Blessed & Bearded's Biblical Blog

So last week we discussed those who are weak and strong in the faith; those who needed more rules and regulations to stand and those that simply needed Christ.  Here, Paul begins to close his letter to the Romans thru a series of triune exhortations to live the example of Christ and finally closes with a series of personal encouragement to his brothers in the faith.  15:1-2      I've discussed building your brother, or neighbor, previously; but what are we to build them up to? What is the goal of our building? Here, Paul emphasizes self-sacrifice in building or strengthening, his brother. The goal of our building is to forge our brother to be increasingly holy, or more fruitful in their Christian walk. 15:3     Whom did Christ please if not Himself? God. We, following the model, are to do likewise.  Here, Paul quotes Psalm 69:9 to teach us by showing us that the insults that men throw on to Christ were ultimately towards God. Likewise with us in our work for t

Paul continues his application of the mercies of God into this chapter; one of the results of a “renewed mind” (12:2) is submission to the governing authorities to honor God and, also, loving man. 13:1-7 13:1     So who instituted our governing authorities?  God.     This lesson will mostly focus on Government; but what other authorities are there that God institutes? The government over all citizens, the Church over all believers, the parents over all children and masers over all employees.      Does God institute all governing authorities; even the bad ones?  Yes, even the bad ones, “for there is no authority except for God…”, God is the chief authority, He, by means of secondary causes, creates them.      And why does God allow/ordain bad governments? To further His purposes; of which we may never know the whole extent of, however one of the reasons God does raise up bad governments, or authorities, is for judgment. Perhaps a particularly bad author

Thus far, Paul has explained the Gospel and all that God has done for in Christ; now Paul will explain what affects the Gospel is to have on our life from here on out in his letter to the Romans.  12:1-2 12:1 Here, Paul presents the order of worship for us; doctrine then duty. First, we know and meditate on doctrine then we commit ourselves to our proper duty.  Now let’s consider doctrine briefly before we discuss duties.           What are the mercies of God that Paul speaks of in 12:1? Everything that he has been talking about since chapter 3 really; God withholding all that we do deserve-chiefly Hell and wrath.       How do God’s mercies led us to worship Him? The Christian life is founded on grace and mercy and is built up in gratitude. If God withholding you from Hellfire doesn’t care you to worship Him; then consider for a moment the reality of Hell and how hot the flames of His wrath are for unrepentant sinners and then you will have not trouble in y