How to be Spiritual
The first eight chapters of Romans are the closest Paul comes to spelling out his systematic theology. In Chapters nine through eleven he deals specifically with the relationship between the Church sand Israel. Now what? These next three chapters are dynamite. The premise of chapters twelve through fourteen is laid out in the first two verses.
Because of God’s mercy we should offer our bodies as living sacrifices. That is what true spiritual worship involves. So, how do we do true spiritual worship? We do it by not being conformed to the world but by being transformed with a renewed mind. The bonus is that if we will do this then we will be able to discern what God’s will is. (BTW, He doesn’t have three wills. His will is good. It is pleasing. And it is perfect.)
This is still a little too open to interpretation so Paul spends now through the end of chapter fourteen laying out the concrete instructions for not being conformed to the world. This is true spiritual worship.
Don’t think of yourself too highly. Don’t think of yourself too lowly either. Whatever gift God has given to you (and He has given you at least one to be sure) be active sand faithful in using it to bless the body of Christ.
No phony pretend love. Have true devotion to each other. Honor others above yourself. They may not be above you but honor them anyway. Bring passion to your relationship with God. Use hope to feed your joy. Don’t quit easily. Make prayer a regular part of your life. Help those who need help. Allow people into your life.
Concerning those who oppose you, bless them. They need it. When others do evil to you, do good to them. Be a peacemaker. Never stoop to revenge, that’s not your office or calling. You don’t “fight fire with fire”. You destroy evil by producing good.
More instructions on how to engage in spiritual worship coming in the next two chapters. You want objective goals? Here they are.
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