SURVEY OF ROMANS

CENTER FOR CHURCH ENRICHMENT

ROMANS SURVEY

TEACHING OUTLINE 10

ROM 12-13

How Shall We Then Live

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Introduction

The chapters that follow, Rom 12-15, are what we call paranetic material, that is, practical ethical material that flows naturally from doctrinal material.

Rom 1-11 form the great doctrinal material of Paul’s Roman Epistle in which he outlines the gospel message he plans to preach in Rome and Spain.

This forms the major element of his “ambassadorial” letter to Rome in which he presents his theological credentials.

Equally important to his theological credentials is the ethical side of his teaching.

In this paranetic section of Romans Paul both outlines the practical side of his doctrine, and also lays out those principles which he believes the Roman Christians will also hold dear.

Rom 12:1-2 Man’s Response to God’s Redeeming Mercy and Grace

Paul appeals to The Christian’s understanding of God’s mercy and grace and encourages the Christians to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God.

In doing this he uses the priestly language of sacrifice and suggests that a life offered to God is one’s spiritual worship.

Such spiritual worship is to be accompanied by a transformed life, transformed by the renewal of one’s mind.

By not being conformed to this world one is able to offer sacrificial service to God that is in keeping with his will (the Jew would correctly understand this as according to the Torah – instruction of God).

Such everyday life giving worship is good, acceptable to God, and perfect (mature).

Rom 12:3-8 The Use of God’s Gifts of Grace

In keeping with Eph 4:7-11 Paul suggests that God gives gifts of his grace to Christians.

These gifts need not be miraculous gifts (some in New Testament times were), but whatever gifts Christians receive they are to use them in service of one another and of God and his purpose.

In 1 Cor 12:4-11 Paul encourages the Corinthian Christians to use their giftedness in service of one another, and not for self aggrandizement!

We need to stress that because the Holy Spirit works in us and helps us grow in our giftedness, this need not imply that these gifts involve miraculous powers.

Whatever gifts we have we are to use them with zeal and joy.

Rom 12:9-21 Appropriate Conduct Among Those in Covenant Relationships With God and One Another

The basis of all Christian relationships must always be genuine love for one another.

Refer to 1 John 4:7-21 for what John says of Christina relations and love.

Perhaps there was tension between the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome that caused Paul to remind them of this essential dynamic in Christian relationships.

In all congregations of people, even God’s people, there will be tension and friction at times. (Rom 14 and 15 will also address such tensions.)

Christians must make every effort to put others before themselves and to do everything to maintain peace.

Furthermore, Christians are also to love their enemies, and this would be especially relevant in Rome! (See also Matt 5:43; Rom 12:20)

Rom 13:1-7 The Christian and The State

With the Neronian experience behind them, and still with them, The Christians in Rome may rightfully have felt sensitive about the Roman Government!

Paul, nevertheless, encourages them to be obedient to civil authorities and to respect governors.

As a sign of Roman citizenship Paul charges them to pay their taxes! How appropriate for today!

Jehovah Witnesses interpret this section as speaking of church authorities, but the context denies such interpretations.

Peter in 1 Pet 2:13-17 likewise encourages Christians to respect their governing authorities, and this was also in the context of Rome!

Rom 13:8-14 Urgent Exhortations

Paul encourages the Christians in Rome to owe no-one anything other than to love them!

This is not a prohibition of loaning or borrowing money, but is an emphasis on the importance of love!

Love for one another fulfils the law (Torah) which had much to say about how people in covenant relation should treat one another (see the 10 commandments).

Note Gal 5:14; Col 3:14; James 2:8; and Matt 18.

Paul reminds the Christians that they are living in the last days (what hour it is the term hour – kairos – speaking of significant, urgent time).

Note Acts 2:17 and Heb 1:2 on Christians living in the last days.

These are the days of salvation, there are no other days or chances, therefore use these days well and appropriately!

Note Eph 5:15, 16 and Col 4:5, make the most of the time!

Christians do not know when Jesus will return, perhaps any time, so they need to be ready and live every day with the urgency of the last day!

Summary of Rom 12 and 13

These chapters introduce the practical response Christians should make to the grace of God.

Christians offer their lives as living sacrifices to God in response to his grace.

There is always the danger that Christians will take the grace of God lightly (sell it cheaply in the market place) and fail to see the great blessing they have from God in Christ.

The impact of the grace of God on Christian’s lives should be a transformed life of priestly service to God.

This service is seen in how Christians use the giftedness God has given them.

We use giftedness, not for self aggrandizement, but in service of one another!

Love must always be the motivation for Christian relationships, and in loving one another appropriately, one fulfills the law (Torah).

Christians must be good citizens and respect governing authorities!

Finally, Christians must realize the urgency of the time and make the most of the time in service to God and one another!

Notes:

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