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Is there deadly poison in your mouth today? In Part 1 we saw that our tongues can be used to monitor your spiritual health/life. Your tongue can be used to bring life, or to bring death, to upbuild or to tear down. Today: We ask the question; Is there deadly poison in our mouths today? James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. Mature teachers need to speak a lot to convey whatever they are teaching. It does not seem to the case that everybody should be a teacher. We now have several pictures of what our tongue is like (see points #1 to #8 below). James 3:3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. James 3:4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Our tiny tongues direct us like a bit in a horse’s mouth or are like the small rudder on a big ship giving the direction of travel. The tongue may be a small body part but has a huge and disproportionate influence on the direction of our lives. James 3:5 Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 4 James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. In the same way as a tiny spark can burn a whole forest to the ground, one foolish word can start a war, or even bring a life to ruin, or end a friendship. James 3:7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. Lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and killer whales have all been tamed by men, but taming the tongue seems beyond man! So, if it is beyond us who do we look to for help? It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (what deadly poisons can you name?). James 3:9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 3:11 Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? 3:12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olive, or a grapevine bear fig? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water? We must learn to use our tongues consistently for good! Lord help us! Amen Closing Prayer for full text for printout and access to other parts of 'The power of your tongue' click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/the-power-of-your-tongue-part-2

How to protect the lambs of your flock My sermon today is about an outrage in which not just one infant was brutally murdered but in fact dozens of baby boy’s aged two years and under were systematically put to death to appease the fears and insecurities of King Herod. Jeremiah had prophesied it, that there would be weeping and great mourning, Rachel (who was buried in the Bethlehem area) weeping for her children. Imagine the desolation and heartbreak for those families. All their baby boys put to the sword. Herod wanted to make sure that he had killed the Messiah child to prevent him growing up and becoming the new King of Israel. But God had another plan that Jesus’ life would not be taken but rather given out of love and obedience to the Father as a sacrifice for the sin of man. What possessed Herod or what moved him to do such a wicked and despicable act. Well, we can work it out who is it that fuels and feeds our fears and insecurities? Who was it that stood to lose the most to the Messiah the prince? Whose kingdom would be destroyed by the Christ. Whose head would be crushed by feet side. Yes, you are right, Satan and his wicked spirits. They are the ones who invite men to commit wicked deeds by playing on their fears and insecurities. But God had another Plan Jesus Christ delivered the ultimately fatal blow to Satan’s head when he died on the cross and paid in full for all your sins and all my sins. Yes, the devil only has a short time left until that blow finally carries him, his fallen angels, and the unbelievers into the eternal lake of fire. Satan is defeated and all that he can do now is to try to hurt and destroy God’s children as a last defiant gesture of a defeated rebel. Yes, it is Satan, the spirit of Herod who motivates and promotes millions of terminations every year, innocent babies in their mother’s wombs sacrificed on the altars of fear, self-interest, and convenience. These poor girls and women have been deceived by the spirit of Herod. Thank God, that the precious blood of Jesus Christ is available to take away the guilt and shame of these poor girls and women if they want it. Yes, the spirit of Herod is alive and well and has also targeted other babies to steal, kill and destroy, they are the baby Christians. He particularly likes to get them before they have known Jesus for more than two years and tries to kill off their faith before they can grow up into a maturity in Christ. For Satan knows that every Christian baby (who he cannot kill off) will grow up in faith and power and authority and will go on to destroys Satan’s kingdom and see God’s kingdom established here on earth in their own life, family, and church. For we are the Christians, the Christ like ones, the little anointed ones. Be alert you young Christians for Satan wants to kill off your faith. But God has another plan; and today we are going to expose the spirit of Herod and find out how to thwart his attempts at killing off baby Christians. Main Text Matthew 2:1-4 1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Verse 4; Troubled by thought of a new king, someone more powerful than Herod. Satan tempted Herod, jealousy perhaps it was the same spirit who tempted Saul to kill David? These babies were helpless, but God does not leave his babies helpless. Verse 16-18; Great weeping and mourning in and around Bethlehem. What is a Baby Christian? In 1 John 2:12-13 the Word of God identifies four stages of spiritual growth. We start with the baby Christians. Little Children (Babies) Characteristics like that of Babies 1. Need protected and defended, lots of care and attention 2. Have difficulty feeding themselves; need nourish milk of word 3. Need their nappies changed 4. Cannot help others, focused on own needs 5. Unsteady feet, might be up and down Can you identify yourself or others at this stage? This is what we are like during our first couple of years as a Christian. Satan tries to kill you off then as it is much easier to get you as a baby than when you have become a fully armed, armour wearing, faith filled, Spirit led, soldier in God’s army. If you had to remove an oak tree, when would you do it, as a sapling or fully rooted tree? Satan’s tactics to kill of Baby Christians. He seeks to take out of our vital supplies. 