Introduction
We are beginning a two-part study on the Greek word λογικός (logikos, Strong’s 3050).
Definition
Variously translated as reasonable, rational, or spiritual in the English translations; it’s meaning has to do with dwelling upon words or the process by which one reasons thoughts.
Origin
Λογικός (logikos) is an adjective derived from λόγος (logos, Strong’s 3056), which means word or speech.
Usage
λογικός (logikos) is only used two times in the New Testament. However, it provides tremendous insight into the intimate relationship between believers and the Lord. The textual basis for our study is Paul’s presentation of λογικός (logikos) as found in Romans 12:1-2:
1) Therefore, I encourage you, brothers, through the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing to God, which is your reasoning (λογικός) service.
2) And stop continually being fashioned by this age, but be continually being transformed by the renewing of your mind, for you to prove what is the good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.
Therefore
The word translated therefore (οὖν, oun, Strong’s 3767) marks the turning point in the Book of Romans. In chapters 1-11 Paul presented the doctrinal teachings on salvation, sanctification, and the sovereignty of the Lord. Now, the use of οὖν (oun) signals Paul is turning his attention from doctrine to something else; in this case an encouragement for response.
Distinction
Many call chapters 12-16 of the book of Romans the application section. The problem with this designation is the majority of us understand application to mean human effort. That is, we think we must take these truths Paul presented and apply them to our lives; that it is something we perform in our own strength. This is an incorrect perception and faulty reasoning. If we truly understand Paul’s presentation here, then we know all he encouraged believers to do was respond.
Response
It is a major point in this text that Paul is making an appeal, not giving a command. He encourages believers to do something in response to what the Lord has done for them.
Living Sacrifice
Paul has a specific response in mind: present your bodies as a living sacrifice. This is in contrast to the the Old Testament practice of offering dead sacrifices to the living God. Additionally, Paul explains a living sacrifice as holy (set apart for the Lord’s use) and well pleasing to God. We accomplish this through the reasoning process.
Reasoning Process
Looking at the final phrase in verse 1, the best translation is: whom you serve with your (λογικός, logikos) reasoning process. Here Paul depicts a living, intimate relationship between a believer and the Lord. A relationship so intimate the Lord desires to be directly involved in the decision-making processes. Remember, we do not have the capacity to serve two masters. Indeed, it is in the decisions of life that we are serving Christ. In every situation we face, as we reason things out in our minds, we must submit ourselves to His Spirit to work His will and accomplish His purpose. By making such a decision to be obedient to Christ, we surrender our body and sacrifice our life; thus becoming a living sacrifice. This intimate interaction is the basis for the important commands Paul presents in verse 2.
Fashioned
How do we cultivate this intimate interaction with the Lord? Paul says, Stop continually being fashioned by this age. Fashioned means shaped and formed as a person by outward influences. So Paul commands us to stop allowing the age in which we live to dictate how we think and how we act. While at the same time, be continually being transformed.
Transformed
Transformed is the Greek word μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō, Strong’s 3339) and is the origin of our English word metamorphosis. μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō) describes a change that takes place from the inside out. Here in Paul’s command it describes the work of God’s Spirit transforming us from the inside. This transformation is an ongoing process accomplished by the renewing of your mind.
Perceive
The word translated mind is νοῦς (noos, Strong’s 3563). It has to do with the perceptive abilities of the mind; that is, how we perceive the things happening around us. After salvation, the sin that we practiced continues to affect us because the mind carries a record of the experiences of the old life. This sin-based record distorts our ability to perceive the activity of the Spirit of God in our life; and is why the renewal of our mind is so important. As we walk with the Lord through our day to day life, He uses His Spirit to minister His Word to us, effectively rewriting our experiences and making new our perceptive processes.
Prove
Paul says the reason for this renewal of our mind is “for you to prove what is the good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.” The word translated to prove is the Greek word δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, Strong’s 1381). It is a process in which you approve or disapprove of something after testing. Through the renewal of our minds, we gain the ability to test the things we encounter in life. And through testing we are able to perceive what is the good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.
Summary
Paul’s presentation of λογικός (logikos) depicts a living, intimate relationship between believers and their Lord. In verse 1, Paul asks believers to consider all the Lord has done for them (as presented in chapters 1-11). In light of these mercies, Paul encourages believers to respond by becoming a living sacrifice; which means serving the Lord with their reasoning process. Paul goes on to explain the development of the reasoning processes with his commands in verse 2. Here believers are commanded to simultaneously resist the influences of the world; and submit to the Spirit of God. Clearly, the Spirit’s work takes place internally; ministering God’s Word to believers’ minds and renewing their perceptive processes. As a result of this renewal, believers are able to test the things of this life to accurately perceive the Lord’s will. This process is what allows believers to make decisions to be obedient and in service to the Lord and His will.
Conclusion
With many believers finding security in following rules and regulations, it is important to understand the ultimate relationship with the Lord results from a decision to present the body to the Lord for His use and His glory. It is through participating in λογικός (logikos) with the Lord’s Spirit – reasoning out the issues of life – that a believer’s relationship with the Lord grows ever more personal and intimate.
Notes
– Logikos is the English font spelling of the Greek word λογικός.
– All Biblical quotes contained herein are a Literal English Translation of the Bible produced by BTE Ministries – The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America.
