A Renewing Mind Does … (Romans 12:3-21)

Following Christ is the most unnatural thing without the indwelling Holy Spirit’s application of the Word of God! Suppose I don’t think too deeply about how I am to live and merely concentrate on the benefits of being a Christian. In that case, I can see how many aspiring followers in the last few decades found it attractive to call themselves Christians while living undisciplined lives. After all, there is all this talk of love, peace, a community, a sense of morality, and a promise of eternal life. What’s not to like, right? Hopefully, those who professed Christ during popular movements possessed saving faith and did not join a church because of social proclivities.  

If someone is really a believer (as defined by Christ) and growing beyond the infancy stage, they would tell you the calling is one of self-sacrifice, difficult to navigate, ever stretching their character and incredibly fulfilling with great joy.

Now consider the societal changes; this brings various forms of pressure to those who think and act differently than the current ideologies. So what do you do? For centuries, many believers worldwide have understood the cost of following the Saviour.

If your trust is in Christ and you want to spend eternity with Him, you will continually renew your mind enabling you to resist conforming to unbiblical behaviour. You will be transformed and have the faith to follow the instruction of God’s Word even when it is difficult. His grace does this.

In the last blog post in the Romans study, we concentrated on Romans 12:1-2 where we digested what it means to fulfill God’s perfect will and how to go about it. In the following verses, we discover the impact of the imprint of the Holy Spirit on a true Christian. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I have been led to study the Epistles of John concurrently. It was written so that believers would have the assurance of eternal life and understand the birthmarks of regeneration through faith in Jesus Christ.

With this said, let’s get into Paul’s practical application. If you like outlines or need to read in segments, here is my outline.

How one views themselves is important. So many people are emotionally insecure while others have an arrogant entitlement. Regardless of where someone is along the breadth of self-evaluation, our opinions of our worth and abilities are often skewed by the old nature and other likewise flawed individuals around us.

If we continually renew our thoughts through reading God’s Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship, we will increase in ‘an appropriate’ self-evaluation. We will live with confidence in each member of the Trinity and with humility understanding that everything we are as a Christian stems from the measure of faith God has graced us with.

And, this ‘graced faith’ is to serve His body for His purposes.

Some might argue along the psychology vien of nature versus nurture. While both predetermined and environmental causes influence human behaviours, every regenerated believer has the Holy Spirit, and consequentially, has the power of choice over thinking and actions. This is one of the gifts the Lord gives us, and we can grow in His gifts.

Here is the source of the above statements: The words ‘sóphroneó‘ and ‘metron’ in verse 3. 

In verse 3, Paul used the word ‘sóphroneó‘ (Strong’s G4993) which is to say to be in one’s right mind, to curb one’s passions, and be of sound mind and be sober. In Romans 12:3, it is to put a moderate estimate upon oneself, to think of oneself soberly.

Paul also used the word ‘metron’ (Strong’s G3358) which is to say a determined extent, portion measured off, measure or limit of the thing received.

• Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:12-16)
• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26)
• But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble (2 Peter 1:5-10)
• There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. … for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:4-7, 12-13)

In verses Romans 12:4-8, Paul then went on to list some of the gifts the Lord has graced different members of His body (the Church) with. While one could spend a great deal of time examining each of the gifts, in keeping with the main context of the passage, Paul’s emphasis is on the purpose of the gift. The grace given is to exercise faith in serving every member of Christ’s body. We are to do whatever gift God has given us to the best of our ability with total reliance on (faith) in Christ in contrast to believing in our capability.

Throughout Scripture, we learn we can grow in gifts and that the Lord gives the gifts based on what a person’s calling is. A ‘calling is more of a ‘to whom’ than a ‘to what’.

We are called to use our gifts for the benefit of people we have been trusted to share with based on their needs with the goal of sanctifying the body of Christ.

Notice the focus of the gift is toward serving God’s goals for His glory.

Yes, using the gifts given is very fulfilling but this is not the priority or the purpose for God’s gifting human beings. If we are many members of one body, and Christ is the Head of the body, then gifting is to help each other accomplish the goals of the Head (the One directing the thoughts and actions). Paul speaks about the gifts at length in 1 Corinthians (chapters 12 through 14). Let’s look at some passages from the letter to the Corinthians that support his Romans 12 teaching to the culturally diverse believers in the home churches in Rome.

• For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. … But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. … And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. … But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (select verses from 1 Corinthians 12:12 through 31)

What is the more excellent way?

• Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. … And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 13)

Jesus said:

• “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
• “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
• “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:9-13)

Jesus told His disciples that they ought to lay their lives down for other believers. Yes, we show God’s love to everyone but unity and self-less love is prioritized for fellow believers because of the unity of the Holy Spirit.

• Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

• By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)

If we are growing in faith through meditating on God’s Word and prayerfully seeking to fulfill His desires, then we will exercise our gifts in all love to edify the body of Christ as He wills. This brings us to how.

• Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Romans 12:9-16)

We have all seen believers trying to show love with hugs, kisses, smiles and even money; and, at the same time these same believers are talking about others, holding negative opinions about people without having a conversation with them about their thoughts, and making assumptions based on a limited perspective or received gossip.

• Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins. (Proverbs 10:12 )
• He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. (Proverbs 18:13)

I do not doubt these believers are trying to fulfill Christ’s command to show love! I think that they have a limited view of what Christ’s love includes.

