Romans 12 Transformed Thinking Sermon

Romans 12 Transformed Thinking © 2012 WF Cobb Truthbase.net DailyTruthbase.Blogspot.com

I. A Renewed Mind is Necessary for Sacrificial Service and Experiencing the Perfect Will of God.

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living/ongoing sacrifice,

holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable/”of the word” service of worship. (Cf 6:11 reckon dead/alive 12:11 serving)

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed

by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove/demonstrate what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Caterpillar Christians are not much different from they way they were, nor from other worldings (no metamorphosis). They inch along on their own power (rather than riding breezes), blending in (rather than attractively reflecting God's glorious creativity), never rising above the circumstances, eating weeds (rather than sipping nectar), not reproducing. [robot not reprogrammed]

A Conformed Mind is bound by old identities and what others think (rather than free to be what God wants them to be), selfishly views itself as the center of the universe, lives for immediate gratification of senses (no spiritual insight nor eternal objectives), consumes vs invests.

A Transformed Mind, renewed by the Truth, is very conscious that this world is not all there is; that a new world is coming in which God rewards righteousness, service, and love; that independence is the essence of sin, and dependence is the essence of delight; makes disciples.

II. A Renewed Mind Has a Proper View of Oneself in Relationship to the Body (new identity, focus, and purpose)

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soundmindedly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

III. A Renewed Mind Serves with Grace by Faith to accomplish God's purposes in building up the Body.

6 Having then grace-things differing according to the grace that is given to us (1Cor 12:11), let us use them: (saved sinner or serving saint)

if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to the measure of the faith;

7 or ministry/service, let us use it in our ministering/serving; he who teaches, in teaching;

8 he who encourages/exhorts, in encouragement/exhortation;

he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

IV. A Renewed Mind Loves Purely (sanctifies & sacrifices oneself to do what is in another's highest interest -other-centered)

Love: 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth through the Spirit for a sincere love for the brothers, love one another fervently from a pure heart, 2 Peter 1:5-7 virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly love, agape love.

Service/Ministry: 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; (cf 12:1; Matthew 25:40 done to me; John 21:17 feed sheep)

12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute/harass you; bless and do not curse. Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Matthew 6:15 if you do not forgive...neither will your Father

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (other-centered emotions)

Unity: 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. 1 Corinthians 1:10 I plead with you, by the name of our Lord that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion/estimation.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Purity: 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Do most believers live like caterpillars or butterflies? How does one undergo metamorphosis? What happens if one doesn't?

2. Why is independence the essence of sin? Can someone be pleasing to Christ and not a functioning member of His Body (biblical)?

3. Why do you think the Holy Spirit gave differing grace to believers? How are the grace-things necessary for a Body to function?

4. Do you have to like someone to love them? Is love an emotion or a decision of the will? What hinders fondness and affection?

5. How has your life changed in response to the mercy of God? How have you changed others' lives? What help do you need?

1 John 3-5 Eternal Life in Christ

TMS Acts 1:8 Holy Spirit Power

Acts 1:6 “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

8 But you shall receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me

in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Observations: 1:8 The disciples had forsaken all to follow Jesus with the expectation of receiving power and glory. Jesus had promised them reward in the Sermon on the Mount, and in His calls to discipleship, and spoke of His kingdom which He would share with them, so they were anxious to receive His promised power/authority. Jesus said it wasn't the right time for the restoration of the OT kingdom promised to Israel, but if they wanted power, they would get it when the Holy Spirit came upon them. As a result (use of kai for a consecutive sequence), they would be witnesses to Christ. They should start where they were, with those most similar to themselves, and then branch out to the surrounding areas, and finally reach to the ends of the earth. This is what happened in the book of Acts (see additional comments on Acts 1:8). Believers in Jesus all have the Holy Spirit (Eph 1; 1Cor 12) and as a result should be witnesses to Christ, first to those around them, and then as they mature to others that are dissimilar. A witness is someone who has heard, seen, or experienced something. Every Christian should have an abiding relationship with God in which they are experiencing things about God which they can share with others.

Application: God works in our lives so we can be witnesses of Him to those around us.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for Your work in my life; please guide me in sharing You and Your work in my life with others. Amen.

1John 3-5 John continues to build the confidence of believers in the apostolic message against the false teaching of the anti-Messiahs. John gives a number of “tests” or validations that the experience of the believers is the real deal, so they won't fall for the devil's deceptions. Among those are victory over sin as a result of an abiding relationship with Christ, based upon obedience; a Christlike love for other believers; a vibrant prayer life; ministry to the sinning; inner conviction of the Holy Spirit that they are pleasing to God, validated by their love and obedience. John also affirms that God had given them eternal life in His Son, so they should continue to believe in Him, and not in any false gods the false teachers present.

1John 3 No Need to Sin

3:1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us,

that we should be called children of God!

For this cause the world doesn’t know us,

because it didn’t know Him.

2 Beloved, now we are children of God,

and it is not yet revealed what we will be.

But we know that, when He is revealed,

we will be like Him;

for we will see Him

just as He is.

3 Everyone who has this hope

set on Him

purifies himself,

even as He is pure.

4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness.

Sin is lawlessness.

5 You know that He was manifested to take away our sins,

and in Him

is no sin.

6 Whoever remains in Him

doesn’t sin.

Whoever sins hasn’t seen Him,

neither knows Him.

7 Little children, let no one lead you astray.

He who does righteousness is righteous,

even as He is righteous.

8 He who sins is of the devil,

for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

To this end the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin,

because His seed remains in him; and he can’t sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are revealed,

and the children of the devil.

Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God,

neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.

11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning,

that we should love one another;

12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother.

Why did he kill him?

Because his works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have passed out of death

into life,

because we love the brothers.

He who doesn’t love his brother

remains in death.

15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,

and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

16 By this we know love,

because He laid down His life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him,

how does the love of God remain in him?

18 My little children, let’s not love in word

neither with the tongue only,

but in deed and truth.

19 And by this we know that we are of the truth,

and persuade our hearts before him,

20 because if our heart condemns us,

God is greater than our heart,

and knows all things.

21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us,

we have confidence toward God;

22 and whatever we ask, we receive from Him,

because we keep His commandments

and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

23 This is His commandment,

that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ,

and love one another, even as He commanded.

24 He who keeps His commandments

remains in Him,

and He in him.

By this we know that He remains in us,

by the Spirit which He gave us.

