November 18, 2014
Romans 12-16
Today, we have five chapters of some of the most important reading in Romans!
In Romans 1-8, we read a summary of what we believe about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Human sin and salvation in one of the most complete theological treatises in the New Testament.
In Romans 9-11, we read of God’s heart for both His chosen people and all people, how we Gentiles have been grafted into Israel, and how God intends to “save all Israel.” This section concluded with a song to God’s unfathomable greatness.
But here in Romans 12, the rubber meets the road!
Read Romans 12-15 prayerfully, and with this question in mind: What does God want me to do about this? Here’s a brief outline of what Paul will cover:
Spiritual Gifts (12:3-8)
The Marks of a True Christian (12:9-21)
Submission to Authorities (13:1-7)
Fulfilling the Law through Love (13:8-14)
Not Passing Judgment on a Fellow Christian on Disputable Matters (14:1-12)
Not Misusing Our Freedoms (14:13-23) and Jesus’ example (15:1-7).
After re-iterating God’s heart for all people, Jews and Gentiles, Paul speaks of his own ministry and his desire to come to Rome. Romans16 is NOT to be skipped. Read this chapter of “greetings” carefully, and see what you learn!
This entire section begins with two crucial verses, if we are to live the words of these chapters: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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