In verse 9, believers are to be undisguised and sincere by hating any element of evil (shortcoming) demonstrated while embracing every aspect of righteousness that the believer manifests. Therefore, Christian love is to be truthful, acknowledging but forgiving the fallen aspects of our Christian siblings.

• Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

We should not lie about our feelings, but we can surrender them in humility to Christ. We better prevaricate about what we see and hear, but we can overlook repaying wrongs in favour of helping our siblings and thereby demonstrate the love of Christ who had the right of retribution but laid His life down for our good.

And so we are to do both: hating the evil without retaliation while loving what is Godly in the lives of believers.

• Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. (1 Peter 4:8 AMP)

Faking brotherly love is both unkind and a lie; as such, it is from the father of lies. It can also be a form of self-deception as it can fool a person into thinking they are being righteous. “Faking it till you make it” is not synonymous with acting in faith.

Hypocrisy is to act or pretend something is true outwardly while knowing it is false regardless of the motive for doing so. An example of this with a bad motive can be found in Luke 20:20.

Verses 10 to 16 provide a list of ways we can demonstrate Christian love for Christ’s body in a “truthful manner”. Through considering various verse interpretations, the following represents my understanding of these verses keeping the context of the segment.

• Verse 10: be kind and take delight in honouring your sibling the way Christ preferred saving us than escaping death.
• Verse 11: work hard to serve the Lord enthusiastically by using your gifts to love and tend to the Body of Christ.
• Verse 12: rejoice in the hope we have in Christ while being patient during troubles (even if they arise from another believer or otherwise) by continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength in communion or prayer with the Lord.
• Verse 13: contribute to the practical needs of Christians the Lord graces to you (not turning a blind eye to needs you become aware of); also look for opportunities to show friendliness and generosity to strangers (in one’s home). The word ‘hospitality’ is from the Greek word ‘philoxenia‘ (Strong’s G5381) also used in Hebrews 13:2.

Observation about Diókó: Passionate Pursuit (vs 13) and Persecution (vs 14)

Note: Some would separate this verse 14 from the discussion thread concerning Christian love for each other (verses 10 to 16) possibly because Christians should not be persecuting each other! Right? I have been persecuted by other believers perhaps due to their ignorance or in their weakness. I do not believe they thought they were “persecuting” me. There are different forms of persecution. Regardless, the Lord’s purpose for me is to be sanctified. Such instances are opportunities for me to grow in Christlikeness and forgive. This means that I would be loving without hypocrisy (verse 10).

Let’s look at how Paul used the word ‘persecute’ in the Greek form: diókó (Strong’s G1377). He used diókó many times within his letters (for example, Romans 12:13, 14; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:1; Galatians 5:11; Philippians 3:12, 14; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Timothy 3:12; among others). The word holds the meaning to (1) aggressively chase, (2) earnestly pursue, (3) zealously persecute, (4)seek after with all haste, (5) desire to overtake. Notice this is the way we are to seek hospitality in Romans 12:13. Next Paul used the same word in verse 14.

So regardless of the motivation (for good reasons or bad), the pursuit in both verses contains a form of pressure, a forceful coming after a thing.

• Verse 14: Speak well of and confer what is beneficial on those who cause you harm or hardship; do not return evil for evil knowing Christians are called to this to inherit a blessing (Matthew 5:44-45; 1 Peter 3:9)
• Verse 15: Be mindful of others’ life events to be appropriately compassionate to them, rejoicing and weeping accordingly. The contrast is to be self-centred.
• Verse 16: Esteem each other as equals in Christ and to be humble as our Lord (Philippians 2:5-8) who associated with people who were not highly esteemed by the world’s estimation. Avoid becoming exulted with great influence within the world’s system because “what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15). Humble yourself; any advancement in this world should be for God’s glory and a blessing to those around you (1 Peter 5:6-8).

There is no possible way to behave like a true Christian without the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the renewing of your mind through Scripture. A renewing mind may fail from time to time, but will continue to grow, and will love fellow believers without hypocrisy.

• For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. (1 John 5:3 AMP)

As it is written:

• Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

When we have the right perspective about God’s nature and our circumstances, by the grace given to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can choose to:

This is the Holy Spirit-empowered self-control for overcoming what comes naturally.

• For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9)

Years ago, I struggled to spend time meditating on God’s word. I would read ritualistically to satisfy the Scriptures that encouraged Bible reading. That may have seemed legalistic at the time, but the truth is, God was laying a foundation. When His Word enters a believer’s mind, it renews their thinking. At some point, that Word will germinate and increasingly bring forth fruit.

What have you been graced to do for Christ and others? (Romans 12:3) How will you find the strength to persevere in what God’s Word teaches?

The Christian life is not easy but it is rewarding. This life is but a moment and our future lives are what we look forward to. Jesus never told us it would be easy. He promised that His Spirit would be with us in the difficulty and that we could become overcomers.

Friends, I end with the following teaching from my beautiful, gracious, merciful, serving and holy Saviour who will return to reign as the King of kings. The Father and Christ have a purpose for each believer and the Helper helps us achieve it. If we renew our minds with His Word and follow it, His Spirit will transform us into overcomers despite incredible challenges. With His help, we can love others and serve with the graces He has given.

• “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. … As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. … This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. … These things I command you, that you love one another. If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. … But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. (Various verses from John 15)

All Scripture in this blog is from the New King James Version unless otherwise specified.