“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

romans 12:1-5

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body, we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of one another.”

In the first eleven chapters of Romans, Paul eloquently stated humanity’s need for God’s grace and salvation in Christ. In chapter 12 Paul turns now to illustrate how those who have benefited from receiving God’s grace should respond. These ethical recommendations are not a way to earn God’s favor, but rather the way in which we respond to grace.

In a commentary on Romans, Paul Achtemeier referred to this concept as the “structuring power of grace”. He wrote, “Life under the lordship of God means a life under the structuring power of grace. That power transforms not only individuals, but the individuals’ relationships to the community around them. Living by the power of the Spirit, and accepting the gracious lordship of God, the Christian’s world has been made new; and the task is now to let that structuring power of grace transform that world into the shape of grace…The logical response consists in shaping our lives to the structures of grace rather than the structures of the world.”

A great question for all of us to ask is, “What is the basis from which we live our lives? Is it what the world values and teaches or is it from the structuring power of God’s grace?” When we understand that God ordered or structured us according to the power of his grace, we then understand the basis from which we live and how we should treat one another. The word “power” can sometimes be associated with that which is opposed to what God intends for the world. But power, in the best sense of the word, is the power to transform – not just ourselves but others. This power comes not from us, but from God, and it begins and ends in grace. It’s a humbling thing to know that each day the structuring power of God’s grace flows through us.

Prayer:

Loving God, may your grace flow through us today. Help us to love one another and be peacemakers in the world that you structured for grace and love. May we know the power of your grace and forgiveness in our lives today. Amen.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

What is the basis on which you live your life? From the world? From Christ and his teachings?

What does the world value and reinforce? What does Christ value and teach us?

Paul mentioned the body of Christ is made up of diverse people with varying gifts. What gifts has God blessed you with and how are you implementing those in your life and church?

Paul said we are “members of one another”. How might that change how you view yourself, not only as an individual, but also as one accountable to a larger body?

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