What is the Focus of Romans 12?



     Have you ever thought much about with the way Romans 12 opens up?  He says,  I beg you therefore, brothers, through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well-pleasing to God, which is your most reasonable service. What is Paul talking about here? 

Capturing a foggy morning in Puget Sound.

As the chapter progresses, it becomes clear that God wants us to present our physical bodies for His spiritual Body, which is the church (see Ephesians 1:22-23).  It’s been a help to me to know that the Greek word for church is ekklesia which refers not to a physical building but to a group of called out ones.  In chapter 25 of the Life-Study of Romans Witness Lee shares on page 296 why this chapter is important for Christians to understand:

In Romans 12:1 Paul speaks in a begging way, revealing the importance of the matter concerning which He is about to charge us. It reveals God's desire and purpose.  For centuries and ages God has had a particular desire--to have a body for Christ (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of Romans. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1974, Print). 

He also shares in this message that the experiences in Romans build on each other, he says the experiences of sanctification and conformation lead us to the experience in Romans 12 where we come to know that we are all members of the Lord's Body, and that He has given to each one of us a gift for the building up of His Body.  

You can listen to live portions of Witness Lee's sharing on the Life Study of Romans with helpful commentary on the Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee. 

Other Blogs on the Life Studies of Romans:

 Why is Romans Called the Gospel of God?
What's the Connection Between Romans 4 and God's Calling of Abraham?
What is Sanctification in the Book of Romans?
Have You seen the Gospel in Romans 8:3?
Seeing God's Sovereignty in Romans 8:28
What Was Man Created For in Romans 9:21?
What is the Focus of Romans 12?
What Does Romans 14 Say About Receiving Believers & Why Does It Matter?
Have You Seen the Practical Church Life in Romans 16?
What are the Three Laws in Romans 7 & 8 All About?
What Does Being Saved in Life Mean in Romans 5:10?
How Do Carnations Illustrate a Believer's Glorification in Romans 8:30?
Why is God's Righteousness the Power of the Gospel in Romans 1:16-17?
From the Life Study of Roman - Why is God Triune?