1aTherefore I urge you, 2brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to bpresent your bodies dedicating all of yourselves, set apart as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational act of worship.Paul now begins outlining for the believer the practical application of the theological truths taught in chs 1-11.Lit brethren.1 Cor 1:10; 2 Cor 10:1-4; Eph 4:1; 1 Pet 2:11Rom 6:13, 16, 19; 1 Cor 6:20; Heb 13:15; 1 Pet 2:5 2 And do not abe conformed to bthis world any longer with its superficial values and customs, but be 1transformed and progressively changed as you mature spiritually by the crenewing of your mind focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes, so that you may dprove for yourselves what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect in His plan and purpose for you.From the Greek word meaning “metamorphosis.” Refers to the process that leads to an outward, permanent change.1 Pet 1:14Matt 13:22; Gal 1:4; 1 John 2:15Eph 4:23; Titus 3:5Eph 5:10, 17; Col 1:9
3 For by athe grace of God given to me I say to everyone of you bnot to think more highly of himself and of his importance and ability than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to ceach a degree of faith and a purpose designed for service.Rom 1:5; 15:15; 1 Cor 3:10; 15:10; Gal 2:9; Eph 3:7fRom 11:20; 12:161 Cor 7:17; 2 Cor 10:13; Eph 4:7; 1 Pet 4:11 4 For ajust as in one physical body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use,1 Cor 12:12-14; Eph 4:4, 16 5 so we, awho are many, are nevertheless just bone body in Christ, and individually we are parts one of another mutually dependent on each other.1 Cor 10:17, 331 Cor 12:20, 27; Eph 4:12, 25 6 Since we have gifts that adiffer according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if someone has the gift of bprophecy, let him speak a new message from God to His people in proportion to the faith possessed;Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 7:7; 12:4; 1 Pet 4:10Acts 13:1; 1 Cor 12:10 7 if aservice, in the act of serving; or he who bteaches, in the act of teaching;Acts 6:1; 1 Cor 12:5, 28Acts 13:1; 1 Cor 12:28; 14:26 8 or he who aencourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with bgenerosity; che who leads, 1with diligence; he who shows mercy in caring for others, with dcheerfulness.Or without ulterior motives.Acts 4:36; 11:23; 13:152 Cor 8:2; 9:11, 131 Cor 12:28; 1 Tim 5:172 Cor 9:7
9 aLove is to be sincere and active the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy. bHate what is evil detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness; hold on tightly to what is good.2 Cor 6:6; 1 Tim 1:51 Thess 5:21f 10 Be adevoted to one another with authentic brotherly affection as members of one family, give preference to one another bin honor;John 13:34; 1 Thess 4:9; Heb 13:1; 2 Pet 1:7Rom 13:7; Phil 2:3; 1 Pet 2:17 11 never lagging behind in diligence; aaglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically bserving the Lord;Acts 18:25Acts 20:19 12 aconstantly rejoicing in hope because of our confidence in Christ, bsteadfast and patient in distress, cdevoted to prayer continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength,Rom 5:2Heb 10:32, 36Acts 1:14 13 acontributing to the needs of God’s people, bpursuing the practice of hospitality.Rom 15:25; 1 Cor 16:15; 2 Cor 9:1; Heb 6:10Matt 25:35; 1 Tim 3:2
14 aBless those who persecute you who cause you harm or hardship; bless and do not curse them. Matt 5:44; Luke 6:28Matt 5:44; Luke 6:28; 1 Cor 4:12 15 aRejoice with those who rejoice sharing others’ joy, and weep with those who weep sharing others’ grief.Job 30:25; Heb 13:3 16 aLive in harmony with one another; bdo not be haughty conceited, self-important, exclusive, but associate with humble people those with a realistic self-view. cDo not overestimate yourself. Prov 3:7Rom 15:5; 2 Cor 13:11; Phil 2:2; 4:2; 1 Pet 3:8Rom 11:20; 12:3Prov 3:7; Rom 11:25 17 aNever repay anyone evil for evil. bTake thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. Prov 20:22Prov 20:22; 24:29; Rom 12:192 Cor 8:21 18 If possible, aas far as it depends on you, blive at peace with everyone.Rom 1:15Mark 9:50; Rom 14:19 19 Beloved, anever avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath and His judicial righteousness; for it is written in Scripture, “bVENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. Deut 32:35Prov 20:22; 24:29; Rom 12:17Deut 32:35; Ps 94:1; 1 Thess 4:6; Heb 10:30 20 “aBUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR BY DOING THIS YOU WILL HEAP 1BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Prov 25:21, 22This may refer to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a penitent person carried a bowl of burning embers on his head to show his shame and guilt. By analogy, being kind to an enemy may lead him to shame and repentance.2 Kin 6:22; Prov 25:21f; Matt 5:44; Luke 6:27 21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.