Day 341, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Romans 12:1–15:12
Because of Grace
- Someone opens the door for you.
- A driver lets you into the flow of traffic ahead of him.
- You are carrying heavy packages, and a person comes to your aid.
- A friend or acquaintance looks beyond your faults and accepts you.
What would be your reaction to these situations? Would you thank the person who extended grace? You should, but don’t acts of grace also prompt you to do some favor for others? This is a proper response when we consider the grace God has given us.
God’s mercy and grace
In the book of Romans, we are learning that God is merciful and gracious. He will save all Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles), who realize their terrible nature and turn from their sins to him in faith (Romans 1-3). He provides salvation from sin, justification, peace, and spiritual life through Jesus Christ (Romans 4-7, more).God adopts us as his children, and his Spirit comes to live within us (Romans 8). Because of the mercy and grace shown to us whom he chose to save (Romans 9-11), it begs the question, how shall we then live?
Our Response to God’s grace
In today’s Bible reading, the Apostle Paul instructs the Christians in Rome to offer their bodies as living sacrifices of service for him (Romans 12:1). They are not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by renewing their minds (12:2).
Paul’s instructions also apply to us. Our American culture and media often teach us that we deserve what we get, even grace. It teaches us to live with pride; after all, we are entitled to whatever we can get! However, the Bible teaches that we should live in humility toward one another because of God’s grace.
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to followers of Jesus Christ. This is God’s grace, but it causes some of us to act with pride. However, we should exercise our spiritual gifts with humility and love because we received what we didn’t deserve. We should love our brothers and sisters in Christ and live in peace.
Questions and Answers
Because we now live by the law of grace under the lordship of Jesus Christ, do we still have to obey our government? Do we have to keep paying taxes? We may be disappointed with this answer, but Paul says yes to both questions. Here’s why:
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves (Romans 13:1-2, NIV).
Therefore, we must obey civil laws, honor the governing authorities, and pay our taxes. One exception to obeying our government officials is regarding our religious liberty. If they tell us to stop sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, we shouldn’t obey; we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:28-29). However, everything should be done respectfully.
A godly life is not a life that is argumentative and trouble-making—it is a life of grace. A graceful life doesn’t permit us to act in whatever way we please. Instead, because of the grace shown to us, Paul tells us to make valuable use of our time and opportunities for God—not waste them with destructive living (Romans 13:11-14).
Living in consideration for each other
In Paul’s day, many Christians were saved out of idol worship. Meat was sold in the marketplace, previously offered to idols. The immature believers wouldn’t eat this meat (1Corinthians 8).However, the mature believers said meat is meat; where it was last offered has no significance. It can be eaten with thanksgiving to God.
The principle in today’s Bible reading and 1Corinthians 8 is to support the spiritually weak and not judge each other. Most of us don’t face the same situation as the Christians in Rome, but the principle about not engaging in questionable activities still applies. Paul says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19, NIV). For more discussion on this topic, go back to the November 27 Bible study.Live in unity
Lack of unity in the body of Christ (the church) can destroy it. Racism and pride divide us. The Roman church and other churches in the Middle East faced this danger, and so do churches today, wherever they might be located.
Paul’s parting prayer was that they would live in unity as they follow Jesus Christ, “so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6, NIV). To both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews), Paul leaves these instructions, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7, NIV). Let’s remember God’s grace to us and be gracious to others.
Discussion
In what ways has God shown his mercy and grace to Israel and us?
How should we respond to God’s mercy and grace?
Since we live by the law of grace, do we have to pay taxes and support our government? Why or why not? What exceptions are there, if any?
Focus Verse
Romans 14:19 (NIV) “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response: Dear Father in heaven, although you are holy and righteous, you showed us mercy and grace by saving us from our sins and adopting us into your family. Praise your name! May we share the gospel message with others so they, too, will be welcomed into your family. May we seek a deeper relationship with you and do your will, exercising our spiritual gifts with love.
Dear LORD, please meet our daily needs according to your grace and riches. Give us daily strength and wisdom, and help us see and take advantage of the opportunities you give us. Please help us not to be worried about it because we are worth more than many sparrows.
Please forgive our sins and grudges we might have against another who has done us wrong. Please lead us to be gracious, not vengeful. May we also show honor, obey, and pray for our government leaders. May we not make trouble but live in peace and unity. For the sake of your kingdom and glory, I pray. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: Show acceptance and love for one another by giving a Christian Welcome. Learn more about this in our Next Lesson.
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