Romans 13-16
This is another set of chapters where I have a lot to say. Please bear with me. I don't mean to step on anyone's toes, but I feel it is important to share what I've discovered. I hope it is edifying and will not offend or make anyone feel judged. That is NOT my intention, AT ALL! These posts are done out of love only. If you find I've written ANYTHING that is not right, PLEASE let me know. I don't want anything on here, that is not the TRUTH, the WAY, and the LIGHT!
Chapter 13, verses 1-3: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"
This continues on for a few more verses. We as Christians have a duty to obey the laws, and those that make the laws, of this land.
Chapter 14-15:13 are a set of verses that cover an important subject, but it is too long to put the entire thing on here, so I am just putting a few of the verses, that really stuck out, on here.
Chapter 14, verses 5&6: "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks."
I'm not 100% sure about this, but I feel as though I can use the following as an example:
Christmas
Some people observe this day, others do not. We should not judge each other over this. "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." If we are going to celebrate Christmas (or any other holiday), then we should do so with God in mind. If we are going to eat anything, we should do so with God in mind. If we are not going to do these things, then we should not do them, with God in mind. BUT....
Verse 15: "But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died."
If something we are doing is causing our brother grief, then we shouldn't do it.
Verses 19-23: " Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemeth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
There is no spiritual reason for doing these things, if it is a problem for our fellow brethren. We are to do peaceful things, not things that will tear others down. Instead of having the attitude of, "The Bible says I can do these things, so they shouldn't have a problem with me doing them.", we should have the attitude of, "The Bible says there is nothing wrong with what I am doing, but because it is hurting my brother, I don't have to do it. I'd rather be at peace with my brother, than enjoying this earthly thing." The Bible clearly states that it is good to not do these things if it causes our brother to stumble, or offends them, or makes them weak. We need to remember this at all times. We don't have the right to do these things no matter what others think about it. We only can do them if it something that's not causing someone else to sin.
Chapter 16, verses 17&18: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speechs deceive the hearts of the simple."
There are people out there who are trying to cause divisions among us. We should mark and avoid them. Not everyone who is causing divisions, is trying to, though. The divisions are happening because of the reactions these people are getting. We need to pray that we are marking and avoiding the right people.
Verse 19: "...but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil."
My husband continues to tell me that I am too naive, when it comes to people of the world. But, this verse just told me that God wants us to be naive to the evil in this world. Naive may not be the best word, but that's the one I keep coming back to.
Well, I think I'll step down off of this soapbox. lol
I had no additional comments, for this go round.
The next chapters are Ezekial 37-42.
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