GOD
… Reconciling the world unto God …
The Scripture used throughout this study is quoted from the King James Version. Any explanatory insertions by the author within a Scripture verse are enclosed in brackets [ ]. |
© 1996 by Vincent C. Finnegan
P.O. Box 3098, Latham NY 12110, USA
| Preface |
| Chapter One — Romans 12 |
| Chapter Two — Romans 13 |
| Chapter Three — Romans 14 |
Preface
God communicates in great detail everything we need to know in order to be constantly living for Him. The Word of God has in it all things which pertain to life and godliness (II Peter 1:3). Therefore, Christian living is not left to chance or to man’s will.
We must be born before we can live! Just as the activities of life cannot precede the existence of life, Christian behavior is not possible until we are Christian. This is so obvious and logical it seems foolish to state. Yet, many Christians think and act as if their activities or “good works” not only preceded the new birth, but are even necessary in order to receive the new birth (earning it for them). Can you imagine having to work before being born physically in order to earn the privilege to be alive? Impossible! In like manner, we must be born again of God’s spirit before we can live a spiritual life. Christian behavior is not possible until we are first a Christian. Once we have been saved, then we have the ability and the responsibility to do the good works God has ordained for us to do. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
The first part of the book of Romans shows how we are saved by His grace and not by our own works. It gives the great doctrinal presentation of God’s justification freely provided by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24). The twelfth chapter of Romans begins the practical section of the book explaining the lifestyle of “good works” which God has ordained for us to do. Romans 12-16 provides the specific details on how to be constantly living for Him.
Chapter One — Romans 12
This section begins with three words which take our breath away, "I beseech you." “Beseech” means to lovingly implore or lovingly beg. God lovingly begs us to live for Him! One would think we should be lovingly begging for the opportunity to be living for Him.
Romans 12:1:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
"THEREFORE" is like a giant stop sign which says “stop, consider where you have traveled from before you proceed.” It urges us to consider that which preceded before we consider that which follows. “Therefore” also acts as the center of a mighty fulcrum which swings us from the doctrinal presenta- tion of Romans into the practical application of that doctrine. If we fail to pause and understand the preceding concepts, we may very well misunderstand that which follows.
When we consider the phrase: "Therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God," we must ask what are the mercies of God spoken of in Romans 1-11? The beginning chapters of Romans show us unequivocally that we were dead in sin — helpless, hopelessly lost, and without God in the world. None did good, no not one. We were without strength, ungodly, sinners, and enemies of the very God Who would lovingly free us by His grace. We deserved absolutely nothing other than condemnation, and yet by God's loving mercy and grace, we received everything. God proved to us
His great love in giving His son on our behalf. We were freely redeemed because of Jesus Christ's costly sacrifice.
Romans teaches us the great redemptive privileges afforded us, not by our works, but by His grace. We have been released from the sin nature, death, and condemnation which we inherited from Adam. In Christ we are justified, righteous, and sanctified. We are made to be God's sons and are promised we will be glorified together with Christ in eternity. All of these great realities are now ours by “the mercies of God.”
The word “therefore” in this transitional verse reminds us that we were saved by grace and not of works. That which follows (Romans 12-16) addresses the works we are to do now that we have been saved. These works are never to be done to receive that which could only be received by grace. We are told how to do that which we are asked to do: "present your bodies a living sacrifice unto God.” This phrase could be literally translated "constantly living for Him.” No one could walk “acceptable unto God” without first having been accepted by Him. No one could walk a holy walk without first being holy. No one could walk a just walk without first being justified. No one could walk a righteous walk without first being righteous. No one could walk in anticipation of the hope of Christ's return without already knowing that he is included in that hope.
We must always keep God’s mercy (communicated in chapters 1-11) in mind if we are to walk rightly (as instructed in chapters 12-16). If we forget His grace and mercy, our Christian walk may be reduced to religious, meaningless activity whereby we go about to establish our own righteous ness (Romans 10:1-3). Such works are not holy or acceptable to God.
As we keep in mind the mercy of God and constantly live for Him, the result will be a holy life which is acceptable or well pleasing to God. Constantly living for God is our reasonable service. The Greek word for “reasonable” is logikos from which we get the English word "logical." When we consider all that God has done for us by His grace in Christ Jesus, constantly living for Him is absolutely our logical service. If living for God is not logical to us, we need to go back to the preceding chapters and learn their lessons better. Chapters 12-16 of Romans show us how to do that which we have been lovingly asked to do: “present your bodies a living sacrifice,” constantly live for Him which is holy and well pleasing to God.
The very first matter to consider in our service to God is the renewed mind. Christian living must always begin in the mind. Our walk is from the inside out.
Romans 12:2:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye trans formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The word “world” in Greek is aion which could be translated “age.” Conformity to this age will hinder us from living for God. Satan, the god of this world (II Corinthians 4:4), is the one who determines the schemes of this age (Ephesians 2:2), greatly influencing the behavior of mankind (Ephesians 2:3). Therefore, God tells us not to be conformed to this age.
Rather than adapting to this age, we are told to be transformed (Greek - metamorphoo). From metamorphoo we get the English word "metamorphose." A tadpole is meta morphosed into a frog, a caterpillar into a butterfly. Like wise, our behavior, our lifestyle, is to be metamorphosed from the old into the new conduct. We are not to conform to the outward age; but we are to be transformed to the inward man which is Christ.
When we were born again, we received God’s gift of holy spirit. This holy spirit made us holy and gave us a spiritual life. With this gift, we also received our redemp tion, justification, righteousness, sanctification, and reconcili ation. We are spiritually perfect and, thus, complete. However, in order to manifest this completeness in daily living, we must be transformed, and this happens as we renew our minds. The mind must learn to think in agreement with the holy spirit which we have within us. The metamorphosis of our lives takes place as we renew our minds.
