September 16, 2012
Morning Service

Chapter 12 was filled with challenges of living as a “living sacrifice” (Surrendered, transformed) to God. 

Don’t pretend to love, really do it.  Hate evil and cling to good.  Love your brother fervently, honoring him.  Serve God with enthusiasm.  Let hope carry you through the hard times and create patience in you.  Pray more and He will give you strength, peace and victory.

 

Help fulfill the needs of your Christian brothers and be hospitable.  Bless those who curse you.  Rejoice with those who celebrate and cry with those who mourn.  Get along with one another and don’t think you are better than others.  Never repay evil for evil and be honest with everyone.  If possible as much as depends on you live in peace with everyone.  Let go of your need for revenge and turn it over to the Lord.

 

In chapter 13 Paul continues to challenge us on three levels that we all struggle with; politics, money and our time.

 

Rom 13:1-6 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority but of God; the authorities that exist are ordained by God.  (2)  So that the one resisting the authority resists the ordinance of God; and the ones who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  (3)  For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. And do you desire to be not afraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you shall have praise from it.  (4)  For it is a servant of God to you for good. For if you practice evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword in vain; for it is a servant of God, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.  (5)  Therefore you must be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake.  (6)  For because of this you also pay taxes. For they are God's servants, always giving attention to this very thing.

·         God is in control of all things and all authorities (governments) have been put in place by Him.  They do not all seek to follow Him, but He is in control of them.

·         We Christians, living transformed lives can in no way live out our faith and rebel against the authorities set over us.  Rebellion against them is rebellion against God (verse 2).

1Ti 2:1-3  First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,  (2)  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  (3)  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

·         How many times have we talked our past and current presidents and how many times have we prayed for him?

1Pe 2:13-17  Then be in obedience to every ordinance of men, because of the Lord, whether to a king as supreme,  (14)  or to governors as sent by Him for vengeance on evildoers, but for praise on well-doers.  (15)  For such is the will of God, doing good to silence the ignorance of foolish men;  (16)  as free, and not having freedom as a cover of evil, but as servants of God.  (17)  Honor all. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

·           We are obligated to keep the laws of our land for two reasons (verse 4); fearing punishment, and for conscience sake. A faithful Christian will be an excellent citizen.

·         We can however draw the line where the governing authorities require us to go against our Bible teachings.  Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4)

 

Rom 13:7-10 Therefore give to all their dues; to the one due tax, the tax; tribute to whom tribute is due, fear to whom fear is due, and honor to whom honor is due.  (8)  Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves another has fulfilled the Law.  (9)  For: "Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not lust;" and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  (10)  Love works no ill to its neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.

·         We are to be faithful to our responsibility of financially supporting our government and giving respect and honor to those in authority.  Jesus’ example with Peter (Matt 22).

·         Verse 8 basically means “pay your bills on time.”  It is extremely difficult to live in our society without debt, but it can be done.  We are called to be good stewards with our money paying those we owe according to the agreement we signed.

·         How can we live a transformed life of loving our neighbor and exclude our finances?

·         Love fulfills the law.  Love is the one debt we can never repay.  If we truly love others as Paul calls us to, we do not have to worry about breaking any other laws because love fulfills them all perfectly.

 

Rom 13:11-14  This also, knowing the time, that it is already time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.  (12)  The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  (13)  Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in revelry and drunkenness; not in co-habitation and lustful acts; not in strife and envy.  (14)  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provisions for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.

·         Wake up!  It is time to begin walking the path of righteousness.  Time is short; that someday we will surrender all of ourselves to Him needs to be today!

·         No one knows the time or the hour, but we certainly see all the signs of time quickly spiraling to an end.

·         We are called not to conform in these areas; partying, drunkenness, immorality, shameless living, contentions, and never being satisfied.  All these things appease the flesh for a short time, but leave the soul thirsty.

Heb 10:25  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

·         Verse 14 sums it all up for us, “put on Jesus Christ.”  If we filter all we do through that statement we will live a transformed life.

Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

·         The call here is for us to put our priorities first upon the spiritual things of life and then, God will help us with everything else.  Many times once we surrender our will to His is exactly when He grants us our desires.