Avoid the pride of this world, bodies as a living sacrifice 1
Variety of gifts for ministry 4
Meaning of Love 9
| Text | Comments |
| .1
¶ I 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 [rational] service.
2 And 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. .3 For 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. |
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- Bodies In the Greek culture of Paul's
day the mind was considered independent of the body. It was considered
pure and the body, naturally evil. The mistaken philosophy influences our
world, too. People believe they can abuse their bodies and still claim
salvation. The philosophy also makes it natural to believe that the soul
goes to heaven or hell leaving the body behind. The Bible does not teach
this. Also ph0319.
1 - Living sacrifice Sacrifical animals died as they represented Christ. Paul here builds on the idea of responsibility, before the death of Christ, to bring animals to God. The difference is that our bodies may continue to live. We could also comment that good health is full living. 2 - Transformed, not conformed Thinking about these two words helps us understand the message. 2 - Mind renewal Here we have the rest of the formula. First, pure, holy bodies. Now, transformation by renewed minds! And we can become a demonstration of the will of God. 3 - Grace The concept is broader than we generally think. 3 - Self-esteem At first it appears that we should consider ourselves as of no value. This is not the case, either. So how should we perceive our worth? By the price paid for our souls! We are sons and daughters of the king, by adoption. Our glory is in Christ. 3 - Think soberly considering the gift of faith The measure of faith allows us to hear the call of Christ. We are, by nature, bound in the path of evil. If we want freedom, God chooses to adopt us. 3 - Measure of faith Being born with evil tendencies, we might never respond to the call of the Spirit without this open door. Praise God! |
| .4
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same
office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or 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. |
comments later |
| .9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
.10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be 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. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. .19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore 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. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. |
9
- Let love Here begins a list of good
counsel.
10 - Compare ep0521. |
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