1. Food – word of God [1 Peter 2:2] 2. Air – praying to God 3. Fellowship with the Lord by attending church But how does he deceive us into giving them up? Matthew 13:18-23 Verse 21; Affliction or persecution, falling away. Baby stunted or killed. Stops feeding on the Bible. Stops praying. Stops seeing spiritual parents. Verse 22; Worries and cares or even riches like word. Baby is stunted or killed. Keep your heart and mind on Jesus Christ not the circumstances. Another baby killing tactic is condemnation. Satan condemns us when we sin, he right in there ‘you might as well give up’, ‘It’s not for you’, ‘you’re a sinner’, ‘You’ll never make it’ (so stop praying, reading the bible and church going). Yes, you will make it, he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Remember, little children your sins are forgiven. Remember 1 John 1:9 is there for you when you sin. Remember what Jesus said to the woman taken in adultery. Neither do I condemn you... Go and sin no more. Jesus never came to condemn but to save. Today, if we confess our sins, he forgives and no condemnation. “Little Children your sins are forgiven”. Babies What are three things you need (show of hands) recognise you are at risk. Build these three things into your life. Do not let the spirit of Herod kill off your walk with Jesus Christ before you become 2 years old. If you are a Mature or Maturing Believers Remember our spiritual babies by recognising they are highly at risk to the spirit of Herod. Pray for them. Ephesians 3:16-19 Name them before God; befriend them in sincerity, most people who leave any fellowship in the first 2 years have not made any special friends. You must close the back door of your fellowship. Disciple them Love them. Be there for them counsel them, guide them, fellowship with them, shepherd them. Do not let spirit of Herod get them! He draws them out the back door of the church then kills off their faith. We must close back door of our church. Yes, the very same spirit of Herod who slaughtered the babies in Bethlehem is alive today and seeking to devour our Christian babies. But we must not allow it, we must protect, feed, tend them until they are strong enough to defeat Satan in their own lives. (And they will, if given the chance) and go on to victorious life Christ. Amen. Prayer Lord, in Jesus name, give us pastor hearts to protect our lambs. May we guide all our lambs through to maturity in Christ. Amen. For full text for printout and access to much more please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/the-spirit-of-herod-is-at-work

We are reading from the Gospel of John chapter 3 3:1-2 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him. This important man was probably part of the rich and powerful Gurion family. His name was Nicodemus, and he was highly influential Pharisee and religious leader you could say a top man in Israel. Nicodemus addresses Jesus with respect calling him ‘Rabbi or teacher’. Nicodemus thinks that because of the miracles Jesus had performed that God must be with him. 3:3 Jesus anticipates Nicodemus direction of conversation but cuts straight to the chase by saying ‘unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jesus is telling Nicodemus and in a sense all mankind that a second birth is necessary to enter all God’s ways , purposes, and blessings here on earth. The natural birth gives us the 5 senses and the second birth opens our spiritual senses of hearing, seeing, and sensing the things of God. Without the new spiritual senses how can anyone experience the joys of God’s kingdom or God’s rule in our lives? 3:4 Nicodemus replies Jesus ‘How can a man be born when he is old, can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born’? The idea here is that Nicodemus is saying to Jesus surely you are not suggesting a second physical birth! 3:5 Jesus answered Truly, truly , I tell you that ‘Unless a man be born of water [1] and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God’. This means each person who is born in a natural biological and physical birth must also experience a second supernatural spiritual birth as to enable them to enter all the joy and blessings of life in God’s kingdom. 3:6 Jesus now describes the rules of natural and spiritual generation, that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Jesus is saying that the sinful human nature (the flesh) transmits its fallenness to each baby born through natural childbirth. However, the new spiritual nature can only be transmitted to a person by the Holy Spirit. 