Beauty in the Book: Romans 16

August 8, 2024

Themes

Through warm personal greetings and somber exhortations, see the incredible value of connection in the body of Christ. Explore themes of Christian service, holy wisdom, and blessed unity in this final chapter of Romans.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

How can a variety of roles impact the body of Christ?
What should we do when division starts showing up in the church?
How has God’s eternal wisdom been revealed in the Gospel (as available to the Gentiles)?

Moving Forward

This writing will break down the chapter section-by-section, offering commentary for your reflection. Don’t miss the ending titled Beauty in the Book where it all gets wrapped up in a bow—highlighting how every chapter is woven with uplifting realities of God’s goodness and grace.

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Romans 16:1-16

Here, Paul sends his greetings to a variety of people, honoring many for the work they have done and continue to do. He brings 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 to life, in which he encourages the church to highly regard those who offer spiritual support:

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work… 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV

From Priscilla and Aquila (verse 3) who risked their lives for Paul’s sake, to Urbanus (verse 9) who was a co-worker in the cause of Christ, to Tryphena and Tryphosa (verse 12) who were hardworking servants of the Lord—all these folks and more were in partnership for the sake of the gospel and contributed to this beautiful expression of the church at work, with its many parts.

Beyond working together as the hands and feet of Jesus, we see the heart of a family interwoven amongst all of these people. It reminds me of a passage from Psalm 68:

God sets the lonely in families,
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:6 NIV

There is such a contrast between those who yield to God’s ways and those who don’t. Like someone off in a desert—in a sun-scorched, lonely, and barren land—the one who rebels against God is choosing a life void of his provision and protection.

As the psalm goes on, we see that God refreshes his people out of his abundance. (Psalm 68:9-10) There is goodness poured out from the heart of God for those who choose to put themselves under the umbrella of his faithful care. And for those who don’t, they exile themselves to the loneliest places (though no one is ever too far gone to come back home).

For those who turn to him, God rescues the lonely and nestles them into the loving arms of his church. This concept of the church being family is not a new one, but it is sprinkled throughout Scripture as we become sons and daughters of the living God, and brothers and sisters of Christ himself. Hebrews 2 touches on this concept of family:

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” And again,“I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Hebrews 2:11-13 NIV

To circle back to Romans 16, we see Paul describe a man named Rufus (verse 13) whose own mother became like a mother to Paul. That’s sweet.

In verse 14, we see Paul address a group of people (Asyncritus, Phlegon, Herbes, Patrobas, and Hermas) and the “brothers” with them. The word used here for brothers is lovely for its vagueness. It’s the greek word, adelphos (ἀδελφός) which is used interchangeably to describe actual blood-brothers, fellow persons, or other believers in Christ.

Either way you swing it, we note a special camaraderie Paul had with these people that emulated family appeal—the beautiful interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

Romans 16:17-18

Paul soberly warns the church in Rome to be on guard for the ones who seek to bring division or other obstacles that keep them from holding fast to the truth of which they were taught.

This man had strong words for the one who was trying to derail the church from holding fast to the Good Gospel in the book of Galatians. Take a deep breath and check this out:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! Galatians 1:6-9 NIV

I love the line that says anyone who turns to a “different gospel” is really turning to that which isn’t a gospel at all. It is Christ alone by which we are saved; he is the good news and only rescue point for humanity. Neglecting his lifeline isn’t to simply choose another means of salvation, but to choose death by the sea of our own sin.

Because Jesus is the one way, we can find unity in the church. All else under him is secondary in nature, because he is the only way God provided to be in restored relationship.

As Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6, he’s it. He is the one way to God:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV

If people are to present an “alternative gospel” (which is really no gospel at all), it’s worth considering the why. Why would they do this?

Paul offers an answer to this question in Romans 16:18: anyone who isn’t aiming to live in the truth of Christ is seeking to serve their own appetite in some way.

Whether they are wanting to serve the appetite of their own unholy desires by refusing to yield to the ways of Christ, or whether they are attempting to serve the appetite of their own pride by puffing themselves up with idle notions of self-righteousness, the fact is that they are serving themselves, and when they bring these destructive ideas to naive minds, members of the church can become tangled in their webs of deception.

Paul encourages the church in Rome to run fast in the opposite direction. In verse 17 he says to watch out for the ones bringing division and to keep away.

We aren’t to handle sin haphazardly, but are encouraged to flee. Don’t walk, run.

We see it in 2 Timothy 2:22:

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

In 2 Timothy, did you catch the piece about pursuing righteousness along with others who are calling on the Lord? If you’re in a place where you are wanting to flee from evil and embrace righteousness, travel with others who love Jesus and have made it their lives’ missions to journey with him.

This very passage from Timothy goes on to encourage a person not to have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. In other words, just as we saw in Romans 16:17, keep away from that which causes division.

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 2 Timothy 2:23 NIV

When we consider our connections, may we keep watch for those who aim to undermine our faith and our relationships in the church. Rather, may we pursue the righteousness of God—one who loves unity—along with others who are seeking him in truth.

Romans 16:19-20

It would seem that rather than being caught up in all the things that can divide, Paul would rather the church keep their focus elsewhere.

“…be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil…” Romans 16:19 NIV

He tells the church that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under their feet. Woah!

The author of division and lies, and of heartache and destruction, will soon be crushed. It’s as if Paul is saying, “Don’t get all worked up by the schemes of the enemy. God is greater and deserves our attention instead.”

That’s my paraphrase, of course… But Paul reminds the church at the end of verse 20 that the grace of Jesus will be with them.

Focus on what’s good. Stay unified. God’s going to crush the devil. Grace remains.

Romans 16:21-24

Paul continues on with a few more greetings, including one to Timothy. Here, he’s called a co-worker, but other times, Paul speaks to him as a son.

In 1 Timothy 1:2, Paul addresses him endearingly:

To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:2 NIV

This beautiful dynamic further drives home the interconnectedness of Christ’s church. In these short few verses, we see one who has truly partnered with Paul—as closely as a son—to bring forth the gospel (Timothy, verse21), along with a man who physically served by recording the letter (Tertius, verse 22) and a note to Gaius, who provided enjoyable hospitality (verse 23).

There are so many different roles and responsibilities in the church, and each one has it’s special place. Whether serving with your hands, sharing the gospel, or opening your home, may we all join in the beautiful mission of the church—for the sake of his Name.

Romans 16:25-27

Paul ends this powerful letter with the reminder of the true message of the Gospel. This reality that God has always intended to bring salvation to the Gentiles. That he always wanted their true obedience that comes by faith, and that now is the developing fulfillment of that mission.

This is the ultimate wisdom of God, as we see in Romans 16:27, that Gentiles would be welcomed into the promise of Christ.

God’s wisdom is described well in 1 Corinthians:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NIV

God’s wisdom confounds the wise and opens the eyes of the foolish. It’s by his wisdom that the door to salvation has been opened wide in the person of Christ.

Further regarding this mystery, Paul writes this in Ephesians 3:8-11:

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:8-11 NIV

As we wrap up the book of Romans, may we rest in the steadfast love of God. In his faithfulness and mercy, and his heart to extend salvation to all who believe, in accordance with his perfect wisdom.

Beauty in the Book

Christ’s church is beautifully interconnected. In this final portion of greetings, warnings, and encouragements, we see the mission of God moved forward through the knit-together family of the everyday church.

From personal greetings to high regards, we can peer in and observe how many different roles and responsibilities shine in the early church. People gave financially, served sacrficially, and worked diligently. And more sentimentally, people stepped in as mothers, brothers, fathers, and sisters, as they beckoned each person to find their place not just in a workspace, but in a home.

God desires his church to be like family. Making sense all-the-more why Paul avidly states the people are to run from division and hold fast to the grace of Christ, trusting God as their protector and provider who will crush Satan once-and-for-all. (Even as he is already defeated in Christ.)

Our loving Father provided for the door to be opened that all might be welcomed into the family of God—jew and Gentile alike—through the person of Jesus. As you enjoy getting a glimpse of the innerworkings of the Christian family of Paul’s time, delight in how the heart of our Heavenly Father flows into our lives (and the world) through his church.

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Beauty in the Book: Romans 15

August 5, 2024

Themes

Explore themes of unity in the church, evangelistic mission, and gospel partnerships. See how Paul connects with other members of Christ’s body to further the Gospel mission—accomplished by God’s power and for God’s glory.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

What should be my motivation for bearing with others in the church?
What is the benefit of Christian unity?
When people come to Christ, who deserves the glory, and why?

Moving Forward

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Romans 15:1-3

After ending chapter fourteen with an invocation to love one another amidst differences in convictions and opinions within the church, Paul begins with why we are to do so, digging even deeper into the heart of the matter.

We aren’t to love others in order to please ourselves, but to please our Heavenly Father.

If we love others with the intent of puffing ourselves up in religious pride, there is a detriment to the soul of the prideful one. While laying our lives down on behalf of others may add to the peace of the moment, pride of the heart is a sickness that infects churches and individuals if left unchecked.

Thankfully, Paul doesn’t leave this matter unchecked but addresses it at once. He comments on how we are walking in the way of Jesus when we choose to bear with others—not so we can feel extra holy—but so they can be extraordinarily blessed.

We love others for their good, and in doing so, we reflect the steadfast mercies of Christ who gave himself up for our good:

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 NIV

For it doesn’t matter how impressive we are or how strong our faith is. Or if we have the most incredible knowledge of God’s character or confounding spiritual gifts. We could have life-changing prophetic insight, or a heart generous to give away all that we have. Yet, if we are doing these things for our own sake, and not for the sake of others, we aren’t acting in purity of love.

See what 1 Corinthians says regarding this:

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Fun fact for you: in some versions of Scripture—like the King James Version—the word “love” is actually replaced with the word “charity”.

Think about how we use that word in our modern age. As a noun, the word “charity” is often used to describe an event which helps or serves those in need. A “charitable” person is a generous or self-giving person. One who expends their time or resources on behalf of others.

In all these things, there is an others-focused mentality at play. And that’s exactly the implication of the Greek definition for this word. See below:

love/charity, agapē, ἀγάπη:

affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love (or love feasts)

1 Corinthians goes on to describe what love (or charity) looks like played out. It says this:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

As we can see, the one who is walking in love isn’t walking in prideful and self-seeking behavior, but is rather patiently honoring others, extending mercy along the way.

In regards to our verses from Romans, as we bear with others in the church who may not share the same confidence in Christ—or faith—as we do, may we seek to interact with them in a way that is for their good, not just to make ourselves feel good.

Romans 15:4-5

When it comes to the effort required to extend love in the way that God desires for us and the church, perseverance is needed.

Loving others isn’t an effortless act that comes naturally to someone as soon as they place their faith in Jesus. On the contrary, loving others requires the continual choice to spend ourselves on behalf of others, as Christ calls us to.

In this way, we are following him and taking up our own cross. Choosing obedience to the Father and laying down our lives for those around us.

This does not mean mindless people-pleasing or yielding to the most demanding and unhealthy voices in our lives, which could suck us dry in an instant. On the contrary, it means yielding to the form-fitting yoke of Christ, moving through life with the question continually in our mind of, “How could I please Jesus right now, trusting he wants good for those around me?”

(I talk more about this in the free resource, Cultivating Quiet. Download here.)

Let his love pour over you and spill through you. Not emptying yourself and coming up dry, but letting the depth of his goodness wash over you and rush out of you for the benefit of all those around you.

With this in mind, how can we walk with endurance as we seek to glorify God in this way?

These verses comes to mind:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

There is a race marked out for us. To fulfill the purposes God has for us, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We see the way he moved towards God’s divine purposes for his life, willing to endure pain, shame, and even crucifixion, and ended wrapped in the glory of Heaven.

We fix our eyes on Jesus himself, the hope of Heaven, and the stories in Scripture of all those who walked through trial and came out the other side. We keep our mind focused on the end-game so that we can have perseverance to get through all that our daily moments require of us.

Hebrews 11 lays out in detail the many (real-life) characters that persevered in faith to fulfill all that God had in store for their lives. Peek through it if you want further encouragement in the matter, and be encouraged also to know that God has plans for your life as well.

Ephesians 2:10 is a verse-of-my-life. Encouraging me continually as my heart finds rest and purpose in the truth that God designed me, values me, and calls me to do good for the sake of his name. I hope it does similar in your life as you read it today:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

May we walk equipped by faith stories, enveloped in the love and example of Christ, and encouraged to live our one life for the glory of our God—who loves us, made us, and strengthens us every step of the way.

Romans 15:6-12

There is a purpose to our endurance. As we persevere in love towards others and obedience to God, there is a beautiful unity that develops.

God loves a unified church. One that isn’t split-up and divided by needless turmoil, but that is wrapped-up and worshipful for the sake of His glory.

I imagine a well-orchestrated band. Where the flutes, harps, and harmonicas all work together so that with one melody, they may create a sound so pleasant and enchanting that all those who encounter it marvel at the conductor. May God be our conductor, and as we stay in step with his cues, may his glory be shown in the church and in our lives.

His desire for unity goes deeper and further than we could ever imagine. It is the crescendo towards which he has always been building.

Romans 3:21-24 describes the build-up:

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24 NIV

Jesus is the great unifier. It is because of him that all people—all who place their faith in his name—can come together and sing praises to God. Jew or Gentile. It’s the beauty to which all of God’s Word has pointed, and it’s the beauty which has come to fruition in Christ and is to be continually sought-after in the church as we lay our own lives down and persevere in blessed endurance to be a peaceful, unified body expanding his mission until Christ returns.

And when he returns, this incredible plan will be brought to fullness.

…he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:9-10 NIV

At the fulfillment of all things, there will be a fullness of unity. May we reflect God’s heart for the church day-to-day as we pursue others-focused unity, by the vehicle of benevolent love.

Romans 15:13

This scripture feels worthy of its very own section. It’s one of those verses that—once it’s tucked into your back pocket—feels relevant to take out at a moment’s notice, in all kinds of circumstances.

(In fact, I’ve created a free little printable so you can post this Scripture up around your home as you’d like. It’s attached at the bottom of those page for you to save and print as you’d like!)

This scripture is a great reminder of how steadfast hope sources our joy and peace. We see this truth described in Isaiah 26:3, and isn’t it lovely:

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Hope is a supernatural gift, that is only possible by the working of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. May we take hold of every glimmer of hope held out to us, grasping it as the lifeline it is for our faith journeys.

There is abundant goodness promised to us as the children of God, and keeping our minds fixed on the hope of all that presently is, and all that is to come, infuses us with a joy of heart and peace of mind that transcends the circumstances of this world.

We see the connection between joy, hope, and peace laid out again in Philippians 4, where we are invited to rejoice in the Lord. (I have a whole Bible study surrounding this topic if you want to check out how our faith influences our joy! It’s titled, “The Joy of the Lord” if you’d like to check it out.)

Here’s the scripture in view:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

As we remember the Lord’s nearness, and as we stay connected to him in hope, our lives become characterized by a divine joy and peace. It’s the fruit of our faith, and isn’t it sweet!

Romans 15:14-16

I love the way Paul views his calling: boldly, yet humbly. He acknowledges the gifts and abilities displayed in the church: that they are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and competent to instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)

But knowing their competency doesn’t keep Paul from keeping his eyes boldly fixed on Christ’s calling for his life. He is confident that God has called him to priesthood, to nourish the full church with the gospel of God, and so he doesn’t back down from the hard work required of speaking some of the more difficult points to the Romans, walking in his purpose.

How beautiful would the church today be if we acted similarly? If we didn’t cower in our gifting but courageously moved forward. Not arrogantly—assuming others don’t have anything to offer—but if we saw God’s goodness in them, even as we moved forward in God’s calling for us.

God’s grace is with his church. Poured out on different people, in varied ways, for the common good. (Ephesians 4:1-16)

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Ephesians 4:7 NIV

Paul doesn’t just want them—specifically the Gentiles—to believe in Jesus. But he wants them to grow up in maturity, being sanctified by the power of God through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:16)

As Paul describes his willingness to “write boldly”, I am reminded of the call we have as believers to speak truth to one another. Wrapped up in a heart of love, so that we all may grow in our sanctification as God desires:

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 NIV

He has given us callings and duties, to accomplish his own beautiful purposes through us—that we might all be transformed more and more fully into the image of his Son.

Romans 15:17-22

Paul explained in Romans 15:16 that God had given him the duty of proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles so that they might become sanctified by the Holy Spirit, living their lives as acceptable offerings to the living God. (Romans 12:1)

Here, Paul continues to share about this work. He acknowledges that it is only by the power of God that anything could be accomplished through him, and yet there is a sense of him being proud of his service. When verse 17 tells us that he glories “in Christ Jesus in his service to God”, this isn’t to say he is feeling arrogant or puffed up, but rather giving appropriate acknowledgement to God’s ability to work through people. And he is proud of that work!

We already chatted earlier about God’s ability to have good works prepared for people to do. (Ephesians 2:10) We are his masterpieces—whom he creates, calls, and equips for his purposes.

May we glorify God by acknowledging the good that is at work in and through us, but not fall to the trap of wanting to be glorified by people in a way that shuts God out and steals the worship belongs to him alone.

