1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.11 For it is written, 
“AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, 
AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD.”12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

Romans 14:1-12 (NASB)

What is it saying?

• Do not fight over opinions
  • Example: Are all foods OK to eat or are Jewish dietary laws still in effect?
    • The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. The one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
• The master is the one who judges
• Example: Observing the Sabbath
  • The one who observes, observes in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. The one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
• Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s
• Why judge your brother? We will all stand before the judgement seat of God one day.

What does it mean?

• There are essential beliefs and there are places where there are legitimate differences of opinion.
• Don’t look down on someone who has a stricter view and don’t judge someone who has a more lenient view.
• Whatever your position, it should be motivated by a desire to honor God in it.

What am I going to do with it?

• Are there non-essentials where I hold on too tightly, assuming that only my way is right and judging others?
• Are my opinions in these things driven by a desire to honor God in them or a desire to do what is most comfortable to me?

1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.9 For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11  Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now tsalvation is nearer to us than when we believed.12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Romans 13:1-14 NASB

What is it saying?

• Be subject to the government
•  - no authority except from God/established by God
•  - resisting authority is opposing the ordinance of God
• Rules are not a cause for fear
• Government is a minister of God fur us and for our good
•  - may also be a bringer of wrath
• Rulers are servants of God
• Only owe one another the debt of love
• Love your neighbor as yourself sums up the law
•  - love is the fulfillment of the law
• Salvation is near, so live in light of this
• Put on the Lord Jesus and give no room for lusts of the flesh

What does it mean?

Government

• God has placed rulers over us for our own good
• They should realize that their authority is a gift and responsibility from God

Love

• Romans addresses a group of people trying to keep the Law, but the fulfillment of the Law is a lot simpler than they think
• Mark 12:30-31 – Jesus has already said this, but the Romans either have already forgotten or the never knew

What am I going to do with it?

• Are we, as a country, justified/authorized in deposing other governments?
• Dow love motivate my actions?
•  - or am I still working off a checklist or scale system of righteousness?

Summary Thoughts

The first portion of the chapter reads like a call to practical living. In reality, Paul is masterfully relating our relationship with the physical government to our relationship with the Law.

• established by God
• for our good
• servant of God
• do what it asks

The second half of the chapter, then explores the motive that should propel us both in our submission to the Law/law and in all of life: Love. 1 John 4 tells us that love comes from God and that “the one who does not love does not know God, for God is love (1 John 4:8). So, we find that there is really only one way to live – from the foundation of Love.

• We are released from the law though Christ, and now belong to Him.
• The law itself is good, but reveals sin within us and Christ delivers us from that sin

Chapter 8

• There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, because God did what the law could not do and set us free from sin.
• All who are led by the Spirit of God are adopted sons and fellow heirs with Christ.
• For adopted sons, suffering today is not worth comparing with the glory to come.

Chapter 9

• God’s promise to Israel will be fulfilled.
• Salvation depends not on human will or effort, but on God who has mercy.
• Gentiles have attained a righteousness by faith, but Israel pursued a righteousness based on the law through works and did not obtain it.

Chapter 10

• If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved.
• Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Chapter 11

• Not all Israel has failed to believe. God has preserved a remnant.
• Gentiles have been grafted into God’s people.
• God has the power to graft Israel back in.

Chapter 12

• Present your body to God as a holy, living sacrifice and be transformed by a renewed mind.
• We are unique members of one body with each part working together in harmony.

Summary Thoughts

• Through Christ, God provided a righteousness and freedom from sin that could not be obtained by following the law and doing good works. It doesn’t depend on our will or effort, but only on God.
• The proper response to this free gift is to present your life to God as a holy,living sacrifice.

• Living and holy sacrifice. (12:1)
• Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (12:2)
• We are members of one body which is Christ. (12:5)

Marks of the Faith

• Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. (12:9)
• Show preference to one another. (12:10)
• Rejoice in hope, persevere in tribulation, devoted to prayer. (12:12)
• Bless those who persecute you. (12:14)
• Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (12:15)
• Be at peace with all men (12:18)
• Don’t take revenge (12:19)
• Serve your enemies (12:20)

Summary Thoughts

The latter half of the chapter is super practical, which makes the preceding half so important. The actions, thoughts and lifestyle described in verse 9-21 are absolutely dependent on the transformation described in verses 1-2. Action without transformation is self-righteousness, which is really no righteousness at all.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.20 ”BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:14-21 (NASB)

What is it saying?

• Don’t retaliate when wronged. God will judge them.
• Share joy and sorrow of others.
• Don’t consider yourself above anyone.
• When possible, be at peace with everyone.
• Overcome evil with good.

What does it mean?

• See Matthew 5:38-47 for similar ideas.
• Response to Evil
  • Bless them
  • Respect what is right
  • Be at peace
  • Never take your own revenge
  • Meet the needs of the enemy. Why are they doing what they’re doing?
• All are ways to avoid being overcome by evil, and instead use good to overcome evil you’ve been subjected to.
• The goal isn’t getting even, but repentance.
• It’s God’s place to determine the punishment for evil.

What am I going to do with it?

• What is my response to being wronged? I may not actively seek out retaliation, but I want it to be clear that I have been wronged. That means I’m more concerned with judgement than peace and repentance.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13

What is it saying?

• Abhor what is evil
• Cling to what is good
• Be devoted to one another
• Give preference to one another
• Diligent
• Fervent in prayer
• Serving the Lord
• Rejoicing in hope
• Persevering in tribulation
• Devoted to prayer
• Contributing to the needs of the saints
• Practicing hospitality

What does it mean?

