ROMANS 12 1-2The Plea

I beseech thee

Greek: Parakalo (1SPAI) oun humas adelphoi, dia ton oiktirmon tou theou, parastesai (AAN) ta somata umon thusian zosan (PAPFSA)agian euareston to theo, ten logiken latreian humon

Amplified: I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

   Greek: kai me suschematizesthe (2PPPM) to aioni touto, alla metamorphousthe (

2PPPM) te anakainosei tou noos eis to dokimazein  (PAN) humas ti to thelema tou Theou, to agathon kai euareston kai teleion.  Analyzed Literal: And [you are] to stop conforming yourselves to this age, but [are] to continue being transformed by the renewal of your mind, in order for you to be proving what [is] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Amplified: Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman

Why the Plea?

A) Summary of Romans Chapter 1-5 God’s Law and Wrath Chapter 6-8 God’s Grace and Way Chapter 9-11 God’s Wisdom Chapter 12-16 God’s Will

Paul’s plea to the Romans follows his meticulous rendering of the over-riding emphasis of the Gospel. Lays out the Doctrine and Theology.

Ends with Christian living principles …. That’s the earnest plea

What’s the plea?

Present the body to God.

How? A) A living sacrifice B)Holy C) Acceptable unto God

Why? God’s mercy It is your reasonable service – the proper and

practical thing to do

Efficacy of Plea

A) Not conformed to the world B) Transformed from within by renewing of the

mind – bible study and prayer Daily renewing is the only safeguard against

failure C) The believer can then discern and perform

God’s will for his life

The Pauline plea to christian conduct in the New Testament churches

A)Galatians Chap 5 list 17 works of the flesh to be avoided and 9 fruits of the spirit to be found in Christians. Christian liberty and duty of christians

B)Thessalonians Chap 5 –be watchful, be respectful, be mindful, joyful, prayerful and faithful

C)Corinthians- two letters. Church with many theological and personal problems. Remedial in nature. Paul was writing to one of the most backslidden, carnal, confused and selfish churches on record

D) Ephesians 4: 1-3 16-32 E)Colossians Chap 3-4 F)Philippians –Chap 1- Life’s purpose, 2 – Life’s pattern, 3- Life’s Prize, 4 – Life’s

power

Timothy, Philemon and Titus – individuals More a personal approach Timothy- advice to young pastor Philemon – christian forgiveness Titus- duty of christians –protect, proclaim and practice the Gospel

PONDER ANEW

Why did Paul always talk about christian virtues and living after laying out heavy doctrine in all his epistles

A) No use to be doctrine heavy and practice light B)Notice the key verses in his Epistles were live

torchers: I can live through Christ who strengthens me I have fought the good fight I am an ambassador of Christ Rejoice for evermore

A nation of bible illiterates

• 48% could not name the four Gospels.• 52% cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus’ disciples.• 60% of American Christians can’t name even five of the 10 Commandments.• 61% of American Christians think the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.• 71% of American Christians think “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.George Barna said, "Americans revere the Bible, but by and large they don’t know what it says. And because they don’t know it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates." 

THREE THINGS

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back1. Time2. Words3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person1. Anger2. Pride3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose1. Hope2. Peace3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable1. Love2. Family & Friends3. Kindness

   

Christian Life

The Christian life is simply a process of having your natural self changed into a Christ self, and that this process goes on very far inside. One's most private wishes, one's point of view, are the things that have to be changed.”

― C.S. Lewis, Beyond Personality: The Christian Idea of God

30 per cent rule

A high end handphone -70% of the functions useless

An expensive car- 70 % of the speed is not needed

A luxurious villa – 70% of the space is not occupied

A whole wardrobe of cloths- 70% of it is not worn

A whole life of earning-70% is for other people to use