March 9th, Monday, Romans chaps 12-13

Rom 12
The Biblical pattern is to relate doctrine and duty – for what you believe must determine how you behave.
In these closing chapters, Paul discusses your relationship with the Lord, yourself, the Church, your enemies, the government and believers who disagree.

We'll read about transformation.
The Spirit of God transforms your life by renewing your mind.
But He cannot do this unless you give Him your body.
When you give yourself to God in spiritual worship, you become a living sacrifice to the glory of God.

Rom 13
Believers are citizens of heaven.
But me must not minimize our responsibilities here on earth.
We must be exemplary citizens so that the Lord will be glorified.
There is the law – God has established the human government, because people are sinners and must be controlled.
Governmental authority comes from God – so you must respect the office, even if you can't respect the officer.
The fear of punishment is not the highest motivation for obedience.
But is is better than having chaos.

We'll read about love – love for God and for your neighbour - as the highest motive for obedience.
Love does what is right and just, and seeks the best for others.
By nature, we do not have this kind of love, but the Lord gives it to us.

And we'll read about light.
Christian citizens live in the light of the Lord's return.
Paul admonishes, “Wake up, dress up, clean up and look up.”
Are you heeding it?
It was Daniel Webster who said, “Whatever made men good Christians, makes them also good citizens.”