RENEW YOUR MIND
Going Deep into Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
"I"
"I" provides Crucial Context.
So often we pick up the bible without a full understanding of the text or the context surrounding it. When was the Word written and by whom? Was it in the Old Testament or New? What is the original Hebrew or Greek meaning of the word used in the text? Were those who the writer was speaking to or referencing saved or unsaved individuals? What was the general impression of the subject matter at the time of the writings?
All of these questions could provide crucial context clues to assist with interpreting the scriptures for full knowledge and understanding. Now this scriptural study is not meant to be on the level of biblical scholars, but if it is able to open the eyes of at least one reader, one listener, to the deep richness of God's word, then it is to His Glory!
This is not about reading the bible in a year. This is meant to be an encouragement to slow down, and go deep, as you study to show yourselves approved. (2 Tim 2:15)
So we begin with "I". I who? Who is the writer of the Book of Romans?
From 2 Timothy 3:16 we know that all scripture is God-breathed, meaning it is divinely inspired, originating from God's own breath! However it is historically recorded that the writer of the Book of Romans was the Apostle Paul, whom God inspired to pen the words in Greek, now translated to English as we know them today.
The Book of Romans is in the New Testament; and as it is with most of the New Testament books, they can more accurately be described as a collection of letters or personal correspondences between a senior saint, and a community or person they were helping to shape.
This letter from Paul was written to the church in Rome, aka, the believers in Rome. Paul had not yet visited there, but sent the letter in advance of his visit in order to establish a strong teaching foundation for the growing body of believers in the city.
It is important to note that the bible is not a collection of quotes or magic sayings that a believer can use like a witch casting a spell. Paul was a real person; who wrote to real people as he was guided by the Lord, and in the process, spoke meaningful words of wisdom and truth that a believer can still stand on today.
As you go through this Bible study, or any other future studies, I challenge you to slow down; go deep. Determine crucial context questions that can be a launching board as you dive deep into the truth of God's word.