Questions for Reflection for Study of Romans 12-14

The things of this world are built like a house of cards. They may work for a while but suddenly fall apart. On the other hand, the things of God are built on the foundation of truth. We can rest assured that the promises God has given in the Bible will be fulfilled. The challenge in explaining about something unseen like faith can be difficult but with Christ we have a model to help us clarify the intangible qualities of our faith with integrity. 

Studied over the last few weeks was how Israel stumbled by trying to pursue righteousness by works. Of most importance is not following some law or restriction but just accepting God’s grace and doing things that make a lot of sense. Everyone needs God’s grace. Once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived.

The best way is God’s Way and the Bible is the text book to the course of wisdom. So the first step is the most important. It only takes one step toward Jesus and there is momentum that leads to even more steps. Before long, we are gaining so much momentum that we are living with passion, loving completely, learning humbly, and living boldly.

There are various ways to receive knowledge of God. We can read His Word, learn from our experiences, and learn from others who have knowledge and experiences to share. The knowledge of God is more precious than silver or gold so let’s be enthusiastic for this day to not only read the Word but also apply it in our Life.

When we grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we receive the nourishment needed to flourish. It’s really just that simple. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down.

God’s door is opened with grace! It’s the key given to those with eyes ready to see and with ears willing to listen. By accepting God’s grace, we are forgiven and provided the key to His kingdom. His arms are open to all who believe and ready to receive His amazing grace.

His grace is unlimited and keeps on flowing from day to day; from year to year; from generation to generation. As long as we are attached to the Vine, we will all share from the same nourishing spiritual food that gives us strength to fulfill the purpose He has for us.

So the great mystery is that the power of God is available to all. This day, seek ways to share your knowledge of God’s mystery with others by collecting inspiring thoughts and ideas that nourish the soul.

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Romans 12:1-8
How does Paul’s appeal relate to the new status you have in Christ (See 6:1-7:6)? What disciplines are you exercising to renew your body and mind? How can you show today that you are a member of the body of Christ and one another?

Romans 12:9-21
What main ideas are expressed and emphasized? What would be the specific results in a society that obeyed them? How will you obey them today?

Romans 13:1-7
What are your obligations to civil authorities (relate to 12:2)? In what ways are authorities an extension of God’s authority in relation to a society? What attitude should a Christian have if they are being punished wrongly?

Romans 13:8-14
How is Love Related to justice (See 1-7)? If people ever truly loved like Paul discusses in this passage, would any commandment ever be broken? How will you love your neighbor as yourself today?

Romans 14:1-12
What are the likely attitudes of the strong toward the weak? The weak toward the strong? What is your attitude toward Christians with whom you differ in conviction and practice? In what ways does judging others on these matters ignore the power of Christ?

Romans 14:13-23
What substitute for judging does Paul command? When questions of food and drink are a Christian’s main concern, what does this reveal about his perspective as to the kingdom of God? With whom must you ultimately keep your faith and life?

This day with God, know that you have a role to play because you have will and will is more important than skill. Choose to be on God’s side for He is always right. All winning teams have a game plan and the reading plan above will be used as I share over the next few weeks. The best gift ever is God’s plan for us and by accepting this gift of love; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print. 
“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
“Google Images.” Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.
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Connecting Each Other to the Power

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble – James 4:6

In the post “Power Available to All”, the mystery revealed in reading Romans 11:25-36 is that the divine power of God is available to Jew and Gentile. Understanding this mystery helps us all observe the greatness of God which takes away personal pride and makes us more apt to humbly show concern for others.

There have been several times when my vehicle would not start because of a dead battery. Jumper cables were used to recharge one battery from another. In a similar way, we can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, listen to their needs, offer some help, or pray for them.

Sharing a song is a good way to connect each other to the power and recharge each other for the day. Here’s a song with that purpose in mind: Come as you are by Crowder. 


Index of devotionals

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Power Available to All

God’s mystery concerning Jews and Gentiles as explained in Romans 11:25-36 is that His divine power is available to all. His mercy given allows everyone to share in His tremendous and immeasurable wisdom and to give praise (v. 33-36). Being able to observe the greatness of God takes away personal pride and gives humility. We see that God was in total control in the very beginning and will continue to be in control for all that happens in the future.

Find ways that you can kindly share your knowledge of God’s mystery with others by collecting inspiring thoughts and stories. There is nourishment found in the Bible that feeds the soul. There are inspiring stories we can share with others from our own experiences. 

Think of how sharing secrets actually has its reward. One story from present day history is how Microsoft jumped ahead of Apple in the 1980’s with computer software. They allowed many companies to make computers as long as those computers used their software. They focused on producing the software that would run most of the computers.

On the other hand, Apple wanted to be in total control of both the computer and the software. As a result, not as many computers were produced to run with Apple’s software. More computers were sold that ran with Microsoft software so Microsoft controlled market share.

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Lord this day, we come to you just as we are. You have given each of us the ability to share with others and give encouragement. Just as with the story of Microsoft and Apple, we are not concerned about the things on the outside or the hardware but what makes things run on the inside. Help us to gain a heart for welcoming everyone into Your Way. Help us to further this movement of Christianity and help it grow by being a part, fulfilling a purpose, and kindly sharing our knowledge of Your mystery with others. Amen.

 

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The Gift That Keeps Giving

Because of God’s gift of Jesus, grace keeps on flowing from day to day; from year to year; from generation to generation. If you or someone you know has not received this gift, here is a link for instructions to accept the gift that is useful for a lifetime and beyond: God’s Plan for Us.

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Unlimited Grace

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

Today’s song One Thing Remains – Kristian Stanfill is about God’s love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out.

His grace is unlimited and keeps on flowing from day to day; from year to year; from generation to generation. As long as we are attached to God’s love, we will all share from the same nourishing food that gives us strength to fulfill the purpose He has for us.

So my brother or sister in Christ, let us all have a positive attitude towards our individual role in God’s plan. As a believer in the Gospel of Christ, we share from the same nourishing food that improves our life and the life of those around us.
 

 

Index of devotionals

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