Tag: Romans 12-16
A reasonable spiritual act!
Scripture reading for November 21st: Romans 12-16
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.” Romans 12:1-2
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8,10
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” Romans 14:17-18
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made know through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!” Romans 16:25-27
These powerful truths all come in Paul’s response to God’s amazing plan of salvation for Jew and Gentile! In response to God’s amazing grace, we present Him with our bodies as “living sacrifices” and allow God’s word to renew our minds. The Kingdom of God in us brings righteousness, peace and joy through the Holy Spirit that spills over into our daily living. We love one another and fulfill all God’s laws! We live in hope of Christ’s return and eternal glory! What a powerful way to live and prepare for eternity!
Wake Up from Your Slumber!
Scripture reading for November 23rd: Romans 12-16
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8) Now the Bible doesn’t promote being in debt by owing money to other people. In fact, the borrower is slave to the lender and God’s people should not be in slavery. But there is a debt that we must continually be making payments on. This is the debt of love we owe to our fellowman because of Christ’s love lavished on us.
Paul goes on to describe this love in terms keeping the ten commandments. When we commit adultery, it is a lack of love for our friends and neighbors. Murder is certainly a lack of love, as is stealing from a neighbor. Coveting is selfish and not loving. These commandments are all summed up in one rule: “”Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:9b-10)
Paul encouraged the Romans to live a life of real love for each other because of the coming of Jesus Christ! “And do this, understand the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now that when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11-13) The Romans were involved in some deeds of darkness that lacked the love of God. They needed to put off drunkenness and sexual immorality as well as dissension and jealousy. The night was a time of evil and debauchery, but the day was coming!
God’s people must be clothed with light! “Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” This is a word for the day we live in. Many are sleeping and involved in the deeds of darkness. They seem to disbelieve that Jesus could arrive at any time and only those who are watching and ready will go to be with Him. Many are going to be caught asleep and unprepared! It is easy to forget the debt that we owe to others to love them by living a sold out Christian life! “So then, each of us will give an account to God.” (Romans 14:12)
Sunday Rest and Reflection:Romans 12-16
Dear Friends,
Greetings on this wonderful day of rest in Jesus Christ! I have somehow gotten off in my writing and we will need to read for the next six Sunday’s in order to finish the Bible on December 31st! I am not sure how this happened but ask your forgiveness and pray for grace! If I do this next year, I pray that I keep on track! I am resting in God’s grace and thankful that it works out by doing it this way!
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.” Romans 12:1-2
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8,10
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” Romans 14:17-18
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made know through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!” Romans 16:25-27
In His Love, Pastor John