Observations: 3:1-6 Believers are children of God, but the future blessings they will have as a result of that status aren't yet seen. When Christ is revealed in His glory, those who are pure in heart will see Him (one of the beatitudes - Mt 5:8). Those who have this hope of glory, purify themselves so as not to be disqualified (1Pt 1:22; 1Tim 1:5; Heb 10:22). The purpose in Christ coming wasn't to die for our sins, but remove them from us so we could have a relationship with God. In Christ there is no sin, since He is holy. Those who abide/remain in union with Him (“in Him”) don't sin. If we are drawing our motivations and strength from the vine, there's no room to sin. Whoever sins hasn't “seen” (used in 1:1, 2, 3 to describe the fellowship the apostles had with Christ) nor “known” Christ. There are three lines of interpretation. No one who read chapter 1 would claim sinless perfection, since that is refuted there. The more common view is to translate the present tenses as “habitual” which means those who know Christ don't continue to habitually sin. That view has some merit, but misses John's point. The view closer to John's thinking is that those who abide or remain in Christ don't wander off into trouble. A child staying contentedly on a parent's lap isn't going to get themselves into all kinds of trouble that would displease the parent (see comments on abiding in John 15).

3:7-15 To prevent the false teachers from leading abiding believers astray John points out that the believer who does what is right in God's sight is righteous, but the one who sins is of the devil (drawing their motivation from him, and his world). The devil has been sinning since before the Garden, and the Son of God was manifested, as promised in Genesis 3, to destroy the devil and His works of deceiving people into being unfaithful to God. The atoning work, and the indwelling Spirit of Christ put the devil out of business in the lives of those who abide in Christ. Whoever is born of God doesn't sin, because the seed of the word of God, energized by the Holy Spirit (1Pt 1:23; John 3:6) remains/abides in the believer. Those whose actions are sourced in God, don't sin. Those who don't do what is right in the sight of God, have their actions sourced not in God, but the devil. This particularly applies to those who don't love their brother (like Cain). Those who don't love are akin to murderers (Mt 5:21-22), and do not have eternal life (dominion of the Age, reward in the Messianic Kingdom) remaining in him. This is not about losing forgiveness, which is a permanent possession of those who are justified/born again, but it is about losing reward in the the Messianic Kingdom as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

3:16-24 Jesus sets the standard for the love glory-bound believers need to have for each other: self-sacrificial for the others' benefit. Those who love in word/truth and deed gain an assurance of their future reward, as well as confidence in praying. Those who keep God's commands, and do what is pleasing in His sight also have the assurance of answered prayer. This is because they are so in tune with God's will, that when they ask Him for help in doing what He wants them to do, He is more than happy to help them. John summarizes what God wants us to do: believe in the name/character/glory of His Son, Jesus the Messiah, and love one another as He commanded. The one who does this, abides/remains in Him, and He in them. Another source of confidence is the work of the Spirit (Phil 2:13).

John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

Application: Those who abide in Christ don't sin; if you find yourself sinning, you might want to move closer to God and do things His way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for Jesus, Your word, and Your Spirit, which make abiding in You possible, may I draw all my motivation and strength from You exclusively as I love others with a pure heart according to Your will. Amen.

1John 4 Victory

4:1 Beloved, don’t believe every spirit,

but test the spirits,

whether they are of God,

because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God:

every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes.

Now it is in the world already.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them;

because greater is He who is in you

than he who is in the world.

5 They are of the world.

Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. He who knows God listens to us.

He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us.

By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another,

for love is of God;

and everyone who loves is born of God,

and knows God.

8 He who doesn’t love

doesn’t know God,

for God is love.

9 By this God’s love was revealed in us,

that God has sent His one and only Son into the world

that we might live through Him.

10 In this is love,

not that we loved God,

but that He loved us,

and sent His Son

as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way,

we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has seen God at any time.

If we love one another,

God abides in us,

and His love has been perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we remain in Him and He in us,

because He has given us of his Spirit.

14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,

God remains in Him, and He in God.

16 We know and have believed the love which God has for us.

God is love,

and he who abides in love

abides in God,

and God abides in him.

17 In this love has been made perfect among us,

that we may have confidence in the day of judgment,

because as He is, even so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love;

but perfect(ed) love casts out fear,

because fear has punishment.

He who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love Him,

because He first loved us.

20 If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar;

for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen,

how can he love God whom he has not seen?

21 This commandment we have from Him,

that he who loves God should also love his brother.

Observations: 4:1-6 God has given us His Spirit, but that doesn't mean that every prophetic spirit is from God, because there is a world of evil spirits around us. Therefore, believers should apply this simple test to those “spirits” speaking though prophets: every spirit who confesses/acknowledges that Jesus is the promised Messiah who has come into the world in the flesh, is of God. Those that don't are anti-Messiah, empowered by the Anti-Messiah/Christ, Satan's chief agent. He is already in the world, but believers have nothing to fear, because greater is the One who is in them: the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Glory. Verse 4 is a good one to memorize and meditate upon. The false teachers draw their motivation and message from the world (and the evil one who runs this present age -Eph 2:1-3) therefore the worldlings listen to them, rather than to the apostolic teaching. Those who are sourced in God, listen to revealed truth. So one can discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error based receptivity.

4:7-15 The one who is born of God not only listens to truth and doesn't sin, but loves as God has modeled and commanded. The one who doesn't love, doesn't know God, since God is the source and expression of love, as expressed in Jesus dying for our sins. God's love for us is the standard for us loving each other. If we do so, God abides in us, and His love is perfected (brought to fulfillment/completion). When we love like God intended, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit confirms to our conscience that we are abiding, and doing what pleases God. The apostles have seen/know and testify that the Father sent Jesus (His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased) to be the Savior of the world (as in everyone, not just a select few - John 3:16). Whoever acknowledges/confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has the abiding relationship with God, that is only possible through Jesus.

4:16-21 The one who abides in love (and thus maintains an intimate relationship with the God of love) has love perfected or brought to its intended purpose, so that the believer can have confidence on Judgment Day. That confidence comes about from loving as God loved, which is the standard to which we are held. The one who has loved “perfectly” or in whom love has been “perfected” has nothing to fear on judgment day, because hitting and maintaining the standard God requires (which is only possible through an abiding relationship with the Vine), eliminates any possible negative consequences. The one who fears judgment needs to work on perfecting their love. The one who loves God is loyal to God (Jn 14:15) in response to the love God has shown him/her (hesed). The love God wants us to have will overflow into a love for other children of God. The one who doesn't desire what is in another's best interest, doesn't love God.

Application: Love of truth and other believers (reflected in our ministry to them) are hallmarks of those who will do well on Judgment Day.

Prayer: God, thanks that Your Spirit dwells within me and is far greater than Satan or any of his minions; keep me from his deceptions, and guide me in loving others as You would. Amen.

