Romans 11:25-12:21

All Israel Will Be Saved 25I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,

26and in this way Or and so all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

27And this is Or will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” Isaiah 59:20,21; 27:9 (see Septuagint); Jer. 31:33,34 28As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now Some manuscripts do not have now. receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.

32For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Doxology 33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and Or riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

34“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” Isaiah 40:13

35“Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” Job 41:11 36For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

A Living Sacrifice 1Therefore, 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.

2Do 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.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ 3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your Or the faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, Or to provide for others do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action 9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Or willing to do menial work Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do 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,” Deut. 32:35 says the Lord.

20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Prov. 25:21,22 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.