Render Unto Caesar

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This message is part of a series of messages over the Book of Romans. This sermon introduces the first several verses of Romans 13 concerning submission to governing authorities.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

The message today addresses a topic that is probably considered controversial, which means that there are a variety of views and opinions about how the text should be interpreted for modern Christians.

As you can see by reading just the very first verse of Romans 13, the topic is about the believer’s responsibility to civil authorities or the government.

I want to introduce the subject by sharing some quotes that I’ve found in Draper's Book of Quotations …

Plato, The philosopher (428-348 B.C.) – “The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves.”

George Washington – “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

Calvin Coolidge – “The foundation of our society and of our government rests so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings should cease.”

Charles Colson – “Government originated as an ordinance of God. It is, in one sense, God's response to the nature of the people themselves. While it cannot redeem the world or be used as a tool to establish the kingdom of God, civil government does set the boundaries for human behavior. The state is not a remedy for sin, but a means to restrain it.”

Charles Colson – “While human politics is based on the premise that society must be changed in order to change people, in the politics of the kingdom it is people who must be changed in order to change society.”

The duties and obligations of government and citizens to each other is the topic of endless debates among Christians and non-Christians alike. Apparently the Apostle Paul realized that there was a need for him to address this issue even with Christians living in the first century. He is writing to believers living in Rome, which was the capital of the empire.

We are studying the portion of Paul’s letter in which he has been talking about how the principles of salvation through Christ should affect the conduct of believers. He definitely believes that faith in Christ should impact the conduct of the believer.

A couple of weeks ago, we noticed in 12:1 that the first priority in the conduct of a Christian is a total and complete consecration of himself to God. Now, it makes sense for him to explain how their respect for civil authority is really connected to their consecration to God, because “there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” If they are going to be truly consecrated to God, then that includes giving honor and obedience to God-ordained rulers.

[I didn’t have time to go through the outline as given, so I hit some highlights and “ad-libbed”.]

D. Christian conduct involves respect for authority. (13:1-7)

i. Respect for authority is expected. (1, 5)

Exodus 22:28 (NKJV) "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

a. Respect includes submission. (1, 5a)

The point is, don’t be rebellious or revolutionary against legitimate authorities.

b. Submission involves compelling reasons. (5b)

ii. Respect for authority is explained. (1b-4)

Immediately after commanding that the Christian believers be submitted to the governing authorities, Paul explains why it is necessary and reasonable to do so.

a. Authority is ordained by God. (1b)

“For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

There are several OT passages of Scripture that I think will shed some light on what Paul says in the second part of verse 1.

Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV) The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs was written by King Solomon; a man who followed God, so he could say the king’s heart is in the hand of God, but…

The next two passages were written by prophets who lived and prophesied during the times of foreign occupation and under the reigns of kings who were not God-fearing men. And yet, hear what the Word says about God’s authority over them.

 Jeremiah 27:6-7 (NKJV) And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field I have also given him to serve him. ⁷  So all nations shall serve him and his son and his son's son, until the time of his land comes; and then many nations and great kings shall make him serve them.

Daniel 2:20-21 (NKJV) Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. ²¹  And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Daniel 4:17 (NKJV) 'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'

b. To resist authority means resisting God. (2)

Since all authority is ordained by God; i.e. He raises up rulers and puts down rulers, then it is only logical to conclude that rebelling against authorities is the same as rebelling against God.

Sometimes in Scripture, God is portrayed as raising up specific rulers to bring judgment upon the nation for their corruption and immorality.

To rebel against the authorities is to rebel against God, which will result in bring condemnation upon ourselves.

God is still sovereign, and while He certainly allows rulers and kings to exercise free will, just like He does all human beings, yet there is nothing a king or ruler can do to frustrate God’s overall plan for the world and humanity.

There is nothing that the Republican Party or the Democrat Party can do to overrule God’s divine purposes for our nation or our world.

c. Authorities serve God by promoting good. (3-4) 

iii. Respect for authority includes appropriate support. (6-7)

a. Support is given through required taxes. (6)

b. Support is given through attitudes and actions. (7)

Conclusion:

We have the responsibility to live as citizens of two kingdoms.

Let us close by singing a hymn that has some very appropriate words, which apply to the topic of today’s message:

We Are Called To Be God’s People    

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Living the Love of Christ

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This message is part of a series of messages on the Book of Romans. This covers Romans 12:9-21.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

If you have an outline, you will notice that last week we began with Roman numeral VI.   God's righteousness is revealed through the conduct of believers. (12:1-15:13)

We discussed points A & B last week as we covered verses 1-8 in chapter 12.

A.   Christian conduct involves consecration to God. (12:1-2)

B.   Christian conduct involves participation in the body. (12:3-8)

Today, I am going to try to cover verses 9-21. As I have stated in the past, I will not be going over every word or even every phrase, but we’re trying to hit the main thoughts that the Apostle addresses in each chapter. I’ve been trying to do about 2 sermons per chapter, so that doesn’t give us time to examine every detail.

I’d just like to restate a small part of what I shared last Sunday for those who might not have been here. In the letter to the Romans, the Apostle has primarily written concerning theological and doctrinal topics during the first 11 chapters.

Now, starting with chapter 12, he is emphasizing the practical aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrating how doctrinal truth affects practical Christian living. Paul is not one who believes that a Christian’s life isn’t really too different from the non-Christian. Paul definitely believes that a person’s faith should have an impact on the way he lives his life.

Being a Christian is certainly more than intellectually accepting a collection of truths and propositions. It really involves a life that is governed by those truths that provide the foundation for faith.

Let’s go to the 12^th chapter of Romans now to continue our examination of Paul’s admonitions.

C.   Christian conduct involves a demonstration of love. (12:9-21)

I don’t suppose that there is a Christian believer anywhere that disputes the fact that we should live out the love of Christ in our everyday lives. Anyone who knows anything at all about Jesus’ message knows that He preached that we ought to demonstrate love to one another.

Even some secularists and atheists will say that we should “do the loving thing” when asked how people should treat one another. But the real question is, “How is love defined or described?” Is love anything that I say it is? Or, are there some specific qualities and characteristics of love defined in Scripture?

I think you know the answer to that question. The Bible has plenty to say about what genuine love really is. 1 Corinthians 13 (which we heard read in today’s Scripture reading), is one of the best descriptions of love ever written.

i.   Love is demonstrated to fellow believers. (9-13)

In verses (9-13), according to some scholars, Paul writes about showing love to fellow-believers.

There are several characteristics that he describes as true about the kind of love Christians should demonstrate.

a. It must be sincere and morally sound. (9)

When we try to show love to one another, we must make sure that we are not “just putting on an act”.

“without dissimulation” (KJV) – the verb form of this word means to act on a stage, impersonate, or pretend, thus, play the hypocrite.

In other words, the expression of love must be genuinely sincere.

It also must be morally sound. “Abhor… evil; cling to the good.”

In the minds of many liberals today, we are expected to love everything. But God says in order for our love to be genuine and to have virtuous quality to it, we must HATE some things.

Our love for one another has to have a moral quality about it that causes us to “cleave/cling” to that which is classified as “good” and it must cause us to “abhor/loathe” that which is evil.

i.e. Love what God loves, and hate what God hates.

b. It must be unselfish. (10)

Verse 10 speaks of “kind affection” and “brotherly love.” Both of these words are compound words that include one of the Greek words for love, “phileo.”

This is a tender, warm, family-type love we should be demonstrating to one another.

And, it must be unselfish. “In honor, preferring one another.” I don’t believe there is a better way to describe unselfishness.

c. It must be vibrant and spiritual. (11)

Three qualities given in verse 11 all combine together, I believe, to express the idea that our love should have a quality of vibrancy and fervency. “Not slothful, i.e. diligent;” “fervent;” “serving”

When we practice showing love to one another, we ought to do it with a spirit that demonstrates desire and passion; not half-hearted.

The fact that we are told to serve the Lord indicates that our love-inspired deeds of service are to be a spiritual service or sacrifice to the Lord, not merely a deed done for another person.

If we’re doing it for the Lord, then it won’t matter if others notice or not, or if the recipients appreciate it or not. We’ve done it for the Lord! And He always appreciates our sacrifices of love.

d. It must be bathed in prayer. (12)

The Apostle apparently recognizes that even when we attempt to show love to one another, there are plenty of situations where we can be discouraged with the results or outcomes.

The only way to overcome the negative situations we meet as we try to demonstrate love is to bathe every action in prayer. That will enable us to experience joy that is inspired by hope, and to endure even when our efforts have resulted in tribulations (troubles).

e. It must be evident in service. (13)

In this verse, Paul defines one of the practical ways that love should be expressed among us – showing hospitality and meeting needs of other believers as we become aware of them.

ii.   Love is demonstrated to non-believers. (14-21)

It is fairly plain to see that verse 14 begins to talk about our interactions with non-believers because of the reference to “those who persecute you.” It is possible to be persecuted by other believers I suppose, if it is done in ignorance, but Paul is probably speaking about those who genuinely oppose the Christian faith.

a. It is counter-cultural. (14, 17a)

In verse 14 and the first portion of verse 17, Paul is urging the Christians to do something that is completely and totally abnormal for most people – i.e. bless those who persecute you, and don’t seek revenge.

These instructions certainly mirror the message of Jesus when He spoke of the ways we are to treat our “enemies.”

Please understand, dear friends, if we are going to be genuine followers of Jesus Christ, our faith must be lived out in ways that goes completely against what is “normal” in the eyes of the world.

b. It identifies with conditions of others. (15-16)

When we live out the kind of love that God has and the kind of love that Jesus preached, then we will identify and empathize with the feelings and situations of people around us.

We will truly rejoice with those who rejoice, and we will weep with those who weep.

Verse 16 emphasizes the idea that we are to be so filled with humility that our hearts are literally in tune with those around us. We are not arrogant, super spiritual, self-righteous snobs, but we are identifying with the feelings and desires of others.

Religious pride and a haughty spirit certainly damages not only our reputation, but our Lord’s reputation and it hinders our ability to effectively bring others to Him.

c. It plans for opportunities to serve. (17b)

The word “provide” (KJV), is a word that means to perceive beforehand; consider in advance; foresee.

(Wuest's Word Studies) …the translation conveys the sense of providing honestly for ourselves and our families.

“things honest” – goodness that is obvious in appearance.

(Wuest's Word Studies) That is, the Christian is exhorted to take careful forethought that his manner of life, his outward expression conforms to, is honestly representative of what he is as a child of God.

d. It seeks peace rather than conflict. (18)

Living in peace with all men is the goal of the genuine Christian that lives out the love of Jesus.

Paul’s statement seems to imply that it is not possible to be at peace with some people because they will not have it so. But, that doesn’t relieve us of our responsibility to seek peace everywhere and every time we can.

“Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Do you wonder why Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are the peacekeepers?” “Making peace” is usually much more difficult than “keeping the peace.”

e. It seeks reconciliation rather than revenge. (19-21)

Finally, Paul urges his Christian brothers and sisters to do away with any thought of revenge against those who have mistreated them or wronged them.

If you “avenge yourself” (v. 19), you will have been overcome by evil (v. 21)

When he says, “give place to wrath,” he is saying we need to step back and allow God to take care of the situation. “Pay backs” and “vengeance” are His responsibility. We need to let go and leave it to him, even if He chooses not to “punish” to the extent we think is appropriate.

Conclusion:

Well, we have come to the end of chapter 12 and I don’t know about you, but I feel like I still have a lot of growing in grace to do in order to live up to all these qualities.

Let me be bold to say, that we should not just shrug this off and excuse our selves by saying, “Oh well, no one can live up to that standard anyway.”

No, as genuine people of faith, we need to be digging deeper and asking God for His grace to become more and more like Jesus in our daily interactions with other Christians and with the people of the world around us. Amen? Amen!

I think there is a hymn that would be an appropriate testimony and even a prayer for all of us.

That is: “I Want to Be Like Jesus” 

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Let's Be Reasonable

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This is a message that is part of a series of messages on the Book of Romans. This message speaks concerning Romans 12:1-8.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Well, some of you might have been thinking this day would never come! We actually are getting back into our series of messages on the NT book of Romans.

It’s hard to imagine that we actually started this study nearly a year ago in September of 2013, then took time off around Christmas & Easter.

As we begin our study in chapter 12, we are heading into a section of Paul’s letter that is quite different from the first 11 chapters.

Most of the first 11 chapters covered deeper theological and doctrinal topics regarding the salvation that God has provided through Jesus Christ.

Now, he is changing his emphasis and focusing on how Christian believers ought to respond to God’s saving grace in the way that we live out our faith.

Some have pointed out that Paul, as in most of his letters, has been using a lot of verbs in the indicative form, which shows general statements of fact, but now he is going to use many verbs in the imperative form, which denotes commands, and instructions. The idea seems to be that he is saying, “Because this is true, do this.”

From now on to the end of the book we will be focusing on how Christian behavior should reflect Christian beliefs.

 The title I have chosen for today’s message reflects the words found at the end of verse 1, “which is your reasonable service.”

Let’s take a look at the first several verses of chapter 12 in order to discover what is involved in “reasonable service” to God.

For today’s message I haven’t really developed an outline that fits the pattern I have been using. I’ll try to have that ready for next Sunday.

There are two main thoughts I want to discuss with you today: First, What does “reasonable service” mean? And Second, what does “reasonable service” involve?

I. Reasonable Service Defined

II. Reasonable Service Described

What is the Apostle talking about when he uses the terms that are translated, “reasonable service?”

I. Reasonable Service Defined

“reasonable” – This is the same word from which we get the English word “logical.”

(Wuest's Word Studies), says, “The word "reasonable" is logikos, "rational, agreeable to reason, following reason." Thayer says, "the worship which is rendered by the reason or the soul." This is in contrast to the worship of the priests which consisted of outward forms, symbolic in themselves of spiritual truth, and yet not rational in the sense that this worship was not devoid of a material connection. Vincent says, "Reasonable, not in the popular sense of the term, as a thing befitting, or proper, but rational, as distinguished from merely external or material. Hence nearly equivalent to spiritual…. Israel preached the gospel through the use of object lessons, the Tabernacle, Priesthood, and Offerings. The Church preaches the same gospel in abstract terms.”

“service” – (Wuest's Word Studies) … in the LXX, "the service or worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law." It is used in Hebrews 9:6 of the priests who performed the sacred service. Thus, it speaks of priestly service. Doubtless, in the thinking of Paul, the word was used here to speak of the believer-priest's sacred service, not as the Levitical priests, offering a burnt sacrifice which was apart from themselves, but a living sacrifice which was not only part of themselves but also entailed the giving of themselves in connection with the giving of their bodies to the service of God, for a person cannot act independently of his body.

So, the Apostle is admonishing his readers to engage in service to God that is a sacred form of worship, but it is also that which goes beyond the external or material. It is sacred worship that is coming from the heart and soul rather than outward ceremony and ritual.

What is the basis or motivation for this “reasonable service” or “rational” “worship?”

It is the “mercies of God.” (See 11:30-32)

(Clarence Bence, Wesleyan Bible Commentary) Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, former president of Asbury College, would remind his students that the motivations which prompt unbelievers to turn to Christ are based largely upon self-interest and gain. People come to Christ to escape hell, gain eternal life, or put their shambled lives together….

However, Kinlaw suggests it can be otherwise with the believer whose sinful nature has been crucified and replaced by the presence of the Spirit. This individual is capable of a truly selfless act—an act of spiritual worship. The believer offers himself or herself to God, not so much for what can be gained, but rather as an expression of pure devotion in view of God's mercy, which has already been experienced.

The mercies of God include all the aspects of salvation that the Apostle has already explained in the previous chapters.

i.e. – calling, justifying, adopting, sanctifying, filling with Spirit…

II. Reasonable Service Described

The Apostle doesn’t just admonish his readers to engage in rational worship service to God, then leave them in the dark about what that involves.

He provides some pretty specific descriptions about what it means.

I want to acknowledge first of all, that the specific “reasonable service” he is talking about is restricted to verse 1. However, I am going to include the main thoughts from vv. 2-8 as well, because they also are part of the instructions that Paul issues.

The description can be obtained by looking at the instructions that Paul gives to the readers.

v. 1 – “present”; v. 2 – “don’t be… be”; v. 3 – be involved by exercising God-given gifts

A. A Complete Consecration

Paul urges his readers to surrender themselves in a complete and total consecration to God. The language in verse 1 compares to the presentation of sacrificial animals for sacrifice to the Lord.

The word, “present” is used in a verb tense that indicates a once-for-all event. In a very real sense, it is just like putting the animal on the altar knowing that it is an irreversible sacrifice/offering. This sacrifice, however, is not a sacrifice of a “dead” animal, but it is a sacrifice of our living bodies; ourselves.

Perhaps Paul uses the term “bodies” here to emphasize that this is more than just a mental or spiritual exercise that is suggested by the words “reasonable service” we mentioned earlier.

God wants more than our intellectual and spiritual devotion to Him. He wants our bodies to be surrendered to Him as well.

It seems to me that this would include all the appetites and passions of the flesh. Now they are sacrificed to the will and purposes of God.

It is to be a “holy” sacrifice. Holy = separated and pure.

It will be “acceptable” or well-pleasing to Him, like a “sweet-smelling aroma” i.e. OT sacrifices.

B. A Complete Transformation

Not only is it reasonable for us to completely and totally surrender our lives to God, but it is also important for believers who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ to have a complete transformation.

Paul urges them to “not be conformed” but to “be transformed.”

This is a popular text and many of you may have already heard plenty of sermons on it.

My studies on this verse have revealed that the word “conformed” means “to be squeezed into a mold.” (present tense)

“world” – lit. age

“transformed” – same Greek word from which we get the word metamorphosis; the process a caterpillar experiences when it changes into a butterfly. (also present tense)

“renewing of our mind” – the thought processes and modes of thinking need to be changed before behaviors can be modified. (ie, “stinkin’ thinkin’”)

C. A Complete Participation

Going on the verses 3-8, it seems that the Apostle is logically explaining, “If you have totally consecrated your life to God, just like an animal that has been sacrificed, and if you are being transformed into a new person, then this is how you should be working that out into your life.”

Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought. (He certainly isn’t saying that we should think of ourselves more lowly than we ought either.)

We’re not superior to any other person, but we’re not a filthy piece of garbage either. We may have made some very wrong choices in life, but we’re still human beings created in the image of Christ…

When we have the right perspective about ourselves, then we will realize that we are part of the body of Christ and we are meant to fit in and perform our function just like every other part does.

This is one of the passages in the NT that emphasizes the use of spiritual gifts within the context of the church of Jesus Christ.

God doesn’t expect us or approve of us independently living our lives any way we please without getting “plugged in” to His family of believers and contributing to the overall health and benefit of the whole family.

As part of the “body” you have a contribution to offer that other members need. And, other members of the body have contributions to offer to you that you need. We were never meant to “go it alone.”

I saw some computer files recently which indicated that Pastor Allen had apparently done a study on spiritual gifts to encourage people to use their gifts for the benefit of the church.

Perhaps we will need to do that again sometime soon and help each Christian believer here to become actively involved in ministry.

The point I want to make today is this: it is “reasonable” for Christians who have been redeemed and made new by the blood of Christ to use their gifts and abilities to serve God in the context of the whole church body.

Conclusion:

In closing, let me just complete the circle and come back to the phrase in v. 1 “by the mercies of God.” The mercies of God provide the basis and motivation for all we give back to God. He has given infinitely more than we could ever give Him.

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