1John 5 Life in the Son

5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

Whoever loves the Father also loves him who is born of Him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God,

when we love God and keep His commandments.

3 For this is the love of God,

that we keep His commandments.

His commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.

5 Who is he who overcomes the world,

but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is He who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ;

not with the water only,

but with the water and the blood.

It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

7 For there are three who testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood;

and the three agree as one.

9 If we receive the witness of men,

the witness of God is greater;

for this is God’s testimony which He has testified concerning his Son.

10 He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.

He who doesn’t believe God

has made Him a liar,

because he has not believed in the testimony

that God has given concerning His Son.

11 The testimony is this,

that God gave to us eternal life,

and this life is in His Son.

12 He who has the Son

has the life.

He who doesn’t have God’s Son

doesn’t have the life.

13 These things I have written to you who 
believe in the name of the Son of God,

that you may know that you have eternal life,

and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

14 This is the confidence which we have toward Him,

that, if we ask anything according to His will,

He listens to us.

15 And if we know that He listens to us,

whatever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions

which we have asked of Him.

16 If anyone sees his brother

sinning a sin not leading to death,

he shall ask,

and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death.

There is a sin leading to death.

I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this.

17 All unrighteousness is sin,

and there is a sin not leading to death.

18 We know that whoever is born of God

doesn’t sin,

but he who was born of God

keeps himself,

and the evil one doesn’t touch him.

19 We know that we are of God,

and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

20 We know that the Son of God has come,

and has given us an understanding,

that we know Him who is true,

and we are in Him who is true,

in His Son Jesus Christ.

This is the true God,

and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Observations: 5:1-3 Belief in Jesus as the Messiah promised in the OT (especially as the provision for our sins, the atoning sacrifice of Isaiah 53) results in being born again (Jn 1:12 the chiastic center of the prologue). Whoever loves the Father loves His children. When we love God and keep His commandments, we will love others. When our values change so that the sacrifices of love are not burdensome, we know we are loving as God desires.

5:4-10 The one who is born of God overcomes the world because of their faith in God's revelation. That revelation tells us that Jesus is the Son of God (the heir) who gives the Spirit to those who believe in Him, which makes overcoming and victory possible. Jesus came or was testified to by water and blood. When He was baptized, the voice of the Father testified that He was well pleased with His Son (Mt 3:17). The blood or sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection also testified to His identity, as did the ministry of the Holy Spirit in authenticating His works and His spokesman (particularly on the Day of Pentecost). Verse 7 has additional words in some versions which are most likely added in the eighth century, and are omitted in the WEB text above. The point is that there is more than one witness to the Sonship of Jesus, given by both men (the apostles) and God (in the life of Jesus). The one who believes has the testimony in themselves (their own lives), but the one who doesn't believe is calling God a liar, who authenticated Jesus.

5:11-15 The testimony is that God gives believers eternal life (dominion in the Age of the Messiah). This life is in His Son, the ruler of the Millennial Kingdom. The one who has an abiding relationship with the Son, has the life God promised. The one who doesn't have the relationship John has been talking about in the letter, doesn't have the life. It's one or the other. John says he is writing to those who believe in the name of the Son of God (Jesus -Jn 1:12) so that they may know they have eternal life (dominion in the coming Age), and that they may continue to believe, (so they don't forfeit what God has given them, like Israel did).

A relationship with God isn't just about what happens in the future, but has benefits in the present, like a vibrant prayer life. If we are abiding and knowing and doing His will, then asking anything according to His will gets a sure positive response from God.

5:16-21 While on the subject of praying according to God's will, if someone sees their brother in Christ sinning, he/she should intercede for the sinning believer, and God will give him life for those who are not sinning in such as way that they are headed to the discipline of deprivation of life. All unrighteousness is sin, but some have greater consequences than others. The one who is born of God, and in whom God's seed/Spirit remains/abides, doesn't sin (or continue to sin in the weaker alternative view). The one born of God keeps/guards him/herself so the evil one doesn't influence him/her. Believers are sourced in God's power, while worldlings are subject to the power of the evil one. Believers know that the Son of God has come in the flesh, and given them understanding so that they know Him who is true, and abide in Him who is true, that is Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. This is the testimony of the true God, and the testimony of eternal life. John closes with an admonition to keep themselves from idols which are false gods, rather than the true God.

Application: Loving and obeying the Lord Jesus, the coming Messiah, is the best way to live happily ever after.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for giving me life in Jesus, both now and in the future; may I be on my guard and abide in You so that I may have confidence and joy when You return. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God gives us life in His Son when we believe, and gives us ample testimony to base our belief in Him.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the authenticated Son of God, in whom God gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

Us in a nutshell: We need to abide in Christ, obeying His commands, particularly loving other believers if we expect to live the victorious Christian life in this world, and the abundant life in the next.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

James 1-2 The Royal Law of Freedom

TMS 1 Corinthians 15:58 It's Always Too Soon To Quit 

1Cor 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

Observations: 15:58 Concluding the great chapter on the good news and the resurrection, Paul exhorts the believers to not give up serving the Lord. The word for labor means “to be beat up” as in work that sucks everything out of you. Believers are tempted to quit or slack off when the going gets tough, but in doing so they would miss out on the glory God has planned for faithful believers who please Him by doing His will. It there is no resurrection and reward of the faithful, then we might as well eat, drink, and be merry, for when we die, it's all over. But if there are rewards and differing degrees of glory as the gospel clearly taught (see 1 Corinthians 15 comments if you don't totally believe this), then it's time to buck up and face the wild beasts. God gives enabling grace to do His will in this life (2 Corinthians 12:9), and glorifies us with grace in the next life for doing His will in this one (1 Peter 1:13). It's all of grace, but works are still needed.

1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Application: When tempted to take the easy road, remember that the path to glory which Jesus trod is difficult, and uphill (that's where you'll find Him with your reward).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I follow in Your footsteps as Your disciple, doing the works You saved me to do, faithfully and steadfastly by Your grace. Amen.


James 1-2 The epistle of Jacob (which was translated as James to secure the backing of a certain king for a famous translation -KJV) was probably the earliest epistle written and one of the last to be accepted into the canon. Medieval Martin Luther didn't regard James as authoritative because “In the first place it is flatly against St. Paul and all the rest of Scripture in ascribing justification to works 2:24.” He also wrote “...the epistle of St. James is an epistle full of straw, because it contains nothing evangelical.” Like many today Luther read his pre-suppositions and experiences into the text, rather than letting the Scriptures shape his understanding; he also failed to understand that words have different meanings in different contexts. While James clearly teaches justification by works, he isn't teaching forgiveness by works, but rather being just/righteous for the purpose of reward on the basis of our works, a distinction many modern interpreters still miss. The letter was written to forgiven believers, who already had put their faith in Christ (which was why they were scattered by persecution), to help them endure trials so they could be blessed when the Lord returns (which is why there isn't an emphasis on Jesus dying for their sins). The epistle has two bookends which make the purpose clear:

1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9...Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure.


A difficulty modern readers (and even medieval ones) have is in reading James after all of the epistles directed toward Gentiles. Much of James' thinking is rooted in the OT (especially Proverbs), and the Gospels (especially Matthew, written to the Jews), so one needs to read it in that context to enter into James' thinking.

James 1 Those Who Endure Are Blessed

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion/scattered abroad: Greetings. 

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. 

6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. 7 For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 

9 But let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position; 10 and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away. 11 For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who endures trials/temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears/gives birth to sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. 

16 Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 

18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 

19 So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 

22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer/performer of the work, this man will be blessed in/by what he does/performs. 26 If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Observations: 1:1-8 James is considered by most to be the half-brother of Jesus, since James the brother of John was martyred very early according to Acts 12:2. He writes to the twelve tribes of Israel who were scattered abroad by the early persecution to encourage them to be faithful to the Lord Jesus the Messiah in the midst of their trials. Notice that the early believers are considered Jewish. In general terms, a trial is a temptation to quit following Jesus for eternal gain, and to settle for a temporal gain like power (security/significance), pleasure, or possessions, none of which endure. This would apply to loving one's life more than loyalty to the Lord, or loving the things of this world (like Demas) more than those of the next.
The correct perspective toward trials/temptations should be joy if one knows that the trying (refining – a term used for purifying metals) of their faith will produce endurance (the strength to remain under a burden). Letting endurance have (present imperative-command) its end goal will result in the sufferer having a perfected character, so that they lack nothing (at the return of Christ). Jesus had taught that fruit is a function of endurance (Lk 8:15) and in Luke 21:12-19 He warned of the persecutions His followers would endure, and then concluded that “by endurance you will possess/obtain your souls.” This meant they would obtain the exchange of their souls (put for their lives) in this world for life/dominion in the next, to which He had invited them in the call to discipleship (Lk 9:23-26).
If anyone lacked wisdom in their trials (in knowing how to chose the right objectives and the right means of obtaining them) which Proverbs said resulted in enduring riches, honor, and righteousness (8:18), all they had to do was ask. God wants people to know His will, so they can do it. The stipulation that the person ask in faith, without wavering, probably has an emphasis on faithfulness rather than confidence, since the antonym is being double-minded, and wavering between commitment to God and commitment to their temporal well-being. God is not going to withhold His wisdom for someone who isn't sure that He will give it, but will definitely withhold His guidance from someone who isn't committed to following it and Him wholeheartedly (Jn 7:17).
1:9-12 In persecution those who were among the haves, became the have-nots, as they frequently lost their wealth, status, and honor. James instructs the brother in humble/poor circumstances to rejoice in his high position in God's economy, and the rich to rejoice in their humbling. The reason is because riches don't endure, but God's blessing in return for suffering for His name's sake does (Mt 5:10-12).
Therefore, the one who is blessed (major theme of the Wisdom Literature as well as the rest of the OT, and Sermon on the Mount), is the one who successfully endures trials (like Job did -Js 5:11) for when he is approved (used of a proof coin struck in refined metal), he will receive the crown of life (rulership and dominion in the Kingdom) which the Lord promised to those who loyally love Him (Mt 19:28; Lk 22:30). This is the opening bookend of the epistle, answered by 5:11.  It is a book about getting rewarded, not forgiven. That's why it doesn't talk about the cross and the blood and all the other “evangelical” things Martin Luther was looking for, but it is the Good News/Gospel of the Kingdom that John, Jesus, Peter and Paul talked about all the time.
1:13-15 Having stated his thesis in the previous verse, James explores the source of the trials and temptations which believers must endure. God doesn't tempt us to sin; He wants us to be holy. The source of our temptations are our unsanctified and deadly desires/lusts. For years we've fed ourselves with spiritual junk food, and have no appetite for the real thing. But once we understand the sin process, we can flip it around and use it for holiness. We sin because we want to. We want to sin, because our value system tell us that a certain behavior will yield more benefit than another. So we indulge in sin, and refrain from holiness because we value the fruit of our wrong decisions. Each of us is tempted when enticed by our desires/lusts. Temptation isn't sin, but becomes so when we embrace it (literally the word is used for conception). Then sin is born, and when it is fully grown, it brings forth death (loss of life/dominion). When we succumb to temptation, it is sin (a missing the mark or standard). If we fail to abandon sin, but let it grow in our lives, it will kill us, depriving us of our abiding relationship with God in this life, lack of fruit, and lack of reward in the next.
The flip side is how really good (or is it bad?) sinners can become really good saints. If sin is drooling over then embracing and holding onto a desire for what is evil, then holiness is drooling over then embracing and holding on to a desire for what is good. If we set our mind on fleshly things, we will do them. If we set our minds on spiritual things we will do them. Being strong-willed is good if our will is set on things above (like Paul said in Romans 8, and Colossians 3, and Jesus did in Matthew 5:6; 6:21). So the key is to value the right things, which is a function of having our minds renewed with God's truth (see Romans 12:1-2; and the sermon on Sanctification: It Ain't Gonna Reign No More, on Truthbase.net).
1:16-21 Believers should not be deceived about the nature of the Christian life. God caused us to be born again by the word of truth, so we could live in the light. As the Father of light, He gives birth to light, so that we should be firstfruits of light. Therefore every child of God should put away dark behavior and receive/obey the word that saves our souls (as we walk as children of light). Although verse 19 does wonders for interpersonal relationships, that's not the primary application James had in mind. Believers should be swift to hear God's word, (James 1:21), slow to speak (James 1:13) and slow to grumble or complain about the circumstances God has allowed into their lives for their benefit, because complaining doesn't produce the righteousness God requires for reward. Remember righteousness is doing what is is right in His sight. They should eliminate all defiling and naughty (KJV) behavior (literally abundant or profitable evil/malice), and accept/receive the application of the implanted/engrafted word (the message of Christ and His Kingdom, that they heard) which is able (has power) to save their souls. It should be obvious to any reader of DTB that this is the third and final aspect of salvation which reverses the effects of the Fall, the glorification of believers (restoration to glory). See comments on the introduction to Matthew if you missed the distinctions between forgiveness/justification, holiness/sanctification and reward/glorification (James however uses justification to refer to the righteousness God blesses/rewards). This is salvation by works, addressed to believers.
1:22-25 Therefore, every believer should be a doer/performer of the word, and not just a hearer. Those who hear and don't do, deceive themselves into thinking that God doesn't require holiness. One who hears the word and doesn't incorporate it into their life through value and behavior change is like someone seeing themselves in the mirror, and then forgetting what they see. The usual application is that the word points out flaws that need to be fixed; if we ignore the flaws, we still have them. The believer who looks into the perfect law that gives freedom/liberty from sin (John 8:34-35), and continues in it (literally “abides alongside” it) is the one who will be blessed by (en) means of his/her performance (dative of means). This is not forgiveness by faith, but reward by works.
1:26-27 James adds two aspects of pure religion/worship which believers can be deceived about. If our “religion” doesn't affect our inner and outer life it's worthless (won't result in blessing/reward). James focuses on speech and other-centeredness. An unbridled tongue, which reflects an untamed heart, doesn't please God. Seeking to meet the needs of those for whom God particular cares (orphans and widows) is meritorious, if accompanied by holiness.
Application: If we want to be blessed, we need to endure the difficulties of following Christ, develop holiness and other-centeredness, as we learn and do God's will.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for giving me new life in Christ; may I live a new way, according to Your light, and experience the freedom and blessing You desire for me. Thanks. Amen.

