- Paul has just finished revealing to his readers a new definition for Israel, as all the children of faith in Christ. Paul now moves from doctrine to application, asking believers to apply the truths of God's mercies to their lives.
- Prior doctrine with their application:
- Since all things are to God and of God, then God deserves all (Romans 11:36)
- He deserves our spiritual worship, which is particularly found in the presentation of our bodies in public worship.
- Rather than presenting the bodies of slain animals to the Lord, we present our own bodies full of life from the Spirit.
- Since God has granted grace to believing Jews and Gentiles to be saved in one body, do not think too highly of yourself (Romans 11:18, 23-24)
- Know that you are one of many members of Christ's bride, the church
- Discern and apply your gifts, working to make Christ's bride more beautiful
- Since Christ has called you to be His bride (Romans 11:5-6)
- Grow in love for Christ by loving His bride, the church, without hypocrisy
- In the same sense, do not show hatefulness to God by sinning, but learn to hate what He hates
- Live fully with the saints, rejoicing, weeping, and worshiping together
- Romans 12 acts as a beautiful listing of what a joyful covenant community should look like, living out God's mercies through worship, service, and our uniting love of Christ.