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Jesus tells the puzzled Nicodemus, do not be amazed, or surprised or begin to wonder why it is that (Jesus insists) that he must be born again (born anew). As a religious leader Nicodemus was well acquainted with salvation through keeping the torah yet this person Jesus was clearly saying that it was mandatory to be born again to be able to enter God’s kingdom. Something had to happen via the Holy Spirit working on Nicodemus’ heart so that his eyes could open to the Kingdom of God. 3:8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but canst you cannot tell where it comes from, or where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Jesus now gives an illustration or metaphor to help Nicodemus understand what he means. We cannot see the wind, yet we are clearly aware of the effects of the wind. We can hear it and we can see its effects on leaves and trees and plants. In the same way when the wind of the Holy Spirit blows on your soul or mind, we cannot see it but are aware in hearts that new things are taking place. Maybe we can feel compassion or love as never before, or perhaps a new generosity of spirit. The Holy Spirit moves in and through the born-again hearts in a mysterious way as he wills. Nicodemus would be stunned to hear this as he was still focused on keeping the Law. 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, how can these things be? Yet again the stunned Nicodemus asks, ‘how can this be so’? It is clear he had not a clue about how God intended salvation to work. Perhaps his strict training in the Law immunized him to the Gospel? We break off the story at this point to consider what does this mean to you and me? If you are a follower of Jesus, then this story is a good way to introduce Jesus in a conversation that could lead to that person coming to Christ. If you are not yet a follower of Christ , you must realize that Jesus’ stark message to Nicodemus is that we must be born again to enter into God’s realm and enjoy all his wonderful benefits including forgiveness of all your sins. But you say, how can I do it, The bible is clear (Romans 10) says 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We now need to turn this belief into a prayer spoken from your heart. You can find such a prayer in the link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/jesus-explains-the-new-birth [1] The likely picture here to Nicodemus would be like a mikvah (bath for ritual cleansing) which although enough for physical cleanliness was not enough to cleanse in a spiritual sense. The writer of the current Intercessors for Israel prayer letter notes "In fact, the clearest description of what it means to be born-again or born from above is found here" (Ezekiel 36:25-28) "This is most likely why Yeshua expected Nicodemus to understand what He was talking about in John 3:5-10." I found that helpful. (Posted on behalf of Rob Isbister).

Part 1 Thanksgiving vs Complaining Our new three-part mini-series is called Thanksgiving as a lifestyle. Today we consider thanksgiving in the Psalms and also look at the opposite effects of being unthankful or ungrateful. Each day and each part of the day affords us opportunities to express thanks to God. We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our hearts which will produce a lifestyle of thanksgiving to God. His mercies are new every morning and we can start our day by committing it to the Lord. At the end of the day, we can give thanks for that day’s blessings. However, I confess it is easy to get out of the habit of being thankful to God. The Psalms are a good example to us because they are full of thanksgiving. "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High." —Psalm 50:14 "I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnify him with thanksgiving." —Psalm 69:30 "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."—Psalm 95:2 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise be thankful unto him and bless his name."—Psalm 100:4 Is the glass half full or half empty? Complaining: The Opposite of Thanksgiving One thing that does not show God how much we love and appreciate Him is complaining. It is a habit that is quite easy to fall into. But when we do this, we only make ourselves miserable and those around us unhappy. We also must realize that complaining lessens our ability to handle adversity when it comes against us. Psalm 77:3 says, "I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed." Complaining leads to being overwhelmed and being overwhelmed leads to passively accepting whatever life hands us. Do not wait for life to improve before you develop attitude of gratitude, it does not work that way. We must first change our attitude and learn to give thanks in the middle of our situation. Thanksgiving enables God to change adverse circumstances. We might see amazing changes in our lives when we consistently keep an attitude of gratitude to God. Closing Prayer- Lord give us thankful hearts for all your love, care, and provision… Amen Full text for printout and access to other parts of 'Thanksgiving as a lifestyle' please click https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/thanksgiving-as-a-lifestyle-1

How to cultivate an attitude of gratitude Each day and each part of the day affords us opportunities to express our thanks to God. We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our hearts which will produce a lifestyle of thanksgiving to God. His mercies are new every morning and we can start our day by committing it to the Lord. At the end of the day, we can give thanks for that day’s blessings. Thanksgiving in scripture Luke 22:17-20 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and gave to them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Jesus always gave thanks to Father God at every meal and we should follow his example albeit public or privately. 