James 2 The Royal Law of Freedom

2:1 My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. 2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in; 3 and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place"; and you tell the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool"; 4 haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts? 7 Don’t they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called? 

8 However, if you fulfill the royal/kingdom law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. 

10 For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak, and so do, as men who are to be judged by a law of freedom/liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs/rejoices over judgment.

14 What profit is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? 15 And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, 16 and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled"; and yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what profit/good is it? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. 18 Yes, a man will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. 19 You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? 21 Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness"; and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith. 25 In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body apart from/without the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from/without works is dead.

Observations: 2:1-9 Believers, who possess faith in the Messiah of glory, should not show partiality to the rich at the expense of the poor, hoping to get benefit from the rich. In doing so, they will forfeit benefit from the Lord of glory for failing to love as He commanded. God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith (because they would have to trust Him more), and consequently to be heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who loyally love Him (not to those who just believe that He died for their sins). Those who show partiality despise those God will honor, and honor those who despise anyone not like them. Those who don't get worth and value from being pleasing to God, try to get it from being better than others, which makes for unpleasant relationships. Apparently the rich to whom James refers were also speaking against (blaspheming) Christ as well. If believers want to do well, the route they need to take is that of fulfilling the kingdom (or kingly, hence the meaning royal) law of loving their neighbor as themselves. They can only do this if they are not looking to others to meet their needs (the cause of most dysfunctional relationships). It is only as we experience the love of God in His meeting of our needs, that we are free to meet the needs of others. We don't experience the abiding love of God unless we are keeping His commandments (John 14:21; John 15). So the law of liberty (1:25 and 2:12), also known as the royal/kingdom law goes something like this:

God's love meets my needs (while I'm obeying) so I'm free to meet the needs of others, expecting nothing from them in return (but expecting Christ's reward). 

This is the law that God expects us to fulfill (2:8), and which we will be judged by according to verse 12. Those who show partiality in putting down those who are not in a position to help them, and honoring the dishonorable in hopes of temporal blessing commit sin, and are lawbreakers. The OT moral law (as opposed to the ritual, sacrificial and ceremonial law) revealed the righteousness God wanted from His people so He could bless them. That's why a good definition of righteousness is: being careful to do what is right in His sight. Only those who demonstrated that righteousness were blessed in the OT. The majority didn't, and weren't.
2:10-13 Whoever breaks one part of the law, has in fact broken the entire law (like breaking a window). People love to define righteousness as not doing what they don't like to do, so they are free to do what they want. This isn't God's standard. God's standard is the law of liberty, which He expects to govern our speech and actions. He promises that our speech and actions will be judged by the law of freedom (which is news to most Christians, who couldn't tell you what it is if their life depended upon it). Believers will be judged without mercy if they have shown no other-centered concern for the needs of others. But God will show mercy in judging those who have sought to live in love as Christ commanded. This is not judgment to determine whose sins are forgiven, and who goes into the lake of fire, for forgiveness is by faith in Christ's substitutionary atonement, which alone can satisfy God's justice and pay the penalty for our sin (see comments on Romans 3).
2:14-19 Having established that believers are going to be judged by the Kingdom law of liberty, which requires their speech and deeds to be done in loyal love, and that mercy is shown to those who have shown mercy, James then elaborates on the necessity of those works. He is not talking about the judgment of the lake of fire in which unbelievers pay the death penalty for their own sins, but instead for the judgment which determines their blessing of glory in the Kingdom (just re-read 2:1-13 for the context).
The very first Bible "study" I attended was in a dorm room at college, where this passage was being discussed. Some were arguing for faith, others for works. I didn't know the correct interpretation at the time since I wasn't clued into context, but I did know that neither camp made sense. That's been my experience in looking at most commentators (people who make comments) on difficult or disputed passages. Unless one determines the meaning of words from the context of the author's argument, there is more heat than light.
Can faith without works profit or save/glorify someone? The last use of “save” was in 1:21 of the obedience necessary for glorification and being blessed (1:25 by works). Just having faith gets one into heaven (rather than the lake of fire) but a unemployed faith doesn't profit one at the judgment seat of Christ (see comments on 2 Corinthians 5:10). Just saying be warmed and filled doesn't profit a brother or sister in need, unless there are works to benefit them. So too, faith without works is dead, giving no Kingdom life/dominion/glory to its confessor. Faith that God rewards (see Hebrews 11, particularly verse 6), must have works, for faith that pleases God must believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. One can demonstrate one's faith by good works (for which we were created in Christ Jesus – see comments on Ephesians 2:8-10), but it's hard to show one's faith without them. It does not follow that one doesn't have faith if there are no works (a major modern misunderstanding). It just means that the unemployed faith one has won't be laying up any treasure in heaven. A faith without works doesn't mean that a person isn't a born again child of God, it just means that they are not a very good child. It is through belief in Christ, not works that we are given forgiveness. It is through faithful works that we gain reward. The demons have belief in one God, but it doesn't do them any good in terms of their future (Jesus didn't die for demons). 2:20-24 James now turns to two OT examples of how faith with works resulted in blessing. Abraham was justified by works when He offered Isaac on the altar. Readers of the OT or Hebrews 11 will have noted that this is after he had believed God and had demonstrated Hall of Fame faith. In Genesis 12 Abraham first responded to God's revelation by faith. In Genesis 15:6 it is stated that he believed God's promise of blessing and it was credited to him as righteousness. Then, in Genesis 22:12 he demonstrated fear of God and obedience, and God responds with doubly blessing him (22:16-18). The issue is obedience and blessing, not initial faith. Now we need to understand James' use of justified. From the context it is clear that it has to do with reward and blessing, not in the justification/forgiveness by faith Paul usually talks about. Justified means to be just or righteous. It can be something demonstrated or declared, depending upon the context (see Thayer's Lexicon in the OLB or Biblos Strong's #1344). The condition of being just or righteous has many possible meanings. It can mean being just in one's dealings with others, or rightly related to God, or being careful to do what is right in His sight, etc. The fundamental lexical skill of Bible Study is to determine the specific nuance or meaning an author intended from the range of possible meanings found in a lexicon. The same applies to issues of grammar and syntax. The way one determines the meaning is to understand the context, and plug in each possible meaning for each variable until everything fits together according to the argument of the author.

The argument in James is pretty clearly about blessing and glorification of believers rather than forgiveness of pagans. Verse 22 spells out what meaning of justified James had in mind: faith being perfected, or brought to its fulfillment by bringing the worker to glory. Abraham had faith, which when combined with his works, realized the end goal of his faith, his blessing/glorification. An oft-repeated theme in the NT is that being forgiven is not the goal of life on this planet, but being brought into the glory of the Messiah in His kingdom is, the blessed hope of the believer (see comments on Eph 1; Heb 2:10; Titus 2:13; 1Peter 1, etc). As a result of Abraham's faithful works he demonstrated the righteousness God desired, and the Scripture of Genesis 15:6 was fulfilled. In addition, Abraham was called a friend of God.
This use of justified to refer to something other than forgiveness by faith is also used by Paul in Galatians. This excerpt from the introduction to the post on Galatians 1-3:

“The justification in chapter 2 is most likely not forgiveness (since they already had that) but a declaration of the righteousness they needed for blessing (inheritance and reward) in the future Age of the Messiah (kingdom). This is just like the OT requirement to do what is right in God's sight (righteousness) to receive the promised blessings. The just, (as in justified/forgiven), shall live (as in receive the blessings of the Messianic kingdom) by faith (as in continuing to believe that God will do what He said He'll do -Heb 11:6). The righteousness God requires extends beyond forgiveness, as the rest of the epistle demonstrates. People cannot read their preconceptions into chapter two and then ignore all the evidence in the rest of the epistle, and be right." 

And this from Galatians 2:

“Justification usually refers to being declared righteous in reference to the penalty of sin, also known as the forgiveness aspect of salvation (see introduction to Matthew for the different aspects of salvation). Here Paul is looking beyond forgiveness to the righteousness God requires for reward in the Kingdom. To receive this declaration the just person needs to live by faith. Living by faith is more than a one time belief in the substitutionary atonement, but an ongoing trust in the promises of God (see Faith Actuates God's Promises on Truthbase.net if you've never studied what the Scripture says faith is). To live is not just a deliverance from the lake of fire, but to exercise dominion/glory in the realm of God's promises (Dt 30:19). This is the only understanding that is consistent with all the facts. It's not about past forgiveness, nor present position, but future righteousness (knowing and doing what is right in God's sight.)" 

Despite what Martin Luther thought, Paul and James were saying the same thing; he just didn't understand what either of them was saying because of his preconceptions from Catholicism. A person is declared righteous by God as a result of faith in Christ's death on their behalf, and demonstrates the righteousness God rewards as a result of their faithful works, done in faith. 2:25-26 The example of Rahab, a non-Israelite, illustrates the same concept. Her reception of the spies who came to Jericho was based upon her hearing about and believing that the God of the Israelites was the one true God (Joshua 2:9-11) and her protection of them was (Joshua 2:12-14) the basis of her blessing. Thus, by her works she demonstrated her righteousness, which God rewarded, not only with protection, but with inclusion in the Messianic lineage. God always saves on the basis of faith. The content of the faith, and the exact nature of the salvation or deliverance is dependent upon understanding the context. Here James concludes with saying that as the body without the spirit (pneuma, breath) is dead, dominionless, and useless, so too faith without works is dead, dominionless, and useless. Remember the issue is reward and blessing not forgiveness.
Application: What works accompany your faith? What glory will accompany your works?
Prayer: God, thanks for forgiving and loving me, and meeting my needs, so I'm free to meet the needs of others in loving them; may I do so in a righteous manner that pleases You. Amen.


Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God judges believers on the basis of how they have lived in light and love. Those who do so will be blessed; those who don't will lose out on blessings (but are still forgiven).

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus gave the Kingdom Command: love your neighbor as yourself. He loves us and meets our needs so we're free to meet the needs of others.

Us in a nutshell: We are justified or declared righteous on the basis of our faith in Christ, but we are just and demonstrate our righteousness by our works done in faith that God blesses those who do what is pleasing in His sight. How we treat others is a good indication of our heart and values, and to whom we are looking for reward. If we focus on sin, we will wind up doing it; if we focus on righteousness, we will wind up getting it.

Where to Go for More:
Truthbase.net

Summer Special TMS John 1:12 and Romans 6

I'm out of the country in a jungle this week, so during this week I'll be posting a verse from the TMS (to get it done by the end of the year) and the unposted first draft outlines of Romans 6-8. The outlines could use a little tweaking, and the numbering system isn't as uniform as that taught in the Sidebar under How to Study the Bible Like Sherlock 'Olmes, but if you've gotten to the point where you understand the exegetical method, you should find value in them. Try answering the questions in the study guides under the appropriate posts earlier in the blog, and then start deciphering the outlines, beginning with the MVP.

If you don't understand that last line, use this week to learn the exegetical method under introduction to the 7PASSAGES. 

TMS John 1:12 Must Receive Christ

Jn 1: 12 But as many as received Him,

to them He gave the right/power to become children of God,

to those who believe in His name:

Observations: 1:12 This is the chiastic center of the prologue to John and serves at the theme of the book. See comments on John 1 for the context.

The TMS uses this verse to show the importance of receiving Christ. The verse equates reception of Christ with belief in His name. "Name" is used in the Scriptures for a person's character, who they are. When referring to God, the "name" has an extended meaning, usually emphasizing His power and glory (synonyms -see 2Cor 5 Digging Deeper). Believing in God's name also entails believing in all He said or promised He'll do, because His character is totally trustworthy. The result of accepting/believing is that one receives the right/power/authority to become God's children, and thus heirs of all His promises. 

Application: If you believe, and are born again as God's child, you are on your way to receiving all God's promised. Don't mess it up (see Romans 6).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for making it possible to become one of Your children, with all the rights and privileges thereof; may I draw on Your power to grow and become all You want me to be.  Amen.

