From Mark Copeland... To The Churches Of Galatia (Galatians 1:1-2)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                   To The Churches Of Galatia (1:1-2)

INTRODUCTION

1. We live in troubling times...
   a. Sin is ever present, depravity seemingly on the rise
   b. There are many religions seeking to address the problem, but their
      solutions are amiss

2. Christians in the first century A.D. found themselves facing similar
   circumstances...
   a. Immorality was rampant, moral virtue was scarce
   b. Religions were many, yet ineffective in saving and sanctifying
      souls

3. In his letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul addressed such
   concerns...
   a. Dealing with false gospels and false hopes
   b. Providing guidance for salvation and godly living

[Paul's epistle to the Galatians remains a powerful and relevant guide
for Christians today.  In this lesson, we shall consider some background
information on the book of Galatians...]

I. THE AUTHOR OF THE EPISTLE (1:1-2)

   A. PAUL...
      1. Mentions himself by name twice - Ga 1:1; 5:2
      2. Known formerly as Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of the church - Ac 9:1-2
      3. Who became known as the "apostle to the Gentiles" - Ac 9:15
      4. Author of half of the books of the New Testament
      5. Regarding his authorship of Galatians
         a. This was the unanimous view of the early church
         b. Even modern critics who challenge the authorship of many of
            the New Testament books concede that Galatians is truly
            Pauline

   B. AN APOSTLE...
      1. He immediately identifies as an apostle
         a. "not from men nor through man"
         b. "but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him
            from the dead"
      2. His gospel and apostleship were questioned by some, this
         epistle offers an aggressive defense beginning with this
         opening statement

   C. THE BRETHREN WITH HIM...
      1. "and all the brethren who are with me"
      2. Other Christians send their greetings along with Paul
      3. Though not named, their inclusion implies support of Paul and
         the gospel he preached

[Having identified himself as the author of this epistle, Paul then
addresses...]

II. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE EPISTLE (1:2)

   A. THE REGION OF GALATIA...
      1. Galatia was a name used both geographically and politically in
         the first century - ISBE
      2. Geographically, it was used to describe the northern part of
         central Asia minor
      3. Politically, it included parts of Pontus, Phrygia and Lycaonia,
         i.e., more southern regions of central Asia Minor
      4. I believe Paul like had reference to the latter (the Roman
         province of Galatia)

   B. THE CHURCHES OF GALATIA...
      1. During their first missionary journey (45-47 A.D.), Paul and
         Barnabas had the opportunity to establish several churches in
         the Roman province of Galatia - Ac 13:14-14:23
      2. On Paul's second trip (51-54 A.D.), he and Silas visited them
         again - Ac 16:1-5
      3. On Paul's third trip (54-58 A.D.), he visited them yet again
         - Ac 18:23
      4. It is quite likely that the churches of Galatia included those
         established on his first journey
         a. E.g., Antioch, Lystra, Derbe
         b. The home of Timothy - Ac 16:1-6
      5. Paul and Peter would later make mention of these brethren in
         other epistles
         a. Paul in reference to the collection for the saints - 1Co 16:1
         b. Peter in writing his first epistle - 1Pe 1:1

[The time and place of writing is uncertain (perhaps from Ephesus,
sometime around 55 A.D.).  What is more certain because of what was
written is...]

III. THE PURPOSE AND CONTENT OF THE EPISTLE

   A. THE PURPOSE...
      1. The churches in Galatia were being influenced by those who
         would "pervert the gospel of Christ" - Ga 1:6-7; cf. 3:1
      2. Known as 'Judaizing teachers', these individuals taught that
         Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised and keep the Law of
         Moses - cf. Ac 15:1
      3. Paul recognized this doctrine would jeopardize the salvation of
         those souls who accepted it - cf. Ga 5:4
      4. Because the enemies of the true gospel were trying to support
         their case by undermining Paul's authority as an apostle of
         Christ, it was necessary to verify that he was truly an apostle
         "not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God
         the Father" - Ga 1:1
      5. Therefore, Paul writes to verify His apostleship and the gospel
         of justification by faith in Christ