“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 33:7). All that we manifest in our lives is a direct result of the thoughts we harbor. If our thinking conforms to this world, our lives conform to this world — all of its ups and downs, negatives, hurts, distresses, sicknesses, and failures. If our thinking is according to God’s Word, our lives manifest God’s Word — its victories, positives, joys, peace, and promises. As we think God’s Word, we renew our minds, and our lives are changed. Life is determined from the inside out.
Romans 12:1 tells us our logical service is to live con stantly for Him. Verse two tells us the renewed mind is the beginning of how to live for Him. Verse three tells us how to renew the mind by thinking correctly.
Romasn 12:3:
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to THINK of himself more highly than he ought to THINK; but to THINK soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We are told how "not to think," how we "ought to think," and "to think soberly." Prideful and egotistical thinking is unsound thinking. “Sober” or sound thinking is according to the measure of faith God has graciously dealt us. We must remain humble and not think more highly than we ought to think: "...what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (I Corinthians 4:7). Everything we are in Christ is by God's loving grace.
We should think according to the measure of faith which has been given to us. We are redeemed, justified, righteous, holy, glorified and children of God. We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Nothing can separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors. We have been called by God Almighty to be with Him forever. All of this and much more (which is communicated in Romans 1-11) are that which we should think, and as we do, we will be renewed in our minds and transformed in our lives. We are to believe that which God says we are and that we received it because of His grace and not by our own work.
The believer's first and always primary responsibility is to maintain a loving relationship (fellowship) with God the Father, and that requires the renewed mind. Fellowship with God includes a recognition of others in His family and godly, loving behavior toward them. We are all members of one body and have a responsibility to love one another (I John 4:7).
Just as we have many parts to our physical bodies, so does the Body of Christ. We are all a part of it, and each of us is needed to make it complete. We each have different work or services to perform.
Romans 12:4 and 5:
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
The word "office" means function or things to do. Each member of Christ's Body is unique. No other can take your place. No one else can do that which you can do because no one else is you. You are unique, and God says the function you render in the body is unparalleled and absolutely needed. To think differently is to contradict God’s Word. You may not feel important or needed, but feelings are not the criteria for truth. Feelings should never be our standard for living. They may be based in fear, doubt, or sin-consciousness; or they may be due to pride, stubbornness, or selfishness. The Word of God is truth and is the standard by which we should live, not our feelings. Therefore, we must sometimes overcome or change our feelings in order to line up our thoughts with God’s Word. You do not want to disagree with God. Each of us is unique! Each of us is needed!
In I Corinthians 12 God expands the illustration given in Romans. The section shows the interdependence and inter- relationship of the members of the Body of Christ again by using the human body. Can the foot replace the hand? Can the ear replace the eye? Are the foot, hand, ear, and eye all needed in the human body? So is each member in the Body of Christ needed. We need each other.
I Corinthians 12:14-25:
For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
As a unique member of the Body of Christ, we each have a unique function which is a responsibility to serve. God has already given us this ability to serve by His grace and expects us now to get busy serving.
Romans 12:6:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
The word "grace" is charis in Greek, and the word "gifts" is charis with ma on the end — charisma. The suffix "ma" indicates the gift as a result of grace. The emphasis of this word "gift" is grace. God has given each of us the spiritual ability to serve in the Body by His grace. Again we are reminded of God’s grace, but this time we see the require ment to render loving service to others.
We cannot divorce loving God from loving our brother. If we love God and want to enjoy having fellowship with God, we must love our brother. The Epistle of I John was written so we could maintain fellowship with God (I John 1:3 and 4. Throughout this epistle, God exhorts us to love one another.
Far too many Christians have forfeited their fellowship relationship with their Father because they refuse to love their brother. When we love our brother, we eliminate the "occasion of stumbling."
I John 2:9-11:
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
The word “hate,” Greek - miséo, as used here in I John, implies an active ill will in words or conduct. The word “love” can mean different things to different people; therefore, some clarity is needed. Often children of the same parents will answer authoritatively and affirmatively when asked if they love one another. Yet, they often say and do things to each other which are unloving and even mean. These individuals have a bond because of their common relationship and experiences. This bond is called love, but should not be confused with the love of God to which the Bible refers. God’s love is not a passive mental attitude; God’s love is a mental state which translates into godly actions towards others. Deeds which emanate from a compassionate heart are the love of God.
I John 3:14-18:
… He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Loving our brother is not optional behavior if we want to stay in fellowship with God. God, our Father, requires us to love. We are in a position of owing Him; we owe Him to love each other.
I John 4:10-12:
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation [payment] for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
We love God because He first loved us. We are COMMANDED to love our brothers also.
I John 4:17-21:
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
We love him, because he first loved us.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
The word “Christian” means Christ in. The holy spirit is Christ in us, and God wants us to live as Christ lived. We are not asked to suffer and die as Christ did but rather to live as he did. He lives in us! Christ said, “...the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister" (Matthew 20:28). So likewise, God wants us to minister to each other. The lifestyle of a Christian is one of love and service. We are no longer to be lost in our own, little worlds with concern for self and self only. We are now part of a family, and we are to serve. We were born to live but born again to serve.
Romans 12:6-8 shows us we have many ways of serving, and exhorts us to get busy serving. If you excel in prophecy, get busy prophesying. If your ability is in ministering to others, get busy ministering; if in teaching, teach, etc. The point is not your specific function but your determination and zeal to serve. We need not wonder what our function is — rather just get busy doing whatever we are able to do, for that is our function. For a more clear understanding of these scriptures, eliminate the italicized words which were added by the translators.
