The Renewal of Your Mind, Romans 12:1-2

Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies, 2020

The Mind of the Spirit is another academic accomplishment pertaining to the study of the Holy Spirit, with special reference to Paul's understanding of the transformed human mind. The main aim of the book is to use the concept of mind-in particular, the mind transformed by and in Christ-found in the Pauline passages to explicate how believers' righteousness (in terms of one's status or relationship with God) and/or moral transformation actually take place in the life of believers (pp. xv-xvi). Chapter 1 explores Paul's argument concerning the corrupted pagan mind in Romans 1:18-32. Despite ancient philosophers' repetitive call for rational mastery over passions, according to Keener, the supposedly wise pagan mind became subject to passions, corrupting nature's evidence for God, rejecting the knowledge of God, and misconstruing reality, particularly human purpose and identity (pp. xvi, 1, 28-29); as a result, the Gentiles were given to idolatry and sexual immorality. However, for Paul even the Jewish mind enlightened with the Torah without the Spirit eventually remains the mind of the flesh-Keener dwells on this topic further in chapter 3. Chapter 2 discusses "the mind of faith" (6:11) or "the new way of thinking in Christ," which comes from one's new identity in Christ. For Keener, Rom. 6 consists of two elements, namely, "indicative" and "imperative." The indicative element is "Christ's death and resurrection, historically accomplished events" or "the new reality" that needs to be embraced with faith or to be "reckoned" with "(6:11: ὑμεῖς λογίζεσθε ἑαυτούς; 'reckon yourselves'-a cognitive action)" (pp. 31, 32, 44, 45, 53). The imperative element invites the believers who have been righted with God through faith to more fully share and live out God's perspective on their union with Christ. Chapter 3, the longest chapter of the book, revisits the topic of the fallen mind and explores "life under the law without life in Christ" in Rom. 7:15-25 (p. 56). Keener's basic assumption is that Rom. 7:7-25 is not Paul's current experience as a Christian but rather "Paul's graphic dramatization of life under the law" (p. 112). This passage thus describes "the more knowledgeable Jewish mind" or "the religious mind informed by God's righteous requirements," in contrast to the pagan mind in Rom. 1:18-32

Paul: In Fresh Perspective, 2009

Conspectus, 2007

The background of Paul's ethical instructions in Rom 13:11-14, that, in view of the imminent return of Christ, Christians should eschew sinful behaviour and instead live righteously, have been assumed by several commentators to have derived from a cluster of disparate images. This approach however results in an irregular and unsatisfactory appreciation of the powerful rhetorical effects of the passage. In this paper, by exploring elements of Paul's doctrine of the "Last Adam" and its associations, especially the "Divine Warrior" motif, I propose that the images in the passage are derived from this Last Adam doctrine. Christians must be motivated to live godly lives because they will imminently inherit the incorruptible and glorious nature of the Last Adam by sharing in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2013

International Journal of Indonesian Philosophy & Theology, 2023

The author identifies several related problems in this scientific work. These problems are evident from the points that have been compiled as follows: First, there are indications that some Christians themselves think that evangelism is only a social activity or just a good life behaviour in society. Second, there are indications that most of our evangelism is direct evangelism. Third, there are indications that not all Christians are passionate about sharing the gospel. The author sees the danger in contextualization: "If contextualization is not carried out, theology will not be relevant; and the same danger is that if contextualization is carried out too vigorously, compromise and syncretism will occur. It is hoped that this research can be input for Christian educators, pastors, and elderly congregations to implement an evangelistic lifestyle under 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 and call the churches to follow him as he followed Christ. Furthermore, it is hoped that this research can be input for Christian educators, pastors, and elderly congregations in implementing an evangelistic lifestyle.

Dissertation for LAEL Graduate School, 1996

This dissertation examines the Pastoral Theology of the apostle Paul in his first letter to Timothy. It seeks to answer the question, "What principles of Pastoral Theology is Paul teaching to the pastors of our generation in his letter to the young preacher Timothy?" This question needs a Biblical answer because pastors face a very difficult challenge today. There is much Satanic opposition causing distraction from Spirit-filled ministry. Many Pastors are frustrated and facing burn out. Others are spiritually defeated and being manipulated by Satan. The answer for the church lies within the covers of the Bible. Paul is the apostle for this church age. His letter is important for study. In pursuing this goal the researcher has examined the general themes of pastoral theology in relationship to Pauline doctrine. The relevant literature was reviewed and the background of First Timothy was examined in relation to this design. The text of Paul's letter to Timothy was studied and translated from the original Greek. The background, history and linquistical significances were considered in the interpretation of the text. The investigator followed the basic outline of Paul's text to bring out its intended meanings. Commentaries and word studies were researched to explore the rich definitions of the text. This interpretation was explained in relationship to practical needs in pastoral ministry. The main body of the paper deals with Paul's application of theology to pastors. Paul warns against false doctrine and exhorts ministers to proclaim Christ as the theme of preaching. Worship in the church centers on the importance of prayer, the sound doctrine of the Scriptures and discipline. The pastor himself is to be an example of godliness to his congregation. He must continually guard against false teachers with their divisive doctrines. He has a great responsibility in dealing with various groups within the church. Special instruction is given for the care of widows. The final message for the pastor concerns the end times and patience until the return of Christ. The servant of the Lord must be content and committed. With false teachers seeking to undermine the church the Pastor is commissioned to earnestly contend for the faith.