1 Timothy 4:3 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. Giving thanks at the family meal table is a good idea as it teaches our children that God is our provider and that he not only provides for us but can bless and sanctify (make holy) our food. The offering time in the church is also an excellent opportunity to thank God as provider and to acknowledge him as our source. Ephesians 5:20 20 Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The bible encourages us to give thanks for all things through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through Him that every blessing comes. In times of difficulty or trouble, we can thank God for his answer that will surely come, and for the grace to come through the trial with honour to the Lord. Thanksgiving is a good point to start your petition because as we do it, we realize how good he is, and this stimulates our faith in Him to receive our petition. Prayer Lord we ask in Jesus’ name, that you deliver us from our hard and ungrateful hearts. Soften our hearts with your oil and wine. Give us thankful hearts that give you all the thanks and praise that is due to your Holy Name. Lord we ask in faith, believing that we will receive this from you. Amen and Thank-you. Our heartfelt thanksgiving is pleasing to God and helps us hear what he is saying. For a print out and much more please click on the link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/thanksgiving-is-a-lifestyle

What can the POTUS offer someone that the Queen cannot? What can President Biden give someone, but Queen Elizabeth cannot? The answer is a free pardon. What is a free pardon? Definition: A pardon is a government/official decision to allow a person to be absolved of guilt for an alleged crime, as if the act never occurred. The pardon may be granted before or after conviction for the crime. The power to grant pardons and reprieves in the United Kingdom was known as the royal prerogative of mercy. It was previously in the absolute power of the monarch to pardon an individual for a crime and thereby commute any penalty. Since the creation of legal rights of appeal, a pardon can only be given by the government. Just imagine that even if you were guilty as charged you could get a pardon and walk away from your crimes. In the USA, the president can pardon whoever he pleases. In the same way, God also offers a pardon to the guilty e.g. in the Old Testament; Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Again, in Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Back then God offered a full pardon not for your crimes but for your sins (might be a crime too). All sins (murder, abuse of our bodies, abuse of our loved ones, sexual sin, theft, fraud, etc. etc.) that we commit are ultimately against God Himself, who is on the record as saying that He hates all sin. Yet God is not longing to judge his people but rather to show mercy and pardon them if they will but ask. In the New Testament we see that Jesus has authority to pardon sins; Matthew 9:1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Jesus Christ paid the price for your sins on the cross, speaking to believers Paul said in Colossians 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. All your sins were nailed to the cross of Jesus, and were paid in full, the Holy Spirit reminds you now of the worst things you have done in your life so far! Do you yourself, or someone you know need a free pardon today? Every sin a person commits in their life is against God, and his anger is upon all those who will not repent of their sins. Yet we can turn away God’s wrath by accepting his sacrifice of Jesus Christ when we admit we are guilty sinners. Will you be free of your burden of sin, there is power in the blood, the precious blood of the Lamb? When I received my free pardon from God (Testimony-see link below). John Newton received a free pardon from God and that is why he wrote the hymn ‘Amazing Grace'. Will you take God’s gracious offer of a free pardon today, then turn to Jesus Christ and receive his blood to cleanse away all your sins and replace your heart of stone with a new heart of flesh. The human heart turns to stone when we pile sin upon sin in our lives. Is your heart today like flint or a rock? If that is you, this morning please speak to me or one of the team before you go. Amen For full text for printout and much more please click the link just below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/what-can-the-potus-offer-someone-that-the-queen-cannot If you want a free pardon then say the sinner's prayer (contained in the link below) from your heart. Read how to be born again at https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/how-to-be-born-again If you need help with this contact us, we will be happy to help.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles gives his practical conclusions Paul now lays out his final conclusions about the practical application of the Christian faith as his epistle draws to a close. The apostle’s tone becomes very personal revealing his travel plans and even contains a personal prayer request. Paul the Minister to the Gentiles 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Having in previous chapters given his readers various points of correction Paul’s tone now becomes more warm-hearted as he expresses his high regard for the church in general terms as he assures them of his confidence in their wisdom and ability to the extent that he considers them well able to be counsellors to each in day to day Christian living. The apostle had given these prior reprimands not out any sense of unkindness but rather as his express duty as minister of the Gospel. His intention is to make the Roman believers as presentable people to God. This must be empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit if it is to be effective. 17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.21 Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” [g] Paul joyfully thanks God as he recalls his God-given triumphs of all his missionary journeys starting in Jerusalem and ending in Illyricum. All the way the Saviour had lead him by the power of the Holy Spirit with many signs and wonders following the preaching of the Gospel. v20 Everywhere he went Paul always preached the full counsel of God holding nothing important back from his hearers. His first choice of mission was always to go and pioneer new works where the Gospel had not been preached before and to build up a local church on a sure foundation. Paul longed to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah of bringing the Good News to the elect Gentiles who would believe the message when they heard it. 15:22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. The establishment of new churches all over the Mediterranean area was the main reason that Paul had been unable to get to the church at Rome. Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome 23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. v23 Paul explains that he had now reached most of the unreached areas on his mission journey and now longs at last to have fellowship with the Roman Christians. He is ready to come to Rome just as soon as he has delivered a financial gift from the Gentile Christians in Macedonia and Achaia to the needy Christians in Jerusalem. Paul hints that the Roman church may wish to give him some practical support as he then moves on from Rome headed for Spain. Paul commends the reciprocity of the Gentile believers sending a material gift to the church in Jerusalem the very church which had originally sent out the spiritual blessing of the Gospel message starting on the day of Pentecost. Paul reckons such reciprocity between groups of believers is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives and anticipates that when he finally comes to Rome that he will be bringing the full blessing of God with him to bestow on the church there. 15:30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen. Paul then asks for the prayer support of the Roman Church who have that same love of Christ pouring into their hearts as Paul. This liquid love in them will empower them to give full prayer cover for Paul’s continuing missions. More specifically Paul requests prayer for both his physical safety as there were many who would be willing to murder him to stop his message and secondly that the financial gift would be well received in Jerusalem thus uniting the churches in mutual love. Paul looks forward to coming to Rome share the joy of the Lord with his brothers and sisters. v32 Paul hopes his anticipated good reports will be refreshing to the Roman believers. The apostle then prays the peace of God on all his readers. Footnotes: g Romans 15:21 Isaiah 52:15 (see Septuagint) For a full text to printout and access to other chapters of 'Pauls letter to the Romans' click https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/romans-15-14-33-and-16-1-27 Chapter 16 Personal Greetings 16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon [a] of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. It was the custom in these days to send commendations with a messenger to help validate their identity and message. It could well have been Phoebe (meaning bright, radiant) who carried Paul’s letter from Corinth to Rome. It is not clear whether her role as a ‘deaconess’ means a formal ministry position or simply a female servant. Paul tells the Roman church to give Phoebe all the assistance she needed and to bear in mind that she had helped many including the apostle himself. 3 Greet Priscilla [b] and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Paul may well have given such a long list of greetings to establish a rapport with the church. The greetings are like a roll of honour and who would not like the praise of such a devout and Godly man. Priscilla and Aquila were old friends of Paul who shared the same secular occupation of tent makers. Paul had lodged in their house in Corinth and now publicly honours them by stating that they had even risked their lives for Paul’s sake. Priscilla and Aquila are a continual blessing to the church fellowships where they have stayed and presumably this has continued with their latest house church this time in Rome. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Epenetus[1] was well named for he was indeed worthy of Paul’s praise as the first Christian convert in Asia and now counted as a dear friend of the apostle. 6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. There are many Mary’s in the bible but this one is given the lovely accolade of ‘Mary the hard worker’. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. The balance of probability is that this was two men rather than a couple. Paul honours them as fellow Jews, fellow prisoners for the Gospel’s sake, exceptional missionaries and even as ‘older brothers’ in their faith than Paul himself. 8 Greet Ampliatus [2], my dear friend in the Lord. Ampliatus was often given as a slave’s name however irrespective of his position in society Paul honours him as a close friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus [3], our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys [4]. Urbanus is given the high honour of being called a co-worker with Paul and Stachys is honoured as dear friend. 10 Greet Apelles [5], whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Apelles had truly proven his faith probably in the face of adversity. It is a great honour to be called ‘approved’ by no less a person than the great apostle himself. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. It is not clear that Aristobulus was himself a Christian however some of his servants were almost certainly believers such as was Apelles. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Paul greets Herodion as a fellow messianic Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. We don’t know if Narcissus was a believer but at least some of his servants were Christians. 