   B. THE CONTENT...
      1. Because of his outstanding defense of the gospel of Christ in
         which we have freedom from sin and the Law, this epistle has
         been called "The Magna Carta Of Christian Liberty"
      2. Here is a brief outline of the epistle:
         a. Paul's defense of his apostleship - Ga 1-2
            1) Introduction - Ga 1:1-10
            2) Divine origin of his gospel - Ga 1:11-17
            3) Relationship to the other apostles - Ga 1:18-2:21
         b. Paul's defense of the gospel of justification by faith - Ga
            3-4
            1) Personal argument - Ga 3:1-5
            2) Scriptural argument - Ga 3:6-25
            3) Practical argument - Ga 3:26-4:7
            4) Sentimental argument - Ga 4:8-20
            5) Allegorical argument - Ga 4:21-31
         c. Call to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel - Ga 5-6
            1) Liberty that excludes the necessity of circumcision - Ga 5:1-6
            2) Liberty that fulfills the Law - Ga 5:7-15
            3) Liberty in which one is led by the Spirit - Ga 5:16-26
            4) Liberty with a sense of responsibility - Ga 6:1-10
            5) Conclusion - Ga 6:11-18

CONCLUSION

1. A passage that expresses the theme of this epistle is Ga 5:1...

   "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us
   free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

2. The liberty of which Paul writes about in this epistle pertains to...
   a. Freedom from the bondage of sin - cf. Ga 2:16
   b. Freedom from the Law of Moses - cf. Ga 4:4-5
   c. Freedom to serve one another in love - cf. Ga 5:13
   d. Freedom from the works of the flesh - cf. Ga 5:16,19-21
   e. Freedom to produce the fruit of the Spirit - cf. Ga 5:22-25

3. Do you desire to learn more about the freedom that Christ
   provides...?
   a. Jesus spoke of it during His earthly ministry - Jn 8:34-36
   b. Then He chose Paul to write about it in this epistle!

If you want to learn more about true freedom, then give special
attention to the epistle written "To The Churches Of Galatia"...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Jim McGuiggan... The vulnerable among us

The vulnerable among us

Some in our world are in for a tough life. They entered our world as gentle children and are growing as gentle young adults and a harsh world is going to be sheer hell for them. All of us feel deep pain when we’re insulted or assaulted but for these people it’s more than pain—it’s absolute agony. They are so built that the faintest breath of unjust or searing criticism opens deep wounds in their hearts. We can dismiss them as people who simply won’t grow up but that completely misunderstands them and it would grieve them all the more. It isn’t that they’re hypersensitive in that spoiled and self-centred way—they came into our world with a greater capacity for feeling than the vast majority of us possess.

As Tony Newley has taught us, they come to us and will believe our every word and if they trust us they will give us their hearts. They don’t know how to keep something in reserve; that capacity isn’t in them, and to people like that, when we break our promises, we break their hearts. To become impatient with them and curtly demand that they "get over it!" is to add torture to torment. We don’t give them grief for just a few months—grief that will heal by and by; some tender and believing souls will never recover and they’ll carry the pain all their days and nights. They’ll function but it will be a deeply sad pilgrimage. The pain won’t always be excruciating but though it hides it’ll never be far away and without warning it’ll steal the sun from their sky. There’ll be no really carefree days for them. Shy to begin with, they’ll be driven far within themselves; they’ll run far away from the possibility of rich life, too afraid and too deeply hurt to come out into the light again.

So if one like that comes to you, and she trusts you, make no promises that you’re not going to move heaven and earth to keep. If someone like that comes to you and he opens his or her heart to you, don’t go in if you don’t mean to stay because people like these are ill-equipped for a harsh world.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study August 31

Bible Reading and Study

August 31

The World English Bible

Aug. 31

Psalm 23-25

Psa 23:1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

Psa 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psa 23:3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

Psa 24:1 The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.

Psa 24:2 For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.

Psa 24:3 Who may ascend to Yahweh's hill? Who may stand in his holy place?

Psa 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.

Psa 24:5 He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psa 24:6 This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face--even Jacob. Selah.

Psa 24:7 Lift up your heads, you gates! Be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.

Psa 24:8 Who is the King of glory? Yahweh strong and mighty, Yahweh mighty in battle.

Psa 24:9 Lift up your heads, you gates; yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.

Psa 24:10 Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.

Psa 25:1 To you, Yahweh, do I lift up my soul.

Psa 25:2 My God, I have trusted in you. Don't let me be shamed. Don't let my enemies triumph over me.

Psa 25:3 Yes, no one who waits for you shall be shamed. They shall be shamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Psa 25:4 Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.

Psa 25:5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long.

Psa 25:6 Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times.

Psa 25:7 Don't remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness' sake, Yahweh.

Psa 25:8 Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.

Psa 25:9 He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way.

Psa 25:10 All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psa 25:11 For your name's sake, Yahweh, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Psa 25:12 What man is he who fears Yahweh? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.

Psa 25:13 His soul shall dwell at ease. His seed shall inherit the land.