Romans 12:6-8:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
In the Greek the word "cheerfulness" is hilarotes from which we get the English word "hilarity." When we are showing mercy, we should be cheerful. God does not want us to be martyrs suffering and dying for Him. Christ suffered and died in our place so we could today constantly live for Him. Our service in the Body is not to be carried out with murmurings and disputing (Philippians 2:14), but with cheerfulness because we are blessed, thankful, and happy to serve.
Quickly following the exhortation to get busy serving, we are commanded to ensure that all service is rendered in love without hypocrisy.
Romans 12:9:
Let love be without dissimulation....
“Dissimulation” means hypocrisy or pretense. In the Greek language, this word was used to describe an actor on the stage, someone who impersonated or someone who was playing a part or several parts. We are often tempted to go through the motions of Christian service without having our hearts in it. This mechanical behavior is like being an actor on a stage or an impersonator. Rather than being Christ-like, we act Christ-like. Whenever we find ourselves behaving in this robotic fashion, we need to slow down and bring our hearts back to God.
God wants service, but it must be with a genuine, pure, sincere, godly love proceeding from our hearts. All service to our fellowman must emanate from hearts of love for God. Earlier, we saw that love as just a mental attitude is not sufficient but deeds must correspond (I John 3:18). Now we see that deeds alone are not adequate either. God is not pleased with good works without the motivation of love. Love talk without actions is wrong, and actions without love are equally wrong. “Let love be without hypocrisy” brings our attention back to the renewed mind communicated in verses two and three. We are to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. The love in our minds and hearts should determine the actions in our lives.
If we want to live for Him, we must serve others; but this service must be done His way, THE LOVE WAY. God has given us the ability to serve and to operate manifestations, and He tells us to do so with love.
I Corinthians 13:1-3:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love], I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and under stand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity [love], I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity [love], it profiteth me nothing.
All that we do should be done “...in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:5-6). We must keep God in the center of our hearts. Fellowship with Him must never be forfeited, not even for service to others. Our primary concern is to be always walking in oneness with Him. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). As God remains the first love in our hearts, we will love as Christ did, without hypocrisy.
Romans 12:9:
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
“Abhor” and “cleave” are two words with contrasting commands. “Abhor” is to shrink away from with horror. It is to loathe, to feel overpowering disgust or hate. “Abhor” describes the attitude and actions we should have toward evil. Regretfully, we live in a time when graphic violence and open sexual perversions are paraded before us continually in the media (television and movies, for example). Our culture has not only failed to abhor evil; but we have succumbed to entertaining ourselves with it.
“Cleave” means to hold fast, to cling faithfully, to be glued together. “Cleave” describes the attitude and actions we should have towards good. Thus, we want to cleave to the things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and having virtue or praise (Philippians 4:8).
What we cleave to is what we will think about; what we abhor, we will not be thinking about. The thoughts we dwell on (harbor) determine how we live. Then, if we are to become mature Christians, we need to reject patiently and faithfully those thoughts which disagree with God’s Word. As we cleave to that which is good, we will be kindly affectioned one to another.
Romans 12:10:
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
A similar command is given in Philippians, and Jesus Christ is given as an example of how we are to regard one another. We are encouraged to think the way he thought when he selflessly humbled himself to suffer and die for us on the cross. He preferred us; he honored us; he esteemed us above himself because of his love and obedience to God.
Philippians 2:3-5:
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
God created us to love Him and others also. Christians are not to live for themselves, but for the Father and His family. “Preferring one another” implies a reaching out to help others. We live in an age when self-absorbed estrange ment is very common. Yet, we are told by God not to conform to this age, but instead be transformed. Living love’s way is to be our metamorphosis.
In the first century Church, God moved greatly among the believers. Acts 2:41-47 tell us the believers had and main tained a loving relationship with their Father and each other. This relationship was called fellowship. “Fellowship” in the Greek is the word koinonia which means sharing fully. The believers were involved in each other’s lives daily. They shared fully because they had genuine affection for each other. Brotherly love abounded. The believers CARED about each other to the degree that they preferred one another.
Acts 2:42-47:
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
As we approach the close of the 20th century, the Church is faced with a great problem. Instead of behaving as the believers of the first century did, many behave more like those in medieval times when people lived in their own isolated castles. Separation and hostility rather than fellow ship marked this time in history. So it is in our time; detachment and noninvolvement describe the Church today. People have become self-absorbed rather than caring for others. Locked behind closed doors, staring mesmerized at the television, we live in our own private isolated castles. We surround ourselves with a moat of fear and selfishness. Isolation, not fellowship, has too often become the way of the Church today. Yet, God commands involvement, caring, and sharing. We are created to love, and love demands involve ment and abhors isolation. We are in a family, and our Father wants us to be busy serving each other.
Romans 12:11:
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
We are again reminded that the overall context of this section is “serving the Lord.” Loving others is a part of serving God. “Business” is diligence. “Fervent” is to be filled with passion, hot, glowing. We are not to be lazy but diligent, passionately pursuing the things of God, serving the Lord. Often others are the beneficiaries of our service, but all our service is to the Lord. (“...ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake,” II Corinthians 4:5). We minister to each other “... as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).
Constantly living for God is the most logical way to live and is indeed the most abundant way. Yet, we still face tribulations because we live in an ungodly world. Jesus Christ told us we would have tribulations (John 16:33), but we also have hope.
Romans 12:12:
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
When we decide to obey God, to love without hypocrisy, and to care for others, we are more vulnerable. We may have disappointments, setbacks, and at times the very people we love and serve will turn on us and attack; hence we experi ence tribulation. Many think that if they remain isolated and uninvolved, they will not be vulnerable. But “castle living” is not God’s will; living love is! Rejoicing in hope allows us to be patient in tribulation.
