Lesson 13—How We Should Live (Chapter 12)
for December 3, 2000

Introduction

Many of Paul’s letters can be divided into two sections: doctrinal and practical. The doctrinal sections contain foundational teaching of the good news of what Jesus has done. The practical section then translates that basic teaching into what it means to the Christian—in relationships, how we live, worship, and conduct affairs in the church. Chapter 12 of Romans marks the beginning of the “practical” section for this letter. This does not mean that the first 11 chapters are impractical. On the contrary, the “doctrinal” section provides the basis on which the practical matters of Christianity are built.

Living Sacrifices

Chapter 12 begins with a therefore that relates us back to all that has been said before. It could be expanded to say, “Because of all that I have told you about what God has done for us through Jesus, this is how you should live.” Paul then exhorts us to give our bodies as living sacrifices to God. This is truly a powerful statement! How many sermons have been preached on this text?!

This passage is one of my favorites (along with many other people). It is life-changing and challenging! Please note the application questions at the end of this lesson.

When we give ourselves to God, it is received by him as an act of worship. Some people think that this teaches that our whole lives are worship, as opposed to worshipping only at certain times with a group of God’s people. I agree with this, though some may make too much of it. Certainly, even if it is true that our whole lives are worship, there is a different sense in which we come together to offer our corporate worship through songs, prayers, proclamation, giving, and the Lord’s Supper. Both ought to be done.

One important result of giving your life to God is that you no longer think or act like the world. This has far-reaching implications. Our minds are changed to know God’s will. The Christian’s goals are different from those of the world. We live differently from the world. Our view of success is not the same as the world. The way we use our money and other resources is different from the world. The world means the wrong ways of those who do not follow God. It would be a valuable exercise to consider all the ways that a Christian should be different from the world.

One body with many members

Paul compares those in Christ to a body with many members. Each member has its own function (thus its own independence), yet they all are part of the same body and need one another (dependent on the body as a whole). Because all parts are needed for a properly functioning system, no one part should elevate itself. Instead, each member considers its place in the body with humility, recognizing the value of all the members (parts). Each member contributes its part to the effort of the whole.

Seven spiritual gifts are discussed as functions of the body of Christ. In the discussion, Christians are encouraged to use their gifts for the betterment of the body as a whole. Although some have taken the gifts to be miraculous gifts, there is no need to do so. Only one of the seven gifts is unusual at all, the gift of prophesying, and it does not have to be understood as a miraculous gift. Prophesying can refer to proclamation of God’s message as an evangelist.

General instructions

The last half of chapter 12 includes a variety of instructions to the Roman Christians. These instructions encompass love, hating evil, hospitality, living in peace, and dealing with persecution. It is easy for Christians to give less attention to sections of Scripture like this because there are so many random admonitions and they are more difficult to remember. However, these truths are just as important for the Christian life. These exhortations will help the Christian serve God better and live in harmony with people (both Christian and non-Christian).

Questions

1. Can you see the difference between the doctrinal and practical sections of Romans?
2. What is Paul’s reason behind us giving ourselves as living sacrifices?
3. Should it change our lifestyle if our whole lives are an offering of worship to God?
4. What differences do you see between your life as worship to God and our corporate worship? Similarities?
5. What is the “pattern of this world” to which Paul refers?
6. What is the value of seeing the church in the analogy of a physical body?
7. Count (or list) the admonitions in verses 9-21. What common themes do you see? Is there an overall message? What is it?

Application

What does it mean to give yourself as a living sacrifice? What is a sacrifice? Why would Paul urge us to be living sacrifices? How can you make your life more of a sacrifice to God in the coming weeks than you have in the past?
Romans 12:1-2 is an important passage. Consider memorizing it in the version of your choice.
List specific ways that Christians should not be like the world. Is this true of your life?
How does the Christian renew his mind (v. 2)?
What are the implications of verse 3?
Paul says we have different gifts. What is your gift? Do you use your gift to its maximum benefit for the body of Christ and in God’s service?