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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)

•       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)

–      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)