Romans Made Easy

By Joyce Webb 2009

Chapter 12

Verse 1

Paul says I have strong feelings about this when I ask you to give yourself to God like a “sacrifice” —– a living sacrifice —– (not a dead like an animal would be).

Giving yourself to God is what you should do. All that you are and all that you have —–you should give to God.

Verse 2

Do not live —-and think—and talk—like the people of the world who do not believe.

Let God and the Holy Spirit—-shape your mind—-and teach you how to think in ways that please God.

So you can be pleasing to God. You will do good. God will be pleased with everything about you.

Verse 3

Because of the grace given to me by God, I want to every person, do not think more highly about yourself—– than what you should.

In other words, everyone needs self-confidence and a “healthy pride” in ones self. But do not start getting “proud”.

Do not get proud about your spiritual understanding—-or how “spiritually mature”—-you are.

God has given to every person—– faith—some have more, some have less,——we grow in faith as we walk with God.

Verse 4

The church of believers —–is called—-“the body of Christ”.

This “body” or group of people is like our own physical body.

Our physical body has many parts—head, arms, legs, fingers, eyes, private parts, etc.

Some parts of the body are more important than others. Our head is more important than a finger.

Some parts of our body are seen by others—-and it is important for it to look nice—such as our face or hair.

Other parts of our body are hidden and no one see them but they are important to the way our bodies work—-more than the face that is seen.

Verse 5

This is true in the church—the body of Christ.

Some people are the leaders, —- some are people who are quiet and no one notices them.

In our physical body—we need every part—even if it is a part not seen—or not as important.

So in the church—we need every person—each person has their part to do.

Verse 6

In the church —-the Holy Spirit has given some people
“spiritual gifts” —- such as being able to give a prophecy—-telling about the future.

That person should speak out with faith.

 

Verse 7

Some can be a minister. So let them preach —- or pray for others according to their faith.

Verse 8

Some can say words of teaching—–and instruction. That person should do that with simple words—so that all understand.

Some can be leaders——they are good are getting things in order and organizing things.

Some people have tender hearts and can feel sympathy for others and can comfort them and encourage them.

Some have a cheerful personality and spirit and have a way of making people feel better and happy.

Verse 9

Each person should be encouraged to do what he is good at and use his faith and ‘gift”—-to help others.

Show love to each other—- and do not allow your group to have feelings of anger and upset that would divide you.

Show love as to a brother or family.

Show honor to others. Let them go first,—-let them have praise for doing a good thing. Do not try to always do better or be better than others.

Verse 11

Work in your business with care and hard work. Do not be lazy.

Be honest and a hard worker—-showing that because you are a follower of Christ—you do good work.

Verse 12 Be happy and be joyful—-have hope. Be patient—-even if people give you trouble because you are a Christian.

Be quick to pray about things as the day goes along. Pray about anything and all things—–asking God for help,—–to show you what to do,—–to show you how to do something.

Verse 13 Give to those believers that need help——whatever they need, try to help them.

Being willing to invite people into your home for a meal, to visit, to stay overnight.

(Remember, that long ago in Bible times, they did not have hotels like we do now.

There were believers who traveled around and Paul was encouraging them to open their home to them.

Today we do not do that so much. We still can invite new people in our church to a meal and make them feel like they belong and are welcome in our group.

If a missionary or traveling preacher comes to our church—-we can invite them for a meal or offer to let them stay overnight.)

Verse 14

If people are mean to you or give you trouble —-do not be mean back to them—-but pray for them.

Verse 15

Be happy with those who are happy about something.

Cry and have sympathy with those who are sad.

Verse 16

Try to agree with others.

Do not be seeking to be better than everyone. Enjoy the company of ordinary people.

Do not think you know more than everyone else.

Verse 17

If someone does something mean and gives you trouble, —-do not be mean and do trouble to them. Let God take care of them.

Be honest in everything you do—– so that people will see you can be trusted.

Verse 18

As much as you are able,—-try to live in peace with everyone.

Verse 19

Paul calls the believers “dearly beloved”.

He says —do not pay back people with doing mean things if they have been mean to you.

The scriptures say, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Deuteronomy 32:35

Vengeance means to pay back something bad to someone if they did something bad to you.

God says, Do not do it——-that he will take care of it.

Verse 20

If your enemy is hungry—-give him something to eat. If he is thirsty—–give him something to drink.

Because of your kindness to them—-they will be shamed for the way they treated you.

Verse 21

Do not let evil and doing bad things to others—-be part of your life.

This is not the way of a Christian——We win over evil by doing good.