I.        INTRODUCTION

A.      Chapter 11 concluded the strongly doctrinal part of Romans.  Now we have come to the practical applications of the doctrine of Christ to the lives of believers.

B.      Presently, we will consider chapters 12 and 13, which tell Christians how they are to live in the world based upon the wisdom of Christ’s gospel.

II.      PROVE WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS

A.      After making a thorough explanation of the gospel doctrine (chapters 1-11), Paul called on Christians to let the gospel transform the way they live (Rom. 12:1-2).

                                                             1.      The truth revealed by Paul should result in more than just intellectual knowledge.  It should result in a transformed life in the one who believes.

                                                             2.      Specifically, knowledge of the gospel should move a believer to present his body as a living and holy sacrifice.

a.       This is a new mode of sacrifice that was previously unknown.  Typically, sacrifices required the death of an animal, but Christians are to live unto Christ themselves.

b.       This sacrifice is described as one’s “spiritual service of worship” (NASB) in verse 1.  In this verse, “spiritual” is translated from a word that means “reasonable” or “logical.”  Becoming a living sacrifice is a logical response when one hears the gospel of Christ.

                                                             3.      The process by which one becomes a living sacrifice is a transformation from the mind outward.

a.       Rather than conforming (molding to shape) to the ways of the world, Christians are to be transformed (changed in form), thus becoming different from the world.

b.       This transformation occurs when the mind is made new, meaning that the old ways of thinking have been replaced by thoughts that are in harmony with the gospel.

                                                             4.      By transforming from the world’s form to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), a believer may prove the goodness and completeness of God’s will.

B.      Paul then admonished Christians to recognize their particular talents and use them in the service of the Lord’s body (Rom. 12:3-8).

                                                             1.      With a renewed mind, a Christian should see himself as he truly is and not have an inflated opinion of his own importance.

                                                             2.      Sound judgment leads one to recognize both his and others’ abilities and limitations.  It also leads him to use his abilities in concert with his brethren to produce a fully functioning body of Christ.

C.      Furthermore, Paul gave other instructions regarding practical applications of faith in Christ (Rom. 12:9-21).

                                                             1.      The directions that Paul gave do not compose a checklist to be completed, but rather they describe a way of life.  These are guiding principles that affect every day of a Christian’s life.

                                                             2.      For the most part, these directions are self-explanatory, and for brevity, we will not consider every one.  However, let us give attention to a few points.

a.       Consider the contrast between the attitude toward evil and the attitude toward good in verse 9.  This contrast if often lacking in Christians who do not want to be viewed by others as extremists or fanatics.

b.       Notice the emphasis on relationships between fellow Christians.

i.         Christians’ common faith is to transcend any worldly distinctions that they may have with one another.

ii.        In fact, fellow Christians are to favor one another over others with whom they may have worldly relationships (family, nationality, race, social status, etc.).

iii.      Therefore, Christians are to practice love, honor, service, benevolence, hospitality, and sympathy toward one another in the Lord.

c.        Also notice the directions that pertain to interactions Christians have with outsiders.

i.         In all cases, it is a Christian’s responsibility to be a good representative of the Lord to others.

ii.        Particular emphasis is given to how Christians must deal with personal enemies in a gentle and Christ-like manner.

III.   BE SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT

A.      A further practical application of a Christian’s faith is found in his subjection to governments (Rom. 13:1-5).

                                                             1.      The abiding principle here is that God has ordained governments for the good of all people.

a.       Although governments are established and composed by men, they exist by ordinance of God to establish and enforce civil laws.  See also 1Peter 2:13-17.

b.       As such, He has given them authority to “bear the sword,” meaning that they can punish evildoers.

                                                             2.      Therefore, there are two reasons given for Christians to be in subjection to government.

a.       One is because of the government’s authority to inflict wrath.

b.       The other is “for conscience sake” (v. 5), meaning that opposing one’s government is a violation of one’s conscience to do what is right.

                                                             3.      These instructions are given without reference to government corruption or opposition to God.

a.       We should remember that the Roman Christians were subjected to one of the most corrupt and ungodly governments that the world has known, yet they were instructed to submit to it anyway.

b.       As we consider these instructions, we should also keep in mind the abundance of biblical examples of individuals who defied their authorities in favor of service to God (Daniel, Rahab, Jeremiah, Peter and the apostles, etc.).

c.        Therefore, we understand that we are to submit to governments insofar as their requirements comply with the will of God.  See Acts 5:29.

B.      Not only must a Christian subject himself to his government’s laws, but he must also pay taxes to support his government (Rom. 13:6-7).

                                                             1.      This is a principle that the Lord Himself taught (Matt. 22:21).

                                                             2.      As with submission to government, payment of taxes is to be done in reverence to God, for these things have been ordained by Him.  Again notice 1Peter 2:13-14.

                                                             3.      This principle extends beyond just taxes and government.  Paul wrote, “Render to all what is due,” whether it is tax, custom, fear, or honor.

IV.    PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

A.      Whereas a Christian is to pay his dues to all, he will always owe love to his neighbor (Rom. 13:8-10).

                                                             1.      The phrase “owe nothing to anyone” indicates the idea of being current with one’s debtors.  In other words, pay your bills on time.

                                                             2.      However, regarding love, the debt can never be paid, for we are forever indebted by the law of God to love one another.

a.       All of the precepts of the Law of Moses regarding men’s relationships with one another are summarized in one saying, which is, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

b.       Love does no wrong to a neighbor, and therefore it satisfies the Law’s prohibitions against such wrongdoing.

B.      In all these things, Christians must be aware of the mantle they wear, which is the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 13:11-14).

                                                             1.      As Peter wrote, “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles…” (1Pet. 4:3).  Those who have been made aware of salvation must “lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

                                                             2.      Paul wrote, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” for all Christians must project the image of Christ to all who see them.  See also Galatians 3:27 (“…clothed yourselves with Christ”).

                                                             3.      Finally, notice that we are to “make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”

a.       One prepares for an anticipated need by securing provisions to satisfy that need.  Yet in regards to fleshly lusts for sin, we are to do nothing to satisfy those lusts.

b.       Let us emphasize the point that we are to make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust.  There is never an appropriate time for a Christian to let down his guard and indulge in sin.  Therefore, we are to make absolutely no allowances for sin whatsoever.

V.      CONCLUSION

A.      These two chapters contain many broad applications of the teachings of Christ’s gospel, but there is one purpose in them all, which is the glory and honor of our Lord.

B.      In the next lesson, we will consider issues of conscience according to chapter 14.