Jesus Christ is coming back! At that time we are going to be changed, and our vile bodies will be fashioned like his glorious body (Philippians 3:21). Our minds will be perfect (I Corinthians 13:12). We will be eternally with our Father and Lord in uninterrupted perfect fellowship (I Thessalonians 4:17). When we are gathered together, everyone in the Church will live in love and unity (Ephesians 4:13). Our hope is cause for great rejoicing and gives us the strength to be patient in tribulation. Staying focused on our hope is absolutely essential if we are to constantly live for Him. Hope is the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19). All the tribulations we face cannot be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Tribulations viewed through the eyes of the Hope are bearable. Christ’s return makes all tribulation fade in significance.
II Corinthians 4:17 and 18:
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal”
Many individual parts make up the whole of living for God. We are briefly looking at the parts and must never forget that all of these things together provide a lifestyle of Christian living.
“Continuing instant in prayer” is a command repeated often to the Church because it is a vital part of living for God. Prayer is absolutely necessary if one wills to live constantly for Him. Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry was very short in time. Considering all that he accomplished, it is difficult to imagine anyone who could be more busy than he was. Yet, he often took time to pray. To carry out his ministry of constantly living for God, he needed to pray continually, as do we. Not only did he need to pray, but he also loved to pray because it afforded him private time with his Father — so it is with us.
From the exhortation to pray we are brought right back to our responsibility to care for each other.
Romans 12:13:
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Again we see that involvement with others is not an option; it is mandatory. This verse refers to giving and receiving. Give to those who are in need and receive each other hospitably. God wants His family to be lovingly compassionate to each other and to be of the same mind toward one another. The Father does not want His children fighting and divided.
Romans 12:14-16:
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
We are members of the same Body; therefore when one of us rejoices or weeps, we should all have compassion and empathy with the other.
I Corinthians 12:25-26:
That there should be no schism [division] in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Love, not knowledge, is the element necessary for like-mindedness. The Christian Church never has, and never will (until Christ returns), come into unity of the knowledge of God. However, we all right now have the ability to love each other as Christ loved. Love (without hypocrisy) is the distinguishing characteristic by which Christians are to be known (John 13:34 and 35), and love is our bond (Colossians 3:14). Knowledge puffs us up, but love edifies us (I Corin thians 8:1). When we walk lovingly, we will not be egotisti cal or conceited which verse three told us was unsound thinking. A conceited man is worse than a fool. “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 26:12).
Romans 12 ends with an exhortation similar to that which was given by Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount when he said to “resist not evil” (Matthew 5:38-48). When we resist evil, we get pulled into being evil. We do not respond to evil with evil; rather we overcome it with good.
Romans 12:17-21:
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peace ably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Evil is an ever present reality in this world, and we must learn how to deal with it in a godly manner, or it will be our demise. We are to love and leave the responsibility for justice and vengeance to the only righteous judge, God.
“Heap coals of fire on his head” is an Eastern idiom. In the small Eastern villages one person would rise first and start the fire for the village. A boy then would take the burning coals in a piece of pottery, balanced on top of his head, to all the households. Not only was it a kind gesture to others, it was a pleasant task for the boy because, in the cold morning air, the coals warmed him. With our love, we can warm our enemies. Our good can overcome their evil. It may not change them from behaving in an evil way, but it will eliminate the evil effect on us.
Because we have a sin nature, evil is present with us (Romans 7:21). We have been delivered from, but must still live in, this evil world (Galatians 1:4). So we have evil within (the sin nature) and evil without (because Satan is the god of this world). The Lord’s exhortation to pray daily to God for deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13) is very needful to heed.
God has made additional provisions for the Body of Christ to receive help in dealing with evil — He has provided ministers to help. Evil is very deceptive and can easily pull us in without our ever realizing it. God’s ministers help us to abhor evil and cleave to good. They help us to avoid responding to evil with evil by showing us how to overcome evil with good.
The chapter divisions in the Bible were added by men and, as such, are devoid of authority for rightly understanding God’s Word. The chapter division between Romans 12 and 13 hinders our understanding by stopping us from considering the flow of context. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21) is immediately followed by verses regarding God’s ministers who assist in this endeavor.
Chapter Two — Romans 13
Romans 13 continues with the theme of constantly living for Him which started in verse one of chapter 12. The relationship we are to have with the “higher powers” in the Church is set forth. The higher powers are referred to twice as “the ministers of God” and once as “God’s ministers.” Every believer is to minister and therefore could be called a minister of God. However, God has also placed some in the Body to be ruling ministers, or higher powers.
Every Christian has been dealt the same measure of faith (Romans 12:3). We are all children of God with the same God-given holy spirit. We are each God’s chosen. We are all equally important members of the same Body, and we each have a responsibility to serve. No member of the Body is more important than another. The foot, hand, ear, and eye each have a particular function, but none is more important than the other in relationship to making the whole. If the foot fails to function, the whole is lacking; if the hand fails to function, the whole is lacking. Therefore, all are equally important (I Corinthians 12:12-31).
The members of the Body have many functions (Romans 12:4), one of which is referred to as the higher powers in Romans 13:1. These higher powers are very much needed in the Body, but are no more important than any other member of the Body in making up the whole. The service of the higher power is often more visible because of the nature of the function. In the world, the higher profile people are lauded to the skies, while others are ignored or even thought of disparagingly. This should never be so in the Body. A genuine minister of God knows full well that he is no better than any other member of the Body and ensures that God is glorified and not himself.
The word “powers” used in “higher powers” is the Greek word exousia and can be translated “authorities.”
Romans 13:1:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers [authorities]. For there is no power [authority] but of God: the powers [authorities] that be are ordained of God.
