For the last few weeks we have read and discussed chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 in Romans, a section we summarized by the subtitle "Exercising Faith". This seems an appropriate summary in light of the the Apostle Paul's very physical, athletic sense of himself and the imagery he employs in his Epistles.
If the first part of the book dealt mainly with human relationships with God, these chapters are most practical in their application to human relationships in light of our standing with God. A principal theme is that judgment of others in any form is God's territory and out of bounds for us. Yet we have new boundaries to explore. In Christ we need to go beyond our comfort zone of mere non-condemnation to an expansive, active acceptance and sacrificial love toward others.
Paul's gracious tone is wonderful to discover in this book. Many of us have felt beaten about the brain and heart by quotations from Romans employed mainly to sort out, judge, control, and condemn others. My view of this book is changed and renewed by our study together. I will always be deeply grateful for this growth and change in my perception of Paul.
Though much of Romans remains quotable in terms of basic Christian beliefs and practices, I have a new favorite passage which I commend to you:
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
-- Romans 15:5-7
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Next up: Introduction to I and II Corinthians, Sunday December 12.
-- Pastor Dan