Psa 25:14 The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.

Psa 25:15 My eyes are ever on Yahweh, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psa 25:16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.

Psa 25:17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh bring me out of my distresses.

Psa 25:18 Consider my affliction and my travail. Forgive all my sins.

Psa 25:19 Consider my enemies, for they are many. They hate me with cruel hatred.

Psa 25:20 Oh keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be disappointed, for I take refuge in you.

Psa 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.

Psa 25:22 Redeem Israel, God, out all of his troubles.

The Composite Bible

The World English Bible

Darby's Translation

Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.

Psalms

Psalms 23 1

Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

{A Psalm of David.} Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.

A Psalm of David. Jehovah [is] my shepherd, I do not lack,

Psalms 23 2

He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters.

In pastures of tender grass He causeth me to lie down, By quiet waters He doth

lead me.

Psalms 23 3

He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name`s sake.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name`s sake.

My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name`s

sake,

Psalms 23 4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are

with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou

art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Also -- when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou [art] with me,

Thy rod and Thy staff -- they comfort me.

Psalms 23 5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with

oil. My cup runs over.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou hast anointed my

head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Thou arrangest before me a table, Over-against my adversaries, Thou hast

anointed with oil my head, My cup is full!

Psalms 23 6

Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell

in Yahweh`s house forever. Psalm 24 A Psalm by David.

Surely, goodness and loving-kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will

dwell in the house of Jehovah for the length of the days.

Only -- goodness and kindness pursue me, All the days of my life, And my dwelling

[is] in the house of Jehovah, For a length of days!

Psalms 24 1

The earth is Yahweh`s, with its fullness; The world, and those who dwell therein.

{Of David. A Psalm.} The earth is Jehovah`s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they

that dwell therein.

A Psalm of David. To Jehovah [is] the earth and its fulness, The world and the

inhabitants in it.

Psalms 24 2

For he has founded it on the seas, And established it on the floods.

For it was he that founded it upon seas, and established it upon floods.

For He on the seas hath founded it, And on the floods He doth establish it.

Psalms 24 3

Who may ascend to Yahweh`s hill? Who may stand in his holy place?

Who shall ascend into the mount of Jehovah? and who shall stand in his holy place?

Who goeth up into the hill of Jehovah? And who riseth up in His holy place?

Psalms 24 4

He who has clean hands and a pure heart; Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, And has

not sworn deceitfully.

He that hath blameless hands and a pure heart; who lifteth not up his soul unto vanity,

nor sweareth deceitfully:

The clean of hands, and pure of heart, Who hath not lifted up to vanity his soul,

Nor hath sworn to deceit.

Psalms 24 5

He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, Righteousness from the God of his salvation.

He shall receive blessing from Jehovah, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

He beareth away a blessing from Jehovah, Righteousness from the God of his

salvation.

Psalms 24 6

This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek your face -- even Jacob. Selah.

This is the generation of them that seek unto him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

This [is] a generation of those seeking Him. Seeking Thy face, O Jacob! Selah.

Psalms 24 7

Lift up your heads, you gates; Be lifted up, you everlasting doors: The King of glory will come

in.

Lift up your heads, ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of

glory shall come in.

Lift up, O gates, your heads, And be lifted up, O doors age-during, And come in

doth the king of glory!

Psalms 24 8

Who is the King of glory? Yahweh strong and mighty, Yahweh mighty in battle.

Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle.

Who [is] this -- `the king of glory?` Jehovah -- strong and mighty, Jehovah, the

mighty in battle.

Psalms 24 9

Lift up your heads, you gates; Yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors: The King of glory will

come in.

Lift up your heads, ye gates; yea, lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall

come in.

Lift up, O gates, your heads, And be lifted up, O doors age-during, And come in

doth the king of glory!

Psalms 24 10

Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. Psalm 25 By

David.

Who is he, this King of glory? Jehovah of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Who [is] He -- this `king of glory?` Jehovah of hosts -- He [is] the king of glory!

Selah.

Psalms 25 1

To you, Yahweh, do I lift up my soul.

{[A Psalm] of David.} Unto thee, Jehovah, do I lift up my soul.

By David. Unto Thee, O Jehovah, my soul I lift up.

Psalms 25 2

My God, in you have I trusted, Let me not be put to shame. Don`t let my enemies triumph over

me.

My God, I confide in thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

My God, in Thee I have trusted, Let me not be ashamed, Let not mine enemies exult

over me.

Psalms 25 3

Yes, no one who waits for you shall be put to shame. They shall be put to shame who deal

treacherously without cause.

