With a proper understanding of God's design for civil government, the church is to be a law abiding people. We must have a biblical way of thinking about civil government. There are three spheres of sovereignty, and yet each sphere does not have absolute authority. Only God has absolute authority.

In Romans 12:14; & 17-21 we see how our transformed lives affects our relationships to all people, believers and unbelievers. This is seen clearly when we are wrongly treated. Christians are called to not take personal retaliation.

Because of the mercies of God towards us, and by the renewal of our minds, Christians lives take on traits of the transformation that has happened in us by the mercies of God towards us. In Romans 12:9-16 we see nine traits that are to be evident in our relationships with other believers.

What does a transformed life look like? A transformed life is marked by active membership and service in the local church. In Romans 12:3-8 we are told that we must see ourselves as a member of the body of Christ and we must see ourselves as gifted members of the body of Christ.

In response to the mercies of God, we consecrate our lives (Rom. 12:1) and transform our lives (12:2). True Christianity does not simply say "no" to sin, but also says "yes" to righteousness. The Transformation in us: 1. Two commands - do not be conformed & be transformed 2. The means of transformation in us 3. The result of transformation

Romans chapter twelve is a transition to application. Seeing the glories of the gospel in the first eleven chapters leads us to ask, what is an appropriate response to the grace we have been shown?

Romans 11:33-36 concludes the doctrinal section of Romans 1-11. The doctrinal foundation of the first eleven chapters leads to doxology.

What does Paul mean when he writes, "and in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written"? According to Romans 11, God still has purposes for the nation of Israel. They are hardened, until the fullness of the gentiles has come in.