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Romans 12:1 – Living Sacrifices

Posted on September 21, 2018 by Will

I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Truth to Learn

We are to turn over ownership of our lives to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “urge” is parakaleō, which means “to call one alongside.” It is Paul’s polite way of giving a command, as if he’s saying, “I am calling on you to come join me.”

The word translated “present” is the Greek word, parastēmi, which means “to stand or to place beside.” This is the word that was commonly used of bringing and presenting a sacrifice before an altar and standing beside it.

“Service” is from latreia, the noun form of the verb latreuō, meaning “to worship.” Latreia refers to “service rendered as a slave, particularly divine service to God.”

Meaning Explained

Because our salvation is by grace alone, we who have received this marvelous gift should be immediately humbled at God’s feet with gratitude in our heart and a willingness to do whatever He asks of us. Paul now tells us what it is that we should do to show our gratitude to God. He says, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” This implies that the offering is a free and voluntary one. This type of sacrificial offering is at the expense of the one offering it and it is to be destroyed or, as in the case of the drink offering, poured out before God so as to no longer be useful to the one offering it. Here’s what Albert Barnes says about this offering in his Notes on the Bible:

It implies that he who offers it presents it entirely, releases all claim or right to it, and leaves it to be disposed of for the honor of God. In the case of an animal, it was slain, and the blood offered; in the case of any other offering, as the first-fruits, etc., it was set apart to the service of God; and he who offered it released all claim on it, and submitted it to God, to be disposed of at his will. This is the offering which the apostle entreats the Romans to make: to devote themselves to God, as if they had no longer any claim on themselves; to be disposed of by him; to suffer and bear all that he might appoint; and to promote his honor in any way which he might command.

We are to offer our physical bodies in this way, as a living sacrifice. We are not to be slain in God’s presence; rather we are to continue to live, but to do so recognizing that we no longer have any right of ownership to our physical lives. We are to offer our living existence to God for His use in whatever manner He chooses. If God chooses to have us suffer persecution for His sake, it is His choice and we should glorify Him in it. If He chooses that we should be in an accident and become paralyzed, it is His choice and we should glorify Him in it. We no longer have any claim whatsoever to our earthly existence because we have been offered totally to Him.

Application

Wow! That’s a tall order! Who can do this? None of us can under our own power. We need to prayerfully offer ourselves to God and seek the power of His Spirit to keep us submitted and committed to Him and Him alone.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:38 – No One and Nothing

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Will

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

Truth to Learn

Our salvation is secure!

Behind the Words

The word translated “persuaded” is the Greek word peithō, meaning “to persuade or convince someone.” This word is in the perfect tense implying past completed action with a continuing result, but with the emphasis on the result. So, Paul is not saying that this may be true, or that he thinks it is possible, rather he is saying that he has been persuaded and he is now absolutely convinced that this is true.

“Death” is from the Greek word thanatos. It can refer to physical death (the death of our physical bodies) or spiritual death (exclusion from the presence and favor of God). The base meaning of this word implies separation. Regarding physical death, it is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. With respect to spiritual death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the presence and favor of God.

The word “life” is from dzoē, which refers to “human life.” It can refer to our physical life or to eternal life.

“Angels” is a transliteration of angelos, meaning “messenger.” It is used in reference to any of God’s created spirit beings.

The word “principalities” is from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angels.

The word translated “things present” is enistēmi, meaning “something that exists now.” And “things to come” is from mellō, meaning “something that is about to be or to happen.”

Meaning Explained

Back in verse thirty-five Paul asked the question, “What will separate us from the love of Christ, tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” We told you at that time that Paul would answer the question in a few verses. Well, here it is. This is the final explosion in his volcanic eruption of the glorious benefits of being an adopted child of God; in fact, there is so much here that it is spread out over two verses.

Paul starts out this verse with “For I am persuaded.” And what is it that he is absolutely convinced is true? That nothing can separate us from the love of God! You will notice that this list starts out with life and death. We cannot be separated by life or by death. The three words angelos, archē, and dunamis represent all of the angelic host, including faithful angels as well as fallen angels. It even includes Satan. Hence, no angelic being can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. The list includes things that exist as well as things that have not yet come into being but shall exist some day.