12 Greet Tryphena [6] and Tryphosa[7], those women who work hard in the Lord. Possibly sisters and possibly from an affluent background nevertheless they are praised as being hard workers in the kingdom of God. Greet my dear friend Persis[8], another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. Persis is honoured as a dear friend and also as a hard worker for the Gospel. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Rufus is honoured as chosen brother and whose mother is like a mother also to Paul. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. We are not given any details about these brothers but we might speculate they were part of a house group of part of a church ministry. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them. Possibly slaves and possibly part of a larger house group. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. A kiss usually is a token of affection. It is due to all believers whether we like them or not! Justin Martyr mentions it in his writings in the context of the kiss being exchanged within the same gender and also that the holy kiss had a formal place in the liturgy [9] All the churches of Christ send greetings. This stresses the unity of the body of Christ. 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. In sharp contrast to the holy kiss signifying unity Paul goes on to warn the church against those persons who are divisive and are trying to set barriers to good doctrine and practise through their false teaching. The false teachers had previously been identified variously as legalists, antinomians, ascetics or even worse. The stern warning is actually to completely avoid such persons. Such divisive false teachers always have their own agenda which ultimately is based on their carnal nature and self interest. They are usually smooth operators who are quite capable of deceiving the unwary. Paul expresses a joy and confidence in the church but nevertheless reminds then that they need to be constantly vigilant in avoiding false teachers with selfish and evil agendas. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Paul points out that the God of peace is more powerful than any enemy intent on causing discord, division or strife amongst the brothers and sisters. He reminds his reader of three things; firstly that God will be victorious at the end of time. Secondly God will use his church to crush Satan and finally this victory will come sooner than we think. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Paul prays the unmerited favour of God Almighty on his readers/hearers. Paul now having completed his warnings resumes greetings but this time from his various colleagues. 21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. Paul also sends greetings from Timothy his son in the faith but honouring Timothy as his own co-worker. He also sends greetings from his fellow messianic believers Lucius, Jason and Sosipater but no more is known about these men. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. Tertius was the secretary (or amanuensis [10]) who actually wrote down the epistle as Paul dictated it. Tertius obviously a brother in the Lord also sends his warm greetings to the church in Rome. 23-24 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Paul was probably staying in Gaius’ house in Corinth while he was composing this epistle. Gaius probably hosted meetings for at least part of the local church in his house. Gaius clearly had a gift of hospitality. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [c] Erastus who held high public office probably a civic treasurer [11] and brother Quartus also send their greetings. 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to faith and obedience —27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Paul finishes the epistle with a wonderful doxology [12] that is full of praise and giving glory to our Daddy God. Paul’s thought returns to various topics he mentioned in Romans Chapter 1:1-11 and especially v1-5 e.g. the establishing or strengthening of the saints v11, the Gospel of God v1, the mystery hidden c.f. the promised Gospel v2, prophetic/sacred scriptures v2 and also the obedience of the faith v5. Paul shines the glory light onto our Abba Father as the one who is well able to establish each believer in the faith of the Gospel. This Gospel proclaims the truth about Jesus Christ the one true Messiah as described in the sacred prophetic scriptures but is now revealed as the Saviour for all mankind including the Gentiles. Only our Daddy God was wise enough to conceive such a wonderful plan through His Son Jesus Christ, may the light of glory be focused on Him forever. Amen Chapter 16 Footnotes: 1-3 = [a] [b] [c] Romans 16:1 Or servant Romans 16:3 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla Romans 16:23 Some manuscripts their greetings. 24 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen. Chapter 16 Added footnotes [1] Latin, means ‘praise worthy’. [2] Latin, means ‘amplified’ or ‘enlarged’. [3] Latin, means ‘elegant’ or ‘polite’ [4] Greek, means an ‘ear of grain’ [5] Greek name [6] Latin means ‘delicate’ [7] Latin means ‘dainty’ [8] Lit a Persian woman. [9] W Hendriksen NT Commentary on Romans page 508 [10] Wikipedia; Amanuensis, is a person employed to write or type what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another, and also refers to a person who signs a document on behalf of another under their authority. The term derives from a Latin expression made up of a suffix, -ensis, "belonging to", and prefix, manu-, "hand". [11] Greek Oikonomos- treasurer. English derives the word economist from this root. [12] Wikipedia; A doxology (from the Greek δόξα [doxa] "glory" + -λογία [-logia], "saying" is a short hymn of praises to God in various Christian worship services, often added to the end of canticles, psalms, and hymns. The tradition derives from a similar practice in the Jewish synagogue.