Romans 6a Outline (See Study Guide under original Romans 6 post)

1a What shall we say then?

1b Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

2a Certainly not!

2b How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

3a Or do you not know

3b that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus

3c were baptized into His death?

4a Therefore we were buried with Him

4b through baptism

4c into death,

4d that just as Christ was raised from the dead

4e by dia the glory of the Father,

4f even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5a For if we have been united together

5b in the likeness of His death,

5c certainly we also shall be (united with Him- ellipsis)

5d in the likeness of His resurrection,

6a knowing this,

6b that our old man was crucified with Him,

6c that the body of sin might be done away with,

6d that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

7a For he who has died

7b has been freed from sin.

8a Now if we died with Christ,

8b we believe

8c that we shall also live with Him,

9a knowing that Christ,

9b having been raised from the dead,

9c dies no more.

9c Death no longer has dominion over Him.

10a For the death that He died,

10b He died to sin

10c once for all;

10d but the life that He lives,

10e He lives to God.

11a Likewise you also,

11b reckon yourselves

11c to be dead indeed to sin,

11d but alive to God

11e in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12a Therefore do not let sin reign

12b in your mortal body,

12c that you should obey it

12d in its lusts.

A. The Correct Result of / Response to experiencing God’s forgiving grace and gracious plan is to no longer live in sin

A1. 1a Believers should respond to God’s forgiving grace and gracious plan.

A2. 1b The Content of Paul’s question is should forgiven believers continue in sin that grace may abound?

A3. 2a The Content of Paul’s exhortation is that believers should not continue in sin that justifying grace might increase to forgive our sin

A4. 2b The Reason believers should not continue to practice sin is because those who have died to sin shouldn’t continue to live in it

B. 3 The Reason believers should live as dead to sin is because they should know that everyone baptized into Christ was also baptized into His death

B1. 3a Believers should base their lives on knowledge

B2. 3b-c The Content of what believers should base their lives upon is that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death

B2a. 3b The Ones who were baptized into His death are all who were baptized into Christ Jesus

B2b. 3c People were baptized into His death

C. 4 The Result of being baptized into Christ and His death is that we should walk according to our new (eternal?) life by God’s power

C1. 4a Believers were buried with Christ

C2. 4b The Means by which Believers were buried with Christ is through baptism

C3. 4c The Result of Believers being buried with Christ is death OR Manner of baptism is into death

C4. 4d-f The Purpose of Believers being buried with Christ is so that they would walk in newness of life by God’s power

C4a. 4d-e The Manner in which believers should walk in newness of life is as Christ was raised from the dead (by God’s power)

C4a-1. 4d Christ was raised from the dead

C4a-2. 4e The Means by which Christ was raised from the dead was by? the glory of the Father,

C4b. 4f Believers should walk in newness of life.=svp

D. 5 The Reason believers should walk according to their new identity is because of the certainty of sharing in Christ’s resurrection.

D1. 5a-b The Reason believers will surely be united together with Christ in His resurrection is because they have been united in His death

5a Believers have been united together with Christ = ssvp

5b The Sphere in which we were united together is in the likeness of His death,

D2. 5c-e The Sphere in which believers will surely be united together with Christ is in the likeness of His resurrection

D2a. 5c The Manner in which we were united together is certainly

D2b. 5d We also shall be (united with Him- ellipsis) = SVP

D2c. 5e The Sphere in which we will be united together is in the likeness of His resurrection,

E. 6 The Reason believers can walk according to their new identity is because we are free from the reign of sin

E1. 6a Believers should base their lives on knowledge

E2. 6b The Content of what believers should know is that their old man/humanity/identity/nature/inclination was crucified with Christ

E3. 6c The Purpose of the old man being crucified with Christ is that the body of sin might be destroyed/inoperative

E4. 6d The Purpose of the body of sin being destroyed is so that we do not serve sin as its slaves.

F. 7 The Reason (Paul can say) we are free from sin (no longer slaves) is because anyone who has died to sin is free from its rule

F1. 7a The One who ahs been freed from sin is the who has died

F2. 7b Someone has been freed from sin.

G. 8 The Result of dying to sin and being freed from its rule is living with the living Christ

G1. 8a The Reason we believe we will live with Christ is because we died with Christ (our future is tied up with His)

G2. 8b Believers believe

G3. 8c The Content of what we believe is that we shall also live with Christ

H. 9 The Reason we believe we will live with Christ is because death does not have dominion over Him

H1. 9a The Content of what believers know is that death no longer has dominion over Christ

H2. 9b The Time when/Reason Christ dies no more is after/because He was raised from the dead,

H3. 9c Christ dies no more.

H4. 9c The Reason/Result of Christ dying no more is because/that death no longer has dominion over Him.

I. 10 The Reason death does not have dominion over Christ (and those united with Him) is because He died to sin and lives to God

I1. 10a Christ died = vp#1

I2. 10b The Result of Christ’s death is that Christ died to sin

I3. 10c The Manner of Christ death to sin was at one point in time

I4. 10d Christ lives =vp#2

I5. 10e The Result of Christ living is that He lives to God.

J. 11 The Result of Christ dying to sin and being alive to God is that believers should consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ

J1. 11a The Manner in which believers should consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God is as Christ was dead and alive

J2. 11b Believers should consider/reckon/count as true-accurate yourselves =vp

J3. 11c The Thing which believers should reckon themselves to be is dead indeed to sin

J4. 11d The Thing which believers should reckon themselves to be is alive with respect/reference to God

J5. 11e The Sphere/Means in/by which believers should reckon themselves to be is alive to God is in/by Christ Jesus our Lord.

K. 12 The Result of believers considering themselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ is that they should not let sin reign over them.

K1. 12a Believers should not let sin reign

K2. 12b The Sphere in which believers should not let sin reign is in their mortal bodies

K3. 12c The Purpose of believers not letting sin reign is so that they do not obey it

K4. 12d The Sphere/Means in/by which believers should not obey sin is in/by its lusts/desires

Romans 6b Outline 

12a Therefore do not let sin reign

12b in your mortal body,

12c that you should obey it

12d in its lusts.

13a And do not present your members

13b as instruments of unrighteousness to sin,

13c but present yourselves to God

13d as being alive from the dead,

13e and your members

13f as instruments of righteousness to God.

14a For sin shall not have dominion over you,

14b for you are not under law

14c but under grace.

15a What then? Shall we sin

15b because we are not under law but under grace?

15c Certainly not!

16a Do you not know

16b that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey,

16c whether of sin leading to death,

16d or of obedience leading to righteousness?

17a But God be thanked

17b that though you were slaves of sin,

17c yet you obeyed

17d from the heart

17e that form of doctrine

17f to which you were delivered.

18a And having been set free from sin,

18b you became slaves of righteousness.

19a I speak in human terms

19b because of the weakness of your flesh.

19c For just as you presented your members

19d as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness

19e leading to more lawlessness,

19f so now present your members

19g as slaves of righteousness

19h for holiness.

20a For when you were slaves of sin,

20b you were free

20c in regard to righteousness.

21a What fruit did you have then

21b in the things of which you are now ashamed?

21c For the end of those things is death.

22a But now having been set free from sin,

22b and having become slaves of God,

22c you have your fruit to holiness,

22d and the end, everlasting life.

23a For the wages of sin is death,

23b but the gift of God is eternal life

23c in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A. 12 The Result of believers considering themselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ is that they should not let sin reign over them.

A1. 12a Believers should not let sin reign

A2. 12b The Sphere in which believers should not let sin reign is in their mortal bodies

A3. 12c The Purpose/Result of believers not letting sin reign is so that they do not obey it

A4. 12d The Sphere/Means in/by which believers should not obey sin is in fulfilling/by following its lusts/desires

B. 13 The Means/Manner by/in which believers should not let sin reign over them present is by yielding themselves and their members is as instruments of righteousness to God

B1. 13a-b The Manner in which believers should not present their members is as instruments of unrighteousness to sin,

B1a. 13a Believers should not present their members

B1b. 13b The Manner in which believers should not present their members is as instruments of unrighteousness to sin,

B2. 13c-d The Manner in which believers should present themselves is as instruments of unrighteousness to sin,

B2a. 13c Believers should present themselves to God

B2b. 13d The Manner in which believers should present themselves to God is as being alive from the dead

B3. 13e-f The Manner in which believers should present their members is as instruments of unrighteousness to God

B3a. 13e Believers should present their members

B3b. 13f The Manner in which believers should present their members is as instruments of righteousness to God.

C. 14 The Reason believers should yield themselves to God rather than sin is because they are no longer obligated to serve sin but to serve God.

C1. 14a Sin shall not have dominion over believers

C2. 14b-c The Reason sin should not rule over believers is because they are under grace

C2a. 14b Believers are not under law = ssvp#1

C2b. 14c Believers are under grace =ssvp#2

D. 15-16 The Reason believers should yield themselves to God rather than sin is because serving sin results in death, but obediently serving

God results in righteousness/

D1. 15 The Result of believers being under grace is that they should not even consider sinning.

D1a. 15a Believers should not consider dabbling in sin

D1b. 15b The Reason believers might consider dabbling is because they are not under law but under grace

D1c. 15c The Result of believers being under grace is that they should not even consider sinning.

D2. 16 The Reason believers should not even consider sinning is because yielding yourself to sin results in death rather than

obedient righteousness

D2a. 16a Believers should know (base their lives on knowledge of reality)

D2b. 16b The Content of what believers should know is that the result of yielding yourself to obey someone/thing

makes you their slave

D2c. 16e The Result of yielding yourself to sin is death

D2d. 16f The Result of yielding yourself to obedience is righteousness

E. 17-18 The Reason believers should yield themselves to God is because He graciously pardoned their service of sin, and enables them to serve Him wholeheartedly.

E1. 17a God should be thanked (God is gracious)

E2. 17b-18 The Reason God is gracious is because the ones who wholeheartedly obeyed and served the gospel of righteousness (leading to eternal reward) are those who were formerly wholehearted slaves of sin.

E2a. 17b-f The Ones who obeyed the gospel of righteousness wholeheartedly are those who formerly served sin.

E2a-1 17b The Ones who obeyed were those who were slaves of sin

E2a-2. 17c Believers obeyed

E2a-3. 17d The Manner in which they obeyed is from the heart

E2a-4. 17e The Content of what they wholeheartedly obeyed is a form/pattern of doctrine/teaching

E2a-5. 17f The Manner/Content of the doctrine was that to which you were delivered/entrusted

E2b. 18 The Time when believers became slaves of righteousness is after they were slaves of sin

E2b-1.18a The Time when believers became slaves of righteousness is after having been set free from sin,

E2b-2 18b Believers became slaves of righteousness.

E3. 19a-b The Reason Paul speaks in human terms is because of the weakness of their flesh.

E3a. 19a Paul speaks in human terms

E3b. 19b The Reason Paul speaks in human terms is because of the weakness of their flesh.

F. 19c-h The Reason believers should yield themselves to God rather than sin is because sin results in more lawlessness (cursed) while obedience results in righteous holiness (blessed).

F1. 19c-e The Manner in which believers should yield their members to righteousness is as they yielded themselves to lawlessness

F1a. 19c Believers presented their members

F1b. 19d The Manner in which believers yielded their members is as slaves of uncleanness and of lawlessness

F1c. 19e The Result of believers yielding their members to lawlessness is more lawlessness,

F2. 19f-h The Result of Believers yielding their members to righteousness as they did to lawlessness is holiness.

F2a. 19f Believers should yield/present their members

F2b. 19g The Manner in which Believers should yield/present their members (to God) is as slaves of righteousness

F2c. 19h The Result of Believers yielding their members to righteous is holiness.

G. 20-23 The Reason believers should yield themselves to God rather than sin is because the result of serving sin is shame and death while the result of serving God is righteousness which He rewards in His kingdom.

G1. 20-21 The Reason believers should yield themselves to God is because when they were slaves of sin, they shamefully missed righteousness and reaped death.

G1a. 20a The Time when believers were free from righteousness is when they were slaves of sin,

G1b. 20b-c The Thing from which believers were free was righteousness

20b Believers were free

20c The Thing which they were free of was righteousness.

G1c. 21a-c The Result of believers former sin was shame and death (lack of dominion).

21a Believers had fruit from their sin

21b The Manner of the fruit is that they were ashamed of their actions

21c The Reason believers where ashamed of their actions is because end of those things is death.

G2. 22a-d The Reason believers should yield themselves to God rather than sin is because the end result of serving God is eternal life

22a-b The Time when believers have fruit resulting in holiness is after having been set free from sin and becoming a slave of God

22a Believers have been set free from sin ssvp#1

22b and having become slaves of God ssvp#2

22c Believers have fruit resulting in holiness

22d The End Result of fruit resulting in holiness is everlasting life (dominion of the {Messianic} age).

G3. 23a-c The Reason Paul can say believers should yield themselves to God rather than sin, is because the result of sin is death while the reward of serving God is eternal life in union with Christ.

23a The wages of sin is death,

23b The gift of God is eternal life

23c The Manner/Means of eternal life is in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.