Romans 12

Notes

Ver. 1. Having thus largely re- ] him as our presented unto you the exceeding riches of God's mercy go: and grace, in the calling, justification, sanctification, th and other blessings which all receive whoaccept Christ and by faith. let me affectionately and earnestly beseech u you by them, and by all the endearments, encouragements, obligations, and assistances, which result from } offices and

solemnly, cordially, and unreservedly to devote and exple ywn selves, soul and body, not as an atoning, but the common ving sacrifice of thankful acknowledgment,—that Word of Gc : the Lord's, quickened by his Spirit, and vigor- and defer determined, through your whole life, to serve and our hearer y him; and purified from your sinful lusts, that and ith and evangelical obedience ye may serve him } labour to manifi spiritual, reasonable, and acceptable manner, plainn srable to his nature and the obligations ye were apply the V - to him. 2. And in order to this, beware of to nc worldly echemes of happiness, or of complying or danger, ng worldly schemes of happiness, or of complying OF Uangets or being moulded into the spirit and temper, discoura; es and fashions, of carnal and worldly men; but let us, sur chief aims and endeavours be to become more God's direct more inwardly renewed by the Holy Ghost, that their circum: ay be more capable of understanding, practising, deacons, for -ecommending the excellent and important truths the chu) od contained in his Word. 3. And in order to ministers al understanding this perfect will of God with advan- utmost prud to yourselves and others, I, as an apostle of Jesus impe st, do, in his name, charge you that no one of you If we uffed up with self-conceit, or contempt of others, inspecting ny distinguishing gifts or offices which he hath } them to seali ta tn aka aharch nar entertain a hisher opinion an ived in the church, nor entertain a higher opinion an is own gifts, graces, or usefulness, than his spiritual let us holy endowments admit of; but that ye beall humble th modest in your thoughts of yourselves, remembering called to vi: whatever gifts, graces, or offices ye enjoy, have been it with thet ly bestowed upon you by God, for the edification of that none ts as well as yourselves. 4, 5. For as in the human for the y all the different members are so framed and placed you as priv: each may promote the good of the whole body, so and believers, who are united to Christ as his mystical above evs y, and animated by his Spirit, ought all of us, in and neighbour different stations and endowments, to consider Abt selves as closely knit together by one Spirit under sinful, as nd and law ant anrcelves to promote the desire, ch: "different stations and endowments, to consider Abt selves as closely knit together by one Spirit under sinful, as as our Head, and lay out ourselves to promote the } but desire, ch: eral good of the church and of one another. 6-8. im heart, ving therefore received spiritual gifts in different honourable to ns and degrees, let us, by the assistance of God, Let not on hfully use and improve them for his glory and the extremely fication of his church, according to our respective respectful; an ces and stations. If we are called to preach the brethren'

