Romans from a Torah Covenant Perspective – Chapter 12 Part 2

In Rom 12 part 1 we’re admonished to present our individual bodies together as a corporate holy, living sacrifice! How can you do that if you don’t commit to joining a fellowship? Paul now in this section of the letter (Chapter 12 &13) refocuses our attention on Yahusha; in particular the Sermon on the Mount: PAUL  YAHUSHA  12:14: Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Lk. 6:28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 12:17: Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Matt 5:39:..do not resist an evil person. 12:18 If possible, so far as you are able, be at peace with men. Matt 5:9; Mk. 9:50: blessed are the peacemakers; be at peace with one another. 12:20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. Lk.6:27; Matt 5:44…love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. 12:20 Render to all what is due them; tax to whom you serve, as their due Mk.12:14 Is is lawful to pay tax to Caesar, or not?…Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to יהוה what are YHWH’s. 13:8 For he who loves neighbor has fulfilled the Torah. Matt 22:37- You shall love יהוה your Elohim, you shall love your neighbor as yourself; on these two mitzvoth hang the whole Torah and Prophets. 13:9 And if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 7:12 In all things, treat one another the same way as you desire to be treated, for this is the Torah and the Prophets. 13:11 Awake from sleep, for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed! Mk. 13:36; Lk. 21:28: In case he should suddenly come and find you asleep….your redemption is drawing nigh. 14:10 – 17; (Judging, stumbling blocks, Kingdom isn’t eating & drinking, but righteousness. Matt Ch’s 6, 7 & 18: Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace/ unmerited favor that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the measure of faith; Romans 12:7 Or, some service, let us serve: or he that teaches, let him teach; Romans 12:8 Or, he that exhorts, let him exhort: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that oversees, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with joy. You can see the corporate emphasis again. We’ve got to slay the post enlightenment individualism that we’ve been taught in the mainstream Western religious culture…….it’s not all about me…..and it’s not all about you…… Romans 12:9 Let love be without deceit in full sincerity. Despise that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Romans 12:10 Be kind and tender to one another with brotherly love (Philadelphia) in honor preferring another over yourself. Romans 12:11 Not idle in your duty; fervent in spirit; serving your vuvh; Romans 12:12 Having rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation; continue steadfast in prayer; Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of the Yisraelite saints; be given to hospitality. Paul is hoping this portion of his letter will unify the believers in Rome, both ethically and religiously. He’s trying to foster a spirit of unity of which the Jewish believers and the returning lost sheep of the house of Israel will accept. The Jews are the minority with their Judaic traditions, whereas the Israelites are the majority with their Messianic awakened Scriptural zeal. Romans 12:14 Bless them who persecute you: bless, and do not curse. Romans 12:15 rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with those that weep. Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one towards another. Mind not prideful things and position, but associate with the humble. Be not wise in your own estimation. Romans 12:17 Repay to no man evil for evil. Do things honestly and right in the sight of all men. Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, I will repay evil; wait on יהוה, and He will save you. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that not any one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, on your part, live in sha