Romans 12:1-2

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Romans 12:1-2

Author:  Paul, from Corinth, as he was preparing for his visit to Jerusalem

When:  About 57 A.D.

Theme:  Sinfulness of humanity,  justification through faith in Jesus Christ, life through the Spirit, practical applications for the Christian life.

Setting:  Paul had neared the completion of his work in the east, and planned to visit Rome on his way to Spain after first going to Jerusalem to deliver a gift for the poor from the Gentile churches.  Romans is unique from Paul’s other writings in that it was written largely to a Jewish audience.  The Roman church was mostly Jewish but did also contained a great number of Gentiles.

Chapters 1 – 3:  Paul begins his letter by stating his support of and devotion to the Gospel (1:16) and addressing the common sinfulness of all humanity, both Jews and Gentiles.  (3:23)  He is also very clear to distinguish that salvation is not through the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ (2:9-22)

Chapters 4 – 6: Paul describes that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  Christians are no longer slaves to sin, but to righteousness.  (6:23)  A wage is earned, gift is given freely!

Chapters 7 – 8: Two of our favorite chapters in the Scriptures!  Chapter 7 is an honest portrayal of Paul’s struggle with sin (7:14-24).  Then, in chapter 8, Paul describes the love that God has lavished upon us and the grace and freedom He has given us in Christ and through the Spirit. 

Chapters 9 – 11: Chapter 9 is one of the toughest messages to accept in all of Scripture.  The meaning behind this section is to help both the Jew and Gentile believers understand that they are only justified by faith in Christ; they will not obtain righteousness through the law (10:1-4).  Rather, their righteousness will be given to them as a gift, solely as an act of mercy.  It is not based on human desire or effort (9:16).  This does not allow any room for arrogance or pride. 

Key Verse:  Romans 12:1-2 “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.”

1.    Why do you think Paul begins this section with the phrase “In view of God’s mercy?”

2.   What is significant about this imagery of “offering your bodies as living sacrifices?”  What is the potential problem with a living sacrifice?

3.  What makes a sacrifice holy and pleasing to God?  Think back to the Old Testament, what did God desire in the sacrifice?  How can we please God?

4. Paul encourages the believers in Rome to no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their mind.  How do you renew your mind?

5.   Paul says they will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, after the renewing of their mind.  How does this message impact us?