Marks

• These are the marks of faith, individually and in community
• The presence or lack of these traits should clearly show the condition of the heart

What am I going to do with it?

• Which of these marks are present in my life?
• Which are lacking?
• Do I abhor evil?

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with tliberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:1-8 (NASB)

What is it saying?

• Because of the mercy God has shown, present yourself to God as a living and holy sacrifice. This is an act of worship.
• Don’t be conformed to the world, but be transformed by a renewed mind.
• Don’t think too highly of yourself; God has given each of us differing amounts of faith.
• We are one body, each part with different functions but members of one another.
• We have different gifts that have been given to us and we should put these gifts to work.

What does it mean?

• Therefore … by the mercies of God
  • References back to Paul’s arguments throughout the entire book. God’s gift of salvation is so underserved and so overwhelming, it should produce a response from us.
• Living Sacrifice
• • Living because of the victory over sin and death that comes through Christ.
  • Sacrifice calls back to Old Testament sacrifices. In this case, our old self is the sacrificed, replaced with our transformed, new self that is centered on God.
• Worship
• • A life that is focused on and honors God is worship, not just an hour on Sunday at church.
• One Body, Many Parts
• • As Christians, we are members of one body with Christ as our head. We’re all pointed in the same direction.
  • We are members of one another, dependent on other parts of the body and we miss out when we try to function on our own.
  • Within that body, God has graciously given us different gifts. They’re gifts from God, put them to use.

What am I going to do with it?

• Do I daily kill my old self and present myself to God as a living sacrifice, willing to orient myself, my time, and my relationships around whatever brings God glory?
• What areas has God gifted me in? Am I using this gifts or wasting them? Am I engaged with others in a way that my gifts and their gifts work together to build up the entire body?

• A remnant of God’s choosing (11:5)
• Salvation has come to the Gentiles (11:11)
• Became a partaker… of the rich root of the olive tree (11:17)
• Fear God, for it is by His choice (11:21-22)
• Natural branches will be grafted back in (11:22)
• We can’t fully understand God’s plan (11:33)

Cut Off

• The rest were cast off (11:7)
• God gave them a spirit of stupor (11:8)
• Their (Jews) transgression is riches for the world (11:12)
• May be grafted back in (11:23)

Summary

“Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either. Behold then, the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness…” (11:20-22)

We are at God’s mercy. We should always be aware and live in response to His grace, realizing that we fully deserve His wrath.

25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery-so that you will not be wise in your own estimation-that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, 
“THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, 
HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.”

27 ”THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, 
WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.”28 From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers;29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.30 For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience,31 so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.32 For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.

33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!34 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?35 OrWHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN?36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

What is it saying?

• Paul has a mystery to reveal
  • Israel is being hardened
  • Gentiles are being saved
  • All Israel will be saved
• Gentiles have been shown mercy by God because of Israel’s disobedience
• Israel will be shown mercy as well
• God’s wisdom and ways are deeper than we can understand.
• All things are from God, through God, to God, and for God’s glory.

What does it mean?

• All Israel will be saved
  • Can be interpreted multiple ways, but the most likely is that its referring to salvation coming to the Jews alive in the end times.
  • v12 and v15 both point to a coming inclusion and acceptance.
  • Another interpretation is that “all Israel” refers to the all followers of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. This doesn’t seen to mesh with the Israel being described elsewhere in the chapter.
  • “All Israel” could also refer to the remnant of Jews, but this seems like an expected thing and not a mystery being revealed.
• Disobedience and Mercy
  • Man’s disobedience and God’s mercy is a recurring theme. The disobedience of the Jews results in God showing mercy to the Gentiles. The disobedience of the Gentiles results in God showing mercy to the Jews again.
  • Again, Its all about God showing us grace that we have done nothing to deserve.
• God’s Wisdom and Knowledge
  • As created beings, we can never fully grasp the actions and motivations of our creator
  • We cannot bring anything to God that he does not already have

What am I going to do with it?

• The statement that “all Israel will be saved” is a tough one to wrestle with. Do hard verses like this cause me to rejoice in a God who is capable of bringing salvation in ways that are beyond my understanding?  More often I think I end up frustrated when what God says doesn’t fit with my understanding and logic … as if there’s something wrong when I don’t completely understand the thought process of the God of the Universe.

7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened;8 just as it is written,
“GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR,
EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT,
DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY.”9 And David says,
“LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP,
AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM.

10 ”LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED TO SEE NOT,
AND BEND THEIR BACKS FOREVER.”

11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them.15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?16 If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too.

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

Romans 11:7-24

What is it saying?

• God hardened the hearts of those who didn’t respond
•  - gave them a spirit of stupor
• The salvation of the Gentiles should make the Jews jealous
• The Gentiles have been grafted into the Vine that is Jesus (John 15)
• - they should not be arrogant toward the Jews
• Fear the Lord because He has cut off those who rejected Him and only be His grace have you been grafted in
• God can bring them back if He chooses

What does it mean?

Hardened

• Those who rejected Him have been cut off to the point that they won’t even seek Him on their own.
•  - Their opportunity is gone
• God has blinded them and shut them off to the truth

The Vine

• Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15)
• It is only by His grace that we who were not part of the vine have been grafted into the vine
•  - This should make us abundantly aware of our helplessness and complete dependence on Christ to do the work

What am I going to do with it?

• Am I abiding in the Vine (John 15)
• How should we respond to those who have been hardened?
• Do I fear the Lord and recognize my deep need for Him?