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Paul and the Practice of Christianity. Looking at Romans 12. Introduction: 12:1,2. “Therefore” ( gar ) having completed the doctrinal section and defended the righteousness of God, Paul seeks to explain the life of faith.
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Paul and the Practice of Christianity Looking at Romans 12 Letter to the Romans
Introduction: 12:1,2 • “Therefore” (gar) having completed the doctrinal section and defended the righteousness of God, Paul seeks to explain the life of faith. • Paul appeals (as in Eph 4:1; 1 Cor 4:16) for “transformity” rather than conformity in the language of Jewish sacrificial worship. Letter to the Romans
12:3-21 Personal ethics (1) • (1) 3-8 The exercise of gifts “by the grace given me” towards mutual interdependence. • Prophecy • Service • Teaching Letter to the Romans
Exhortation • Giving (in finance) • Giving (in help) • Acts of mercy Letter to the Romans
12:3-21 Personal ethics (2) • (2) 9-13 The Law of Love expressed in various activities • Love (agape) includes the sense of volition and intellect • It inspires mutual affection (v10) • It “stays on high alert” (v11), never losing its buzz. • It stays hopeful, endures suffering, perseveres in prayer, shares the needs of the family Letter to the Romans
12:3-21 Personal ethics (3) • (3) 14-21 looks beyond the Christian family • Reminiscent of Matt 5:44 • Sharing joy and sorrow • Living in harmony: “Aspire not to lofty tasks but follow the stream of lowly duties” (David Smith). • Peace (18) as much as possible! Letter to the Romans
12:19-21: A word on Vengeance • “Leave it to the wrath of God”; this suggests • (1) that we leave the exercise of judgement to God as in Deut 32:35, or • (2) that we should let the principle of retribution inherent in the moral universe pursue its course (cf 1:18) Letter to the Romans
Vv20-21 suggest the first. Mercy is the opposite of retaliation, giving a “burning sense of shame”. Paul quotes Prv 25:21f but omits the last bit “and the Lord shall reward you”. Paul develops the meaning: “the best way to get rid of an enemy is to turn him into a friend” (Bruce). Letter to the Romans