Application

We are saved by God and by God alone, and once we have been declared righteous (saved) by God, it cannot be undone!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 7:21 – The “Badness” Law

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Will

I find then a law, when I desire to do what is right, that evil is present with me.

Truth to Learn

There is a “law of sin” that can control our actions.

Behind the Words

The word translated “a law” is the Greek word nomos, which means “something that has been parceled out.” In the Greek text there is a definite article before this word, so literally it says “the law.”

The word in this verse that is translated “evil” is the Greek word kakos, which means, “something that is bad or worthless.” It is not the word usually translated “evil.” That word is poneros, which means “malicious or indicating willful harm to others.” So, although it is not really a word, I guess we could translate kakos in this verse as “badness” to distinguish it from evil.

“Is present” is a translation of the Greek word parakeimai, which means “it lies near” or “it is nearby.” It is expressed here in the present tense, active voice, indicative mood which implies present continuous action, not a past event or a onetime event.

Meaning Explained

One confusing part about the current verse is Paul’s reference to “a law.” There has been considerable debate about what he means by this expression. The usual sense of “a law” is something to which we are subject, something that is imposed by a superior, something that binds, controls, or influences us. There are many things we call laws that really aren’t laws; rather they are things that we have learned by observation. We refer, for instance, to such things as the laws of physics, the law of gravity, or the scientific laws of thermodynamics. These are not really laws in the sense that some legislative or ruling body has declared them so and which has assigned officials to enforce these laws (unless, of course, you consider them as having been imposed by God Himself).

The law that Paul is talking about in today’s verse is just such a law. He is saying that he finds an unwritten law which seems to say that badness is constantly present, close at hand, ready to take over whenever he desires to do right. And, once again, we see the word “desire” which is from the Greek verb thelō, indicating not just a wish or a desire to do good, but a determination to do good.

Although we have said it before, this is an apt description of our sin nature, or our tendency to sin. Whenever we want to do the right thing, when we are determined to be obedient to God and to do His will, our sin nature is ever present and ready to lead us into doing the wrong thing instead.

In just a few verses Paul will refer to this sin nature, to this law that makes badness ever present when we’re determined to do good, as the law of sin.

If I were allowed to vote on this law, I would vote that we repeal it and make life a lot easier on all of us!

Application

Lord, help us to see this battle that is going on within us. Help us to recognize that even though we are saved through the blood of Christ and we are determined to obey You and do Your will, our sin nature keeps dragging us away from You. Lord, give us strength to resist our sin nature and give us the desire to submit ourselves completely to You. Amen!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 6:13 – Stand Beside God

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Will

And do not present your members as weapons of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as weapons of righteousness to God.

Truth to Learn

We have a choice to use bodies as weapons of unrighteousness or as weapons of righteousness.

Behind the Words

The word “present” is the Greek word paristanō, which literally means “to stand alongside.” The image is of a leader who is challenging his people to step forward and stand beside him. Standing alongside is a sign of unity with the leader and a sign of submission to the leader.

The word translated “members” is the Greek word melē, which literally means “the limbs or other parts of the body.”

“Weapons” is the Greek word hoplon, which means “an implement or a tool.” It is often applied to an implement of war such as armor or an offensive weapon.

The word “dead” is from the Greek nekros, which refers to a dead body. The interesting thing is that it is expressed here as a plural, so it should probably be translated as “dead ones.” Throughout this chapter Paul uses this word as a plural noun. It is actually expressed as ek nekrōn, “out of the dead ones.” The image here is that of Christians having been raised from the membership of the “dead ones” and placed into the membership of the “living ones.” This same expression was used back in verse nine in reference to Christ having been raised from the dead (ek nekrōn).

Meaning Explained

When we submit ourselves to our own lusts we are yielding ourselves to them and they become our masters. That’s what Paul is telling us NOT to do. In the second half of the verse, He tells what we should do.

When Paul uses the word “members,” he could be talking about members of our physical body or members of the body of Christ, that is, the church. Based on the context it’s obvious that he is referring to the members of our bodies. However, this does not simply mean the physical parts. It includes the emotional and psychological parts as well. Paul is telling us that we should not yield even part of ourselves, physical or otherwise, to the control of our lusts. When we yield a part of ourselves to our lusts, that part is then used as a weapon of unrighteousness, causing us to sin.

When he tells us that we should not “present” the members of our body, he is telling us that we should not “stand beside” or “join in with” our lusts, not even with part of our being. When we do, that part of us which is surrendered is used as a weapon against us, driving us further into sin.

Instead, Paul commands us to stand beside God, as if we were already alive from among the dead ones (which, spiritually we are). Then we are to yield our members as weapons, or tools, of righteousness. When we are fully yielded (submitted) to Him, we will not succumb to our lusts, and God can use us for acts of righteousness and as witnesses for Himself.

Application

Because of our sin nature (our old man), we will never be able to live without sin, but that doesn’t mean that we have to remain in sin and continue our sinful habits. We have a choice to allow our desires to control us or to exercise control over them. It all comes down to this. What are you submitted to, your own selfish desires or God’s will?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:27 – No Blemishes or Wrinkles

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Will

that He might present the church to Himself in her glory, not having a stain or a wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Truth to Learn

Christ did everything in order to make us perfect for Him.

Behind the Words

“He might present” is from the Greek verb paristēmi, a compound word made up of para, meaning “beside” or “near” and histēmi, meaning “to stand” or “to place.” Thus, it literally means “to place something in the presence of someone else,” that is, “to present.”

Endoxos is the Greek word translated “in … glory.” It is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of doxa, meaning “glory.” The root meaning of doxa is “favorable opinion” and in a secondary sense it means “praise, honor, splendor, or brightness.”

The word “stain” is from spilon, which refers to “a stain or an unsightly mark of any kind.”

“Wrinkle” is translated from rhutis, based on the verb rhumē, meaning “to draw together” or “to contract.” Thus, rhutis refers to that which has been drawn together, “a wrinkle.”

The words “without blemish” are from amomos. This word is made up of a, meaning “without,” and momos, meaning “fault, or blemish.”

Meaning Explained

In Paul’s teaching on how husbands are to love their wives, he set before us the example of how Christ loves the church, His bride. He loves His bride so much that He went through the torturous death of crucifixion to sanctify (set her apart spiritually) and cleanse her. The reason for the sanctification and cleansing is given in today’s verse, to make her perfect, without a blemish of any kind.

As we mentioned in yesterday’s verse, a king’s bride often went through an extensive cleansing and purification process in order to make her fit for the king. Our king, however, is more than just the ruler of a country. He is the Ruler of all creation. There is no king greater than our God and there is no one more deserving of a perfect, spotless, radiantly beautiful bride than Jesus Christ. The problem is that we Christians are sinners. We are defiled and unclean. In order for us to be a worthy bride for Christ, we have to be made perfect and cleansed from everything that defiles. The only way for that to happen was for someone to pay the penalty for our sins, a ransom that we couldn’t pay. Jesus Christ paid that ransom with His blood and that blood cleansed every blemish and stain of sin. When we believed in the gospel message, we were cleansed and we were credited with the perfect righteousness of Christ.

However, there’s still one problem. As long as we are on this earth, we are dying; that is, we are getting older and developing physical decay, like wrinkles. As long as we have this body, we are unfit to be the bride of Christ. Therefore, before we can be presented as the perfect bride of Christ, we must receive a new, perfect body, which is the future aspect of our salvation. By the time we are presented, we will be without spot or wrinkle.

Application

It is obvious that God did not save us simply on a whim. In order to present to himself a perfect bride, he had to develop a plan and carry it through to the last detail. He did it all Himself. Men, how much are you doing to show your love for your bride? Remember, agape love is action, not a feeling!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:27 – No Blemishes or Wrinkles

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Will

that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Truth to Learn

Christ did everything in order to make us perfect for Him.

Behind the Words

Endoxos is the Greek word translated “glorious.” It is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of doxa, meaning “glory.” The root meaning of doxa is “favorable opinion” and in a secondary sense it means “praise, honor, splendor, or brightness.”

