January 20 - Community

January 20 - Community - Romans 12-16

Paul begins this last section of his letter to the Romans by laying out expectations and offering perspectives on what the essentials of community are with regard to yourself, the church and society.

The first word in Romans 12:1, "Therefore" (NIV) is meant to tell his readers that this conclusion will wrap up everything that he taught them in the first eleven chapters. I also love verse two, where it very beautifully tells us that we are not to be changed from the outside in (conform to the world) but from the inside out (transformed). Paul fully understands the world that we live in and how easy it is to fall into patterns that aren't within the will of God. In fact, he clearly tells us that by this transformaion, we will be able to comprehend what God's will is. There should be no question! (Romans 12:2).

After speaking to the arrogance of both the Jews and the Gentiles in earlier chapters, Paul once again reminds us that humility is the only way we should be exercising our gifts in Christ. (Romans 12:3-8). He then goes on through the last part of Romans 12:9-21) to tell us that love is the proper context in which we work within the community, but every statement he brings forth shows us that love begins with humility.

Romans 13:1-7 describes the expectations Paul has for Christians as they live under the authority of government. He then returns to the basis for all community - love (Romans 13:8-14). When I am sick or stressed, the night time becomes the worst time for me. It seems as if the hours will never pass as I toss and turn, get up, lay down. The worst things seem to happen in my mind at night. The worst things in our lives seem to happen at night as well. His comparison in Romans 13:13-14 of day and night ends with clothing ourselves in Jesus Christ. That would definitely eliminate a lot of sinful desires.

As Christians, we walk a fine line. What is right and wrong, but even moreso, how will our choices affect other Christians? In Romans 14:1-15:13, Paul spends some time teaching us how to look at those choices. It is never about us. It is always about the other person. We may believe a choice is correct, but if it affects someone else negatively, we have made the wrong choice.

Paul wraps up his letter to the Romans with some general and then personal notes. In Romans 15:14, he compliments the Christians in Rome. These people are living fulfilled lives in Christ. They do not need a letter of correction from Paul, but received a letter of encouragement.

We see in Romans 15:23-25 that Paul intends to visit Rome on his way to Spain, but he has a stopover in Jerusalem first. We left him in Jerusalem with things getting a little exciting for our traveler. We'll return to his life tomorrow.

Romans 16 is filled with personal notes to the people he has met along the way and with a quick warning in Romans 16:17 to watch out for the same people that have caused such conflict in his other churches.

"To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen." (Romans 16:27)