Yea, none that wait on thee shall be ashamed: they shall be ashamed that deal

treacherously without cause.

Also let none waiting on Thee be ashamed, Let the treacherous dealers without

cause be ashamed.

Psalms 25 4

Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.

Make me to know thy ways, O Jehovah; teach me thy paths.

Thy ways, O Jehovah, cause me to know, Thy paths teach Thou me.

Psalms 25 5

Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all

day long.

Make me to walk in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee

do I wait all the day.

Cause me to tread in Thy truth, and teach me, For Thou [art] the God of my

salvation, Near Thee I have waited all the day.

Psalms 25 6

Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your lovingkindness, For they are from old times.

Remember, Jehovah, thy tender mercies and thy loving-kindnesses; for they are from

everlasting.

Remember Thy mercies, O Jehovah, And Thy kindnesses, for from the age [are]

they.

Psalms 25 7

Don`t remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your

lovingkindness, For your goodness` sake, Yahweh.

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to thy loving-

kindness remember thou me, for thy goodness` sake, Jehovah.

Sins of my youth, and my transgressions, Do not Thou remember. According to Thy

kindness be mindful of me, For Thy goodness` sake, O Jehovah.

Psalms 25 8

Good and upright is Yahweh, Therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.

Good and upright is Jehovah; therefore will he instruct sinners in the way:

Good and upright [is] Jehovah, Therefore He directeth sinners in the way.

Psalms 25 9

He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way.

The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way.

He causeth the humble to tread in judgment, And teacheth the humble His way.

Psalms 25 10

All the paths of Yahweh are lovingkindness and truth To such as keep his covenant and his

testimonies.

All the paths of Jehovah are loving-kindness and truth for such as keep his covenant and

his testimonies.

All the paths of Jehovah [are] kindness and truth, To those keeping His covenant,

And His testimonies.

Psalms 25 11

For your name`s sake, Yahweh, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

For thy name`s sake, O Jehovah, thou wilt indeed pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

For Thy name`s sake, O Jehovah, Thou hast pardoned mine iniquity, for it [is]

great.

Psalms 25 12

What man is he who fears Yahweh? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.

What man is he that feareth Jehovah? him will he instruct in the way [that] he should

choose.

Who [is] this -- the man fearing Jehovah? He directeth him in the way He doth

choose.

Psalms 25 13

His soul shall dwell at ease. His seed shall inherit the land.

His soul shall dwell in prosperity, and his seed shall inherit the earth.

His soul in good doth remain, And his seed doth possess the land.

Psalms 25 14

The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.

The secret of Jehovah is with them that fear him, that he may make known his covenant

to them.

The secret of Jehovah [is] for those fearing Him, And His covenant -- to cause them

to know.

Psalms 25 15

My eyes are ever on Yahweh, For he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Mine eyes are ever toward Jehovah; for he will bring my feet out of the net.

Mine eyes [are] continually unto Jehovah, For He bringeth out from a net my feet.

Psalms 25 16

Turn to me, and have mercy on me, For I am desolate and afflicted.

Turn toward me, and be gracious unto me; for I am solitary and afflicted.

Turn Thou unto me, and favour me, For lonely and afflicted [am] I.

Psalms 25 17

The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh bring me out of my distresses.

The troubles of my heart are increased: bring me out of my distresses;

The distresses of my heart have enlarged themselves, From my distresses bring me

out.

Psalms 25 18

Consider my affliction and my travail. Forgive all my sins.

Consider mine affliction and my travail, and forgive all my sins.

See mine affliction and my misery, And bear with all my sins.

Psalms 25 19

Consider my enemies, for they are many. They hate me with cruel hatred.

Consider mine enemies, for they are many, and they hate me [with] cruel hatred.

See my enemies, for they have been many, And with violent hatred they have hated

me.

Psalms 25 20

Oh keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

Keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I trust in thee.

Keep my soul, and deliver me, Let me not be ashamed, for I trusted in Thee.

Psalms 25 21

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for you.

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

Integrity and uprightness do keep me, For I have waited [on] Thee.

Psalms 25 22

Redeem Israel, God, Out all of his troubles. Psalm 26 By David.

Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Redeem Israel, O God, from all his distresses!

Study Questions

Where are goodness and mercy? 23:6

Who shall ascend in the hill of the LORD? 24:3, 4

How does the Psalmist want God to remember him? 25:7

The World English Bible

Aug. 31

Romans 12

Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

Rom 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.

