My Brother's Keeper

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This is a sermon based on Romans 14:1-13. It is one segment in a series of messages on the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

You’ll have to forgive me, but when I decided on the title for this message today, I immediately remembered a joke that I read years ago.

Anyway, there was this ape that escaped from the zoo and was gone for hours and hours while the authorities searched everywhere. Finally they found the ape in the local library with an open Bible and open copy of Darwin’s book, Origin of the Species. When they asked it what it was doing, it replied, “I’m trying to find out if I am my brother’s keeper or my keeper’s brother!”

Getting back to the point of our scripture, we are looking at a passage today that speaks about the Christian’s duty to be sensitive about his influence over other believers and tolerant toward the beliefs of others.

We are going to learn that part of “growing up” or becoming mature in the Christian faith involves having the ability to accept other believers at their stage of Christian growth without condemning them or without becoming discouraged and doubting my own faith.

Today’s message and the messages over the next two weeks will be dealing with different aspects of this theme regarding our interaction with and influence over other Christians.

F.   Christian conduct involves personal maturity. (14:1-15:13)

One of the things that many Christians seem to ignore about the Christian life is that the Bible repeatedly informs us that we are expected to “grow up” in our faith and in our relationship with Christ.

It is not expected that we just “pray the sinner’s prayer of confession and faith” then do nothing else.

Earlier this morning we dedicated a baby to the Lord. I am pretty sure that when her parents brought her home from the hospital, they didn’t just place her in her crib then walk away saying, “Well, we got that done, now we can get back to living our lives.”

No, it is a natural assumption that there will be a lot of work for the parents, and there will be a lot of learning and development for the baby. If there isn’t, then they immediately know that something is clearly amiss.

The same principle applies to newborn Christians. We all are expected to grow up and mature in our faith and understanding of salvation, as well as our understanding of Christian lifestyle matters.

i.   Those who are mature can accept others. (14:1-13)

a.   Acceptance means avoiding judgment. (1-3)

We are commanded to accept believers who may not be at the same level of growth or understanding as we are. But the command is qualified by the phrase, “Not to doubtful disputations.” (KJV)

(Arndt and Gingrich, Lexicon, p. 185, quoted in Reasoner) “Welcome [one another], but not for the purpose of getting into quarrels about opinions.”

The exercising of judgment can work both ways.

“despise…judge” – the person with the stronger conscience about non-essentials is ordered to not despise (i.e. treat with contempt; scorn) the weaker one, and one with weaker conscience regarding non-essentials is ordered to not judge (condemn) the stronger one.

b.   Acceptance allows for individual conscience. (5-6)

When we accept fellow Christians, it not only means that we refrain from condemning them, but it means that we allow each one the personal freedom to live as they believe God wants them to live.

By “personal freedom” I’m talking about freedom that is informed by the Word, not just by my own personal opinions.

Cf. Php 2:12 “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Does not mean figure out whatever you like or want regarding what salvation (i.e. pick and choose that things you want to believe and obey in the Bible.)

It does mean work out your salvation into your everyday life, keeping in mind that you must do it for yourself, I can’t do it for you.

The key words in these verses are:

“let each be fully persuaded [convinced]” AND “observes (or observes it not) to the Lord” In other words, every person needs to assume the responsibility to become convinced by the scriptures regarding the truth.

I’ve often told people during my years of ministry, “Don’t accept this just because I said it. Study it out and check it out for yourself. If you don’t, then the next person who comes along that has a different opinion/interpretation than I do, will be able to sway you to a completely different viewpoint.

AND, every person needs to do what they do because they are doing it for the Lord, not so they can please another person.

c.   Acceptance includes accountability to God. (4, 7-13)

Before we explain the purpose of this last point I want to highlight a phrase there in the second half of v. 4. “he will be made to stand [KJV, holden i.e. held up], for God is able to make him stand.”

Part of this truth regarding accountability to God includes the fact that each one of us is God’s “project.” i.e. I am not responsible to make sure someone stands, God is able to do that.

The final point we want to make from this portion of the chapter is this: When we learn to accept one another, we understand that each one of us is accountable to God.

Paul summarizes his point regarding this in verse 12. This statement captures what Paul has been trying to explain in the preceding verses.

That means two things:

1. I don’t have to answer to other people for whatever I feel God wants me to believe or to do. I have to answer to God.

2. Since I am accountable to God, I have a personal obligation to search out God’s Word and His will for my life. It won’t pass as an excuse when we stand before Him, to say, “I’m sorry God, but so-and-so told me that this behavior was okay, or that doctrine was the proper understanding of your Word.” I could be wrong, but I wonder if God is going to ask us if we even bothered to study on it for ourselves.

The final point from Paul in this section is provided in verse 13, which acts like a transitional statement leading into the next point, and he is essentially saying this:

“Since all this is true, let us all purpose in our hearts that we will not become a stumbling block (obstacle) or the cause of anyone falling from faith.”

He is not urging us to be worried all the time about another Christian’s disapproval of our belief/conduct, yet we should be sensitive if our belief/conduct causes another Christian to sin or abandon their faith.

If we notice that has happened, it may not mean that we must change (although it could), but it definitely means we should at least take the time to show concern and compassion to the brother/ sister and explain to them from this passage of scripture that God wants them to be firmly convinced in their own minds about His will and then live it out only for Him, not for me.

Conclusion:

In conclusion today, I want to quote to you some summary comments made by Dr. Vic Reasoner in his commentary on Romans.

(Dr. Vic Reasoner) Spirituality is not measured by the number of scruples [i.e. ethical rules]. The kingdom of God is not defined by external regulations. Yet the church must be united in essentials. [Back] in 12:16 Paul commanded the congregation at Rome to “be of the same mind.” Here he allows for diversity over nonessentials. Paul is not, however, promoting situational ethics in which every person [makes up his own principles of right and wrong].

We are to be fully persuaded or convinced in our mind. It is sin for us to precede over the top of doubt (v 23).We are not to judge a brother over nonessentials. Whatever we believe on nonessentials is between us and God (v 22). But we are not to cause our brother to stumble. There is a difference, however, between evoking our brother’s disapproval and causing our brother to fall into sin. We must learn to discern between that which is crucial and that which is cultural. The weaker must not judge everyone else by his standard. The stronger is not to treat his weaker brother with contempt. [John] Wesley wrote, “The longer I live, the larger allowances I make for human infirmities. I exact more from myself and less from others.”

Bishop John Potter advised Wesley, “If you desire to be extensively useful, do not spend your time and strength in contending for or against such things … of a disputable nature; but in testifying against open notorious vice, and in promoting, real, essential holiness.”

I think these comments by Dr. Reasoner pretty well summarize what we have been discussing in these verses today.

I trust that God will give us wisdom to know what He desires from each of us personally in regards to daily living out our Christian values, and the charity to accept others who disagree with us.

 

 

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Channels of Love and Holiness

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This is a sermon based on Romans 13:8-14 and it is part of a series of messages on the book of Romans. This sermon speaks about the Christian believer's responsibility to live out their faith in a way that emphasizes love and purity.

Written text:
 

Introduction:

We are continuing our study of the letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome.

Since we resumed our series of messages at the beginning of this month, we have been looking at chapters 12 and 13.

We noticed how that Paul has taken a definite turn in his writing to speak more directly about the practical application of faith and living out doctrinal beliefs.

He provided the theological foundation for the faith in the first 11 chapters, but now he wants believers to apply their theology to everyday behavior and conduct.

Last week and the previous week we looked at the first part of chapter 13 concerning Paul’s admonition to submit and respect those in authority over us.

Today we are going to discuss the second part of the chapter.

If you are following one of the outlines that have been made available, we are ready to cover…

E.  Christian conduct involves public morality. (13:8-14)

At first glance, it might seem that verses 8-10 have little to do with verses 11-14.

In fact, when I preached through Romans in my previous church, I chose to view verses 8-10 as “Part 2” to the theme of love that Paul talks about in verses 9-21of chapter 12.

However, after further consideration, I have chosen to look at these two paragraphs as being more closely related than I previously thought.

I think the common theme between the two paragraphs is the theme of public morality.

The topic of morality has to do with choices and behaviors that are either right or wrong; good or evil. These verses highlight the aspect of “doing what is good” (i.e. love) and “avoiding what is evil” (i.e. works of darkness).

      i.  Morality is based on genuine love. (8-10)

The first of these paragraphs emphasizes the good or the right kind of life we should strive to live. And, there is no better theme that we can think of to capture the overall concept of moral living than the theme of love.

            a.  Love is the fulfillment of the law. (8)

This point is explicitly stated in the second half of verse 8, but let’s talk a little first about the first part of the verse.

“Owe no man anything, but to love one another.” – This verse is often quoted as a proof text against borrowing money. Others quote it as a text against Christians getting behind in their financial obligations.

However, I am convinced that the phrase is meant to be understood within the context of the preceding verses.

If we do that, then we will have to understand Paul to be literally saying, “Stop owing (getting behind in your payments to) any member of the governing authority in regards to taxes, customs, fear (reverence, respect) and honor.”

If we understand the word “all” in verse 7 to be referring to all people in general, not merely governing authorities, then verse 8 would extend to all people as well. But, he is still specifically talking about taxes, customs, fear and honor.

So Paul is essentially saying:

Don’t owe any man any of these things I have just mentioned, but only owe them love.

Even if you remain “paid up” in regards to all these other things, you still owe each other the debt of love.

Let everyone of us keep on owing love and paying out our debt of love to each other.

(Now, it does appear that Paul is expanding his view of whom we owe love to by including the commands of God in v. 9, especially the command “love your neighbor as yourself.”)

Then, in the second half of the verse, he proclaims that love is the fulfillment of the law.       

Moving on to verses 9-10, we discover that…

            b.  Love is defined by the law. (9-10)

I’m quite sure I made this observation when we back in chapter 12, but many people like to be pretty vague about what genuine love really involves.

There are those who have approached Christian Ethics with only one principle to live by, “Just do the loving thing in every situation.”

However, many of those same people are opposed to any specific definition or description of love. Love, for them, is strictly defined by the situation. i.e. there may be times when adultery is the “loving thing to do,” or there may be times when lying is the “loving thing to do.”

But Paul says that love is explained, defined by the law.

If we really love one another, then we will fulfill all of these commands he has quoted from Moses.

This makes it clear that “love” is much more than just warm, fuzzy emotions that we may or may not feel toward another person.

It is spelled out in objective and measurable terms.

[1993] “…in 15 years of asking high school students throughout America whether, in an emergency situation, they would save their dog or a stranger first, most students have answered that they would not save the stranger. "I love my dog, I don't love the stranger," they always say. The feeling of love has supplanted God or religious principle as the moral guide for [many] young people. What is right has been redefined in terms of what an individual feels.”  (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/m/morality.htm)

The Apostles James and John have plenty of things to say about love and what it means as well. It is a study well worth the effort to look up all that the NT has to say about loving one another.

“love does no harm” – This is not the same as the golden rule that Jesus gave, but it is what some have come to refer to as the “silver rule,” i.e. do no harm.

The golden rule, on the other hand, urges us to actively or positively do the good that we would want others to do for us.

Not only is morality based on genuine love (vv. 8-10), but…

      ii.  Morality is illustrated by light vs. darkness. (11-14)

There are various places in Scripture where light and darkness are used as synonyms for righteousness or unrighteousness; morality or immorality.

So Paul urges Christian believers to be people who live in the light rather than the darkness.

            a.  Awareness of current conditions is necessary. (11-12a)

“Awaken” – it is incumbent on every believer to be alert and awake in regards to the conditions of the world and society in which we live.

“time” – a word that speaks more of a season than calendar date(s).

Alertness and awareness are necessary because time is running out and the seasons are changing. Now is the season of grace and the season for repentance and seeking God, but when that is ended, it will be the season of judgment.

“far spent… at hand” – further description of the “time to awaken”. The season of darkness is ended and the dawn has arrived. A vivid picture of day-break. (Robertson, Word Pictures)

            b.  Response to conditions is required. (12b-14)

Since the present season of darkness is coming to an end, and our day of final salvation is nearer, therefore we must carry out some specific actions.

“cast off” (v. 12b) – the form of this verb is a mild command; exhorting the performance of some action or duty. (Hortatory subjunctive; Danta & Mantey Greek Grammar)

We are urged to cast off the works of darkness which would include anything and everything that is contrary to the light of God’s holiness and righteousness, but some specific examples are provided in the following verse, which we will mention in just a moment.

“put on” (12b, 14) – it is not enough to simply refrain from ungodly and immoral activities, which we obviously must do, but we must also positively seek to “put on” certain qualities and behaviors as if we are putting on new clothes.

We are exhorted to specifically put on the “armor” or “weapons” of “light.” This is probably a reference to a parallel passage in Ephesians 6.

In v.14 we are exhorted to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This implies an ordering of our lives according to His principles and example. Galatians 3:27 reads, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.”

(Reasoner) This implies a deliverance from the dominion and nature of sin, a participation in the divine nature, conformity to the divine image, the consecration of our heart and life to God.

“walk” (13) – The walk or “going around in daily life” is to be done “honestly,” i.e. honorably, seemly or decently.

How is that defined? Not this… (KJV) “not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”

He is essentially telling them that the kind of life we are to be living must not involve carousing or partying; drunkenness; sexual immorality; unbridled desires; quarrelling and jealousy.

He uses these negative terms to describe the kind of walk we should not engage in, but it could also be thought of as a partial list that helps define the “works of darkness” mentioned in v.12.

In contrast to these things that we are NOT to practice, we are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, as we described a moment ago.

We are finally exhorted to “make no provision for the flesh… for lust”

i.e. Do not make plans or forethoughts for the satisfaction of passions and desires of the flesh.

Conclusion

Once again we have been reminded that Paul firmly believes that a person who has been justified and sanctified by the blood of Jesus should live a lifestyle that stands in stark contrast to the lifestyles of the dark world around us.

We are urged to live a moral life which can be summed up as loving God enough to follow His standards of righteousness and loving our fellowman as expressed in the Ten Commandments and especially the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

There is a sense in which both of these paragraphs is talking about love. The first speaks about love for our fellow man. The second speaks about love for God that is so committed and faithful to Him that is draws us away from the former behaviors that can be characterized as the works of darkness.

How are you doing in respect to this admonition to publicly live as Scripture teaches?

May the Lord help each and every one of us to purpose in our hearts that we will more closely demonstrate the love of God and the works of light in our daily lives.

Our closing song today is a chorus that is not in our hymn books, but the lyrics are on the inserts in your bulletin.

Love Through Me


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Render Unto Caesar (Conclusion)

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This is a sermon based on Romans 13:1-7 and is part of a sermon series through the book of Romans. This message discusses the Christian's obligation to respect and submit to authorities.

Written Excerpts:

Those who were here last Sunday know that I didn’t really have time to dig into our study of this chapter as I planned, so we just kind of shared some highlights of the subject that is presented here.

Today, I want to return to this passage to look more closely at the message the Apostle Paul is giving to us regarding the Christian’s responsibility to be subject to the governing authorities.

Last week I began by sharing some quotes that I’d found in Draper's Book of Quotations …

Quotes by Plato; George Washington; Calvin Coolidge; & Charles Colson

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.”

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

This explains why we have political philosophies which strive to create a “utopia” here on earth, but fail to address the deep corruption that exists in the hearts of human beings.

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.

We’ve studied chapter 12 already, so let’s turn our attention to the 13^th chapter to learn what Paul tells believers regarding their role as citizens under authority.

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. (Probably writing during the reign of Nero.)

If you have one of the outlines I’ve provided for our study, we are going to be looking at the section labeled with the letter “D”…

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

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

In the outline here I have stated this point quite “modestly” by saying that respect is expected. The reality is, the wording of the text shows that respect is commanded.

I believe that there is a good possibility that Paul is basing his remarks on a command given by God in the book of Exodus.

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

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

The form of the verb that is used here indicates the voluntary placing of one’s self under the authority of another. In this case, the governing authorities.

In verse 1 the verb is in the form of a command.

In verse 5 the verb itself isn’t in the form of a command, but it is further clarified by the words “must needs be” (KJV) or literally, “it is necessary.”

Paul doesn’t give any qualifications, he just says, be subject; be submissive. I agree that there are other passages that shed some light on this directive, but we’ll come back to that later.

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

b. Submission involves compelling reasons. (5b)

According to the second half of verse 5 there are two basic reasons to be submitted to civil authorities.

“for wrath” – out of fear of retribution or punishment if we don’t.

Submitting out of fear can have the idea of awe or reverence, but there is also the element of fear of consequences.

However, fear of consequences does not produce right attitudes.

Illustration of little boy that had been told to sit in a chair for awhile because he had been disobedient. He said, “I may be sitting down on the outside, but I’m standing up on the inside!”

“for conscience” – out of a personal moral obligation to obey God because we love Him and want to please Him.

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 shared last Sunday, which help explain Paul’s rationale for saying what he says in the second half of verse 1.

A few of them especially speak of God’s sovereignty over pagan kings. Hear what the prophets say 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.

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

“God’s minister;” “minister of God” – The word for “minister” is the same word that gets translated “servant” and “deacon” in other contexts. (In v.6 however, it is a diff word; “liturgy” comes from this word and it referred to servants in the temple performing rituals, sacrifices, etc. for worship.)

Paul again is emphasizing that civil authorities are serving God by keeping evil in submission in the society.

Rulers & authorities, as a general rule, are not a threat to “good works” but to evil ones.

They exist for the purpose of keeping law and order and to see to it that evil does not gain the upper hand in society.

He goes so far as to say “if you do evil,” i.e. if you violate the standards of lawful conduct and commit evil against another citizen, then you have every right to be afraid, because the “minister of God” is going to bring judgment upon you.

“bear the sword” – probably a direct reference to capital punishment.

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

In verses 6 & 7, the Apostle concludes his comments about submission to authority by reminding the Christians that government structures have to be funded by some appropriate means. That means tax $.

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

“tribute” – is translated “tax” in most all recent translations.

He is acknowledging that citizens must support the necessary means to provide for the public safety of the society.

I don’t believe that this verse gives elected officials the right to confiscate the wealth of some citizens for the primary purpose of giving it to other citizens, which in turn, helps them buy votes for the next election.

As I stated some time ago during my series of messages on the Ten Commandments, the 8^th commandment still says, “Thou shalt not steal,” even if you’re in a position of power and authority.

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

“Render to all their due” – i.e. pay your moral obligation

Paul explains what we owe to our leaders in addition to taxes. He first mentions “tribute” (taxes) again, then he adds:

“custom” – another word for tax. Some believe it represented an indirect tax on goods, while “tribute” could represent tax on lands.

“fear” – probably a reference back to vv. 3-4, when he says we have nothing to fear if we are behaving the way we should, but if we commit crime, we better fear.

Now, he is saying that we should rightfully fear those in authority, not because we have committed a crime, but because of the potential for justice if we should. i.e. have respect, reverence.

“honor” – in chap. 12, v. 10, the Apostle instructs Christians to prefer one another in honor. The same courtesy should be extended to rulers and authority figures.

Conclusion:

I think that we can see from these verses that a Christian should be one who is respectful and submissive to ruling authorities rather than rebels and instigators of revolution.

At the same time, we must realize that the kingdom of God does not = the kingdom of this world, nor does the kingdom of this world = the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God cannot be ushered in by the powers of this world. In other words, politics cannot accomplish moral/spiritual revival. It must occur in the hearts of the citizens, and it must come from God.

As responsible Christian citizens in a nation that is becoming more and more heathen in its beliefs and practices, we still have a Christian duty to be respectful and especially to pray for the governing authorities.

We need to be praying for God to help all our leaders to be what God wants them to be.

If and when those in authority try to compel us to do something that God specifically condemns, then there are scriptural passages that indicate we should “obey God rather than man.”

Acts 5:29 (NKJV) ²⁹  But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.

We don’t have the time to deal with this issue today, but the Bible does give us some guidance on how believers should behave when we feel we must disobey the government. That’s a discussion for another time.

As I stated last Sunday, we Christians have the difficult task of living as citizens of two kingdoms – the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the governing authority in which we live.

May God grant wisdom and courage to all of us that we might not only understand our responsibility as citizens, but that we might have the courage to stand for God in an increasingly pagan society. 


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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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