Romans 12--Applying the first eleven chapters

Paul has laid out the truth our faith is founded on. Through the book of Romans to this point he has given us doctrine of our faith. He tells us in chapter 3:23 that we are all sinners and therefore under the penalty of sin. In Romans 5:6-8 Paul shares the gift of salvation which comes through Jesus. In Romans 7:14-17 we see the struggle of living in the fallen world, but we also know God supplies us power for righteous living. We also see that God is sovereign and has a plan. Paul carefully reveals this doctrine to his readers and lays the ground work for our faith. Then he transitions his whole train of thought with a simple, “and so…”

Pause for a moment to think about what your response to the first 11 chapters to Romans really is?

Paul is telling us our only response can be one of a living sacrifice. I must know who God made me to be and to use my gifts for honoring God. When it comes to these things, we all know how to talk a good game abou them. However, maybe we simply need to fall on our faces and repent. Do we love people? Really? How often do we fail to even see people or allow ourselves to become frustrated? Do we pray for people who don’t like us? Do we celebrate with those that are celebrating a win that we long for? Do we cry with a neighbor who is in pain? Am I a good neighbor and friend to those that need a friend?

I know how easy it is to become frustrated with a neighbor or to turn a blind eye to someone in pain. I also know that the doctrine of Romans 1-11 demands a different response. It requires a heart response of “living sacrifice”. Corinthians 13:13 says “Three things will last forever- faith hope and love-and the greatest of these is love”. Do we copy the behaviors of this world or do we live a life of love?