and explain the Scriptures, let us do it according common principles of faith clearly exhibited in Tord of God. If we are called to state, explain, , and defend divine truths, and instruét and estabyur hearers in them, let us, by searching the tures, and comparing one passage with another, r to manifest the truth, as it is in Jesus, with all nle plainness and faithfulness. If we are called ply the Word of God to men's consciences, in tation to duty, reproof for sin, caution against r danger, or in comforting men under doubts, YF UAUBCL, Ul 1th Wusstrwecsasg, snewee mormon , discouragements, infirmities, temptations, or les, let us, with tender sympathy, and dependence od's direction, deal with them in a manner suited eir circumstances. —If we are called to the office acons, for collecting, taking care of, and distrig the church's stock for the support of the poor, ijnisters and ordinances of Christ, Jet us act with tmost prudence and faithfulness, frugality, cheerful ality, impartiality, and diligence, as occasions re>, If we are called to be officers in the church, nspecting the manners of the people, admitting to sealing ordinances, censuring them when jalous, and directing the circumstances of public dalous, and GITECUIp Lut UitCusLaers ws purser hip, let us attend to this work with the greatest ication, thoughtfulness, and diligence. And if we alled to visit the sick and imprisoned, let us attend with the utmost kindness and compassion, taking that none of them want what is needful and conent for them.—9. As to general duties incumbent ou as private Christians, be most careful, sincerely, ntly, and practically, to love Christ,.and God in _ above everything else, and your fellow-Christians neighbours in an unfeigned, hearty, and operative ner. Abhor, flee from, and mourn over everyg sinful, as the very worst and the sum of all evil, desire, choose, pursue after, adhere to, and prac- ner. AbDhor, mee Irom, ava myuld vver covery' g sinful, as the very worst and the sum of all evil; desire, choose, pursue after, adhere to, and praciv heart, speech, and behaviour, whatever is truly ourable to God or useful to yourselves and others. Let not only your mutual affection to your brethren extremely cordial, tender, and ardent, but also ectful; and think and speak more honourably of r brethren's graces and services than of your own, 12. And to animate you in your work, always cherish the most joyful hopes of complete salvation as your gracious reward and eternal rest. And in these views and hopes be constantly patient, submissive, and resigned to the will of God in all your present provo- abus cations, trials, and afflictions, and sustain them with an abiding and holy courage. And as nothing can be done without divine direction and help, be earnest, ) your importunate, and persevering in your prayers to God, with faith in the name of Christ, for the necessary supplies-and aids of his Spirit. 13. Yea, that there may atel: be no defect in your Christian love to others, always make conscience of readily communicating your pro- make conscience of readily communicating your pros y tere perty for the relief of your fellow-professors, and of laying out yourselves kindly to entertain and lodge in your houses poor strangers or persecuted ministers and Christians. 14. And if ye be maliciously abused and persecuted for righteousness' sake, instead of returning the injuries done you, speak civilly to and as well of . your persecutors as truth will permit; heartily wish, pray for, and study to promote their real happiness— temporal, spjritual, and eternal; and supplicate God Vv. to convince, forgive, and reform them. 15. Always study a most affectionate and sympathizing temper the towards your neighbours and fellow-Christians, as being wee nf tha cama natnre ar cnirit with them. Instead of of the same nature or spirit with them. Instead oF envying any their happiness, temporal or spiritual, rejoice with them in it, after the example of God. If any be afflicted, labour by compassionate sympathy to the soften and mitigate their distress, and do all that is in mit your power, by prayer, counsel, and otherwise, to Vv comfort and assist them, for you might have been, or ae soon may be, in such distressed circumstances yourselves. 16. Whatever differences there may be among por you as to Jess important opinions, outward circumstances, or inward attainments, study to live harmoniously, affectionately, and charitably with one another. Never affect pre-eminence over others, but treat in-- SL alien want anndacnandinag Lindness. Never il bev ewe meee poe feriors with the most condescending kindness. Never aspire after great things in this world, but rather look on them with a holy indifference and disdain. If Providence bring you into straits, labour to bring down your minds to them. If it raise you up to temporal wealth or dignity, never set your heart upon or be puffed up with it. Always carry yourselves with the greatest affability, courteousness, and freedom to persons of the lowest rank ; and never be ashamed of any proper office of brotherly kindness to the most poor or despicable saint on earth. And whatever honours or C endowments God may grant you, never 'think yourselves wiser than others, or capable of managing your me oo er At usta ne aawneale af Clad ar selves wiser than others, or capable of managing your affairs without the direction or counsels of God or th men. 17. If any shall injure you, never imitate their evil example, nor make yourselves partakers of their guilt, by revengefully doing anything passionate, unjust, or hurtful to them ; but always labour to contrive and pursue such methods, or procure such things, as are manifestly good, generous, and honourable, not only in the sight of God, but of all the unprejudiced part of mankind, that the worst of your enemies may never be able to upbraid you with doing anything unworthy or indecent. 18, And however difficult it may be in some cases, labour, as far as is consistent with t taath and faithfulnece honour. and conscience, to cul-

answers and a yielding conduct, or retire out of the way of their violence; and if they will continue their 2] rage against you, calmly leave them to the righteous judgment of God. 20. Yea, if any who have injured, abused, and persecuted you, be reduced to afflicted and it necessitous circumstances, carefully seize the oppor- and che tunity, and assist and relieve them to the utmost of your power; for by such kind and merciful conduct you will either mollify their spirit, and render them ° your penitent and fast friends, or, if they remain obstin- patient ately ungrateful and perverse, they will but aggravate their guilt, and bring upon themselves the most lasting, w terrible, and destructive judgments of God. 21. Upon pe - . 7 a: he Dek Bia anennaca wany enirit for evi a> LERELEFEN yy HAsKe VAwnres ewes rw jorrmepyerr ne .. . the whole, let no ill treatment discompose your spirit, for evi inflame your angry, malicious, and impatient passions, and so enslave your mind, and give your adversaries opportunity of triumphing over you; but labour, by the grace of God, to exercise all meekness, kindness, and forbearance, under the highest provocations, and CH. thus overcome your enemies and your own resentments Jews ¢ by returning good for evil. scienti rd

