I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. ⁴ For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ⁶ Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; ⁷ if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;

1) What is the context of this passage? Who is Paul talking to in this passage?
This passage follows an entire discourse by Paul explaining to the Jewish believers why Gentiles have a part in the gospel community. When he transitions to chapter 12, he begins explaining Christian life and how a believer should act. It is thought that something specific had happened in Rome that caused Paul to speak directly to issues such as mentioned in this passage. The other message Paul was trying to express to the Romans was as believers we are all in one body and each of us has a part to play in that body of Christ. Every person that heard this letter was probably part of the church at Rome and would have been a believer. He is stressing the fact that being a true follower of Christ trumps any cultural or social barriers that exist!

2) What does the word “renewal” mean in v. 2?
The word renewal means to be new again. As we look at the original language, the implication is the same. There is a complete change for the better, a renovation of the heart and mind. When we become believers there is a transformation that must take place in order for our life to resemble that of a believer. Paul wants the Romans to know that their minds must be renewed in order to not be conformed to the world. Cultural differences within the body can hinder our transformation if we do not allow for truth to permeate and the Holy Spirit to renew. Our diversity is meant to help a body of believers to thrive.

3) What is Paul’s message in v. 4-7?
As believers we are individual members within the Body, but as individuals we are one piece of a greater function of the body of Christ. We have been given gifts that help us “work out our salvation” so that we can serve not only the Church, but also the community at large. Each believer has a unique function much like within the human body, the heart does what a heart is supposed to do or lungs do what lungs are supposed to do. As believers, Paul is telling the Romans, there is a part for each person to play and there is a function for each believer within the greater context of the body of believers.

1) What is the context of this passage? Who is Paul talking to in this passage?
Our bodies are not our own. This statement sounds funny but in the greater context of the gospel it simply means that God created you with a purpose and a plan to live out that purpose. Our spiritual act of worship for the Lord is giving our gifts and talents to Him and allowing Him to use you within your context and community, no matter how great or small.

2) What does the word “renewal” mean in v. 2?
Renewal comes about when we know the Lord. Be reminded that transformation comes from renewing our minds in His Word and soaking in His presences. We have a choice to make each day, we can be transformed and remade by Him or conformed to the world.

3) What is Paul’s message in v. 4-7?
I read a book once that said, “Don’t compare, don’t go there, it only leads to despair.” When we lose sight of what God has given us and focus on what God gave someone else, we become useless within the body of believers. We spend our time and energy lusting after someone else’s gifts and forget that we too have a gift that God wants to use. Just like with a puzzle, each piece has its place and when that piece is placed somewhere it does not belong the picture isn’t complete. You are one piece of a greater puzzle and you have a place in the God designed masterpiece.

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Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus.
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