Love to our neighbor fulfills what law?
(Romans 12-13; Rom. 7:14-24) Blog 17-23 Dec., 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Romans chapter 1, Paul presents salvation through the Gospel and damnation through refusing to acknowledge God. In chapter 2, he says God has appointed a future day of judgment to determine who has received the Gospel. In chapter 3, Paul explains that the righteousness that God demands he, himself, has provided in the perfect life of Jesus. Chapter 4 shows that nothing we do, nor anything done to us (like baptism) gives us acceptance with God. In chapter 5, Paul goes on to demonstrate that not even something done in us (like spiritual transformation) is how we are accepted by God. Chapter 6 explains that although sin remains in believers it no longer reigns in them and chapter 7 goes on to reveal that true Christians have a daily battle to fight against their sinful natures, while chapter 8 shows that they are given the Holy Spirit to aide them in the Christian life which continually progresses towards glorification. In chapter 9, Paul shows who are God’s elect while in chapter 10 he shows that only those trusting in the righteousness of faith (Christ’s righteousness in heaven) will be saved. Chapter 11 proves that God has not rejected his promises to Israel but that true Israel is only a small portion of physical Israel – for only those grafted into Christ are part of true Israel.
Our reasonable service (Romans 12:1-21; 1 Sam. 24:11-15; 2 Sam. 2:18-23; 3:17-27)
1. On what basis does Paul ask us to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God?
2. Where must we begin in order that the world around us not mold us into its style?
3. What concept is the first that we need to deal with in our thought life?
4. What illustration does Paul give to help us understand our relationship to other church members?
5. Besides our self-sacrificing (agape) love what other kind are we to show fellow church members?
6. According to verses 17-21 how is the Christian to relate to the public in general?
7. How did David with Saul and Joab with Abner illustrate verse 19?
8. If persecuted by your pastor or fellow member, what course should you follow according to vs. 14-21?
Respect for authority (Romans 13:1-7; Col. 3:5)
9. If you resist those in authority over you what will you receive from God?
10. Does civil government have the right to enforce good behavior even with execution?
11. In verse 5 what two reasons does Paul give for submission to those in authority?
12. Why does Paul say we are to pay taxes?
The Law of love (Romans 13:8-14)
13. Love to our neighbor fulfills what law?
14. Whom does Paul say needs to wake up?
15. How many of the ten virgins fell asleep while waiting for the Bridegroom?
16. Putting aside works of darkness with what are we to clothe ourselves?
17. What final advice does Paul give in chapter 13?
18. What have Christians done to their sinful natures?
ANSWERS: 1.On the basis of the mercy God has shown us in giving us his Son as our Saviour; 2. In our minds (our thought life); 3. Our self-esteem; 4. That of a body in which we are only one functioning member; 5. Brotherly (philadelphia) love; 6. By as far as possible being at peace with everyone, showing them love, & suffering their injustices without retaliation; 7. David paid Saul good for his evil – leaving vengeance to God while Joab paid Abner evil for evil when Abner sought the unity of God’s people – taking vengeance into his own hand; 8. Show them honor, supplying their needs (paying your tithe) , not speaking bad about them, but rather seeking peace; 9. Condemnation; 10. Yes; 11. So as not to be punished & as a matter of conscience before God (this applies to both civil & church authority); 12. Because those in authority are God’s ministers; 13. The Ten Commandments; 14. Every Christian ; 15. All ten; 16. The weapons of light – the Lord Jesus Christ; 17. “Make no provision for the desires of the flesh”; 18. They have crucified them so that although they remain, they no longer reign in their lives.