Topic: Christian Community (Romans 12-15)
As you read Paul’s letters, look for overlapping themes that when put together make a complete idea. One of these themes involves Christians living as citizens of heaven while on earth (Romans, Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians). Peter also writes on this subject by identifying Christians as aliens. Let’s take a look at Paul’s most complete thought on this concept in Romans chapters 12 through 15.
Romans 12 begins with the transition “therefore”. This means that the following is an application of the previous thought. In chapters 7 through 11, Paul taught that—through Christ—one is adopted into the family of God by the power of the Spirit. Therefore, Christians are now to conform their lives to their new family (Romans 12:1-2). Paul proceeds to explain how the Christian is to live as an adopted family member of God’s family.
Romans 12:3-13 - Christians living in a new community called the church.
- The key to living with other believers is to exercise your spiritual gift given by God to build one another up and show unity in the family.
- Paul completes this thought in chapters 14 and 15 by identifying that some people in the church are weak in their faith and others are strong. One must not cause a brother or sister in Christ to stumble in their faith.
Romans 12:14-21 – Christians living in the secular community.
- Since the new community’s goal is unity among themselves, peace is the goal for the secular community (12:16-17).
Romans 13:1-7 – Christians living in submission to the government.
- This section calls Christians to recognize the government as a servant of God even when the government does not see the connection.
- It is difficult when the government seizes to award good and punish evil. What should the action of the Christian be when good is punished and evil is awarded? Paul doesn’t give specific advice on how the Christian is to respond when the government misuses its authority and causes harm to or oppresses Christians, so we must look at the attitude in which Paul is communicating:
o There is no dimension of life that is outside of God’s control.
o Those who govern are accountable to God.
o Christians should exercise their duty to obey the government in the framework of obedience to God.
o A Christian who has governing authority should display loyalty to God.
Romans 13:8-14 – Christians living in love towards one’s neighbor.
- To love one’s neighbor means to seek their good. Verse 9 makes it clear that such love calls us to cease harm and seek others wellbeing so that they are drawn toward Christ.
I pray you are encouraged by the life instructions of God’s Word.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem