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

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 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)