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NT Doctrine -- Romans 12 - Ed Hurst - 07-15-2023
God is all knowing and wise. His plan throughout the ages has been to welcome people from all nations into His household. Everyone must now come through faith. Because of this, Paul urges his readers to become a part of the offering Christ made on the Cross. Present yourselves on the new Altar of Sacrifice, made of wood and nails. Except, now it's a symbol; Christ wants you to be a sacrifice that keeps on living, something He can use to glorify His name. Nothing else makes sense, given the opportunity offered to us.
If we are His, then we must not let this world shape who we are, but must pass through a renovation of our whole orientation on life. Demonstrate the kind of life that boosts His reputation. Learn not to take yourself so seriously; your human existence is just a tool for His glory. Learn to read your own convictions so you'll understand how He intends to use you.
Paul draws the image of someone's body with all the different parts -- Christ's body, in this case. We are all parts of Him with different functions. He rattles off a sampling of things people can do to make sure the spiritual body of souls work together better for Christ's glory. It's not so much about what kind of people He appointed, but what kind of work they do: prophecy, service, teaching, encouraging, contributing material needs, leading, showing mercy, etc.
These are like vitamins that make our testimony grow bigger and stronger. It shows the world what they are missing by not being a part of Christ. Then, Paul matches them with a list of traits that should mark the believers: love unreservedly, detest harm, seek to bless, show fondness for each other, promote each other, always looking for new ways to make things work better, on fire for the Lord, cheerful about the possibilities of blessings coming out of everything, undeterred by challenges, always talking to God like He's right there, picking up the slack and welcoming visiting believers into your home.
When people oppress you for your faith, act as if they are decent people who are simply misguided. Be sensitive to what people go through. Look for ways to promote harmony and avoid acting like anyone is beneath you. Absorb the evil actions of others without responding in kind. Always promote good moral choices.
Give everyone plenty of chances to live in peace. It's not our job to discipline outsiders, but to give room for God to handle their recompense. God says that He takes personally attacks on His people. Show mercy to the Devil's lackeys, because they have it hard. There's a good chance your assertive kindness will cause them to come under conviction for their sins. Don't surrender and let evil prevail.
This is like our code of honor as ambassadors who belong to another world.