Well, we did it! We covered the overview of the final 5 chapters of Romans today. Chapters 12 – 16 give us the application of the doctrine that is given in chapters 1 – 8. people often ask “What is God’s will for my life?” Romans 12:1-2 answers the question, and then we are given a complete explanation of how to accomplish being a living sacrifice, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds, as opposed to being conformed to the world system.
God’s design for our spiritual growth:
Chapter 12: Be a living sacrifice! We commanded to “work out our salvation”, “exercise ourselves unto godliness”, and “renew our inward man everyday!” Philippians 2:12, 1 Timothy 4:7, 2 Corinthians 4:16 It starts with putting away pride, and living a life of humility. God’s will is defined in v.1-8, and manifested in v.9-21. Love is the critical ingredient – v.9-10, godly character is demonstrated in v.11-15. Thoughtfulness of others is an attribute described in v.16-18. Living peaceably with all who will allow us to culminates in treating our enemies with respect – v.19-21.
Chapter 13: There are two parts to this chapter. First, we are to be good citizens in this present evil world – v.1-7. Second, we are demonstrate love toward one another, by obeying the 5 commandments that deal with how we treat each other, ultimately, loving our neighbor as we love ourselves – v.8-14. Putting on the whole armor of God is synonymous to putting on the Lord Jesus Christ. The daily conscious effort of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ helps us overcome the lusts that plague us in this life. Remember, the lust of the flesh is the desire for passion. The lust of the eyes is the desire for possessions. The pride of life is the desire for power!
Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 John 2:15-17, James 1:14-15
Chapter 14: The main focus is that we be gracious toward each other. We are to exercise our Christian liberty by serving each other with love – v.1-9. Galatians 5:1,13 Secondly, we must remember that we are all accountable to Christ. The judgment seat of Christ awaits us all, where we will give account of our stewardship of the mysteries delivered to us in Paul’s letters.
1 Cor. 4:1-2 The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom that is demonstrated by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Chapter 15: The focus of the first 13 verses is one of manifesting selflessness. We are commanded to be likeminded – v.1-6, and to be unified in our message to the world, one of hope, joy, and peace through the power of the Holy Ghost – v.7-13. Paul’s ministry is defined in v.14-22. He completes chapter 15 with outlining his travel plans in v.23-33.
Chapter 16: Paul is our example of remembering those who assisted him in his ministry as the apostle to the Gentiles – v.1-16. It is our duty to encourage those who have sought to encourage us. We are commanded to avoid those who cause division in the body – v.17-20. Final salutations are given in v.21-24. Finally, Paul gives us the first of five revelations concerning the mystery that was hidden from the foundation of the world – v.25-27. “The Mystery” is this dispensation of the grace of God, and the gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and resurrected the third day, all according to the scriptures! 1 Cor. 15:3-4 It is “Christ in you, the hope of glory!”
Colossians 1:25-29