In Romans 11, Paul explains that followers are like branches in an olive tree; natural branches were broken off because of their disobedience and lack of trust, and wild branches were grafted in by faith. He warns that their standing there is effected by the life they live, and to continue in goodness. Now in chapter 12, Paul shifts from warning to instruction. If we are truly grafted in and alive by Spirit, then our lives must reflect that reality. This is what it looks like to remain in the tree: offering ourselves fully to God, rejecting the pattern of the world, and being transformed in how we think and live.
1 I entreat you therefore, brothers, through the compassions of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice living- holy to God, well-pleasing- which is [the] logical service of you.
2 And not be conformed to the age this, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind for to prove (by testing) by you what [is] the will of God, good and well-pleasing and perfect.
“Be transformed” in Greek metamorphoo- a complete transformation of identity, not merely just actions.
The same word is used for Yeshua’s transfiguration in the Gospel of Matthew –
He was transfigured (metamorphothe) before them, and shone His face like the sun and His clothes became white as the light.
– Matthew 17:2
So metamorphoo is a revealing of true nature; an inward reality becoming outwardly visible.
“by the renewal of your mind”- in Greek, anakainosei : from the roots ana meaning again, upward or back, and the kainos meaning new, as in quality. The literal rendering being “a making new again,” or “a renewal into a new kind of state”.
Paul isn’t just saying “change your mindset”; he’s saying your entire life should be changed as a part of your new identity in Messiah.
3 I say indeed through grace having been given to me to everyone being among you- not to be high minded above what it behooves to think, but to think so as to be of sober mind, to each as God has allotted a measure of faith.
Self-exaltation collapses when you realize everything you have is allotted by God.
- Your place in the body is not self-assigned
- Your measure of faith and function is designated by God
- It is of Grace; charis, meaning unearned favor
So pride in these gifts is impossible.
4 Just as indeed in one body many members we have, now the members all not have the same function.
5 Thus the many one body we are in Messiah and individually one of each other members
6 We are having however gifts according to the grace having been given to us different- whether prophecy in alignment to the proportion of the faith
7 or service in the serving, or teaching in the teaching
8 or exhorting in the exhortation, giving in sincerity, leading with diligence, showing mercy with cheerfulness-
Each gift is an expression of grace, and must be exercised faithfully, humbly, and according to its purpose:
Prophecy:
- according to faith, aligned and consistent with God’s Truth
- meaning it cannot be a revelation that contradicts His character or instructions
Service:
- diakonia– from: dia, through, and koneō to serve or attend
- practical care, meeting needs in the body, doing what is necessary, not what is simply visible
- strengthening others through actions, not words
- faithful action that carries another person’s burden without needing recognition
Teaching:
- from didaskō meaning to instruct or train
- explaining God’s word, clearly preserving truth without distortion or compromise
- faithful instruction that shapes understanding and leads others into correct alignment with God’s Word
Exhortation:
- paraklēsis– a calling alongside
- encouragement, strengthening, comfort in distress. urging someone forward in obedience & building courage in others
- outward facing; for strengthening the body- not self
Giving:
- metadidōmi– From meta meaning with or beyond; and didōmi, to give
- sharing resources, generosity without calculation, meeting needs from what you possess, giving without controlling the outcome
- A release of what God has given you for the benefit of others
- in sincerity- not in manipulation or in seeking recognition
Leading:
- proistēm– from: pro meaning before; and histēmi to stand
- guiding others in truth and stability, taking responsibility for direction, protecting the integrity of the group
- with diligence- seriousness, effort
- responsible stewardship of people and direction with seriousness and care- not control
Mercy:
- From eleos: to compassionate, by word or deed
- with cheerfulness and graciousness- not begrudgingly
9 [Let] love [be] unfeigned, abhorring evil, cleaving to goodness.
10 In brotherly love to one another devoted, in value one another esteeming.
11 In diligence not lagging, in spirit being fervent, the Master serving
12 in hope rejoicing, in tribulation being patient, in prayer being constant.
The phrase for “in hope rejoicing” is elpidi chairontes, which has a deeper meaning than just be cheerful;
- The root elpis not only means hope- but assured trust and confidence
- Chairo means to rejoice or be glad, but is also a salutation on meeting or parting meaning “be well”
Paul is saying: Greet life and each other with the joy that comes from confidently trusting that what God has promised will be fulfilled. Even in the middle of affliction, all is well.
13 to the needs of the hagion (saints) contributing, hospitality pursuing
14 Bless those persecuting you- bless and not curse.
15 Rejoice with the rejoicing, weep with the weeping
16 The same toward on another minding not the things lofty minding, but with the lowly going along. Not be wise in yourselves-
Paul begins paraphrasing from the Scriptures here:
- Leviticus 19:15 – no partiality; honor neither rich nor poor unfairly
- Proverbs 3:7 – do not be wise in your own eyes
- Proverbs 16:5 – YHVH hates a proud heart
17 To no one evil for evil repaying, providing [what is] good before all men.
Not do say I will recompense evil: Wait for YHVH and He will save you.
– Proverbs 20:22
18 If possible of you, with all men living at peace.
Depart from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.
– Psalm 34:14
19 Never yourselves avenging, beloved; instead give seat to wrath- it has been written, Indeed Mine vengeance. I will repay says Adonay.
Mine is Vengeance, and recompense in time shall slip their foot. For [is] at hand the day of their calamity and hasten the things to come upon them
– Deuteronomy 32:35
20 But if should hunger your enemy, feed him; if he should thirst, give him drink. This indeed doing coals of fire you will heap upon his head.
Paul is quoting from Proverbs
If is hungry your enemy, give him to eat bread. And if he is thirsty give him to drink water
– Proverbs 25:21-22
Then he adds a Hebrew wisdom idiom “You will heap coals on his head”, meaning:
Your unexpected kindness toward an enemy will cause deep conviction that leads to shame, repentance and a change of heart.
21 Not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is the plan that stretches back to Genesis:
Will not if you do will, [will] you be accepted? And if not you do well, at the door sin is is crouching, and for you its desire [is]. But you must rule over it.
– Genesis 4:7
Hate evil and love good. And establish at the gate justice [that] perhaps will be gracious YHVH Elohim of hosts to the remnant of Yosef.
– Amos 5:15
Paul isn’t introducing new commands- he’s drawing directly from Torah, the writings and the Prophets to show what a transformed life looks like. Loving your neighbor, rejecting vengeance, caring for the needy, and overcoming evil with good were always part of God’s instruction. Paul is simply calling believers to live them out through a renewed mind and Spirit-led life.
Leave a Reply