Romans 16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last
Romans 12 Therefore… in view of God’s mercy… What is Paul referring to? What is ‘the Gospel’ according to Paul? What is Paul’s message for Gentiles & Jews?
Romans to date 1v18-3v20 Sin, Wrath & Judgement 3v21-26 Justified by faith in Jesus’ death 3v27-4v25 Abraham – father of faith for all 5v1-21 Joy, peace & love; Adam & Jesus 6v1-23 What about sin as Christians? 7v1-25 Dead to law; struggling with sin 8v1-39 Total security in Abba’s love 9-11 God’s wisdom – salvation for Gentiles & Jews
Romans 12 Relationships – living together in community with God v1-2 with self v3-8 with others Fellow believers v9-13 Community at large v14-21
Romans 12 Our relationship with God Living sacrifices - offer bodies; holy, pleasing Act of worship - spiritual Do not conform - world’s pattern Be transformed - renewed mind Approve God’s will - good, pleasing, perfect
Romans 12 How we think of ourselves (in relation to others) Sober judgement Measure of faith - varieties of grace Many members - belong to all the others Charisma(ta) - grace gifts (cf 1Cor 12, Eph 4) Speaking - serving
Romans 12 Spiritual Gifts - service, working, manifestation Prophecy - in proportion to faith Serving } Teaching } - just do it! Encouraging } Contributing - generously Leadership - diligently Showing mercy - cheerfully
Romans 12 Relationships within ‘family’ – sincere love Cling to good - hate evil Devoted - brotherly love Honour - above self Zealous - fervour – serve Lord Joyful - in hope Patient - in affliction Faithful - in prayer Share with needy - God’s people Be hospitable
Romans 12 Relationships with community Bless persecutors - do not curse Rejoice, mourn - rejoicers & mourners Harmonious living Not proud, conceited - social status Overcome evil - good Do right - social convention Live at peace - as it depends on you Don’t take revenge - “I will repay” Feed enemy