Posts from January 2023

For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. (Romans 12:3) Yesterday we saw that the Holy Spirit will begin to renew our minds. The renewal of our minds will not only help us to see God more clearly; it will help us to see ourselves more clearly. One of the great…

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) Our minds need to be renewed. This is the first work that the Holy Spirit will begin so that we might understand God’s good will. Many believers struggle to understand the will of God. Even after our conversion, our minds are still focused on the fulfillment of…

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. (Romans 12:1) Jesus Christ gave his life so that we might live. What can we offer to God except for our very lives? The idea of a living sacrifice would be novel to the people of the first century. Whatever is offered in sacrifice dies; that is the…

Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36) In the past chapters of Romans 9, 10, and 11,…

Regarding the gospel, they are enemies for your advantage, but regarding election, they are loved because of the patriarchs, since God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable. As you once disobeyed God but now have received mercy through their disobedience, so they too have now disobeyed, resulting in mercy to you, so that they also may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may have mercy on all. (Romans 11:28-32) The New Covenant refreshes…

I don’t want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not be conceited: A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins. (Romans 11:25-27) God’s goal…