Romans in a Nutshell
Part Seven
Remembering back to chapters 1-11 we found two groups of people Paul was addressing, each in their own perspective, Jew or not a Jew (Gentiles), and how both groups are equally sinners and yet saints by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul now writes in Chapter 12, in view of that mercy, he wants to speak to all believers about a servant’s heart. You both live in the culture of ‘the world’ but you don’t have to let the world mold and shape your perspectives. Being conformed means you’re identifying with the ways of the world and your beliefs have become shaped by your culture. Paul conversely writes that God’s way is better, being transformed, metamorphed, into a child of God that follows only one truth: God’s Word.
As servant’s of God we begin in humility, demonstrating our love through actions, even within our government systems (Ch. 13). God created governments with purpose and we, as Christ-followers, are expected to obey our laws. Also, he cautions us to be careful with debt, pay our taxes, and daily walk in the Spirit. He’s there to help us make the right decisions and live in peace in this invisible Kingdom of God representing Jesus to this lost world.
Chapter 14 is the beginning of Paul’s closure to this rather long letter and he again makes reference to the two groups of people: Jew and Gentile. Referencing dietary laws and special days of the week he’s speaking to His Jewish family since they weren’t ready to let go of their traditions quite yet. They had become judgmental and a stumbling block to Gentile brothers and sisters in their church. The foods you eat or don’t eat or the specific days you hold special are not important enough to cause disunity and offenses in our churches. Living in the Kingdom of God is not about that; it’s about our right standing before God as forgiven and justified believers and it’s about the peace and wholeness the Holy Spirit imparts into us that brings indescribable joy. That’s our focus.
The apostle Peter struggled with the same judgmental attitudes toward the Gentiles, consequently, God gave him a supernatural, prophetic vision of their inclusion into the Plan of Redemption (Acts 10:9-16, 28).
“You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28
Judging others is a big deal to God, He’s warning all of us, Jew or Gentile, to reject those opinions and live together in unity. Since we’re the Gentiles who appreciate being included into salvation through the Jewish Messiah, let’s be careful to let our love be genuine, outdoing one another in honoring others (12:9-12), stay spiritually passionate, prayer warriors, and generous, hospitable saints. That’s preaching the gospel in a nutshell, without using many words.
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