Now THAT's a Mouthful!

"Show me your life and I'll show you your doctrine."

Romans 12:4-21 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; (8) the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (9) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (10) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (11) Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (12) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (13) Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (14) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. (17) Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (19) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (20) To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Take a breath, Brother Paul! Once Paul finished his amazing theological treatise that is Romans 1-11, he could hardly hold back the practical implications of these doctrinal truths! Here is an exercise in meditating on God's Word: What doctrines of Romans 1-11 might lead Paul to commend the applications of Romans 12:4-21? Much has been said of the theology of 1-11 and many sermons and lessons taught from 12-16. However, how often do we consider the connection of the theology and the praxis (orthodoxy/orthopraxy)?

Doctrine may, as many say, divide. However, one must never divide doctrine from life. As goes your doctrine, so goes your life. It's important that we make these connections and teach our children to make these connections. In Romans 12 some of these connections are easier than others. For example, Paul has already established the "one body" (v. 4) and equality among the body repeated through Romans 3:22-23 ("there is no distinction...all have sinned"), 2:10-11 ("he shows no partiality"), 2:29-30 (justifies those circumcised by faith and through faith)--in other words we are unified through faith in Christ. Since He is one God, we are one people--saved by God's grace, justified through faith in Christ's work, kept by His love, etc.

What other doctrine-application connections can be clearly made? Something to chew on that helps us set our mind on things above, thinking "beyond the vapor" of this quickly passing life.