The authorities God has ordained are in the Church, the Body of Christ. The authorities of the world, such as governmental leaders or policemen etc., are appointed of men, not God. Some translations grossly misinterpret this section. For example, the Jerusalem Bible says: “You must all obey the governing authorities. Since all government comes from God, the civil authorities were appointed by God.” Historians estimate that Hitler was responsible for the death of six million people, Stalin 30 million, and Mao Tse Tung 100 million. Were they appointed by God? The higher powers are God’s ministers in the Body of Christ and have nothing to do with the kingdoms of this world.
The word “ordained” is the Greek word tásso meaning appointed or determined. The authorities God has equipped and commissioned are those to whom we are to be subject. The word “subject” is the Greek word hupotásso which implies a deliberate decision of will to submit lovingly because of the proper, godly arrangement. Each believer is told to be subject to those exercising the spiritual authority in the Church because of God’s proper arrangement.
That the higher powers are indeed ordained by God and that they are functioning according to His will and not their own are assumed in verse one. Each believer must determine if the higher power is indeed genuine. Blind subjection is fool-hearty and irresponsible. Just because someone claims to be God’s minister does not make him so. We are given the instruction to use the Apostle Paul as the example to deter mine the authenticity.
Philippians 3:17-19:
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
The mass media painfully and repeatedly shows us that some wrongly serve and exploit their function as ministers. The sensationalism of the media has hurt the Church and caused many to doubt every minister. Christianity has become a laughingstock. The media cleaves to that which is evil and abhors good. Thousands who faithfully serve as God’s ministers have been ignored by the media, yet have been hindered in their service because of the evil communica tion. Yes, some are counterfeit ministers, but God’s Word, not the newspapers, gives the believers the ability to discern the genuine from the counterfeit. To help us distinguish, we have a clear example given in the Scriptures of a faithful, loving minister, Paul. Consider this rendering of I Thessalo nians 2:5 and 6 from the New American Standard Bible.
Never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed — God is witness — nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
Paul’s ministry was not marred by egotism nor exploita tion. He always ensured that God received the glory and never used his ministry for personal financial gain. People do have a carnal tendency to exalt men unduly and give them the recognition only God deserves. The Apostle Paul, a true minister of God, sharply reproved those in Corinth for following men instead of God. Read I Corinthians chapters three and four. He assured them that although Apollos and Paul were men whom God qualified to minister, God gave the increase. Ministers are laborers together with God: “ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building” (I Corinthians 3:9).
Paul unselfishly gave his entire life in service, lovingly caring for the Church like a nursing mother and encouraging father.
New American Standard Bible:
I Thessalonians 2:7-11:
But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers;
just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children.
The higher powers are also called “rulers” in Romans 13:3, and “bishops” and “deacons” in Philippians, I and II Timothy, and Titus. “Bishop” is the Greek word episkopos from epi (over) and skopos (seer), hence “overseer.” “Dea con” is the Greek word diakonos which most often is trans lated into English “minister.” A diakonos is one who raises dust by running to serve. The overseers and ministers God ordains are the higher powers in the Church. They may also include the gift ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
I and II Timothy and Titus give detailed information regarding the qualifications and responsibilities of the higher powers. Every believer should read these books to determine if the person who is his overseer is functioning as God instructs. There is no reason for blind subjection when this understanding is available to each believer. A minister, as every other believer, grows and matures. No one walks perfectly, and believers need to be understanding and compas sionate. However, the standard is given so that we can know to whom to be in subjection.
When God tells us to submit to the higher powers, we do not submit regarding his or her personal opinion. The subjection is in relationship to the Word of God the minister speaks. Again Paul’s example is our guide.
I Thessalonians 2:1-4:
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already
suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who examines our hearts.
Whenever we are blessed with the privilege to be exposed to someone who is functioning as God’s minister, we should willingly submit to the Word of God spoken because godly profit will be received. These ministers are given by God: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
True ministers help us so we are not “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Their assistance is greatly needed so we can live the truth in love and grow up in Christ (Ephesians 4:15). We live in a very ungodly world because Satan is the god of it. We need help! True ministers indeed do help. Pride may tempt us to resist these ministers, whereby we bring to ourselves damnation.
Romans 13:2:
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
“Ordinance” means proper arrangement. The authorities God appoints in the Church are God’s proper arrangement. “Damnation” is not speaking about condemnation to eternal punishment. We are saved by grace and are promised eternal life. Whenever we resist God’s Word, we damn or condemn ourselves to the consequences of sin, likewise when we resist a minister who speaks to us on behalf of God. God does not damn us. The minister does not damn us. We receive to ourselves damnation because we refuse to heed God’s Word.
God’s ministers are appointed by God to speak His Word to the believers. They are to help us to avoid evil and cleave to good. To resist this help is foolish and hurtful to oneself. If someone speaks God’s Word on behalf of God, the subjection spoken of is not to the individual but to God Who appointed him. Pride may cloud our minds because we do not like to be in subjection to another human being. The subjection is to God, not the person. He is but a messenger on behalf of God. The important deciding factor is that which is spoken must correspond with God’s written Word. A man’s personal opinion about your life, even if he is a minister, is still not God’s, but man’s opinion. None of us who want to walk for God should be concerned with another person’s opinion. God’s ministers must speak God’s Word, and when they do, we are wise to take heed. When we resist, we receive to ourselves damnation.
God’s ministers are not a threat to good works. They help the Church to do good works, and will point out evil to us.
Romans 13:3:
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
“Wilt thou then not be afraid” is encouragement not to fear the minister, but to respect him. “Afraid” is Old English for “respect.” When someone is out of fellowship, often he becomes afraid of God’s ministers and avoids them. God tells us not to be afraid but to respect. When we are having problems, we do not want to avoid, but pursue, God’s ministers, so we can continue to live for God. Always important to remember is that they are appointed by God to help us to do good. Thankfully they will tell us when we are doing evil, so we can get back to doing good.
