REFORMATION OF THE MIND

ROMANS 12:19–21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Romans 12:21).

As we draw to the close of Romans 12, Paul’s great chapter of practical admonition based on the Gospel, it is by a happy providence that we do so on Reformation Day. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther tacked 95 theses to the castle church of Wittenberg University. As we saw yesterday, Christians need to be able to debate differences in an atmosphere of charity, and this is what Luther hoped to do. When we look back on this event, we call it the birthday of the Protestant Reformation.

The Reformation was a rebirth of biblical theology. It was concern for scriptural truth that motivated Luther and the other Reformers. Sadly, today we find throughout the evangelical world a great contradiction. On the one hand there is a great aversion to the study of theology, while on the other hand there is tremendous interest in discovering God’s will. Notice how Paul puts these together here in Romans 12:2. It is by becoming transformed in our minds that we can acquire the wisdom and perspective to be able to discern God’s will for our lives. It is on the basis of the theology of Romans 1–11 that Paul is able to move to the admonitions of Romans 12–16.

This is why we are to study God’s Word. It is not simply to acquire a knowledge that puffs up, but rather to know what is pleasing to God, and to know how to make appropriate decisions in our daily lives. This has been Paul’s concern throughout Romans 12, as he gives us a whole series of particular injunctions for our lives.

Paul concludes these injunctions by telling us in verse 19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” Revenge, or vengeance, is not itself evil, “For it is written, ‘It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” We are to rest in His perfect justice and not take matters into our own hands.

CORAM DEO

Read Romans 12:19–21. Here we see how we are to deal with those who abuse us. On this Reformation Day, can you think of any “enemy” to whom you can show love? Find a way to help that person without trying to triumph over him. Make this Reformation Day a day of reformation for yourself.

For further study: Proverbs 25:18–22; Matthew 5:43–48

TABLETALK

from ligonier ministries and teaching and encouraging believers • november 1989

THE SACRAMENTS

Daily Studies From The Teaching Fellowship Of R. C. Sproul

publisher Ligonier Ministries executive editor Ralph D. Veerman editor Robert F. Ingram creative services Michael S. Beates; David K. Freeland

marketing/production W. David Fox; Melissa Prichard; Gretchen Suskovic

circulation Gwen Weber writer Sharon Anderson

LIGONIER MINISTRIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bruce Fogerty

G. Richard Hostetter

Robert C. Legler

Stephen H. Levee, Jr.

C. G. Mills

Archie B. Parrish

Jim Seneff

R. C. Sproul

John Thompson

Ralph Veerman

Luder Whitlock

Charles Colson

(director emeritus)

Published by Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Inc. under license granted by Ligonier Ministries, Inc. Copyright 1989, Ligonier Ministries, Inc. This Bible study is based upon teaching material by Dr. R. C. Sproul. Unless noted, all Scripture quotations in this publication are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.

member evangelical press association

on the cover: The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Artwork by Jon Franz.

robert ingram • editor

Coram Deo

Several years ago the denomination of which I am a minister celebrated its 200th anniversary. In honor of our heritage, certain re-enactments occurred in our local church. One of these was issuing “communion tokens.” During the earlier periods of Presbyterianism, many churches practiced “closed communion.” Church members met with the session prior to communion Sunday to be examined for the evidence of contrition and saving faith. If approved, a communion token was given, permitting access to the Lord’s table. To those not approved, the table was closed or barred.

By contrast I can think of another communion service I once attended. It was a serve-yourself sacrament. At your convenience you could partake of the elements anytime that evening prior to the Christmas candlelight service. There was absolutely no regulation of the Lord’s table.

On one occasion I remember refusing the elements because in the camp setting, the leaders thought junior highs might better be able to identify with Coke and “Goldfish” crackers.

Perhaps my most intimate experience of communion involved a church-wide retreat. How vividly I remember the bond created when individuals came forward to partake from a common loaf and cup. Every communicant was personally addressed with appropriate biblical promises and encouragements. The joy of our common love for Christ brought tears to many. Years later I still savor that spiritual experience.

And of course there was that time when administering the sacraments my mind went blank. After three unsuccessful attempts to recite the words of Institution I was about to say anything that sounded liturgical: “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today.…” To my lifelong embarrassment, I have no idea what I eventually blurted out. God is not necessarily honored in all of our observations of the sacraments. Even in those that outwardly conform to His regulations, we must still consider our remaining corruption and the inward estate of our hearts.

In this issue of Tabletalk our desire is to bring a heightened awareness to your participation in the sacraments. Living life Coram Deo—in the presence and under the authority of God, unto His glory—may require considerable personal introspection to discover God’s intentions and regulations concerning His sacraments. ■

table of contents