“What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Rom.7:24-25
The Opening Scene (Rom.1:1-17)
Paul throws out three themes that are controversial. He calls himself an apostle (Rom.1:1). He calls the member of the church “saints” (Rom.1:7). He says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Rom.1:16
First Character: Pagan and the Body Mind (Rom.1:18-32)-Shameful lusts.
The Pagan’s central question is “How can I be happy?” This corresponds to our body mind that
functions like a baby who demands that we get love. The world of the body mind is based on the perceptions of the body’s five senses
The Second Character: the Jew and the Soul Mind (Rom.2:1-7:25)-Shame Remembered
The Jew’s central question is “How can I live up to God’s expectations?” This corresponds to our soul mind whose command is “get real.” This world is bigger than the body mind for it is based on conceptions, or understanding beyond what I can experience with my five senses
The Third Character: Covered Ones and the Spirit Mind (Rom.8-12)-Unashamed
Jesus taught his saints a new question: “How can we have fellowship with each other?” This corresponds to the spirit mind whose command is “give love”.
“For while we are in this tent (our soul body), we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed, but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling (our spirit body).” 2 Cor.5:13
“Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” Rom.12:1
Metanoia to metamorphosis, change your mind to change your body.
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