Romans 13:4:
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Again, “afraid” is Old English for “respectful.” “The sword” is referring to the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). He does not bear the Word of God to us in vain but with a godly purpose. “Revenger to execute” is the Greek word ekdikos meaning executing righteous judgement or just judgement. Romans 12:19 told us that only God is qualified to render just judgement. He is the One in the end Who will judge. This verse is not talking about eternal judgement. We have already been judged righteous in Christ. God’s ministers, by a knowledge of and by speaking God’s Word, can and will render God’s just judgement in life’s situations today. Again, God’s ministers assist us to discern good and evil, truth and error. Therefore, if we want to walk for God, we need and want their help. They are responsible to provide the doctrine, reproof, and correction of God’s Word to us so that we can walk rightly. We want to know that which does not please God in our walks so that we can change.
God’s Word tells us of a future period of time called “the day of wrath,” but Christians have been saved from this wrath through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9). Therefore the wrath spoken of here in Romans 13 has nothing to do with that future time but rather with our walks today. A minister of God, in fellowship with God, should be respected for he does not speak God’s Word in vain but to execute judgement in the situation. Sometimes this means showing godly anger as Jesus Christ did in Mark chapter three.
“Orge” is the Greek word translated “wrath.” Orge is used regarding the day of wrath, but also has another mean ing, a mental state of anger, and is often used as such in the Scriptures. “Thumos” is another Greek word translated “wrath” and “anger” but means an outburst of anger.
Jesus Christ, as God’s minister, was angry (orge) with the Pharisees because of the hardness of their hearts. He acted on God’s Word; he did not react in an outburst of anger (thumos).
Mark 3:5:
And when he had looked round about on them with anger [orge], being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Remember, this anger was not an outburst but a mental anger. Ministers of God may very well have anger (orge) which is inspired by God, just as Jesus Christ did; but, they should never have an impulsive outburst of anger for this would be a work of the flesh according to Galatians 5:19-21.
Our heavenly Father can be displeased with our behavior. This displeasure does not mean He revokes our sonship or any of the rights or eternal realities we received by grace in the new birth. We are born again of incorruptible seed which means we will always be God’s children and can never lose our sonship privileges such as justification, righteousness, or sanctification. God’s ministers communicate God’s dis- pleasure and speak God’s Word in the situation so we can change and get back to living for God.
Neither does God’s displeasure imply that He punishes us. No scriptures talk about Christians being punished by God. However, we do suffer consequences when we sin because “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). When we refuse to obey God’s Word, we bring to ourselves damnation because we are out of fellowship with Him. Sin’s conse quences are not administered by God but are the result of breaking God’s laws.
When we break natural laws, such as gravity, we also suffer consequences. If you jump off a two-story building, you will probably break your legs. God is not to be blamed for creating gravity! Gravity is not at fault, the building is not at fault, you are at fault. The broken legs are not punishment but the consequence which you brought on yourself for ignoring the natural laws of gravity, likewise with the spiritual laws of God’s Word. What father would not be displeased with a son who jumps off a two-story building? The displeasure is present because of the loving concern of the parent. In like manner, our heavenly Father is concerned. God’s ministers will communicate God’s displeasure so we can change and get back to living for God.
Romans 13:5:
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
“Conscience” is the faculty of the soul which distinguishes between good and evil, right and wrong, and prompts one to choose good and right while avoiding evil and wrong.
God’s ministers are to give themselves continually to the service of God’s people. For them to be able to do this, the believers must pay tribute.
Romans 13:6 and 7:
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
“Pay ye tribute” means the believers have the responsibil ity to care financially for the minister so he is free to care spiritually for the Church. When Jesus Christ sent out the seventy to serve, he told them that those they served would provide for them. “The labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). Throughout the Word we see clearly God’s instruction to provide for the ministers. The tithe, which was instituted in the Old Testament, provided for the ministers. In the first century the believers were so blessed that not only did they tithe but gave abundantly above the tithe (Acts 4:33-37); and therefore, the ministers were free to serve.
Far too many ministers today do not have their physical needs met because the Church fails to meet its responsibility to provide, and consequently everyone suffers. When the ministers have to be concerned about daily bread, they have less time to serve us the bread of life. This could easily be resolved if each believer would simply obey God’s command to tithe. Simple logic dictates the need for the believers communicating (sharing fully) with those who teach them the Word. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:6 and 7).
We began our study of the higher powers with a glimpse of Paul’s service to the Thessalonian Church. We can finish by looking at Paul’s exhortation to them regarding God’s ministers.
I Thessalonians 5:12 and 13:
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
After establishing that the ministers of God (the higher powers) are due tribute, God informs us of the obligation we have to all: “owe no man anything, but to love one another.”
Romans 13:8:
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Tribute to God’s ministers is owed and should be paid. We should also not owe anything to anyone else except love. The reason we owe love is not because we are indebted to people but to God.
I John 4:10 and 11:
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
The “ought” is the same Greek word translated “owe” in Romans 13:8. We owe to love others because God loved us.
As we continue in our study of constantly living for Him, God ushers us back to the very present reality of loving one another. All the Mosaic law is fulfilled as we love.
Romans 13:8-10:
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Each day we live we are closer to the return of Christ when our complete salvation will be realized. We should live each and every day to the fullest. We have no time to waste as we are constantly living for God.
Romans 13:11 and 12:
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
God is so loving and kind to us. The mercies of God revealed to us in the beginning chapters of Romans should inspire us to live each day to His glory. We should want to please Him in all we do because we love Him. Sin and the lusts of the flesh should be abhorred.
