Romans 12:1 – A living sacrifice. Living is ongoing, constant, consistent. The old sacrifices were one time, occasional. Who we are, what we do and how we live ought to be a continual sacrifice.
\nRomans 12:6 – “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: …” (ESV) We all have gifts that differ, therefore we will have service to God that differs, offerings that differ. Yet they all are pleasing to God. I heard it said once that in the old ICOC we favored one gift – evangelism – heavily over all others. Maybe 20% of our members had this gift, this person said. What that meant was that the other 80% felt that they never measured up, that they weren’t good enough. I feel that we are finally getting to a place where we can honor the varying gifts in our membership. I am excited about what will be revealed as we do.
\nRomans 12:10 – The second half of this verse in the ESV says “Outdo one another in showing honor.” Outdo one another. Go overboard to show honor. Whatever level I can go to to honor my brother, it is never too much. I wonder, do I have that spirit?
\nRomans 13:1-7 – I see nothing in this passage indicating that we are to agree with or support whoever is in power. We are to respect them and submit to their authority, but we do not have to agree. I’m not sure that I can see in this how it means that we are obligated to obey every law to the letter. Speed limits come to mind, but’ that’s just because it’s my nature to want to drive fast (I generally do not, I stay within 5-10 MPH of the posted limit). But what of building codes? Other traffic laws? Laws regulating car maintenance and safety? There are laws dictating any number of things, some pretty ridiculous. Are we in sin each and every time we violate them? I think that this is more about respect and submission. That submission can be in the form of obedience and compliance, but that was not Paul’s main point. His point was larger than that, to our hearts and our attitude to those in authority. Obedience can be made through clenched teeth and mumbling under our breath. Does that fulfill this passage?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"