This concept of giving glory where glory is due is an important one. There is a juxtaposition that really struck me once as I was reading the book of Acts. In that book, we see two instances in which people wanted to worship human beings—giving them glory and praise instead of God. In these two instances, the individuals responded in very different ways.

First there was King Herod in Acts 12. The people called him a god, and he didn’t deny it. He didn’t direct the praises to God, and well… I’ll let you read about what happened next:

On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:21-23 NIV

Blech. If that doesn’t encourage you to give proper praise to God, I’m not sure what will! Here’s a contrasting story where we see some of the apostles resisting folks who were trying to call them gods, from Acts 14:11-15:

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them”. Acts 14:11-15 NIV

Here, when others tried to call Barnabas and Paul gods, they made it clear that, there was one true God who created all things. May we follow suit, not wanting others to view us as “gods”—but may all that we do to point to the glory of the One True God!

Giving glory to God doesn’t mean we count ourselves worthless—because we know we have incredible value, worth, skills, and gifts as God’s handiwork, and as his beloved children. When we do good work, we should be happy about that—rejoicing over it, glorying in it—while we acknowledge at the same time that every good works flows from the hand of the Father.

In this fifteenth chapter of Romans, we see Paul proclaim all that God has done in his priestly service. Here’s a piece of what he says:

Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God… Romans 15:17-19 NIV

It’s about what God has done through him. And evidently, God had done a lot through him. Miraculous signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit. An evangelistic ministry spreading from Jerusalem to modern-day Albania! (blueletterbible.org)

Paul desired to preach the gospel in places that no one had yet heard the good news. He stepped into the beautiful mission of proclaiming peace and salvation far and wide.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7 NLT

Paul accomplished incredible and wonderful things in his ministry. Things to be proud of. And it was all due to the fact that he was saved by Jesus—and eager to share that very salvation.

Romans 15:22-29

This missional work was so important to him (as he explains in verses 22 and 23) that, while he wanted to visit Rome, he was hindered because of all God had called him to.

I love the priorities Paul had in place. God’s purposes for his life took the number one spot.

Even so, it wasn’t with a coldness that he communicated this reality, but he warmly explained to the Romans that he longed to visit them. And he hoped that there was finally an opening in his ministry travel to do just that:

I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Romans 15:24 NIV

Paul doesn’t shy away from letting the church know that he hopes for their support in his ministry, while also communicating how he looks forward to enjoying their company.

For those in ministry, there is a lot to take from these passages:

The work you are doing for the Lord is valuable and good; it is worth rejoicing in!
At times, it may keep you from seeing all the people you long to see.
Your work is worth supporting; it’s pouring out the good news of the Gospel for so many in need.

In the midst of describing when he will stop by Rome, Paul also provides insight into the other ministry work he is doing. He is delivering funds to the poor church members in Jerusalem—generous donations from some other spots in Macedonia and Achaia.

And I love how he reveals the humble, grateful spirit of the Gentile believers who acknowledge all the spiritual blessings that are now theirs in Christ Jesus. They were eager and happy to pass funds along to the Jews in need in light of all they received spiritually:

They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. Romans 15:27 NIV

Continuing in verse 29, Paul expresses that he will visit Rome “in the full measure of the blessing of Christ”.

After explaining how ministry had kept him from visiting for quite some time—because God had called him to work elsewhere—Paul shows his confidence that when he finally does come, that it will be in the fullness of Christ’s blessing.

Jesus will be with him, and it will be a beautiful time indeed.

Romans 15:30-33

In this prayer request, Paul asks the believers in Rome to continue to pray for him. And in doing so, there are some subtle implications we can take hold of.

Did you notice that Paul both acknowledged that our prayer makes a difference and also, that it is accomplished by the love of the Spirit and by the Lord Jesus Christ?

It is because of Jesus that we are able to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, to find help in our time of need:

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV

We have the support of the Holy Spirit in our prayers:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our heartsknows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 NIV

And that the Spirit produces a depth of love in us that wants good for our Christian brothers and sisters!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

I will never tire of exploring the divine mystery of prayer. The Holy Spirit’s transformative work in our hearts gives us a desire to love others as we pray for them—and his power carries our prayers along when we don’t know the words to speak.

It is because of Jesus that we are able to approach God confidently, knowing his grace and mercy rest on us in accordance with Christ’s atoning sacrifice on our behalf.

God’s power gives us the desire and ability to pray, and it’s his power that answers our prayers, and yet—even understanding the grandeur of his goodness and power, we—human beings—are invited to step into the story and pray. To keep praying.

And evidently, our prayers make a difference in the grand scheme of things. Isn’t it incredible?!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 NIV

Here in Romans 15, Paul sees the urgency of their prayers and the value of their intercession for the sake of his safety, and that his ministry will be well-received. May we continue to intercede for those in ministry—and for all things in life—knowing that our prayers matter, even as they are empowered by God and the Holy Spirit.

Paul wants his trip to go well so that he can once again be reunited with the Romans in person, and be refreshed by their support and companionship. He wishes them peace as he carries onto the close of his letter, up next!

Beauty in the Book

In this chapter, we see how the power of God infuses the day-to-day life of the church—offering encouragement where it’s needed, perseverance in love, and power in prayer.

Paul encourages the church in unity, knowing that as each person lays down their lives on behalf of others, that the result is the body of Christ coming together and lifting the name of Jesus high with one beautiful voice. We see how God himself empowers and encourages this unity, as he holds all things together for his beloved people. (Colossians 1:17, Romans 15:5-6)

In Christ’s body, each person plays a special role. And while we each may glory—or rejoice in—our service to God, we maintain the understanding that it’s only by his magnificent power that good, lasting, and enteral work is accomplished.

May we understand—as we see displayed in this beautiful chapter—that God’s mission for mankind is moved forward through everyday people and partnerships. As we lay our lives down in love, may we see all that Christ can accomplish in our blessed unity—for the glory of his name.

Romans 15:13 - Free Printable:

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Beauty in the Book: Romans 14

August 1, 2024

Themes

Using the topics of food, drink, and sacred days as illustrations, Paul describes how Christians are to refrain from judging others when their grey-area convictions land in different places. Explore themes of Christian freedom, church interactions, and true kingdom values.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

How am I to respond when a fellow Christian thinks something is wrong, but I don’t? (Or, what if they are comfortable with something that I’m not okay with?)
What role does my own personal conscience play in my Christian walk?
How can I live to please God in areas that aren’t black-and-white?

Moving Forward

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Romans 14:1-3

While there are some subtle implications in this passage for what the life of the individual Christian may or may not involve—regarding eating meat or observing particular days—the focus in this passage is less about what we do and more about how we relate to fellow believers who view things differently than we do.

There are three categories at play:

The Weak, Judgmental One: This person feels conflicted about certain things, questioning if God is displeased with them for their actions. They judge and resent those who partake freely in the things they feel conflicted about.
The Strong, Contemptuous One: This person feels no conflicting feelings about their actions and believes they stand right with the Lord. They treat those weaker in faith with scorn, looking down on them.
The Surrendered, Accepting One: Paul invites both groups to understand that the Lord accepts us, and we are to accept others regardless of where they’re at in their faith. This group surrenders judgment to God, knowing that he is the only one worth answering to.

The beautiful thing about people’s lives being transformed by the Lord, is that whether they lean any particular way—generally partaking or abstaining—by the work of the Spirit, they may grow in acceptance of the one who views things differently, cultivating unity in the body of Christ.

Regarding the varied levels of faith in the church, I love how David Guzik describes weakness in his Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Check out this quote:

“There are many reasons why a Christian might be weak.
· They may be a babe in Christ (babies are weak).
· They may be sick or diseased (by legalism).
· They may be malnourished (by lack of good teaching).
· They may lack exercise (needing exhortation).”

While there are many reasons for spiritual weakness, it’s important to note that a person’s weakness doesn’t disqualify them from being loved and accepted into the family of God.

Weak faith is still faith, and as they sort through and grow in their comprehension of God’s mercy, we are to extend welcoming arms that display God’s prevalent grace, not hold them at arm’s length with a cold rejection misrepresentative of the heart of God.

Regarding the strong, it’s almost as if Paul is enticing them to use their strength—not just to partake freely in that which they are allowed by God—but to extend to others the same free acceptance they themselves have received.

A similar topic is covered in the book of Galatians—specifically in chapter five if you want to explore further. This next verse sums it up well:

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 NIV

For those who are strong in faith and in an understanding of their Christian freedom—with all their choices, they are to choose to be willing servants who build up those around them. Not bound as slaves, but serving as beloved children and members of the family.

It’s not that the Lord disregards weakness or doesn’t desire for people to be strengthened; it’s just that a person’s strength or weakness isn’t a contingency for acceptance. In fact, God has equipped the church—in accordance with his grace—all the tools required for people to come to maturity in the faith. This task however, is to be garnered in peace and unity.

As Ephesians 4:3 calls believers to “make every effort for unity in the Spirit through the bond of peace”, we are to pursue maturity in faith with peace at the forefront. Perhaps this is why the emphasis Paul offers here is on acceptance amidst differences rather than the specific differences themselves.

All of Ephesians 4 is beneficial on this topic of maturity in the faith. Take a moment to comb through it, taking special note of how grace, love, and unity play a vital role in maturity:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4, NIV

Equipping in faith is a spiritual gift from God, accomplished through the body of Christ by the means of love. When we come down on each other with contempt and judgement—as described in these opening verses of Romans 14—we are neglecting the royal law for which we were intended as God’s holy people: to love one another deeply, from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

Romans 14:4

Romans 14:4 is a powerful, humbling verse that reminds us what our role is—and what our role isn’t. Our job is to live our lives submitted to an audience of one. We are to keep God’s judgement in mind as we seek to walk out obedience to all he calls us to as believers in the faith.

Our role is not to judge others. It’s entirely out of place.

In this short section, we see both God’s perfect judgement and incredible mercy walking hand-in-hand. His judgement, because he is the only one worthy to assess us with clarity and truth. His mercy, because he alone is able to make us stand on our judgement day.

It is because of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and the work of the Holy Spirit that we are both labeled eternally righteous through justification, and being made righteous through sanctification.

If this is the steadfast grace with which we are met with in the Lord, who are we to tear down fellow believers, and recipients of this glorious grace?

It reminds me of what we read way back in Romans 2 about judging others. God’s kindness perseveres in his judgement. We, however, are faulty and unworthy judges. We are better to pass judgment over to the mercy of God—the only Holy and Righteous One.

Here’s Romans 2:1-4 on the matter:

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1-4 NIV

God is the only appropriate judge because his judgement is rooted in absolute truth. And blessed are we that his perfect judgement is matched only by his perfect kindness.

Romans 14:5-6

As believers in Jesus, we have stepped “out of the darkness and into God’s glorious light”, as 1 Peter 2:9 so beautifully puts it.

All that we do, we seek to do in light of Jesus—living purely before him, eager to please him, and choosing to love him. Which is why that sometimes, it’s less about what we do and more about the heart with which we do it.

Like a parent who has grace for their toddling child—sometimes in step, sometimes out of step—but who who delights in every ounce of their sincere attempts at obedience, so God values his servant who genuinely seeks to please him with every move they make.

This isn’t to say we aren’t to learn and discern God’s ways, growing in wisdom and maturity along the way, but the greater lesson is that for every bit of black-and-white wisdom we attain, there is going to be a whole lot more of grey areas. These are the circumstances in which we are to allow the Lord to search our hearts as we aim to please him the best we can, in accordance with our furthest understanding.

We may be strong in faith, or weak in faith, but may we always aim to love the Lord with the entirety of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)

Romans 14:7-9

The divine reality described to be at play here is worth leaning into: there is no height, width, or depth that could separate us from all Jesus is for us:

I’m reminded of the truth relayed in Romans 8:38-39:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV

Death can’t keep us from the love of God, found in Jesus.

The full span of life can’t keep us from the love of God, found in Jesus.

No angel. No demon. No powers. No height, depth, or anything else! If such is the case, surely our choice to partake or abstain in a particular meat or holiday isn’t going to forbade us from Christ’s love!

The word that keeps standing out to me here is “Lord”. That’s what Jesus is for us. Christ died and came to life so that he might be “the Lord” for us, fully and completely.

Let’s explore further what exactly this role entails:

Lord, krios, κύριος:

the one to whom a person belongs
that which has the power of deciding
the owner or master
the one with ultimate control
the supreme ruler
a title of respect or reverence, given to a master from their servant
God’s title/the Messiah’s title!

(Definition summarized/paraphrased from blueletterbible.org.)

Here’s what I think is pretty groovy about this whole definition… it drives home the idea that we were always meant to live our lives in focus of what Jesus thinks about things. He is meant to be the one we aim to please in our decision making. He is the one we are to serve. He is the one we belong to. And he is the only worthy judge.

We aren’t intended to look to the right or to the left, but to look up. To live vertically (not horizontally). He gave everything to be our Lord. May our gaze remain fixed steadfastly on him.

Romans 14:10-12

A natural segue from describing Jesus as the one who is to be rightfully called Lord—master, ruler, powerful one—Paul asks his listeners why they are treating one another with contempt and judgement.

The people had been putting themselves on a ruling seat never intended for them. As Paul continues,

“…we will all stand before God’s judgment seat”. Romans 15:10 NIV (my underline added)

It is out of place for us to step into the position of either judgement (for the one who partakes in things) or contempt (for the one who abstains). (Romans 14:3)

I took a moment to dig into those words—to judge or to treat with contempt, as worded in the NIV—and I wanted to offer a simple explanation.

To “judge” is to condemn or pick someone apart. To “treat with contempt” is to write them off as nothing. One is too involved in another’s choices. The other disregards a person completely.

Neither of these are the balance we are to strike in Jesus. We are to walk the path of love, not appraising our neighbor, but not despising them either.

Paul taps into just how we are to treat others in the church in verses ahead.

Romans 14:13-15

Rather than devaluing others around us—disregarding their thoughts, judgement calls, or feelings—we are actually to regard others highly through-and-through.

It seems I can’t go more than a few chapters without nestling back into Christ’s humility as depicted in Philippians 2, and this section is no exception.

See here the Christian call to regard others significantly:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

Playing it out with illustrations, Paul says that when we encounter someone who feels conflicted about partaking in a certain food or event, rather than treating them with contempt—or dishonoring their view—we are to humble ourselves and actually commit to not putting a stumbling block in their way, or encouraging them to take an action that, in their heart, they feel would be sinning against the Lord.

In verses 13-14, Paul discusses why a food would be outlawed for someone based on their own conscience, but then in verse 15, he takes it a step further and describes how—if a person is conflicted about what another is eating, it is advisable for that person to abstain as well.

This is humble, others-focused love in action. This is what it means for a Christians to use his freedom to love, as described in Galatians 5:13.

Romans 14:16-21

Depending on your translation, verse 16 might sound like a plot twist. Here’s how it reads in the NIV Bible:

Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. Romans 14:16 NIV

This isn’t an encouragement (after calling believers to lay their rights down) to then dig their heels in and not let certain things “be spoken of as evil”.

But rather, I believe it’s the encouragement to not let the name of Christian freedom be tarnished for the sake of a meal. To not stubbornly hold fast to getting one’s way, and in doing so, cause one’s faith to be spoken against.

After all, as Paul continues, life in the Spirit isn’t about doing what it takes to get one’s own way, but rather it’s about pursuing what leads to joy, peace, and mutual edification.

The word “edification” is simply described in the Apple Dictionary as this: “the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually”.

We are to seek actions that help a person be built up to do what they believe is right (morals). For the Christian, this is to do what we believe is right in God’s eyes—to serve Jesus as our one and only master. May we help those around us to live in order to please the Lord as their number one.

We already referenced Ephesians 4 in this section, but 4:3 is worth revisiting:

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 NIV

In the church, the operation of the Holy Spirit is a divine mystery—perhaps the most fascinating part of that mystery is that God chooses to appoint supernatural work of the Holy Spirit to be enacted via ordinary human church members.

God’s Spirit moves and breathes amongst his church. Keeping unity of the Spirit—unity in the church—is worth upholding. (Even if it means passing on that meat plate you really wanted.)

Romans 14:22-23

First, Paul talked about us (believers) judging others. (Romans 14:1-12)

Then, he talked about others judging themselves. And others judging us. (Romans 14:13-21)

Finally, he discusses us judging ourselves.

And I love what he says:

So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. Romans 14:22 NIV

I’m also going to add this verse here from the Amplified Bible, as I find it very helpful:

The faith which you have [that gives you freedom of choice], have as your own conviction before God [just keep it between yourself and God, seeking His will]. Happy is he who has no reason to condemn himself for what he approves. Romans 14:22 AMP

It never gets old to me that the word “blessed” can be simply translated to happy. Good-ol’-fashioned happy. (blueletterbible.org)

The person who holds a personal conviction before God—and operates in accordance with that conviction—is happy! This way of living brings clarity and simplicity, keeping the waters from being muddied by legalism and other people-oriented systems of thinking.

We live in the light of Christ, in pursuit of God’s will, by the power of the Spirit. Knowing (as we saw in verse 18) that the one who seeks to please God isn’t focused primarily on the do’s and don’t’s of diet or calendar, but is seeking the to fulfill the law of neighborly, Christ-like love. (Romans 13:10)

In the end, if a person believes they are going against God’s will when they do something, then they ought not to do it. At the same time, if they believe something is allowed in accordance with their Christian freedom, may they take into account how their choices impact those around them, as they seek to hold love in high pursuit—for the glory of their Master.