Romans 13:13 and 14:
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
“Rioting” is called today “partying.” “Chambering” is lying down in bed with another for unlawful sex. “Wanton ness” is translated elsewhere “lasciviousness” (Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:19). It covers a broad range of unbridled passions.
Rioting, drunkenness, chambering, wantonness, strife, and envy are some of the things which keep us from constantly living for God. They can be avoided as we put on the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives, as we have seen throughout these two chapters.
Romans continues to give more instruction for Christian living by covering how we are lovingly to accept each other.
Chapter Three — Romans 14
Every person who is born again is a member of the Body of Christ. This Body is called the Church, and Christ is the head over all (Ephesians 1:22 and 23). There is only one Body (Ephesians 4:4), therefore, one Church. We all have one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all Who is above all and through all and in you all (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Even with this obvious oneness, a great diversity of sects exists today. There are thousands of different Christian religious groups, and will be, until we all come into the unity of the faith when Christ returns. The existence of these various groups and sects does not mean automatically we must have carnal divisions with strife and envying.
Jacob had twelve sons who grew into twelve independent families, but still they all were a part of the family of Israel. The Christian Church having separate groups does not nullify all being a part of the same family. The carnal mind allows the difference among Christians to be an excuse for strife and envy. The Church has been guilty of biting and devouring one another because we walk by the flesh, rather than in love by the spirit (Galatians 5:15). The carnally-minded ones criticize, judge, condemn, and even label fellow Christians as evil, all because they have a difference in understanding or application of God’s Word. Our Father is much more loving and tolerant of His children than they are of each other.
Romans 14 addresses the need for believers to love each other without strings attached but simply because we all belong to God and are in the same family.
Romans 14:1:
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
The word “receive” is proslambano and means to receive to oneself, to welcome into the fellowship, to receive and treat with kindness. We are to receive him that is weak or less mature in the faith with kindness, welcoming him into the fellowship. “Doubtful” is dialogismos which means thinking evil thoughts. “Disputations” is diakrisis which literally means to scrutinize another’s thoughts in an evil way, searching out so as to pronounce judgement on his opinions. We are not to receive him that is weak with doubtful disputa tions. The following are translations which render the verse with more clarity than the King James Version does.
Living Bible:
Give a warm welcome to any brother who wants to join you, even though his faith is weak. Don’t criticize him for having different ideas from yours about what is right and wrong.Phillips Modern English:
Welcome a man whose faith is weak, but not with the idea of arguing over his scruples.Revised Standard Version:
As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions.New English Bible:
If a man is weak in his faith you must accept him without attempting to settle doubtful points.
How important it is for every Christian to understand and apply this simple truth! We are always going to meet people who do not believe the same way that we do. Some may even have beliefs that are contrary to God’s rightly divided Word. If you are more mature in the faith (the right way of believing), you are lovingly to receive this person because God has accepted him into His family. You may have opportunity to teach and help the person grow. However, even if you do not have this opportunity, you are still to receive him with the same love.
God has not appointed any of us to scrutinize and pro nounce judgement on any of His children. We are appointed to love! If God Almighty accepts someone into His family, who is anyone else to do contrariwise? If we have been allowed the privilege to understand God’s knowledge, we should be humbly thankful and never look down on those who have been less privileged. Knowledge can cause people to get egotistical, thinking they are better than others. “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (I Corinthians 8:1).
Romans 14:2 and 3:
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
The Gentiles had special practices with eating meat to idols, and Judeans had certain restrictions to observe accord ing to the Mosaic Law. We know from a number of places in the Church Epistles that neither dietary restrictions nor liberalism regarding diet have anything to do with true worship; however, not everyone knows or believes. There fore, God tells us we should walk lovingly so as not to cause a brother to stumble.
God is tolerant of the immaturity of His children and expects us to be also. The very moment the gift of holy spirit was received on Pentecost for the first time, as recorded in Acts two, a new administration began. The Church of the Body of Christ was instituted which changed things dramati cally. Jesus Christ had fulfilled all the requirements of the Mosaic Law, rendering all its ceremonial aspects (including dietary restrictions, circumcision, etc.) null and void. They were no longer necessary; yet, most of the Judean Christians continued to do according to the Law. The newly given gift of holy spirit made access to God subject to only one require ment — believing. On Pentecost, God inspired Peter to announce that the gift of holy spirit was available to all mankind, including the Gentiles. “For the promise is unto you [the Judeans], and to your children, and to all that are afar off [including all the Gentiles], even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).
Many years after Pentecost, in Acts ten, we see Peter was still following the dietary restrictions of the Law and had not yet accepted the Gentiles into God’s family (though he was the one who had made God’s announcement on Pentecost!). God had to repeat a vision for Peter three times to prepare him to receive the Gentiles. Yet, on Pentecost these things were already true. God had already accepted the Gentiles and loosed people from the Law. God was lovingly patient with Peter, far more so than most Christians are with each other. Usually, if someone is weak in the right way of believing, he is criticized and often made fun of or ostracized. These wrong attitudes and actions are ungodly.
In Acts 15, many years after Pentecost, the Apostles and elders met at Jerusalem to discuss whether or not circumcision and adherence to the other ceremonial aspects of the Law were to be required of the Gentiles. This meeting consisted of the leadership of the first-century Church. They still had not accepted God’s Word and will regarding these matters! Did God want them to believe rightly? Yes, without a doubt. But the maturing process took time, and God was lovingly tolerant. We are to be the same way with those who are weak in the right way of believing.
