Romans - Personal Responsibility

Personal Responsibility ...

Romans 12

 

            Paul just got finished telling his audience about spiritual guidelines from a theological perspective. Now, in Chapter 12, he will talk to the Roman believers regarding how to behave in this life from a spiritually practical perspective. Being a concept that applies to all those who are part of God’s family, this all applies to us today, therefore, God wishes us to give ourselves to Christ as a living sacrifice obeying the rulers of the land, loving our neighbors, and taking special care of those who have weak faith. In other words, Paul will be talking to the Roman church (and us) about living our faith each day.

            To start with, Paul “pleads” with his Roman brothers and sisters to give their all to God. This presents to us a perfect time to reflect on ALL that God and His Son have done for us. Without them we would remain in our sins with no hope of redemption. 

            Believers are to “be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable.” According to the apostle THAT is true worship ... daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him...living for God, trusting Him to guide us by His Holy Spirit.

            Paul then warns the brethren to be humble in their own personal assessment, being honest to evaluate yourself against God’s standards rather than any other man. He asked them to allow “God to transform them into a new person by changing the way they think”. (v.2)

            He speaks of the gifts that God doles out to the brethren. We all have special gifts that can and should be used to teach, encourage, inspire, and console others in need. I call that “being Jesus to someone”. He also mentions that whatever we do in the name of the Lord is to be done gladly, with a selfless spirit.

            Paul talks to them about making their love for others genuine ... really love them. Hate those things that are wrong and “hold tightly to what is good” (v.9) He gives a final round of instructions to the brethren:  Bless your persecutors, live in peace, never take revenge ... 

With reference to revenge Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35, “’I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”  Instead do this: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” [Proverbs 25:21-22] The apostle concludes the chapter with “Don’t let evil conquer you but conquer evil by doing good.” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries