness and personal obedience. He does so by insisting that they examine those truths on which obedience is founded. Anyone who has misunderstood the doctrine of sanctification and holiness that the Apostle Paul advocates should be insistent on correcting their error. If you are going to be a Christian, then you must make up your mind to be the best Christian you can be with the help of the Holy Spirit. To do otherwise it totally inconsistent with giving attention to the special responsibilities of being a Christian. And for those who fear that Paul’s doctrine of free grace will result in immoral living, are really opposed to the strictness of his demand that they put God first and foremost in their lives so that the Holy Spirit has full control.²

Albert Barnes believes there are a number of things we can learn from this verse. One of them is that the proper worship of God starts with complete respect for who He is, what He is, why He is, and what He has done. It is not forced so as to be unnatural or out-of-line with what God expects. That’s why the offering of ourselves to God should always be voluntary. No other form of offering is acceptable. Another thing is that we are to offer our whole selves, all that we have, and are, and ever will be to God. No other offering will He accept and approve. And yet, another factor is understanding the character of God. This should lead us to a greater comprehension of His merciful character. It will also generate a better discernment of His willingness to patiently wait for us to consider His plan for our lives. This should prompt everyone to be more devoted to Him. And finally, we should do all of this without delay. We all know when our Lord came the first time, but no one except the Father knows when He will come again. Also, do it while you still have the strength to be your best for Him. God is as worthy of such service at the earliest possible time in your life. He has every possible claim on our affections and our hearts.³

Henry Alford makes reference to a commentary on Romans by Theodoret of Cyrus which he uses as a preface to his comments on Romans 12. Accordingly, what Alford finds in Bishop Theodoret’s commentary, the knowledge of the nature of God, and faith, and reverence for Him, are the foundation of all that is good. They accomplish what needs to be done in the same way an eye helps the hand to reach for one specific item among many. In the same way, faith and the knowledge of God’s Word are helpful to the soul. But there is another factor, and that is the practical virtues and values needed in making such a selection. Consequently, the Apostle Paul adds moral instructions to his doctrinal course, in order to promote in us the most perfect virtue. That’s why the Book of Romans is so important in helping us to gain control and keep control of our lives for God’s honor and glory.⁴

H. A. Ironside points out that the opening words of this chapter can be linked back to the closing part of chapter 8. When Paul says, “therefore,” it clearly refers to the magnificent summing up of a Christian’s standing and eternal blessing seen in the eighth chapter. We are in Christ and free from all condemnation; the Holy Spirit dwells within as a force and source to overcome; we are now no longer slaves to sin but sons and daughters of God by adoption; we are eternally linked to Christ; we are the elect of God, predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son; we are beyond the reach of sin’s death sentence since Christ died and was raised again and sits at God’s right hand; no charge can ever be brought against the believer that God will listen to, and there is no separation from the love of God for those who are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we are free to live as glorified saints, not condemned sinners.⁵

As a result of this “therefore,” Paul calls on those who now belong to God to present their bodies to Him as a living sacrifice. Ironside sees plenty of reasons why. After all, Christ gave Himself for us. And like the first-born in Egypt, we are redeemed by the blood of the lamb. That set us free to be led by Him toward a new Promised Land. And just as the Levites were afterwards dedicated to live sanctified lives for God as substitutes for every first-born in Israel, so each believer is called upon to recognize the Lord’s claims upon them, and to present, or yield, their bodies as a living sacrifices, chosen by Him, then set apart and acceptable to Him for His service. That’s why a huge price was paid for our redemption.⁶

So how much do we really know about practical living as believers? Yes, we, the ones who once yielded our fleshly members to the service of sin and Satan with abandon, now are called to yield ourselves wholly unto God as though we have been raised from the dead to live again. This will involve putting God first in everything we say, do, or want. And with Christ being the center of our lives, we are to put “self” under His control. We are no longer our own. We belong to Him both now and for eternity. After all, He bought us with His blood, redeeming us from the slave camp of sin. He removed the death sentence that hung over our heads from birth and gave us a new life to live for Him as our Lord and Savior. It is time for us to recognize all the divine claims He has on us.⁷

Charles Hodge echoes what most Bible scholars have discerned, and that is: everything Paul has said so far about the salvation, justification, and sanctification of believers is that none of these can be attributed to human effort to any degree. They totally rely on the grace and mercy of God. It is as though Paul is defining a robe that is placed on the believer to get them ready for their devotion and service to God. All the gratitude the soul feels about being pardoned, then purified, and then sealed for eternal life should bring out an abundance of gratefulness and responsiveness that it propels them to the altar for consecration to God who is the author of all these mercies.

