Romans 6:12 -- do not let sin reign in your mortal body

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,

Romans 6:12

Commentary

Though believers in Christ have died to sin, sin is still a problem. The sin principle is still present and can express itself through the mortal body, the body that is subject to death. The difference is that sin has no right to reign. Thus, Paul admonishes the believer not to obey it.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ro 6:12). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

The ethical demands of the Christian life are based on the new relationship Christians have with Christ (vv. 11-13). Failure in Christian living results from failure to appropriate Christ's power in daily living (v. 14).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ro 6:5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 John 2:16 - the cravings of sinful man comes not from the Father but from the world

For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

1 John 2:16

Commentary

Those who love this world (v. 15) are short-sighted; they want to be satisfied and honored now (Luke 6:24-26). In contrast, those who love the Father have a long-term perspective and wait for God's reward (Luke 6:20-23).

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (1 Jn 2:16). Nashville: T. Nelson.

John explained why love for the world is incompatible with love for God by listing three typical features of worldly desires: "the lust of the flesh"-sensuality or unbridled desire for food, drink, or sexual gratification; "the lust of the eyes"-superficiality and materialism, depicting the greed that is aroused by what one sees; "the pride of life" or arrogance. The word for "life" denotes possessions-the things that support life. "Pride" refers to boasting.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (1 Jn 2:16). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Romans 12:1 - offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ...

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 12:1

Commentary

Based on God's mercy (9:11, 15, 16, 18, 23; 11:30-32), Paul entreats believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, meaning they should use their bodies to serve and obey God (6:13).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ro 12:1). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

present your bodies a living sacrifice: Under the Old Covenant, God accepted the sacrifices of dead animals. But because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, the OT sacrifices are no longer of any effect (Heb. 9:11, 12). For those in Christ, the only acceptable worship is to offer themselves completely to the Lord.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 12:1). Nashville: Word Pub.

^Isaac Watts' great hymn says:

"Love so amazing, so divine, demands my heart, my life, my all."

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable ...

It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Commentary

Sexual immorality or "fornication" (Greek: porneia) refers to all sexual indulgence outside marriage.

Did you know?

Pagan religions often condoned sexual immorality as part of their rites, and ancient Roman culture had few sexual boundaries. In contrast, Paul strongly urged the Thessalonians not to participate in any sexual activity outside of marriage. He reminded them that the human body is God's temple and should be kept holy (1 Cor. 6:18-20). The body should be honored as created by God and should be sanctified in keeping with its holy purpose.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Th 4:3-8). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - Psalm 1:6 - For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous ...

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1:6

Commentary

The Lord knows the way of the righteous. He is not only aware of their lives, but He approves them as well. What a contrast with the termination of a sinful life-eternal death!
We cannot emphasize too often, however, that a person's destiny is not determined by the way he lives. The determining factor is whether he has ever been born again by faith in Jesus Christ. The righteous person is the one who has confessed his sin and received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. His righteous life is the result of his new life in Christ. The ungodly person is the one who refuses to acknowledge his need and to bow his knee to the Lord Jesus. He would rather keep his sin than have the Savior, and thus he seals his doom.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ps 1:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"The Lord knows" is far more than recognition; the Lord "knows" everything. In this context, the reference is to personal intimacy and involvement with His righteous ones (contra. Matt. 7:23; cf. 2 Tim. 2:19)

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ps 1:6). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - Proverbs 13:21 - Misfortune pursues the sinner ...

Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.

Proverbs 13:21

Commentary

This is a basic theme/general principle throughout Proverbs and is illustrated throughout the OT, which establishes that righteousness brings divine blessing and evil brings divine cursing.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Pr 13:21). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - James 5:11 - The Lord is full of compassion and mercy ...

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

We count those blessed who endured You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

James 5:11

Commentary
Remembering the Lord's character is a great comfort in suffering. The Scriptures repeatedly affirm His compassion and mercy (Ex. 34:6; Num. 14:18; 1 Chr. 21:13; 2 Chr. 30:9; Pss. 25:6; 78:38; 86:5,15; 103:8,13; 116:5; 136:1; 145:8; Lam. 3:22; Joel 2:13; Jon. 4:2; Mic. 7:18; Luke 6:36).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 5:11). Nashville: Word Pub.

Job

Job is the classic example of a man who patiently endured suffering and was blessed by God for his persevering faith. James reassured his readers that God had a purpose for their suffering, just as He did for Job's. Cf. Job 42.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 5:11). Nashville: Word Pub.

Job's story reminds us that God has multiplied blessings in store for us. We may not find these blessings in this life, as Job did, but they are there for us. They are reserved in heaven, awaiting only the coming of our Lord (James 5:7-11).

Richards, L. (1999). Every man in the Bible (66). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - James 5:7-8 - be patient and stand firm ...

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

James 5:7-8

Commentary

James urges believers to maintain an attitude of patience while suffering injustices. Though every effort should be made to improve conditions and achieve justice, believers must keep a spirit of patient endurance, even in the midst of cruel treatment. At Christ's coming, wrongs will be righted and believers will be rewarded for their faithfulness to Christ (Prov. 14:14; Matt. 5:12).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Jas 5:7). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Early and Late Rains

The "early" rain falls in Israel during October and November and softens the ground for planting. The "latter" rain falls in March and April, immediately before the spring harvest. Just as the farmer waits patiently from the early rain to the latter for his crop to ripen, so must Christians patiently wait for the Lord's return (cf. Gal. 6:9; 2 Tim. 4:8; Titus 2:13).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 5:7). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - Romans 12:19 - Do not take revenge

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

Romans 12:19

Commentary

In His divine time, the wrath of God will come (Col. 3:6), and just retribution awaits the unforgiven.