Beauty in the Book

I love it! I just love-love-love it. The Christian life is about loving God and loving others. And while the nuances are as widespread as meals on a menu or days on a calendar, it really is as simple as can be: we are to live our lives with the aim of loving our Holy God and those around us.

It’s the question asked of Jesus, and his basic, profound answer in Matthew 22:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:36-38 NIV

We see this mindset played out as Paul addresses specific circumstances with the Roman church. When believers come together with varying levels of faith and varying opinions on grey matters, how is the church to proceed? Simply put: by putting others above themselves.

They are to be convicted in their hearts and minds before a Holy God—living not in the fear of man, but in the fear of Him only—but they are to be willing to lay down their rights at a moment’s notice to serve the weakest among them.

This is to uphold his way of love as we hold fast to the simplicity of his law—scripted onto our hearts, being brought to fruition by the work of the Spirit. For the betterment of the church, the furthering of his kingdom, and the glory of His Name.

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Beauty in the Book: Romans 13

July 29, 2024

Themes

This chapter covers how a Christian is to relate to government authority—respectfully, submissively. Themes of love, law, and living in the light are also covered.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

How should we, as Christians, relate to the government?
What role does God’s hand play in establishing our government systems?
How might Christ’s impending return impact how I live today?

Moving Forward

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Romans 13:1-2

Here—venturing into the topic of governmental authority and submission—Paul continues to describe the high calling of God’s people.

As we saw previously in chapter twelve, God’s people are to be characterized by humility, love, and servant-hearted behavior. Not vying for value, but humbly laying ourselves down for the sake of others. It’s easy to imagine then, how a person with this mindset might naturally transition into having posture of peacefulness and submission in relation to government systems.

Whether one’s government is honest and organized, or chaotic and corrupt, our call to operate as people characterized by peace, love, and humility remains.

For Paul didn’t write to the Romans (in the previous chapter) about loving and serving only those who love and serve us, but on the contrary, we are to be colored by the gracious hue of Christ who operated in God-obedient, others-focused love until the very end. He expressed that love even to those who treated him poorly, accused him, and maligned him.

May we revisit Philippians 2:5-8?

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 NIV

As we know, it was this very humility and others-servitude that led to Christ’s exaltation in the end. And just as we die to ourselves in the following of Jesus, so we will be exalted for the humility we exude on this side of eternity. Remembering this truth helps keeps God’s justice in view when we choose submission in circumstances that feel unfair.

In moments of humble submission, we remember that it’s actually the lowliest among us who will be called the greatest in God’s heavenly kingdom.

Jesus described this dynamic in Matthew 23:11-12, where he addressed religious leaders who were striving for earthly respect, wanting to be seen as superior to those around them.

He said this:

The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 NIV

With this in mind, may we consider that in our relation to the world systems in place, we can operate boldly as Christ’s body, displaying his bent to the world: one that relies on God’s higher authority to accomplish his purposes, as we willingly submit to those around us.

Romans 13:3-5

Here, Paul moves past the basic command of submitting to authority and breaks down a sort of common-sense logic on the topic.

Simply put: if a person isn’t breaking the law, what’s the problem with submitting?

While tales of government corruption are endless, the fact remains that God’s way is one of order, and that systems of authority are in place to accomplish his good purposes.

These authorities operate as God’s servants. And God is able to use these people to accomplish his purposes in the church, and in the world. This proverb speaks to God’s ability to use the one in a position of power for the betterment of his own people:

In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. Proverbs 21:1 NIV

While there are worldly authorities in place, God’s greater authority remains true and substantial. Verse 4 displays how God uses government for the good of some, but for the bad of others:

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4 NIV

From the family system (Ephesians 5:23), to the church (1 Corinthians 14:33), to the worldly systems in place (Romans 13:1), we see a consistent pattern of authoritative orders being divinely established by God. After all, as 1 Corinthians 14:33 puts it:

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…” 1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV

While government systems are imperfect, by nature, they provide a structure, strength, and order that anarchy lacks. By nature, government systems are tasked to address crime, injustice, and other needs that rise up in society. When you add to the fact that God is powerfully able to sway leaders according to his perfect will, this call to submission seems all-the-more sensible.

While we may face persecution for our faith in this life, may we—as Christians—not be found facing punishment for basic infractions of societal law. On the contrary, may we honor and respect God’s design for governed societies, as we see laid out in these verses from Romans.

Along these lines, may we heed the urging of Paul as laid out in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and be diligent in prayer for the systems which govern us. May we both express our gratitude for their existence and petition that their values would align with the heart of God. See the Scripture here:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

These prayers aren’t without effect, but actually add to the pleasantness of our lives. As we pray for those in authority, we are being promoters of peace—better able to focus our energies on living holy lives in honor of God.

This beautiful, mutually beneficial arrangement is so pleasing to God. He wants goodness, peace, and salvation for all people.

Romans 13:6-7

Naturally, next up, Paul covers the well-known topic of taxes.

And while there is a whole lot here that we could say about how we can obey God regarding our finances because he is our ultimate provider, what I want to focus more on here is how Paul seems to be spurring the Romans into deeply-rooted mindsets of gratitude, and honoring others—even in this challenging area of submitting to the government and paying taxes.

Because isn’t that just how God is? He cares to produce holiness in every nook and cranny of our lives, leaving nothing untouched by his magnificent grace and goodness.

So then, as Paul encourages, may we pay what is due to those who deserve it. Living fair and honorable lives as members of our present society.

Romans 13:8-10

As Christians, we are set apart as God’s holy people. We aren’t to flail through life according to the ways of the world. We have been adopted and securely established in the family of God, and this family we are now a part of has beautiful standards by which we are called to live.

God’s ways aren’t meant to be burdensome, but to bring blessing—both to ourselves and to the lives of others around us. I want to note The Beatitudes here, because while—to the world—it may look like Christians lay everything down in love, what we gain is God himself.

Enjoy the lovely words of Jesus:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10 NIV

We who walk in meekness, purity, and mercy are called the children of God. We see him and are filled with the righteousness which souls enter this world entirely desperate for.

Speaking to our identity as sons and daughters of God, 1 John 5:2 says this:

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 1 John 5:2 NIV

We obey God’s commands as his children.

We walk in love, beautifully obliged as God’s chosen ones.

This love is our duty as soldiers in the living army of God. We move the Kingdom force forward, not with traditional military might, but with the immovable force of love.

Romans 13:11-14

After explaining our duties and obligations as followers of Christ, Paul gives the “why”.

He urges the church in Rome to understand that we are no longer to live in the dark, but to live in the light of Christ. And in expectation of his imminent return.

And we are always to live in view of its nearness.

Living armored in light is powerful imagery. It reminds me of Ephesians 6, where the church is told to be dressed in God’s armor:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

It’s important to note, that being dressed in God’s armor is to be clothed in Christ. To hold fast to truth, righteousness, and the peace of the Gospel—the only combat uniform strong enough to push back against the schemes of the devil.

This armor of God isn’t meant to be frivolously applied, but we are to sober-mindedly consider what it looks like to walk as God’s beloved—to live in the light of Christ. Not being battered by the deception of sin but protected by the truth of God’s love and mercy.

Ephesians 5 is a highly-descriptive portion of Scripture that aids our understanding of exactly what living in the light might look like. You may enjoy exploring it fully, but for now, let’s look at this bit found in Ephesians 5:1-10.

In these verses, we see the direct correlation of living in the light, and operating in a holiness of lifestyle. After all, we are dearly beloved children of God, chosen and set apart by him for glory. Here it is:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:1-10 NIV

May we be found in the light, clothed fully in the beauty of Christ, as we walk in His Spirit and put to death the dark and deceptive desires of our flesh.

May we embrace all things good, right, and true—as we live to please our Perfect Savior.

Beauty in the Book

What I absolutely love about this portion of the Bible is how relevant it is. We don’t live a Sunday morning faith, but our belief in Jesus seeps into every moment of our lives—reaching to the furthest corners of our circumstances and experiences.

Our relation to the government is no exception. We are impacted by God’s benevolent grace and his perfect process of sanctification. Living as people transformed by love means we are empowered to operate with a meekness and humility unheard of by those un-infused by the Holy Spirit.

As God’s beloved, chosen and set apart by him, we are called to lives of supernatural submission—knowing we are watched, held, and provided for by our loving Heavenly Father. We can live surrendered to the power of God, as we actively promote peace in our perimeters through prayer and patience, yielding to the authorities that be.

