Romans:12

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* Verse 1 ,2 - The apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein he argues and proves various doctrines which are practically applied , here urges important duties from gospel principles . He entreated the Romans , as his brethren in Christ , by the mercies of God , to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him . This is a powerful appeal . We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy . Let us render ourselves ; all we are , all we have , all we can do : and after all , what return is it for such very rich receivings ? It is acceptable to God : a reasonable service , which we are able and ready to give a reason for , and which we understand . Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind ; a change , not of the substance , but of the qualities of the soul . The progress of sanctification , dying to sin more and more , and living to righteousness more and more , is the carrying on this renewing work , till it is perfected in glory . The great enemy to this renewal is , conformity to this world . Take heed of forming plans for happiness , as though it lay in the things of this world , which soon pass away . Do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh , and mind earthly things . The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding , and is carried on to the will , affections , and conversation , till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God , in knowledge , righteousness , and true holiness . Thus , to be godly , is to give up ourselves to God . * Verse 3-8 - Pride is a sin in us by nature ; we need to be cautioned and armed against it . All the saints make up one body in Christ , who is the Head of the body , and the common Centre of their unity . In the spiritual body , some are fitted for and called to one sort of work ; others for another sort of work . We are to do all the good we can , one to another , and for the common benefit . If we duly thought about the powers we have , and how far we fail properly to improve them , it would humble us . But as we must not be proud of our talents , so we must take heed lest , under a pretence of humility and self-denial , we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others . We must not say , I am nothing , therefore I will sit still , and do nothing ; but , I am nothing in myself , and therefore I will lay out myself to the utmost , in the strength of the grace of Christ . Whatever our gifts or situations may be , let us try to employ ourselves humbly , diligently , cheerfully , and in simplicity ; not seeking our own credit or profit , but the good of many , for this world and that which is to come . * Verse 9-16 - The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere , free from deceit , and unmeaning and deceitful compliments . Depending on Divine grace , they must detest and dread all evil , and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful . We must not only do that which is good , but we must cleave to it . All our duty towards one another is summed up in one word , love . This denotes the love of parents to their children ; which is more tender and natural than any other ; unforced , unconstrained . And love to God and man , with zeal for the gospel , will make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business , and in gaining superior skill . God must be served with the spirit , under the influences of the Holy Spirit . He is honoured by our hope and trust in him , especially when we rejoice in that hope . He is served , not only by working for him , but by sitting still quietly , when he calls us to suffer . Patience for God 's sake , is true piety . Those that rejoice in hope , are likely to be patient in tribulation . We should not be cold in the duty of prayer , nor soon weary of it . Not only must there be kindness to friends and brethren , but Christians must not harbour anger against enemies . It is but mock love , which rests in words of kindness , while our brethren need real supplies , and it is in our power to furnish them . Be ready to entertain those who do good : as there is occasion , we must welcome strangers . Bless , and curse not . It means thorough good will ; not , bless them when at prayer , and curse them at other times ; but bless them always , and curse not at all . True Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of each other . Labour as much as you can to agree in the same spiritual truths ; and when you come short of that , yet agree in affection . Look upon worldly pomp and dignity with holy contempt . Do not mind it ; be not in love with it . Be reconciled to the place God in his providence puts you in , whatever it be . Nothing is below us , but sin . We shall never find in our hearts to condescend to others , while we indulge conceit of ourselves ; therefore that must be mortified . * Verse 17-21 - Since men became enemies to God , they have been very ready to be enemies one to another . And those that embrace religion , must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ 's . Recompense to no man evil for evil . That is a brutish recompence , befitting only animals , which are not conscious of any being above them , or of any existence hereafter . And not only do , but study and take care to do , that which is amiable and creditable , and recommends religion to all with whom you converse . Study the things that make for peace ; if it be possible , without offending God and wounding conscience . Avenge not yourselves . This is a hard lesson to corrupt nature , therefore a remedy against it is added . Give place unto wrath . When a man 's passion is up , and the stream is strong , let it pass off ; lest it be made to rage the more against us . The line of our duty is clearly marked out , and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness , we are not to seek vengeance ; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth . The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world ; that in all strife and contention , those that revenge are conquered , and those that forgive are conquerors . Be not overcome of evil . Learn to defeat ill designs against you , either to change them , or to preserve your own peace . He that has this rule over his spirit , is better than the mighty . God 's children may be asked whether it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good , that God so enables them by his Spirit , thus to feel and act . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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