Hodge takes the expression “your bodies” as the equivalent of saying “yourselves.” However, Paul may have used it by design, not only to the mind to help in understanding the point he was making, but also because he wanted them to know that no sacrifice came to the altar in pieces. His desire for them was to envision giving their whole being, body, soul, and spirit in devotion to God’s service. “You have been bought with a price; therefore, glorify God, in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”⁸

The Apostle makes sure they understand that the sacrifice being brought is living, holy, and acceptable. There is little doubt but that Paul’s intended purpose in using the word “living sacrifice,” was for them to see the contrast between themselves and the sacrifices listed in the First Covenant, which were placed lifeless upon the altar. It could be that this is also why Peter called believers, “living stones,”⁹ in opposition to the nonliving materials employed in the Temple. We are to present a sacrifice that is alive and will continue to live both now and in the hereafter.¹⁰

Charles Ellicott feels that we need a better understanding of the English phrase in the text, “reasonable service” since it is somewhat ambiguous. It might mean, “a service needed for some reason” or “a service demanded by reason.” However, this is not the sense of the Greek adjective logikos. Thayer in his Greek Lexicon defines it as: “agreeable to reason, following reason, logical.” This word is used in only one other place in the Last Covenant where Peter talks about how babes in Christ desire the rational milk (or milk that makes sense) of the Word of God so they can grow and be healthy.¹¹ We might call this a play-on-words to make plain what we read in the First Covenant concerning devotion to God as expressed through the literal sacrifice of dead animals. Now under the Last Covenant, our devotion to God is expressed through the symbolic sacrifice of our living bodies. It is worship that consists of a holiness of life made possible by sanctification through the Holy Spirit.¹²

In the same vein, Professor F. F. Bruce points out that in this same verse, the Greek verb paristēmi translated as “present,” is rendered five other times in Romans as “yield.”¹³ That is why Paul felt obligated to go on and explain what is involved in their presenting themselves to God to be used in His service. It is not something done out of forced obligation or as a rite of passage. Nor should it be taken as something believers must do in order to be right with God. It is taking what God has redeemed, sanctified, and made ready for His service and say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.¹⁴”¹⁵

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

Dr. Robert R. Seyda

EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER TWELVE (Lesson II)

In his sermon on this subject of being a living sacrifice, Chrysostom shares how he sees the believer’s body becoming a sacrifice to the service of God. He begins with admonishing that when the believer’s eye looks away as soon as it sees something tempting, it has already become a sacrifice.¹ When the believer’s tongue refuses to say something filthy, it has become an offering.² When the believer’s hand refuses to commit an evil act, it has become a whole burnt offering.³ But that’s not all. These same faculties must be involved in doing what is right.⁴ The believer’s hand must be willing to give, the mouth must bless those who curse them, and the ears must find time to listen to the reading of Scripture.⁵ The altar on which the sacrifice is laid allows no unclean thing to be offered. On the other hand, it should be the place where our very best is brought and willingly surrendered to God.⁶

An early church Syrian Bishop of Mabbug [near modern Aleppo in Syria] also had instructions for the church. He takes his cue from the standards in the law of Moses where all priests must first offer a rational sacrifice to God for themselves, and only then for the people.⁷ In his prayer, the priest asks first for forgiveness of his own sins and a cleansing of his own soul and body from all unholy thoughts and actions. Then each priest offers these prayers to God in accordance with the measure of his own purity of soul.⁸ Also, early church scholar Bede preached that when we present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, He will act with heavenly graciousness to see that we are rewarded with the same glory as those who die as martyrs for the Lord’s sake.⁹

Reformer Martin Luther states that the true living sacrifice which belongs to God is not something that belongs to us that we offer from outside ourselves; neither is it temporal and confined to the moment, but we ourselves are the sacrifice, as we read in Proverbs 23:26: “My son, give me your heart.” It is “living” in contrast to the sacrifices of animals, which were presented dead. As Luther sees it, when Paul speaks of a living sacrifice we take this as a reference to our spiritual life that is being offered, namely, of that within us which is good. By calling it “holy,” it means it is set apart, separated, detached, kept away from what is unclean. It is like taking something that could be used for one thing and setting it apart to be used only for God’s purpose.

It is the same process spoken of by Joshua: “Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”¹⁰ It highlights the need for purity in whatever we bring to God for His service. It is also more than just a freewill offering or love offering, it already belongs to Him. So when we bring it to Him we do so out of love because it is His. So the word “service” that Paul uses here is best understood as the “act of giving up something we hold as precious.” But it must be a living sacrifice. As Paul sees it, it is every believer’s reasonable service, or in other words, the sacrificing of our best for His honor, praise, and glory. And by using the term “bodies,” he is including all of our talents, abilities, strength, and capabilities. ¹¹

Fellow Reformer John Calvin also offers words of wisdom when he says: “Until people really comprehend how much they owe to the mercy of God, they will never worship Him without reservation, nor be effectually stimulated to reverence and obey Him.” Calvin strikes out at the church officials of his day because they used fear and terror to force obedience to their church rules and regulations. The Apostle Paul had no desire to do the same. His effort to promote unity between the believer and God was not doing things out of fright, but by a willing and cheerful love to do what is right to bring God glory. Just the idea of being able to please Almighty God should have enough attraction that we are willing to do all we can in gratitude for our salvation. But as we see, Paul is quick to rebuke anyone who with ungratefulness, after having found their heavenly Father so kind and generous, do not endeavor to be thankful by dedicating ourselves wholly and irreversibly to Him.¹² I might add to Calvin’s thought that we should never attempt to offer anything to God that will bring us glory. All glory belongs to Him.