May we walk in humility in regards to our government systems and in relation to others—letting love be in fulfillment as we await Christ’s full return.

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Beauty in the Book: Romans 12

July 25, 2024

Themes

This chapter unpacks themes of God’s grace, spiritual gifts, and intentional living. Explore how the Gospel empowers us to live a transformed life of sincere love and proper humility—as we operate peaceably, powerfully, and purposefully in the church, and in the world.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

How can I know what God’s will is?
How am I to think of spiritual gifts in regards to the church?
How do spiritual gifts reveal God’s grace?
What does it mean to actively love others?

Moving Forward

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Romans 12:1-2

After eleven chapters of breaking down what has been accomplished for us in Christ—largely from a spiritual perspective—Paul dives into how salvation might play out in our physical bodies, as we live transformed lives in the day-to-day. He is getting practical.

Just as we have explored God’s mercy toward us for eleven chapters, now we get to explore how to operate as believers in the ways of his kingdom, displaying Christ’s love and righteousness in the world.

And what a perfect order in which to explore these things: his love coming first, and our love coming second. After all, his love begets our love.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11 NIV

God’s love: first we know it, then we show it.

Before Paul gets into the specifics of living a life reflective of God’s love, he offers the big picture idea that it all must begin with our minds being renewed.

Our minds are renewed so that we can live in the way God intends for us. To operate in accordance with God’s will must first begin with the transformation of our minds.

John Piper has a stellar quote on this topic:

“The Christian alternative to immoral behaviors is not a new list of moral behaviors. It is the triumphant power and transformation of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ — our Savior, our Lord, our Treasure. “[God] has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). So transformation is a profound, blood-bought, Spirit-wrought change from the inside out.”

The Bible has a lot to say about our minds in relation to Jesus. And it’ fascinating stuff.

For starters, 1 Corinthians 4:4, describes the darkened minds of unbelievers:

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV

A person who can’t see the goodness of the gospel experiences a sort of spiritual blindness. When someone has seen the light, however, they begin to conceive with their mind the glory of Jesus as displayed in the Gospel. They see how God’s image is displayed in him.

It’s a divine transformation that takes place when someone passes from death to life in Jesus. They are washed, reborn, and renewed in the Spirit, and their human minds go from spiritual blindness to spiritual sight—where they begin to be capable of comprehending the good things God has prepared for those who love him. See it in 1 Corinthians 2:

However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 NIV

The eye-opening nature of the Christian faith is something we might contend for and pray for an increased measure of, just as Paul prays for the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 1.

He asks that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened, so they can better grasp all that God has given them. After all, the depth and riches of God’s extravagant mercies are endless.

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe... Ephesians 1:16-19 NIV

God wants his chosen ones to comprehend his glory of the Gospel; even as they walk in the fullness of its power. (John 15:1-8)

It’s only as our hearts are yielded to his mercies—abiding in the person of Christ—that we can live the fruitful, transformed lives he intends for his people.

As we lean into Romans 12:1, we are reminded that it’s only in view of God’s mercy that we are able to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to him.

Paul assures the reader that this process is what it looks like to live in holy and pleasing worship to God. We understand God’s mercy, we trust in Jesus, he regenerates our minds, and we walk in the new life he has given us.

Walking out our new lives in Christ begins with the transformation of our minds. The greek definition for mind is a hearty one. And after reading what exactly is denoted in this specific word, we gain incredible insight as to what Paul may have meant when he encourages us to be transformed by our renewing of it. (Definition found at blueletterbible.org)

Mind, nous, νοῦς:

the intellectual faculty, the understanding
reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognising goodness and of hating evil
the power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and impartially

*Definition from blueletterbible.org.

As you can see, this definition of mind goes beyond how we might think of that word in our everyday, English-speaking world. The “mind” doesn’t just consist of our intellectual nature, but our soul’s ability to perceive right and wrong, our capacity for spiritual truth, and our ability for clear discernment.

So then, as our minds are renewed by the Holy Spirit—as we have a regenerated mind that becomes able to discern what’s right and wrong—may we choose to walk in what’s good.

May we not continue along with the sway of the world, but may we fix our eyes on Jesus and continue in step with him. With our new spiritual sight, may we fix our gaze on him even as we are transformed more-and-more into his image:

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

It’s only as we let ourselves be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit inside of us, that we will be able to test and approve God’s will. We touched on the Scripture earlier, but it’s entirely worth re-visiting because Titus 3 describes this process so well:

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:3-8 NIV

As you can see above, we used to live in sin and hatred, but when God’s love appeared and his incredible mercy, we were saved from that wicked way of life. He washed us clean by the power of the Holy Spirit, offered us full justification, the hope of eternal life.

We are to focus on these realities of God’s salvation—to “stress these things” as it says in the text—so that believers can be careful to devote themselves to what is good.

We understand God’s mercy and trust in Jesus for salvation, then we walk in his ways.

Romans 12:3

After discussing the idea of keeping God’s mercy in view and understanding God’s will, Paul soberly reminds the Roman believers that this faith we have is itself a gift from God.

We aren’t to puff ourselves up regarding our own faith. But rather, as we saw above, it is only to God’s credit that our eyes are opened to his glory. We are to walk humble, grateful lives of service as we operate in accordance with our faith.

Romans 12:4-8

We couldn’t talk about the nature of using our gifts in the church without pulling the reference of 1 Corinthians 12:12-19, which offers an excellent metaphor for what the members of the church are like: members of a body! Enjoy:

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

We are the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. (And the eyes, ears, noses, etc…) We come together as the body of Christ—the church—and operate as the Holy Spirit empowers us for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)

And while we are to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit—which serve beautiful purposes—may we always keep love in proper view. Meaning, while we would be good to place an appropriate value on gifts of the Spirit, may it never eclipse our pursuit of love in the church, and in the world around us. (1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3)

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 explains the immense value of love in a memorable way:

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV

Keeping love in view, Paul opens this explanation of spiritual gifts with the affirmation that as members of Christ’s church, we belong to one another. (12:5) We receive gifts of the Spirit in accordance with God’s grace, and through the faith God has distributed to each of us. May we approach these gifts with a posture of humility and an attitude of selfless love.

1 Peter 4:10 sums it up well:

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV

May God’s grace be put on full display in his church!

Romans 12:9-13

Next up, Paul rattles off a series of quick remarks pointing the church towards faithful living. For fun—is this your idea of fun, too?!—let’s toss them in some bullet points, paraphrased!

Sometimes breaking things out of the verbatim we are used to engages are minds as we deeply consider what’s being shared. Here’s the list:

Love sincerely. Hate evil. (12:9)
Hold onto what’s good. (12:9)
Love each other with devotion. (12:10)
Honor others above yourself. (12:10)
Serve the Lord, passionately and enthusiastically. (12:11)
Let hope keep you joyful! (12:12)
Stay patient in painful times. (12:12)
Pray faithfully. (12:12)
Share with the Lord’s people who need it! (12:13)
Be hospitable. (12:13)

I mean, that all sounds pretty great, right?!

All-in-all, it seems Paul is invoking the church to walk out the love we have received. To know his goodness and to act in accordance with his goodness from the position of a transformed heart.

He encourages the Romans to hold fast to their true hope, remaining joyful, prayerful, and patient. After all, the hope we have is a real and present hope—one that produces an organic joy as we consider all it means for our lives both for now and for eternity. (More on that in here!)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 NIV

He rallies them to serve the Lord with all they’ve got—enthusiastically! passionately!—even as they serve one another. After all, serving those in need is serving the Lord. Have you ever read Matthew 14:31-40, in which Jesus describes this dynamic?

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:31-40 NIV

Jesus wants us to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ, even as we serve him.

Romans 12:14

When we love our enemies, we reflect the nature of our loving and gracious God, who loved us enough to send his son, while we were still dead in our sin.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV

A steadfast love like His isn’t contingent on receiving it first, but continues in love even in the face of rejection. See how Jesus shares about this during his Sermon on the Mount:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

So then, blessing those who persecute you and not cursing them, reflects the image of our Father in heaven. Using our words to do good versus evil.

He wants us to speak blessing over all—as all are made in his image. (James 3:9-10)

Continuing in this topic of love, it would be good to note what Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 24, letting them know what the end of time would bring; he spoke regarding the idea of loving with perseverance:

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:12-14 NIV

May we love until the very end!

Romans 12:15-16

In a few different ways, Paul encourages the Romans to get on others’ levels. Not acting in vain superiority, but humble love. It reminds me of how Jesus is described in Philippians 2. He was God-by-nature, yet he became human-like-us. This is how we are to interact with others, with humility:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 NIV

We do this as we keep eternity in view. We know our place on this earth as servants of the Lord, and we seek to lay ourselves down for the sake of others. May we be agents of love who are willing to make ourselves lesser so that the life of Jesus might be put on full display.

I love the way this scripture is translated in the King James Version:

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. Romans 12:16 KJV

It presents this idea of not minding the things of this world or taking pride in them, but all being of the same mind. Coming together—with the things of this world put out of view—so that we might love one another truly, from the heart.

1 Peter 1 describes the dynamic of brotherly love as it relates to what’s temporary and what’s eternal. For the things that might cause us to esteem in the world are passing away, but God’s word—the one that invites us into true and pure love—remains:

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:22-25 ESV

May we live harmoniously with our brothers and sisters in Christ, loving truly, as we remember what truly matters—the faith we share.

Romans 12:17-21

This next portion of scripture contains words that are both incredibly straightforward, and incredibly challenging to accomplish—aside from the work of the Holy Spirit.

For in our flesh, revenge makes sense. And yet, in Christ, a new way is introduced:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Matthew 5:38-39 NIV

Our flesh wants to fight back and to turn against those who insult and harm us. But God calls us to the higher plane of forgiveness. I’ve heard it said that forgiveness is like taking the things that offend you and placing them at the feet of Jesus.

It’s not approving what’s wrong so much as it’s surrendering it to the only proper judge.

It’s like saying, “Ouch, this hurt me, but I trust You to deal with it instead of me.”

And while one might think this sets them up for more pain, forgiveness is actually the only way to allow ourselves to be saved from bitterness, anger, and other assailants of our soul.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV

Furthermore, we aren’t just allowing evil to take place as much as we are inviting God to take care of us when faced with evil. We are leaving room for God to judge.

It reminds me of Psalm 91—a powerful psalm describing God’s ability to guard and protect his people. See verses 1 and 2:

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

Choosing to walk peaceably, without offense, and in the fullness of forgiveness is to allow God to be our refuge and fortress. It’s not to put ourself in harm’s way as much as it is to place ourselves safely in his care, finding rest for our souls.

Finally, Paul ends with the invocation to not let evil triumph over us, but to triumph over evil with goodness. We are to keep moving forward in the love and kindness of God—even towards our enemies.

In this way, we shine the light of Christ in the world, in the hopes that others see the beauty of the Gospel on display. For it’s only in this Gospel that they will be beckoned towards the life transformation that occurs from the inside out—as love abounds and ultimately wins the day, for all those in Christ Jesus.

Beauty in the Book

As we hold God’s mercy in view, an incredible and divine thing happens: through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit, we are offered the opportunity to be transformed into the image of Christ.

Our spiritual eyes become opened and we behold the beauty of who God is, and all he has freely offered us in the person of Jesus. As we gaze—eyes wide open—on the face of Christ, we become emboldened to walk in this world as people made brand new.

That’s what this portion of Romans is all about: living as those transformed by love. To walk as humble recipients of God’s grace through lives of service. In the church, we serve in the power of the Spirit, enabled and equipped to love with special gifts reserved for the people of God. We practice hospitality, we serve faithfully, we give generously—and we do it all according to God’s grace flowing in and through us.

And in this world, we are like Jesus. (1 John 4:17) We lay our lives down in love for those around us. We bless others, even when we don’t get it in return. We forgive others, even when they insult us to our core.

We lay everything at the feet of Jesus, entrusting ourselves to the true beauty of the Gospel, knowing that we can trust our Lord completely. And in that trust, may we enjoy lives of peace and rest that come only from knowing Him.

Thank you Jesus!

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Beauty in the Book: Romans 11

July 22, 2024

Themes

This chapter dissects Israel’s past, present, and future stance with God—a people group that has always been reliant on His grace. Paul uses the metaphor of a grafted vine to discuss the dynamic between the Jews and Gentiles being welcomed into the family of God.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

Can someone who has fallen from faith be welcomed back into God’s family?
Will the whole nation of Israel eventually be saved? Who is saved now?
How does my disobedience intersect with God’s mercy?

Moving Forward

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Romans 11:1-6

Paul opens this chapter relating to the Israelites, even down to verifying which tribe his family hailed from. Paul clarifies that God didn’t reject Israel by offering salvation in Christ, but rather, it is through Christ that he saved those from Israel whom he foreknew.

Now foreknew is any interesting word. A basic Apple dictionary definition defines it as having an awareness of an event before it happens. The greek lexicon (found at blueletterbible.com) uses a similar definition, but also notes that this word may describe those who are predestined by God for salvation.

Either way you swing it, it’s clear that God’s foreknowledge was at play from the time of Moses to the revealing of Christ as Messiah. In his mercy and wisdom, he set people aside and saved them according to grace.

Paul references the prophet Elijah in a moment that comes from 1 Kings 19. In this circumstance, The nation of Israel had given themselves over to idols. Specifically named “Baal”. Elijah had brought God’s word and prophecy to the people, but they turned on him. He was at the end of his rope when he cried out to God in desperation. He felt weary, alone, and desperate.

It was in this moment when circumstances for Israel appeared bleak to Elijah, that God assured him he had maintained 7,000 faithful souls for himself amongst the nation of Israel. 7,000 who didn’t bend their knee to the cultural idol worship, but maintained true devotion to their Living God.

It’s a perfect segway to the truth Paul is getting at: God has always been in the business of saving and sustaining people according to his grace, and to the praise of his glory.

At the time of Elijah, it wasn’t as if the whole nation of Israel was devoted to God, but rather a chosen few. In the same way, when Christ came, it wasn’t the entire nation of Israel that trusted in him as their savior, but only a chosen few.

Verse 6 seals it in, saying that salvation is according to grace. There is no place for trying to secure a righteousness by works in a grace-based system!

Romans 11:7-10

In this next little section where Paul references Old Testament scripture, we see that there were two choices for the people of Israel: either they were elected by God for salvation by faith, or they became hardened.

If you’re like me, you find this reality to be a tough pill to swallow. It almost feels unfair to the unsaved. But as we saw a few chapters earlier, in 9:20, it’s really not our place to question God’s ways. After all, it’s his right to operate in the way that displayed his power and reveals his glory in the utmost. The glory that is on display in accordance with his mercy:

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory… Romans 9:20-23 NIV

We balance this humbling fact with the truth we know regarding God’s character. We hold these things in view:

He desires for no person to perish. (2 Peter 3:9)
We all deserve his wrath. If we are spared of it, it is only because he sent his own Son as our atoning sacrifice. Because he loved us so very much. (Romans 3:23, John 3:16-17)
He is compassionate and merciful by nature. (Psalm 86:15)
It’s fitting for him to be glorified in the utmost. He is worthy. (Psalm 145:13)

In all of this, we can conclude that God was entirely kind and just in his judgments of the Israelites. Not condemning the masses in an unduly manner, but preserving and saving a remnant according to the steadfastness of his grace.

Romans 11:11-15

It’s an interesting flip that takes place here. After so much time spent affirming God’s welcoming of the Gentiles to salvation through Jesus Christ, Paul once again affirms God’s merciful nature by sharing that just because the Jews rejected Christ and lost out on the incredible gift of salvation, didn’t mean that they wouldn’t be welcomed back if they placed their faith in Christ after all.

I want to note the way Paul describes salvation for the Jews in Acts 13:46:

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46 NIV

Paul attributed the Jews’ rejection of the Gospel as them considering themselves unworthy of eternal life. And while we all are unworthy of the gift, the difference between those who are saved and those who are unsaved isn’t their unworthiness, but their reception of the only One who makes them worth: Christ alone, by grace, through faith.

Paul describes salvation as riches in Romans 11:12, and that it is. Ephesians 1 has a heart-stirring section that in my Bible carries the headline of “Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ”. Check out the extravagance of all that is ours in Jesus. It’s a little long, but filling. Like a sumptous dessert that begs to be savored and enjoyed for every last morsel. Enjoy:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christwhen you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritanceuntil the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:3-14 NIV

If you glossed over that, here are the really fun bullets of the richness that is ours in Christ:

Blessed in the heavenly realm with every spiritual blessing (v. 3)
Chosen to be holy and blameless in God’s sight (v. 4)
God was pleased to adopt us as his children (v. 5)
Freely given God’s glorious grace (v. 6)
Revealed the mysteries of His wisdom: to bring unity to all under Christ, when the proper time of fulfillment has come (v. 8-10)
Predestined to bring praise to God (v. 11-12)
Marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our spiritual inheritance (v. 13-14)
Redemption as God’s special possession (v. 14)

Woah. Even the bullet points were hearty! But it makes this point clear: “riches” is the perfect word to describe all that is ours in Christ.

And the richness of God is not bound to one people group. Just as the Jews’ rejection of the Gospel set headway for it being presented to the Gentiles. So God still desired that the Jews would see this wonderful salvation and turn to receive it.

God’s perfect wisdom and intention has been unchanging from the beginning: that Jews and Gentiles alike might share in the “boundless riches of Christ”. This beautiful reality that has been hidden in God for ages became unfolded. His eternal purposes culminated in Christ. (Romans 10:4)

His intention is described in Ephesians 3:6-11:

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:6-11 NIV

We see this idea ushered in when we read Romans 3:21-24 and remember that God’s righteousness was alluded to by the prophets and through the law, but it wasn’t brought to its entirety until Jesus came. His perfect wisdom allows for both Jews and Gentiles to be let into the promise by faith in Christ:

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24 NIV

Paul makes it clear here that the Gentiles being let in doesn’t preclude the salvation of any Jews who call on the name of Jesus by faith. God is gracious and redemptive, worthy of all praise!

Romans 11:16-24

Here, using the metaphor of botanical grafting, Paul seems to set out in order to accomplish a few things:

To provide a framework by which to think of the Gentiles inclusion into God’s family
To dissuade the forming of any superiority complexes among the Gentiles
To highlight the importance of continuing in belief

First, let’s talk about the framework. In this metaphor, the Lord is the nourishing and supportive root of the plant. This causes me to consider John 15, where Jesus explains more in-depth what it means that he is the base of the plant and we are the branches. Here’s John 15:1-8:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:1-8 NIV

Here, we see a beautiful depiction of what it means to not only be connected to the vine, but to be in the care of God our Gardener, who prunes us and refines us as we abide in Jesus.

This is the framework by which we might consider how the Gentiles have been welcomes into the family of God. If Jesus is the base vine, and those who abide in him are his branches, then Jews and Gentiles alike can be welcomed into the family of God.

But Paul makes a distinction between the natural branches and the unnatural branches. Both are recipients of God’s mercy through faith, yet it is cautioned against for the Gentiles to become arrogant that the natural branches were cut off so that they might be allowed to reside in the plant via the practice of grafting, though they are unnatural branches. Which leads us to our next point:

No superiority complexes! There is no place for boasting in the family of God—except to boast in Christ alone.

For while the Gentile believers didn’t have a history of trying to be gain value in God’s eyes by the means of the law, that didn’t forbid their human pride from conjuring up other ways to fall into the pit of self-righteousness. To assume that they were somehow better than the Jews was to neglect the reality that they were entirely saved by grace just the same.

I love what Paul said in Galatians 6 when he addressed folks who were still attempting to be self-justified. He reminds them that we are never to grow haughty in our own regard, or to boast for what we bring to the equation. Au contraire, we boast in what Christ has done for us:

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 NIV

For the second we begin depending on what we have done versus what God has done, is the moment we fall from the amazing grace poured out for us. (Galatians 5:4, Philippians 1:6)

Paul offers a stern warning to the Gentiles in verse 20—“Do not be arrogant, but tremble”—reminding them that the Jews who didn’t place their stake in Jesus were broken off of the vine. The Gentiles would be wise to have a trembling humility before the power of God, revering his mercy and being characterized by gratitude for the generous inclusion they’ve gained into God’s family. To tremble before God in regards to their salvation, not to get a big head because of it.

Finally, through the metaphor, Paul emphasizes the importance of continuing in belief, referencing two pronounced aspects of God’s character: his kindness and sternness.

When I think about God’s kindness, this Scripture comes to mind:

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:6-9 NIV

God’s kindness was displayed to us in offering us salvation in Christ. Continuing in this salvation provided by faith is continuing is to continue in his kindness. And yet, there is a sternness to remember when we consider that Jesus is the one and only way to life.

If we want life in the vine, it has to come via the person of Jesus.

And while God is stringent in this regard, he certainly isn’t stingy. For anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! And if they fall away, they can be re-welcomed. (Romans 10:13)

It’s like the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32. That son had full freedom to leave his Father’s care—of course, leaving that care left him withered and cut off from a beautiful relationship with the one who loved him oh-so-much. Coming back though, he was met with a warm embrace and a welcoming back into the family.

So it is with those who are broken off of the vine of Christ, if they don’t persist in their unbelief, they can be grafted back in once again.

Oh, the incredible mercy of God!

Romans 11:25-29

After chapters of proclaiming that God’s promise to the nation of Israel is extended beyond the actual nation, and how God’s promise to Abraham extended beyond Abraham’s actual descendants, this portion of Scripture can almost feel like a plot twist.

As it turns out, all of Israel—actual Israel—will be saved after all.

This certainly is a mystery, but it’s a mystery that displays the faithfulness of God in an unmatchable way. For while Israel’s hardness paved a way for the Gentiles to be welcomed into God’s family, God’s tenderness towards them opened the door for them to be let back in when the time is right. The nation of Israel is deeply loved by God.

And don’t miss v. 29: “…for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable”.

God set his sights on Israel, and he isn’t wishy-washy. He’s solid and stable, and faithful even when his people are faithless:

…if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13

God is unlike us, in our frivolous humanity. He is divinely dependable:

God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 NIV

Israel has a history of seeing God’s faithfulness come through for them again-and-again. May we all find peace in this aspect of God’s character as one who is unchanging, reliable, and true.

Romans 11:30-32

You may remember chapters earlier in Romans 9, we touched on how God allows the hardening of hearts in order to display the depth of his mercy. It even mentioned Pharaoh, a notable example from Scripture in which we see God hardening someone’s heart. See below:

For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will? But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? Romans 9:18-24 NIV

While it can feel confusing at times why God might harden some hearts and not others, a posture of humility tells us that we really don’t have a right to question it at all. We can simply hold it in tandem with all we know to be true about God’s character, predominantly the fact that his mercy extends even to those whose hearts are hardened.

After all, every single person has gone astray. (Isaiah 53:6)

And every single person was dead in their sin, out of touch with God’s ways. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

And every single person has been offered salvation through the person of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-5 NIV

So while our hearts may have all been hardened at one point, it’s because of God’s incredible mercy that the hardness of our hearts didn’t get the final say. But God’s transformative love came in—removing our heart of stone and giving us a soft heart of flesh.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

And that’s exactly what we see here in Romans 11:32, that disobedience may have been present in all of us, but it was there so that God’s mercy might be made known:

For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Romans 11:32 NIV

Romans 11:33-36

It’s no wonder that Paul bursts into doxology after all he has covered regarding Israel! Truly, God is magnificent, mysterious, and merciful beyond measure.

It reminds me of this Scripture from Isaiah, which displays God’s gracious and supreme wisdom:

Let the wicked forsake their ways
    and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
    and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:7-9 NIV

God is truly unfathomable—and blessed are we that he is unfathomably good.

Beauty in the Book

Like the sun around which our entire solar system revolves, so God’s goodness was intended to be centric to the entire Biblical narrative. This isn’t a story about broken people turning better; it’s about a perfect God saving broken people.

There is no place for striving here, only surrendering to the steadfast mercies of God. This was a hard pill to swallow for the nation of Israel, and many of them became hardened to the truth of Christ. And yet, they could never fall too far for His goodness.

For while their rejection of Christ was a circumstance God used to open the gates of salvation to the Gentiles, one thing becomes clear in this chapter: that gate—salvation by faith in Christ—is always open to welcome them back. And while there is presently only a remnant found in Him, God certainly will remain faithful to Israel in a way that ends in their salvation.

Never forget that God is like this: that he is faithful and that all his promises are true. That we simply get to continue in his grace, nurtured by His Spirit, abiding in Christ.

Our job is to continue in his kindness. (Romans 11:22)

And his kindness is one that extends far-and-wide. Mercy upon mercy. To the glory of his name.

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Beauty in the Book: Romans 10

July 18, 2024

Themes

This chapter of Romans digs into themes of judgement, righteousness, morality and conscience, and helps us gain insight how the concept of circumcision relates to New Testament believers.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

Is it fair for me to judge others?
What is God like as a supreme judge? What qualifies his judgement?
How do I think about my conscience in regards to God’s law and ways?
Can people know God’s ways if they haven’t read Old Testament law?

Beauty in the Book: Romans 9

July 15, 2024

Themes

This chapter of Romans digs into themes of judgement, righteousness, morality and conscience, and helps us gain insight how the concept of circumcision relates to New Testament believers.

Questions

This chapter addresses the following questions:

Is it fair for me to judge others?
What is God like as a supreme judge? What qualifies his judgement?
How do I think about my conscience in regards to God’s law and ways?
Can people know God’s ways if they haven’t read Old Testament law?

Beauty in the Book: Romans 8

July 10, 2024

Themes

This chapter of Romans digs into themes of judgement, righteousness, morality and conscience, and helps us gain insight how the concept of circumcision relates to New Testament believers.