MacArthur, J. (1996, c1991, c1994). Romans (201). Chicago: Moody Press.

Revenge

Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). We must forgive one another, not merely "up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:22). Only by love, forgiveness, and mercy can the vicious cycle of hatred and revenge be broken.

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are you when people insult you ...

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

Commentary

The Lord knew that His disciples would be maltreated because of their association with, and loyalty to, Him. History has confirmed this: from the outset the world has persecuted, jailed, and killed followers of Jesus. To suffer for Christ's sake is a privilege that should cause joy.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 5:11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in heaven ...

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.

Psalm 115:3

Commentary

It should be apparent now to all the world that the true God is transcendent-"Our God is in heaven" and He is sovereign-"He does whatever He pleases."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ps 115:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Sovereignty of God - His absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure (Dan. 4:25, 35; Rom. 9:15-23; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 4:11).

Easton, M. (1996, c1897). Easton's Bible dictionary. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Daily Bible Verse - Ecclesiastes 11:5 - As you do not know the path of the wind ...

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

Commentary

We don't understand the movements of the wind or how the bones are formed in the womb of an expectant mother. Neither do we understand all that God does or why He does it.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ec 11:5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Related Verses

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

Daily Bible Verse - 1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority ...

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.

1 Peter 2:13-14

Commentary

Christians are to live in obedience to every institution of civil and social order on earth. This includes obedience to the national government (v. 13, "king"), the state government, the police, and judges. Only when the government tries to force a Christian to do what is against the law of God explicitly stated in Scripture, should he refuse to submit (cf. Acts 4:18-20; 5:28,29; Titus 1:6; 3:1,2).sadfasd

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 2:14). Nashville: Word Pub.

Submit Yourselves

"Submit" is a military term meaning "to arrange in military fashion under the commander," "to put oneself in an attitude of submission." As citizens in the world and under civil law and authority, God's people are to live in a humble, submissive way in the midst of any hostile, godless, slandering society (cf. vv. 21-23; Prov. 24:21; Jer. 29:4-14; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1ff., 1 Tim. 2:1; Heb. 10:32-34).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 2:13). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - 1 Corinthians 13:12 - For now we see through a glass, darkly ...

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Commentary

As long as we are on earth, we see things dimly and indistinctly, as if we were looking in a a blurry mirror. Heaven, by contrast will be like seeing things face to face, i. e. , without anything between to obscure the vision.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Co 13:8). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

The city of Corinth was famous for producing some of the finest bronze mirrors in antiquity.

Paul used the analogy of looking in a mirror to explain the indirect nature of one's view of God and His ways. One "sees" God and His "mysteries" only indirectly and partially. Although good, the image is limited (v. 12) and falls short of the real thing.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (1 Co 13:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom ...

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Commentary

Paul has been emphasizing that Christ is the key to the OT. Here he re-emphasizes that truth by saying, Now the Lord is the Spirit. Most versions, including NKJV, capitalize Spirit, interpreting it as the Holy Spirit. But the context suggests that the Lord is the spirit of the OT just as "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev. 19:10). All the types and shadows of the OT find their fulfillment in Christ. Where the Spirit 16 of the Lord is, there is liberty means that wherever Jesus Christ is recognized as Lord or Jehovah, there is liberty, that is, freedom from the bondage of the law, freedom from obscurity in reading the Scriptures, and freedom to gaze upon His face without a veil between.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (2 Co 3:17). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

When Moses came down from Sinai with the tablets of the Law, his face physically reflected the fact that he had been speaking directly to God (Ex. 34:33-35). Paul maintained that as glorious as Moses' face was, it was a fading, temporal glory. It is outshone by the glory of the gospel, which, through the Spirit, transforms believers into the image of God from glory to ever increasing glory. The New Covenant is superior to the old covenant, for the Spirit removes the veil that obscures one's view of God. With unveiled faces, believers behold God's glory and are being transformed into His image.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (2 Co 3:18). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 2/15/2008 - 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Commentary

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. The godly love described in this chapter has nothing to do with evil, but has everything to do with what is right and true. It believes all things and hopes all things. This does not mean that love is blind or naive. When we love, we may recognize problems and failures in people, but we do not lose faith in the possibilities of what people might become. Love never gives up, knowing that God can change lives for the better.
Finally, love endures all things. Love accepts any hardship or rejection, and continues unabated to build up and encourage. The love described by Paul in this "love chapter" means determining what is best for another person and then doing it. This is the kind of love that God shows to us.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version. Includes index. (1 Co 13:8). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 - Love is patient ...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Commentary

Paul shines love through a prism and we see 15 of its colors and hues, the spectrum of love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Each ray gives a facet, a property, of agapē love. Unlike most English translations, which include several adjectives, the Greek forms of all those properties are verbs. They do not focus on what love is so much as on what love does and does not do. Agapē love is active, not abstract or passive. It does not simply feel patient, it practices patience. It does not simply have kind feelings, it does kind things. It does not simply recognize the truth, it rejoices in the truth. Love is fully love only when it acts (cf. 1 John 3:18).

MacArthur, J. (1996, c1984). 1 Corinthians. Includes indexes. (337). Chicago: Moody Press.