But Calvin is not through. As far as he is concerned there are more things to consider. The first is that we are no longer our own, we belong to the Lord. So we must consider that every part of us belongs to God. The second thing is that we take everything we have, everything we are, and everything we will ever be and have Him sanctify it for His use. We should seek to be holy as He is holy. It is an insult to God’s holiness that we should offer anything to Him that is not first consecrated and sanctified. That would be like serving your VIP guests a leftover meal using dirty plates and silverware. Once we establish these two things as part of our sanctification criteria, it follows then that holiness is to permeate every aspect of our lives. If we allow that which is brought to God for His use to be given over to uncleanliness and immoral practices it is a form of desecration. It is, therefore, nothing else than to profane what has already been consecrated to God. Through this, we can learn that all mortals whose plans do not include worshiping God actually end up walking in circles, miserable, and going nowhere.¹³

John Locke notes that Paul seems to have had two reasons for insisting that believers present their bodies as an undefiled living sacrifice. First, because he had insisted on this before, especially in Chapter 7. After all, it is the body with its immoral tendencies from which the potential for sinning comes. And secondly, because those who came into the kingdom from the heathen Gentile world, especially the Romans, were guilty of the vilest immoral practices which Paul mentions with disgust back in Chapter 1:24-27.¹⁴

Daniel Whitby agrees that it only makes sense that the body be brought for cleansing and sanctification just like the soul was. Sin had full control of the sinner’s body, obeying outwardly all the immoral inward thoughts and desires of the heart and mind. But just as in the legal system of Judaism where the sacrifices had to be without any blemish or defect, Paul is saying here that when we present our bodies as a living sacrificed it must be holy and acceptable for God to use in His sacred service. In other words, presenting the body was not a case of being sanctified, but offering that which has already been sanctified. The whole purpose of presenting the body is for God’s service, something Paul said is a reasonable thing to ask as a form of worship to the One who redeemed us from sin’s bondage.¹⁵

John Bengel notes that Moses commands, but Paul cheers. Moses expected obedience as an obligation, while the Apostle encouraged obedience out of love. Adam Clarke also comments on how this should be viewed as reasonable service. It is not unreasonable to believe that every artist should receive praise for their fine work. So it would then be consistent with reason that the work of God should glorify its Author. We did not make ourselves, we were made by the Creator. Therefore, we are not our own, we are the property of the Lord Almighty. Not just by right of creation, but also by redemption. So it would be only proper to say that not to live for His glory would be wicked, and in direct contradiction to His divine will.

John Taylor feels that Paul is speaking mainly to Jews here since they, not the Gentiles, were familiar with the sacrificial system in the Temple. Paul does this as a way of telling them they must do away with the moral obligation of offering up sacrifices at the Temple whose blood then covered their sin in breaking or not fulfilling the Law on a certain point. Taylor sees a somewhat play on words here by referring to the daily sacrifices in the Temple as a ritual service. Now he tells them to present their bodies, which provide a dwelling place for their souls that have been covered and cleansed by the blood of Jesus, to God as a reasonable service.¹⁶

Puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards noted that if a person is capable of reasoning, surely then they must be able to see the reason for God doing what He does in their lives. This then should bring a rational response that proves they are capable of serving God. That’s why anyone who thinks that Christians are people who follow teachings and perform rituals in blind faith and without any understanding are simply uninformed of the truth. As far as Edwards is concerned, if you do not possess understanding and reasoning it is impossible to serve God. You may teach an animal to do tricks or serve a particular purpose without them understanding the logic behind it. But to serve the all-wise God, you must know what you are doing and why you are doing it.¹⁷

The reasonable service of which Apostle Paul speaks, may be seen more clearly when we compare it to Jewish and Christian worship. Under the Law of Moses, Jewish religious services consisted chiefly in offering sacrifices of irrational creatures, for example, lambs, rams, kids, bulls, goats, etc. Christian service, in line with the Gospel, are rational beings raising their voices, lifting their hands, and elevating their praise to God above. Since they are alive, their hearts and souls are engaged in their worship. So we can agree with Adam Clarke that only those who live the life of a fool, and those who conduct their lives like a madman, are sinning against their Maker and the One who sent His only Son to redeem them so they would not suffer the penalty of sin. Not only do they injure their own souls, but court death, and reap the wages of sin upon themselves.¹⁸