Our
Relationship to God (Romans 12:1-2)
* Offering.
We must offer ourselves (our whole lives) to God (12:1).
* Renewal
by God's Grace. We must not conform to worldly ways of thinking and acting, but
rather be transformed by the renewing of our minds (12:2). Our
Relationship to Ourselves (Romans 12:3-8)
*
Know Yourself. We should think of ourselves with sound judgment, realizing that
God has made us for a purpose, and has given us particular gifts and abilities.
*Be
Faithful. We are called to be faithful to exercise those gifts and abilities in
accordance with God's purposes. Our
Relationship to Others (Romans 12:9-21)
*
Love One Another. We must sincerely love our fellow believers, expressing love
through devotion to one another, caring, sharing, hospitality, empathy, honor
and humility.
*
Love Your Neighbor. Our love should extend beyond the family of God, even to our
enemies. Our
Relationship to the Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1-7)
†
Read
Romans 13:1-7. The apostle Paul writes, "Everyone (every person) must
submit himself to the governing authorities" (13:1). 1.
Why should everyone submit to the governing authorities? What reasons does Paul
give?
2.
What is the God-given function (ministry) of the governing authorities?
3.
In Romans 12, Paul says, "bless those who persecute you" (12:14), "do
not repay anyone evil or evil" (12:17), and "do not take revenge …
for it is written, 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (12:19).
Instead, we are to "bless," and do good to our enemies. However, Romans
13 speaks of "bearing the sword" and "bringing punishment on the
wrongdoer" (13:4). How do we reconcile (fit together) these passages?
4.
What should motivate us to submit to the governing authorities? (13:5)
5.
How does Paul specifically apply the principle he is teaching? (13:6-7) What are
some other applications in our daily lives?
6.
Do you think Paul means that Christians are to obey the governing authorities
under all circumstances? If not, under what circumstances would the requirement
for obedience be excluded? Explain.
Consider
Exodus 1:15-17, Daniel 3:4-18, 6:7-13, particularly Acts 4:18-20, 5:28-29.
"We
must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29) Reflection/Application
†Do
you obey the rules and laws of the governing authorities? Many of us can say that
we obey the "major" laws. But what about things like plagiarism, copyright
infringement, software theft, traffic violations (like speeding), etc.? A Christian
must "submit himself (or herself) to the governing authorities." In
what areas do you need to submit? †
If you do obey the laws of the governing authorities, do you think that is "good
enough?" Who or what is the ultimate authority in your life? The Bible says
that God is the ultimate authority in the universe, and His "law" is
the required standard. Through faith in Jesus Christ, make a commitment to submit
yourself daily to the Ultimate Authority (God).
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