Paul and the Practice of Christianity

1
Paul and the Practice of Christianity

• Looking at Romans 12

2
Introduction 121,2

• Therefore (gar) having completed the doctrinal
  section and defended the righteousness of God,
  Paul seeks to explain the life of faith.
• Paul appeals (as in Eph 41 1 Cor 416) for
  transformity rather than conformity in the
  language of Jewish sacrificial worship.

3
123-21 Personal ethics (1)

• (1) 3-8 The exercise of gifts by the grace given
  me towards mutual interdependence.
• Prophecy
• Service
• Teaching

4

• Exhortation
• Giving (in finance)
• Giving (in help)
• Acts of mercy

5
123-21 Personal ethics (2)

• (2) 9-13 The Law of Love expressed in various
  activities
• Love (agape) includes the sense of volition and
  intellect
• It inspires mutual affection (v10)
• It stays on high alert (v11), never losing its
  buzz.
• It stays hopeful, endures suffering, perseveres
  in prayer, shares the needs of the family

6
123-21 Personal ethics (3)

• (3) 14-21 looks beyond the Christian family
• Reminiscent of Matt 544
• Sharing joy and sorrow
• Living in harmony Aspire not to lofty tasks but
  follow the stream of lowly duties (David Smith).
• Peace (18) as much as possible!

7
1219-21 A word on Vengeance

• Leave it to the wrath of God this suggests
• (1) that we leave the exercise of judgement to
  God as in Deut 3235, or
• (2) that we should let the principle of
  retribution inherent in the moral universe pursue
  its course (cf 118)

8

• Vv20-21 suggest the first. Mercy is the opposite
  of retaliation, giving a burning sense of
  shame. Paul quotes Prv 2521f but omits the last
  bit and the Lord shall reward you. Paul
  develops the meaning the best way to get rid of
  an enemy is to turn him into a friend (Bruce).