Rom 12:4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function,

Rom 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Rom 12:6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

Rom 12:7 or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;

Rom 12:8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

Rom 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

Rom 12:11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Rom 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.

Rom 12:19 Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

Rom 12:20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."

Rom 12:21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Composite Bible

The World English Bible

Darby's Translation

Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.

Romans

Romans 12 1

Therefore I beg you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the compassions of God, to present your bodies a

living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your intelligent service.

I call upon you, therefore, brethren, through the compassions of God, to present

your bodies a sacrifice -- living, sanctified, acceptable to God -- your intelligent

service;

Romans 12 2

Don`t be fashioned according to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [your] mind,

that ye may prove what [is] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

and be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your

mind, for your proving what [is] the will of God -- the good, and acceptable, and

perfect.

Romans 12 3

For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of

himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to

each person a measure of faith.

For I say, through the grace which has been given to me, to every one that is among you,

not to have high thoughts above what he should think; but to think so as to be wise, as

God has dealt to each a measure of faith.

For I say, through the grace that was given to me, to every one who is among you,

not to think above what it behoveth to think; but to think so as to think wisely, as

to each God did deal a measure of faith,

Romans 12 4

For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don`t have the same

function,

For, as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office;

for as in one body we have many members, and all the members have not the same

office,

Romans 12 5

so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

thus we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and each one members one of the other.

so we, the many, one body are in Christ, and members each one of one another.

Romans 12 6

Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy

according to the proportion of our faith;

But having different gifts, according to the grace which has been given to us, whether

[it be] prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

And having gifts, different according to the grace that was given to us; whether

prophecy -- `According to the proportion of faith!`

Romans 12 7

or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;

or service, [let us occupy ourselves] in service; or he that teaches, in teaching;

or ministration -- `In the ministration!` or he who is teaching -- `In the teaching!`

Romans 12 8

or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules,

with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

or he that exhorts, in exhortation; he that gives, in simplicity; he that leads, with

diligence; he that shews mercy, with cheerfulness.

or he who is exhorting -- `In the exhortation!` he who is sharing -- `In simplicity!`

he who is leading -- `In diligence?` he who is doing kindness -- `In cheerfulness.`

Romans 12 9

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

Let love be unfeigned; abhorring evil; cleaving to good:

The love unfeigned: abhorring the evil; cleaving to the good;

Romans 12 10

In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

as to brotherly love, kindly affectioned towards one another: as to honour, each taking

the lead in paying it to the other:

in the love of brethren, to one another kindly affectioned: in the honour going

before one another;

Romans 12 11

not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

as to diligent zealousness, not slothful; in spirit fervent; serving the Lord.

in the diligence not slothful; in the spirit fervent; the Lord serving;

Romans 12 12

rejoicing in hope; enduring in oppression; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

As regards hope, rejoicing: as regards tribulation, enduring: as regards prayer,

persevering:

in the hope rejoicing; in the tribulation enduring; in the prayer persevering;

Romans 12 13

contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

distributing to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.

to the necessities of the saints communicating; the hospitality pursuing.

Romans 12 14

Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don`t curse.

Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.

Bless those persecuting you; bless, and curse not;

Romans 12 15

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

Rejoice with those that rejoice, weep with those that weep.

to rejoice with the rejoicing, and to weep with the weeping,

Romans 12 16

Be of the same mind one toward another. Don`t set your mind on high things, but associate with

the humble. Don`t be wise in your own conceits.

Have the same respect one for another, not minding high things, but going along with

the lowly: be not wise in your own eyes:

of the same mind one toward another, not minding the high things, but with the

lowly going along; become not wise in your own conceit;

Romans 12 17

Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.

recompensing to no one evil for evil: providing things honest before all men:

giving back to no one evil for evil; providing right things before all men.

Romans 12 18

If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.

if possible, as far as depends on you, living in peace with all men;

If possible -- so far as in you -- with all men being in peace;

Romans 12 19

Don`t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God`s wrath. For it is written,

"Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance

[belongs] to me, *I* will recompense, saith the Lord.

not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath, for it hath been

written, `Vengeance [is] Mine,

I will repay, says the Lord.

Romans 12 20

Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing

so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."

If therefore thine enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him drink;

for, so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

I will recompense again, saith the Lord;` if, then, thine enemy doth hunger, feed

him; if he doth thirst, give him drink; for this doing, coals of fire thou shalt heap

upon his head;

Romans 12 21

Don`t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be not overcome by the evil, but overcome, in the good, the evil.

Study Questions

What is our reasonable service? 12:1

How should we respond to those who persecute us? 12:14

Who will repay with vengeance? 12:19