Being Practical in an Impractical World: Romans 12:1

This new series will not be a full-blown commentary on Romans chapter 12. However, I do want to comment on some of the major themes of this amazing chapter. We probably should remember that the original letter to the church at Rome did not have chapters and verses marked, (as far as I know). I’m happy we have those chapters and verses enumerated for us. It makes it easier to locate specific Scriptures. On the other hand, they can be a little distracting when it comes to making sure we understand context. Romans 12 has context. How do I know this? I know this by the insertion of the word, ‘Therefore’ into the text, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers,”. So, I must ask, “What is the word ‘Therefore’, therefore?” As I backtrack through the previous verses, I will find the ‘Therefore’ which helps to understand where Paul was going in the next verses. He had been talking about Israel and the Gentiles in chapter 11, revealing the mystery associated with this subject. Then in Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable are HIS judgments and how inscrutable HIS ways! “For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who has been HIS counselor? Or who has given a gift to HIM that HE might be repaid?  For from HIM and through HIM and to HIM are all things. To HIM be glory forever. Amen.”  With this list of glorious declarations concerning the nature of GOD, how can we NOT want to know more? With all these astounding aspects of our GOD, how can we NOT desire to ask the LORD, “What next? What do YOU want from me? How might I serve YOU, O GOD?” You see, we, all too often, spend so much time asking GOD to do things for us, that we forget our mission of service as imitators of CHRIST JESUS, the SON of GOD; GOD the SON. And so, we will begin, the LORD Willing, to look at HIS expectations for us, HIS children; what is spiritually practical as opposed to the impractical world.
Russell Ashby