There for what? Romans 12:1-2

 

Raise your hand if you’ve memorized Romans 12:1-2? This passage is one that is always on the memorization list. I had to memorize it a couple years ago for a discipleship group I attended.

Scripture memorization is important. However, if you are like me, many times I memorize Scripture and I store it in my short term memory opposed to my long term memory. Luckily, Romans 12:1-2 stuck and is stored in my long term cabinet:

 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

 Notice the “therefore.” What is “therefore” there for? It is referring to something in the previous paragraph or chapter. In Romans 11:30-32, Paul illustrates to the Roman church the value and importance of God’s mercy:

 

Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their [the Israelites] disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. (NIV)

Romans 11:30-32 and 12:1-2 are linked together by the word “mercy.” God’s mercy, what a fantastic gift! He has mercy on us! According to this verse, because of the disobedience of the Gentiles, God had mercy on the Israelites and offered them his compassion. But now (referring to the time that Paul is writing this letter), because of Israel’s disobedience, God has extended his compassion to the Gentiles. What does this mean for us today? It means that He has extended his compassion and love to everyone through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He didn’t have to do this. God didn’t have to include everyone, but He did. Our thankful response should be to set ourselves apart; to be separate and holy, because of God’s mercy shown to us. By doing this, we sacrifice our old nature and make ourselves pleasing to God. This is one way we worship! Wow! Understanding this concept gives so much more depth and meaning to Romans 12:1-2.

So how is it that we make ourselves holy? Paul tells us in 12:2: “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Our minds are full of sinful stuff … junk, garbage. Start taking out the garbage and replacing it with spiritual wealth! Fill your mind with Scripture! Memorize and store it in your heart! Eventually, your mind will be so full with the things of God that you won’t have room for the junk anymore. All of this will give you the strength to no longer conform to the pattern of this world. Instead, you will conform to God’s pattern. Then, you will be able to discern what are God’s desires and purposes!

I hope today’s teaching has given you new insight into this passage. Sometimes I need to stop, slow down, and take in familiar passages. I have a tendency to glance over them because I “know” them. I encourage you this week to go back to your favorite verse or most familiar passage and soak in it! Read what comes before and after it. What is the subtitle of the chapter? Notice these things. If there is a “therefore”, ask yourself what it may be referring to that was previously written by the author. What impact might it have upon your understanding of your familiar passage? All of these things will give you more insight into Scripture and Bible study.

-God Bless