At the meeting they decided finally to accept the Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision but with some dietary restrictions still. “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled” (Acts 15:28 and 29). Neither were these restrictions necessary according to I Corinthians chapter eight. God does not care if we eat meats offered to idols as long as we do not worship the idols. In Corinth the best meat available was set aside to offer to idols. Believers were welcome to eat that meat as long as they did not do so in worship of an idol.
However, the Church elders still wanted the restrictions, so they included them in the epistle to the Gentiles. Nowhere do the Scriptures say that God condemned them for this immature decision. God understands maturity takes time. If someone eats meat or refuses to eat meat, the world is not going to end! Why make a big deal out of something about which God cares little?
Even after this notable meeting, Peter still had problems applying the truth of God’s Word regarding the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:11-13
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
God had Paul reprove Peter, but He did not do that which is so commonly done by many Christians today, to receive him to doubtful disputations. God has always been a loving, merciful, compassionate God to His people. He understands our weaknesses. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalms 103:13 and 14). God did not label Peter with a “666" and tell the world he was evil and should be avoided at all cost. No! No! No! He loved Peter and worked with him as he was. Peter was a great man, but like all of us, he was a man with weaknesses. Peter was one of the great leaders in the first century and penned the books of Peter toward the end of his life. God never gave up on Peter. God never gives up on us. We should follow in kind and not give up on each other.
Do adults poke harsh criticism at a two-year old child because the child is not as smart as the adult? Most adults lovingly accept the immaturity of a two-year old and enjoy the child’s naiveté. In the family of God we are all children at different stages of maturity. Certainly we have no right to be arrogant or self-righteous. When we are tempted to receive a less mature brother or sister to doubtful disputa tions, we should remember that we too are less mature than some other member of the family of God. How would we like to be treated? This is how we should treat those less mature than ourselves. Immaturity is not sin; but direct disobedience to God’s Word, such as walking outside of love, is sin.
“Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not” (Romans 14:3). “Despise” means to esteem as less or contemptible. To despise someone is to look down on them with contempt or with aversion. Because someone has more understanding of God’s Word so that he is able to eat, does not give him the right to think of the less mature as worthless and to treat him contemptibly.
The latter part of verse three says “God hath received him.” The word “received” is again proslambano. God has welcomed this person with open arms into His family. How could any man do otherwise? How could anyone allow himself to become so prideful that he harshly criticizes someone whom God has chosen to be in His family? Who are we to judge another? Does knowledge give a license for cruelty? Such thinking and actions are shameful!
Romans 14:4:
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
We are all servants of God. We all stand approved of God for He is over all. We do not have the right to judge God’s servants. God is the One Who has called each of us, and He is the One Who enables each of us to stand.
Have you ever noticed how children are always “sticking their noses” into other children’s business? A group of children can eat together and constantly badger each other. “You are taking too much food!” “Cut your meat!” “How many pieces have you had?” “Give me that, that’s mine!” And so on it goes. They feel compelled to police each other, to scrutinize and pass judgement. This is all done even as the parents are sitting there with them!
Many adult Christians still have not grown up. They behave as if they were appointed to be the policemen of the Body of Christ. Yet, we all answer to the Father, not to each other. Why not stick our noses in our own business, the business of constantly living for Him? We are to love each other because all of us have been called by the same God and are in the same family.
Romans continues to show how we are to be loving to each other as we grow together in His family. Note how many times the word “Lord” is used in the following verses.
Romans 14:5-9:
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and re vived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Every day should be a holy day unto God; however, some think a weekly Sabbath is the only holy day. Instead of criticizing, we can praise God they have one day, rather than no day, set aside to the Lord. The Lord is that which is important!
The Church today is constructed in such a manner that each individual member is connected directly to the head, Christ. Although we may label ourselves differently, all born again ones are in God’s family and have Christ as the head. According to that which we have been reading, we need to expand our narrow way of thinking to accept lovingly all those God has accepted into His family. We should respect the sovereignty of God, knowing we all stand before Him.
Romans 14:10-13:
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Our concern should be not in judging others but in living such a way as not to be a stumbling block to cause the fall of a brother. We should be willing to yield on insignificant matters, so as to help a brother stand. We have the right to eat whatever we want, but if our eating offends a brother, we should forfeit our right while we are with that brother. The most important matters in life are righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy spirit, not meat and drink.
Romans 14:14-17:
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Serving Christ is that which is acceptable to God. We should look for ways to edify one another, not tear each other down. We should walk charitably, looking for ways to help each other believe and be strong in the Lord. Blessing others because we have been blessed is our logical service. When we understand these things and are living this way, we are well pleasing to God and a blessing to other people.
Romans 14:18-23:
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is of fended, or is made weak.
Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Considering all that chapter 14 communicates, we see that the more mature should help the less mature.
Romans 15:1 and 2:
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
To be constantly living for God we need to be lovingly serving others. As Christians, we should be living not to please ourselves, but God. Christ himself is our example.
Romans 15:3 and 4:
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
When we walk as we have been instructed throughout this section starting in Romans 12:1 — serving others in the Body of Christ and loving them with God’s love — we will be able with one mind and one mouth to do the most important thing the Church should do: glorify God!
Romans 15:5 and 6:
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Each of us should live to the praise of His glory (Ephe sians 1:6, 12, 14). The Church should always bring glory to the Father. “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21).
When the Church is busy “biting and devouring” one another, we are distracted from glorifying God. God gets glorified when His people are like-minded, and that can only happen when we walk according to His Word and in His love towards each other.
Romans 15:7:
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Both words “receive” are proslambano. “Wherefore,” relating back to all that proceeded, receive one another with open arms. Welcome one another with kindness, as Christ also received you with open arms, welcoming you to the glory of God.
Constantly living for Him — our ultimate aim should be glorifying God.
Source: http://www.bibelcenter.de · E-Mail: editor@bibelcenter.de
Last changed: 01.01.1970