The word “spot” is from spilon, which refers to “a stain or an unsightly mark of any kind.”

The words “without blemish” are from amomos, made up of a, meaning “without” and momos, meaning “fault, or blemish.”

Meaning Explained

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 7:21 – The “Badness” Law

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Will

Romans 7:21

I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.

Truth to Learn

There is a “law of sin” that can control our actions.

Behind the Words

The word translated “evil” is the Greek word kakos, which means, “something that is bad or worthless.” It is not the word usually translated “evil.” That word is poneros, which means “malicious or indicating willful harm to others.” So, although it is not really a word, I guess we could translate kakos in this verse as “badness” to distinguish it from evil.

Meaning Explained

The law that Paul is talking about in today’s verse is just such a law. He is saying that he finds an unwritten law which seems to say that badness is constantly present, close at hand, ready to take over whenever he desires to do right. And, once again, we see the word “wills” which is from thelō, indicating not just a wish or a desire to do good, but a determination to do good.

In just a few verses Paul will refer to this sin nature, to this law that makes badness ever present when we’re determined to do good, as the law of sin.

If I were allowed to vote on this law, I would vote that we repeal it and make life a lot easier on all of us!

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 6:16 – Obedience by Submission

Posted on March 21, 2010 by Will

Romans 6:16

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Truth to Learn

We all obey whatever master we submit ourselves to.

Behind the Words

The word translated “slaves” is doulos, meaning “one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will being altogether consumed in the will of the other. It refers to a person who has no rights of his own; one who exists only as the property of someone else.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has made a number of points in the past five verses:

· Count yourselves to be truly dead to sin, but alive to God

· Do not let sin reign in your mortal body

· Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present your members as instruments of righteousness to God

· Sin will not have dominion over you

We know what we should do but sometimes we can’t figure out how to do it. In the current verse Paul is beginning his explanation of how to do it. In answer to his own rhetorical question, he uses a word picture that everyone in the Roman Empire at that time would understand: slavery.

The whole concept of slavery was well known because it was widely practiced. The Romans saw slavery as an integral component to developing and building its society. The institution of slavery permeated all of Roman culture. The Italian economy depended on abundant slave labor, with slaves constituting 40 percent of the population. It even reached a point in the third and fourth centuries after Christ when slaves outnumbered citizens five to three. At the time that Paul wrote this letter it was simply a way of life.

Slaves were considered property; they had no rights and were subject to their owners’ whims. If they did not obey their masters, they were subject to punishment, including beatings, although the murder of slaves was forbidden.

In light of this, now consider what Paul is saying about not letting sin reign in our bodies. He says, Don’t you know that the one whom you obey is your master and you are his slave? The difference for the Christian, however, is that we have already determined who our master is. He says we used to be the slave of sin, which produces death, but now we are the slaves of obedience as a result of our righteousness.

Paul says this in answer to his rhetorical question because the born again Christian is not the slave of sin since he or she has been declared righteous and, therefore, is now the slave of God. And God, as our master, wants us to produce acts of righteousness demonstrating the fruit of our salvation. Therefore, we can’t continue to live in sin because we are not under the Law (which produced sin) but under grace (which produces righteousness).

Application

Are you living the life your master wants you to live? The answer, of course, should be yes. But, the real question is – Who is your master? Who are you submitted to?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 6:13 – Stand Beside God

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Will

Romans 6:13

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Truth to Learn

We have a choice to use bodies as weapons of unrighteousness or as weapons of righteousness.

Behind the Words

The word translated “members” is the Greek word melē, which literally means “the limbs or other parts of the body.”

“Instruments” is the Greek word hoplon, which means “an implement or a tool.” It is often applied to an implement of war such as armor or an offensive weapon.

Meaning Explained

Application

Because of our sin nature (our old man), we will never be able to live without sin, but that doesn’t mean that we have to remain in sin and continue our sinful habits. We have a choice to allow our desires to control us or to exercise control over them. It all comes down to this. Who are you submitted to, your selfish desires or God’s will?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –