Message: “Study Romans part 4” from Joe Summers

Joe Summers - June 30, 2024

Study Romans part 4

Study of Romans Part 4 Review of Romans 12-16 Lesson Objective Objective: To understand and apply the practical teachings of Romans 12-16, focusing on living as a transformed community that embodies love, humility, unity, and faithful service in accordance with God's will. Scripture Romans 12:1-2 (NIV): "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Overview Romans 12-16 shifts from the theological expositions of the first eleven chapters to practical applications for Christian living. Paul provides guidance on how believers should conduct themselves in various aspects of life, emphasizing love, unity, humility, and service. Key Sections and Themes 1. Living Sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) Scripture Reference: Romans 12:1-2 – "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 1. Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." Philippians 1:20 (NIV):I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." 2.Humble Service in the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-8) Scripture Reference: Romans 12:4-5 – "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV): "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV): "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." Humility: Paul instructs believers to have a sober view of themselves and to serve in accordance with the grace given to them. My gift is not better than yours and in fact my gift is useless if I do not use it. Diverse Gifts: Each member of the body of Christ has different gifts, and they should use them faithfully. 3. Love in Action (Romans 12:9-21) Genuine Love: Paul emphasizes sincere love, hating what is evil and clinging to what is good. Scripture Reference:** Romans 12:9 – "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." 1 John 3:18 (NIV): "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." Matthew 5:44 (NIV): "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Peace and Harmony: Believers are called to live in harmony, bless those who persecute them, and overcome evil with good. 4. Submission to Authorities (Romans 13:1-7) Authority from God: All authority is established by God, and believers are to submit to governing authorities. Good Citizenship: Paying taxes and giving respect and honor to whom it is due. Scripture Reference: Romans 13:1 – "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Titus 3:1 (NIV): "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good." 1 Peter 2:13-14 (NIV): "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right." 5. Love Fulfills the Law (Romans 13:8-14) Debt of Love: Believers are to owe nothing except the continuing debt to love one another, which fulfills the law. Living in the Light: Paul urges believers to put aside deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Scripture Reference: Romans 13:10 – "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Galatians 5:14 (NIV): "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" James 2:8 (NIV): "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right." The Weak and the Strong (Romans 14:1-15:13) Accepting Differences: Believers should accept one another’s differences in disputable matters, such as dietary laws and special days. Building Up One Another: The strong should bear with the failings of the weak and seek to build them up. Romans 14:13 – "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV): "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV): "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." 7. Paul’s Ministry and Travel Plans (Romans 15:14-33) Paul’s Mission: Paul explains his mission to the Gentiles and his desire to visit the believers in Rome. Prayer Requests: Paul asks for prayers for his upcoming journey to Jerusalem and his eventual visit to Rome. Romans 15:20 – "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation." 8. Final Greetings and Doxology (Romans 16:1-27) Personal Greetings: Paul sends greetings to various believers in Rome, recognizing their contributions to the ministry. Warning and Doxology: He warns against divisive people and concludes with a doxology praising God for the revelation of the mystery of the gospel. Scripture Reference: Romans 16:17 – "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." Conclusion Romans 12-16 provides practical instructions for Christian living, emphasizing love, humility, service, and unity. By understanding and applying these teachings, believers can live out their faith in a way that honors God and builds up the body of Christ. Goals: 1. Embrace the call to live as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of our minds. 2. Recognize and use our spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ humbly and effectively. 3. Foster sincere love, peace, and harmony within the Christian community. 4. Submit to governing authorities as an act of obedience to God. 5. Fulfill the law through the continuous practice of love. 6. Accept and support one another, especially in matters of personal conviction. 7. Follow the example of Paul in being committed to the spread of the gospel.