Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Romans 12

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Romans 12


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Romans 12

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
The New Life in Christ Living Sacrifices to God The Consecrated Life Life in God's Service Spiritual Worship Rom_12:1-2 Rom_12:1-8 Rom_12:1-2 Rom_12:1-2 Rom_12:1-2 Humility and Charity Rom_12:3-8 Rom_12:3-8 Rom_12:3-8 Rom_12:3-13 Rules of the Christian Life Behave Like a Christian Exhortations Rom_12:9-21 Rom_12:9-21 Rom_12:9-13 Rom_12:9-13 Charity to Everyone Including Enemies Rom_12:14-21 Rom_12:14-16 Rom_12:14-21 Rom_12:17-21 READING CYCLE THREE

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary ,which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO Rom_12:1-8

A. This begins the practical section of Romans (Rom_12:1 to Rom_15:13). Paul's letters were occasional documents, therefore, they have both doctrinal and application sections. Paul wrote to address a local problem or crisis. Since Romans 1-8 is such a wonderful doctrinal summary, its ethical and practical section is equally powerful.



B. Theology without lifestyle application is not of God (cf. Mat_7:24-27; Joh_13:17; Rom_2:13; Jas_1:22; Jas_1:25; Jas_2:14-26). Paul clearly teaches a free salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus, but this free gift is meant to radically change our lives! Salvation is free, but it must be followed by a radical Christlikeness! We dare not separate justification from sanctification!



C. Rom_12:1-2 form an introduction to the entire practical section. It is the basis for the Spirit-led life (i.e., Romans 8).



D. Rom_12:3-8 discuss spiritual giftedness. Our total yieldedness to Christ must issue in service for God (cf. Deu_6:4-5; Mat_22:37) and to others (cf. Lev_19:18; Mat_19:19). These gifts emphasize our unity in Christ and our diverse giftedness (cf. Eph_4:1-10). Believers must strive for unity, not uniformity. We are equipped by God to serve each other (cf. 1Co_12:7; 1Co_12:11; Eph_4:11-13)!