Since I'm more of a bottom-line kind of person I used to skim over the first part of the book of Romans to get to the what I thought was the meat of the book, the "How To" portion. I have come to realize that without a knowledge of true theology, it is impossible to understand the task at hand. Yet since I am most familiar with the second half of Romans that's what we are going to take a quick look at today.
Chapter 12 jumps in with a reminder that before we can truly live a life of obedience to Christ, we have to remind ourselves of the lack of self-sufficiency that we possess to live such a life on our own. God reminds us of the importance of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice and stresses the act of transforming and cleansing our mind with His Word on a daily basis. After these acts God says we are ready to discern His will for the day. (Verses 1-2)
We then move into the importance of remaining humble in our words and deeds and the importance of using our spiritual gifts along with other believers as we make up the body of Christ. (The Church). (Verses 3-7)
As the Body of Christ we are to love one another and serve God through edifying each other and looking for ways we can share our gifts and resources with others. Bless those who desire to harm us and rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. God reminds us that it is His place to avenge our hurts, not ours. We are to overcome evil with good. (Verses 4 -21)
Chapter 13 moves into a civics lesson, but with a spiritual twist. We are reminded to obey all governing authorities, for God has established the rulers over us. Obey and live in peace. Pay what you owe in taxes because once again God has established the authorities that govern over us. (Verses 1-7)
What follows is a summary of some of the ten commandments and how they can be summed up in this command, "Love your neighbor as yourself". Love is the fulfillment of the law. (Verses 8 - 10)
Paul then pivots into reminding us that the time is short, don't mess around with temporal things, and don't fall for the temptation of the sins that used to bind us. He reminds us to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not give a place to the desires of the flesh. (Verses 11 - 14)
Chapter 14 deals with the importance of accepting those who are at different points in their spiritual journeys. Do not judge each other in such matters but allow for God's grace and provision in their lives. Encourage, don't discourage. Protect the weak and support them in their times of trouble. (Verses 1 - 23)
Chapter 15 continues the theme of chapter 14 in regard to those who are strong need to bear with the failings of those who are weaker and remember to remain humble in the process. Paul reminds us that even Christ did not please himself but sought to honor the Father in all that He did. We are told to accept each other, as this will bring glory to God the Father and Jesus Christ. Paul then launches into a summary of some of the joys of his calling as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He vows to only speak of what Christ has accomplished through him and that his desire is to preach the gospel where Christ has yet to be known. We are also to share in this ministry as we are commanded to preach the gospel throughout the world. (Verses 1 - 33)
Chapter 16 reminds us to stay watchful of those false teachers and troublemakers who have been planted in the body to create division and establish obstacles for the Kingdom of God. Stay obedient, but remain wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Then comes this wonderful summary of the letter of Romans, "Now to Him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith - to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Verses 1 - 27)
I hope you have enjoyed this very short dive into the last half of the book of Romans. Here is a great online resource that dives much deeper into the book of Romans than this blog entry,
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/romans-1/