Ver. 1. The mercies by which the apostle specially obtests goverr believers are—(1) their selection by faith: (2) provision for the their conformity to the image ofthe Son of God; (3) theirholy Go calling to glory and virtue; (4) their deliverance, not from weakness,temptation,or warfare with sin and Satan,butfrom condemnation; (5) their growth by faith; (6) their living be . Le ae nehaun owrith Mhrict their head: (7) their com or GONUCMINBLIVUE; Voy varwae Ravens we _ j union, as members, with Christ their head; (7) their_com- : munion or fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus vicege Christ; and (8) the secure enjoyment of all the blessings of the promise-of grace.—Note. The body is for sacrifice; the 1 : mind (ver. 2) for renewal. C .

Ver. 6. Prophecy. The word 'prophet' in the Old Testament or signifies 'an interpreter,' one who explains the meaning and will mann of another; and applies equally to the exposition of the Scripur- or the foretelling of future events.—According to the pro- they : ng portion (of the prophetic gift, let_ him prophesy, which is in Proportion to the gift) of faith. Faith in the truth, mercy, and 1 power of God, being the fountainhead of all other gifts. C. > ni-

Ver. 8. He that giveth. Not the alms of the church, as some and 1 er, for that is included in the deaconship, ver. 7; but he that, severe in- being rich, 'giveth' of his own store,—Simplicity. Rather, liberality,' as in 2 Co. 8.2; 9. 11,13, when it refers to private ver and Simnartiality' when it refers to the distribution ora reese ee ae ee ver benevolence ; and 'impartiality' when it refers to the distribution '* ~ of public charity.—Cheer/uiness. Alacrity in act, and kindness nl ro- manner. C. them wn

Ver. 11. The word translated 'business' signifies rather 'zeal' or 'energy ;' and the scope of the passage shows that Paul is ° wal of Christian graces and duties, not of the business of this world. To make such an application of this passage in exthe or in popular address, is a misinterpretation of the t apostle's language. P. f ; yet

Ver. 16. Be of the same mind one toward another, This isa any precious and most important injunction. Its full significa- by th ror is scarcely brought out in our version. It signifies that 5 or Christians are under all circumstances to regulate their words and conduct to and toward each other by the most delicate feel- g' dur- of kindness and forbearance. All bitterness, envy, and tion, rour are to be systematically avoided. Alas! how seldom do j inste the members of different churches and sects act upon this prin- rour are LO UE Sysrcuiatuvaiy ares secre oo . the members of different churches and sects act upon this prinheir

Ver. 18. Uf it be possible, &c. Never be the aggressors ; never whol heir a reasonable apology; be always ready to forgive; and ) !mpé un- as far as justice to others will permit, both your feelings rive and interests, for sake of peace. Cc. ; , ;

Ver. 20. Some think the apostle to mean, that as coals of fire en 3, 45 the hardest metals, so acts of undeserved kindness will soften civil not hardest heart. But the original, quoted from Pr. 25. 21, 22, fore iced give no such meaning; and the fact that the continued bene- gove ; ficence of our Lord had no such meliorating influence on the d may of the Jews, shows that the passage Is to be interpreted or a -un- to the obvious meaning of the words—to wit, that the may benevolence of Christians towards their enemies will aggravate tt : both their guile and their punishment. Cc, : with

Ver. 21. Be not overcome of evil. 'To yield to anger would ©: cul- to be conquered by an enemy. He acts as the Christian who , a : TL we dam lenele and

stowed on us for the good of the church. Great is the kindness of Christ in so plentifully providing gifts, graces, offices, and officers, for the edification of souls. And it is delightful when all, with integrity, diligence, and cheerfulness, are employed for that end. O! what undissembled and ardent love to God and man; what hatred of everything evil; what diligence in our callings; what joyful hope of eternal happiness; what patient resignation; what fervent and persevering prayer; what cheerful liberality; what profound humility; what cordial sympathy; what harmonious concord and peacefulness; what disinterested returning of good far evil—is necessary to enter into the character of a for evil—is necessary to enter ito te cnaracter or a Christian! And great is the grace and power of God which is necessary to work all these in our heart and