11.21 Romans 12-16

Tom Humphrey

11.21.2020

Romans 12-16

Chapters 12 through 14 are full of a lot of good practical teachings. Some of the ones that stood out to me are:

1. Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed through the renewal of your mind. To me, this means I need to read my Bible and remember that this world is temporary and does not lead to the truth.
2. Members of the body of Christ are given different gifts. Use what has been given to you. I need to Glorify God with my gifts and not judge or be jealous of other peoples’ gifts.
3. Live peaceably with everyone as much as possible.
4. Submit to the government and show your authorities respect.
5. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love is the fulfilling of the law.
6. Do not cause someone to do something they think is wrong even if you don’t think it is wrong yourself. Do not be a stumbling block for someone else.
7. Jesus is our hope. Abound in hope. I can easily forget how special salvation really is.

Chapter 15 mostly talks about Paul preaching to the gentiles and his plans to visit the Romans. Chapter 16 is the final chapter of Romans. It is primarily a number of greetings to members of the church in Rome. It also contains a warning to watch out for people who try to trick you with false teachings. 

A key verse is Romans 14:8-9

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

I think this is a great reminder that my purpose in life is to glorify God and to be used by Him. It is very easy to get distracted by all the stresses and material things in life and forget what is really important. This was also demonstrated in Jesus’s life and death. He lived and died to glorify God and to fulfill the Father’s purposes.