LBC Sermons & Messages

Romans 13:8-10

Today we will look at Romans 13:8-10. To grasp the totality of the passage, we need to be mindful of the theme of the book and what Paul has discussed thus far. The theme of the book is God’s grace vs. God’s law. The Law condemns each of us for we are all guilty; however, God’s grace comes in through the person and work of Jesus Christ and forgives us because He was the sacrifice in our place. Christ set us free from guilt, sin and the punishment from it.

With that in mind, Paul tells us the command - to owe no man anything, 8a. Our debt is to God and God alone. This is why Paul says to owe no man, not one, anything. Also, if we are to owe no man anything, than there is a way we should lend to others. Duet. 23:19, 20 tells us to not lend to fellow Christians with usury. We are not to make money off of brother’s or sister’s misfortune. I will let you struggle with the totality of that passage. Again, our debt and focus is to God.

Next, we see the consequence, 8b. God tells us to owe no man anything for a reason, Prov. 22:7. When we owe, our focus and devotion is shifted. Luke 16:13 shows us that our love is hijacked when we are in debt. Our debt is to God and when we have physical debt, our love and focus is hijacked.

Last, we see the cure – love, 8b-10. When approached by the Pharisees and questioned about the greatest commandment Matt. 22:35-40, Christ responds to love thy neighbor as thyself and to love God first and foremost. When we love the Lord with all our heart, soul and minds, we fulfill the law. The law is fulfilled because God is not just concerned about what we do but our heart’s motive in doing. Love is the answer.

Romans 12:17-f.f.

We have discussed the attitudes of collaboration. God gives us certain attitudes that we should have as His children. This week, we will look at a real life scenario and apply these principles to our lives.

When I hear the phrase giving place to wrath, the first one that comes to mind is Christ and then Joseph. Both were treated unfairly and hurt by those they loved yet they did not retaliate.

In Gen. 39:1-6 we see how Joseph was slothful in business even though the circumstances were not pleasant. Joseph had just been sold into slavery by his own blood brothers and the only reason they sold him instead of killing him was they could make money off selling him. Joseph is in a strange land with strange, pagan people and yet we see that he is doing all heartily as unto the Lord, Col. 3:23. His ability to prosper in hardships promotes him in the eyes of those around him and sets the events in order for the rest of his life. This one, he had down.

Next, Joseph was fervent in spirit. No matter what was happening, he is in the right mind. He did not charge God wrongfully or complain. Instead, in Gen. 39:20-23, we see that Joseph’s attitude gave him honor in the sight of those around him. He was determined to do his best even when those around him were accusing him and lying about him. Joseph kept his integrity and did what was right.

Lastly, we see Joseph serving the Lord, Gen. 40. Remember, serving others is serving the Lord. Joseph served those who were in prison with him. They went on to even forget about him, but once again Joseph did what was right and served. How can you and I put into practiced the attitudes of collaboration?

To continue on Joseph, we also see that he was rejoicing in hope. When circumstances go wrong, we tend to always think the worst which in turn affects our attitude. Joseph, who had reason to be depressed and complain, did just the opposite. Gen. 45:1-8 shows us Joseph’s heart. His heart was fixed on God and it came through allowing him to rejoice even in his situation. He told his brothers that what they meant for harm, God meant for good. Rom. 8:28 comes to mind and tells us that all things, not just some, work together for good. Now if you ask Joseph if it was for his immediate good, I am sure he would laugh at you. We think just because the immediate good might not be reached that God some how made a mistake. We also think that if there is pain that it is bad. Joseph went through pain both physical and emotional but in the end, he was closer to God and the good was reached.

You also see the patience of Joseph in time of great tribulation. This patience was so evident because Joseph had plenty of tribulation to complain about. Once again, not one time is it recorded that Joseph ever charged God foolishly. I am sure that being thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, lied about and thrown into prison were not at all in his grand plan for life. However, Joseph kept his eyes on the Lord, remained calm and he endeavored to persevere.

Romans 12:9-13

For the last couple of weeks we have discussed the attitudes of collaboration. This week, we see Romans 12 take a turn from attitudes to actions. In saying this, we will not have the proper actions of godliness if we do not have the attitudes of godliness.

The first action that Paul talks about is gentleness. This is not a suggestion but a command. Paul tells us to bless when we are persecuted. In Matthew 5, Christ tells us to turn the other cheek and to love those that hate us and despitefully use us. Also, I Cor. 4 tells us that we will suffer for Christ’s sake. We are to intreat or encourage when we are defamed. Persecution will come and we can bear it.

Now let us look at the condition. We are going to suffer in this world but there is a condition to it. The suffering talked about by God is based upon our stand in Christ, vs. 16, 17. Phil 1:27 tells us to let our conversation or life style be one that becomes the gospel of Christ. We are to live godly. When we do, we will most assuredly suffer reproach for it. I Peter 1:18-24 also tells us that suffering with patience is based on our relationship with Christ. When we suffer for the name of Christ, do not be amazed and take it with class and dignity. Once again, Christ is the perfect example. He suffered and went all the way for God the Father.

Lastly, let us look at the conduit. We are called to follow Christ. In doing so, we will suffer reproach and persecution. II Cor. 4 tells us that our treasure is in heaven. We are troubled but not distressed. We are cast down but not destroyed. We are perplexed but not in despair. We do all that the excellencies of Christ might be manifest in us. Will we forsake Christ in hardships or will we endure?

Sandwiched in between our response to persecution are a couple of jewels. Once again, these are built upon the idea that we have the proper mind set. However, Paul reminds us that we are to be of one mind and that mind is the mind of Christ. Not our wisdom but the wisdom of the scriptures.

Then Paul tells us not to pay back evil with evil. This goes against our human nature. We love to recompense evil for evil because we think it is a form of justice. However, Paul goes on to say that God will repay. He will avenge His children. He is perfectly just. So, why would we want to try to deal out justice? Instead, we are to simply serve our great Father and let Him deal out justice.

In the midst of all of this, Paul tells us to live at peace with all men if it is possible. We cannot control what others do, say or think but we can control how we conduct ourselves, what we say and what we think. Therefore, we should do all that we can to live peaceably with those around us.

This does not mean that we are to just roll over and let people abuse us. We still have a duty to stand relentlessly for the truth. The other side is to let God take care of the rest. This is the toughest part for me because I want so much for others to see the truth and change accordingly. We are not the Holy Spirit and we could never do His job. So, we need to do what God calls us to do and never quench the Spirit who knows when and how.