A Religion of Relationships (Romans 12)
In vv1-2, he describes
what it means to love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and
strength.
•
In vv3-8, he describes how to love (view) ourselves.
•
In vv9-21, he describes what it means to love
our neighbors (in the church and out of the church).
Our Relationship with God (vv1-2)
(vv1-2) Our
motivation: God’s mercies.
•
Our worship:
Living sacrifices (7/24 disciples); reason, not ritual.
•
Our focus in this relationship.
–
We are transformed, not conformed (metamorphoo
-- to change to another form. See Matthew 17:2 and 2 Corinthians
3:18).
–
We are able to discern his will for us
-
understand our gifts and roles in the body.
Our Relationship with Ourselves (vv3-8)
Humility (v3) is a
matter of seeing ourselves soberly (literally, to be in one's right
mind) - who
are we really?
•
Function (vv4-5) -- we have different roles
in the body to meet other’s needs.
•
Gifts (vv6-8) are mentioned to demonstrate
the view we are to have toward ourselves.
What About These Gifts?
Except for prophecy,
natural or non-miraculous gifts.
•
They have been called genetic and environmental
gifts.
•
We are born with talents or capabilities, and
our environment has served to help develop them.
More About the Gifts
Gifts of the whole
body reveal Christ.
–
Compare Col. 2:9 with Ephesians 1:22-23.
–
Just as Christ revealed the fullness of God,
the church reveals the fullness of Christ!
•
Difference between gifts and responsibilities
is important.
•
Let him use his gifts -- use yours and
others discover and use theirs! (NOTE: the NIV 2011 gives the charge to the
gifted to use their gifts.)
A Final Thought About Gifts
Some gifts are more
“up front” gifts, and other are more “behind the scenes.”
•
Which type are we most impressed with?
•
Which type is God most impressed with?
•
God’s answer:
the ones most connected to character (which are not the “up front”
gifts, by the way).
Our Relationship with Other Christians (vv9-16)
Sincere love.
•
Zeal spreads--stay fired up (v11).
•
Joy, patience, prayerfulness, and hospitality
are demonstrations of love for others (vv12-13).
•
Righteous responses when hurt by others is
vital (v14).
•
Harmony is the atmosphere (vv15-16).
Our Relationship With Our Enemies (vv17-21)
Do not seek
retaliation (let them win their “be ugly” contests!).
•
Do set an absolutely pure example.
•
Make peace your goal (not “winning”) with everyone,
even those who test your patience and heart most!
•
Serve your enemies in every way.
•
Trust God with the outcome!
A Religion of Submission (Romans 13)
Disciples
are submissive in a number of different areas:
–
To Christ (Ephesians 5:24).
–
To each other (Ephesians 5:21).
–
To leaders in the church (Hebrews 13:17).
–
To masters, employers (Ephesians 6:5-9).
–
Wives to husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24).
–
Children to parents (Ephesians 6:1-4).
–
To leaders in government (Rom. 13:1-7).
Submission to Government (vv1-7)
- – •It is
commanded by God (even with Nero in power).
- •It is
a reasonable response.
- –God
established governmental authority (the concept, not a specific type - vv1-2).
- –Rulers
protect society (vv3-4).
- •By
punishing wrongdoers.
- •By
rewarding those who do good.
- •“Bear
the sword” v4 = capital punishment.
Submission to Government (continued)
Because of our
conscience (v5) -
the violation of laws also violates our conscience.
•
It is a responsibility (vv6-7).
–
To pay taxes.
–
To respect officials.
•
Never speak evil of them (Titus 3:1-2).
•
Always pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
•
NOTE:
only exception--Acts 5:29.
Submission to Each Other in Love (vv8-10)
(vv8-10) Don’t
build up worldly debts.
•
Do stay in debt to love the brothers.
•
Love fulfills all of the other one
another commands.
–
Love for God is our primary motivation to
serve him (Matthew 22:36-40).
–
Love for others is our highest obligation in
human relationships.
–
1 Cor. 13:4-7 = Say Jesus’ name, & yours!
Submission to Righteous Living (vv11-14)
(vv11-14) Wake
up! -- You are closer to death and judgment than ever before.
•
Eradicating sin is but one part of
righteousness (see Matthew 12:43-45).
•
Being clothed with Christ starts at
baptism (Galatians 3:27), but continues daily (Romans 13:14).