-
The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
-
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
-
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
-
God’s Sovereign Choice
It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
-
In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.
-
Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand:
-
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
-
Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
-
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
-
But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
-
And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
-
for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
-
so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.
-
A Living Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
-
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
-
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
-
For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
-
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
-
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
-
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed
-
so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.
