Today we shall cover Romans chapter 12. We did that in YAF on sat and I think it's a pretty good chapter :D
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
The first image that comes with the word 'sacrifice' is usually that of death. But God doesn't want us as dead sacrifices, after all we would be pretty limited in our usefulness :/ . Rather we are to be 'living sacrifices', as representatives to christianity and to be a testimony to others, continuing God's work on earth. That is definitely not an easy task. We are to abstain from the thorns of this world, to use the perfect example of the sinless man, Jesus Christ, as our role model. Of course, we'll never be able to become perfect, but we strive to be. And that is our reasonable service, as we have accepted God's graciousness.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Likewise, the things of this world (material wealth, fashion trends, popularity etc) shouldn't be what we aim for in this life. So what is good, and acceptable to God? And what is considered to be of the world? The word 'prove' used in the verse is actually similar to 'discern' in greek. With renewing of our mind with God's word, we will slowly be able to discern the good from the bad.
3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Just like how different parts of our body have different roles and abilities, different people too have different parts to play, and different talents to use. Not everyone has the same 'office' or part in this life. Everyone cannot end up becoming pastors, nor all becoming office workers. But whether we becomes pastors or office workers, we are all simply playing out God's will in our life. No one is greater or poorer than the other through is own abilities. And since it its God's will, let us accomplish our duties with diligence and cheerfulness :)
Personally, there is a snobbish side of Shawn most people have not seen... Or have seen but did not notice. God hit me hard to learn that lesson recently, and that is something I will improve on. Also, I've been working pretty hard recently for FYP - for grades, making a good impression, catching up with buddy etc. Pretty stressful times, on top of trying to keep all the other commitments I have I try my best, but seem to fall short still. I now realise I've been diligent for the wrong reasons. Aiming to 'please' man leads to only more frustration. Your best is always overshadowed by single mistakes, and man's contentment with your work is always temporary, if not under-appreciated. Who better to work for than God? He knows you best, and forgives your mistakes, as long as you learn. You put in the same amount of diligence, but you do so with a more cheerful heart with God in charge. Somehow, things turn out to be even better that before ( not always, but true in my case). It has been a rewarding lesson for me :D
9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
These verses are pretty straightforward. Basic tenants we should try to follow.
9- Love without hypocrisy, feigned love/concern is pretty obvious lol... And kinda insulting.
10- To be respectful of our brothers/sisters in christ, as blood brothers are. A strong congregation can do wonders!
11- Sloth.. Fervency.. 2 things I really need to work on.
12- Pray always, whether times are good or bad. For in 'good' times we give thanks, and in 'bad' times we pray for strength. Always remember that 'good' times may mask temptations while 'bad' times may give us wisdom. Pray for discernment.
13- Be hospitable to all, even strangers. I think this is one aspect many people need to learn, both christians and non-christians alike. Sometimes, it is better to give doubt to people in need, than to hold back and assume the worst in all who turn for help. I recall being 'handphoneless' once, and nobody wanted to lend me their phone for a call. Bleah. I was pretty shocked as I myself have lent my phone to others willingly more than a couple of times prior to that.
14- Now this is hard, but an extremely important lesson. As we know, violence begets violence. Also, it's probably bad for your heart to be cursing so much. Vengeance is of the Lord, and He will mete it out if He wills. We all will like to curse the thief who stole our wallets, but perhaps praying that he will learn from this theft will prevent him from continuing this sin (like by twisting his ankle when running away kekeke... But we should leave the method up to God to decide), and help both him and the society as a whole.
15- Be sincerely happy or sad for the joys and sorrows of another. Avoid jealousy or contempt.
16- Don't be snobbish!!!
17- Same as (14). And lies are bad. Very bad.
18- Some people like going around stirring up trouble. Don't be one of them.
19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Once again, verse 14 is again emphasized. And for good reason. Remember always that vengeance is of the Lord. To judge and execute vengeance is to overstep authority, and may lead you invariably down the wrong path.