How should those with strong faith treat those who have weak faith In the first thirteen verses of this chapter Paul summarises what he has being saying about the attitude and practices of the believers with strong faith ought to be towards those whose faith is weaker. Paul then goes on to encourage the whole congregation whether of weak or strong faith to follow Jesus Christ’s self-sacrificing agape love towards the interests and faith of other believers. 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 We should all please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” [a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Paul exhorts those with the stronger faith to be ‘other centred’ by not only tolerating those with the weaker faith but to go a step further and actually support the weaker brother and be willing to share their burden. The French have a saying ‘noblesse oblige’ which means that those of high rank and privilege ought to behave well at all times as befits their high rank and so should the brothers and sisters with stronger faith. We must love our neighbour as ourselves and always keep one eye on his welfare. This is exactly the example of humility that our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated when He obeyed His Father and had one eye on those who would later believe on Him (his much weaker brothers). Paul then quotes from Psalm 69:9 that if Christ was willing to suffer the violence and insults upon the very character of God then how much more should we be willing to accept the comparatively small matter of putting a brother’s interests ahead of our personal liberty. God gave the holy scriptures to teach how to think and behave in day-to-day practical terms. As we imbibe the holy scriptures we will be progressively encouraged, our faith will grow and there will develop a growing certainty in our hearts that all the promises of God will surely come to pass. 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul bursts into prayer asking that the Lord (who continually endues each believer with the grace to be persevering and also to be encouraged) grant unto each believer in unity with each other, the ability to glorify the Father and the Son. Paul himself was no stranger to sufferings and tests of faith but he always knew to Whom he should turn to for strength and encouragement. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. In the same way that Christ after giving His life for each one of us as sinners so should we be willing to accept all those who Christ has already accepted. Such acceptance brings praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews [b] on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”[c] 10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”[d] 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.”[e] 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” [f] God’s promise of salvation through faith was not only to His covenant people Israel but many scriptures foretold that the Messiah would also come for the Gentiles. The believing Jews and Gentiles become one new family in God. Paul proves his point by quoting four scriptures {see below 3-6] give evidence to show that God had always planned and purposed to save the elect Gentiles as well as the His covenant people Israel. In the above fourth scripture Isaiah partially identifies the then future Messiah as a descendant of Jesse the father of King David. This descendant of David will cause the Gentiles to place their hope of salvation in Him. 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul bursts into prayer again asking that God who as the source of all our hope will graciously fill us again with the fruit of His Holy Spirit as we continue to trust in Jesus Christ to the extent that our hearts will overflow with God-given confidence in all God’s wonderful promises. Footnotes {a}-[f] = 1-6 Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9 Romans 15:8 Greek circumcision Romans 15:9 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49 Romans 15:10 Deut. 32:43 Romans 15:11 Psalm 117:1 Romans 15:12 Isaiah 11:10 (see Septuagint) For full text for printout and access to all other chapters of Romans please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/romans-15-1-13

The Weak and the Strong Paul continues his broad theme of showing how those justified by faith ought to live out their Christian lives. This chapter and the next one deal with the believer’s attitude towards those who are weak in faith and those who are strong in faith and how we ought to behave towards our dear brothers and sisters. Paul explains that those strong in the faith have a better grasp of all that Jesus’ sacrificial death has achieved for us. Those believers who are weaker in the faith sometimes don’t fully grasp the extent of the freedom in Christ is there for all believers and received according to their level of faith. Paul gives the guidelines on how to deal with this issue in terms of practical things such as eating and drinking in the day to day life of the church. The Weak and the Strong in faith 14:1 Accept those whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat everything, but another person, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted that person. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master they stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. The background to understanding comparison of meat eaters and vegetarians is that in Paul’s day a lot of the meat that was sold in the market had already been sacrificed to idols. Paul designates those who felt able to eat such meat with a clear conscience as having the stronger faith. However some believers could only eat vegetables only and keep their conscience clear, Paul designates these vegetarians as the weaker believers in this instance. The stronger believer probably felt that meat was meat whatever had happened to it and that all food is blessed and sanctified by the Word of God and prayer and can be received with thanksgiving to God. However Paul strongly admonishes the stronger believer that on no account should they look down on or despise the weaker believer. By the same token the weak believer must not criticise, reject or despise the stronger believer in his liberty to partake of meat. All Christians must remember that God is Daddy to all believers irrespective of their faith levels. God accepts all His children and He alone has the right to judge us. 5 Some consider one day more sacred than another; others consider every day alike. Everyone should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Those who regard one day as special do so to the Lord. Those who eat meat do so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and those who abstain do so to the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 For we do not live to ourselves alone and we do not die to ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” [a] 12 So then, we will all give an account of ourselves to God. A similar situation that also has potential for the same type conflict between believers is in the way that the individual believer views some religious days/holidays as more sacred that other days in the calendar. Paul points out this surely must be a matter of personal conscience for each believer to decide and we must not legislate for others where the Lord has given us liberty to choose the view that best fits our conscience. God is glorified by all believers whether we give thanks whether for meat and vegetable or for vegetables only and as dictated by our conscience. No man is an island and all believers are inter-dependent on each other. A self centred view of how we life our life and make our choices can quickly lead us into invidious judgements on our brothers and sisters. It is not all about you, get over it, it is all about God! God upholds us when we are alive and also when we die. So whether we are living or dying we all belong to Him. Jesus Christ lived and died and so He is Lord of both life and death. He knows best as He has been there and done it! 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother or sister for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Whether you are the weaker or stronger brother or sister what really matters is that we are not critical of each other but rather purpose in our hearts to avoid causing hurt to one another. Paul shows his own strong faith recognising that although all meats are acceptable for him to eat that he would rather go without meat than to shake the faith of a weaker brother who saw him eating the meat. A modern day example might be a brother with strong faith that allows him to drink wine but out of love and concern would never drink wine in front of a brother who was a recovering alcoholic. We must never let our liberty in Christ be used in a way that damages the faith of a weaker brother or sister. Our liberty in Christ must never give occasion to the name of Jesus Christ being slandered. The presence of the Kingdom of God in our lives is not shown by our food/drink choices but rather by our loving and considerate conduct. When we prioritise the interests of others ahead of our liberty in Christ then this is well pleasing to God and also gives a favourable witness to the Gospel. 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. Jesus is building His church brick by brick and the cement that holds His building together is love. We should never do anything that weakens the cement of love between us. Faith works by love and love must prevail every time we exercise our faith. We would be better to miss out on the privileges of strong faith than to cause or weaker brother/sister to stumble in their faith. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves by what they approve. 23 But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Whatever our views of our personal freedom to eat meat or drink wine are, they should be strictly a matter for our own personal consciences and therefore not broadcast to other people. When the occasion demands we should immediately drop our privilege of freedom and abstain from partaking in favour of our weaker brother/sister who if following our example of partaking but without faith then their sin would bring them into condemnation. Footnotes: [a] Romans 14:11 refers to Isaiah 45:23 For full text for printout and access to the other chapters of Romans please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/romans-14-1-23

Finance: Jesus and Peter’s tax bill/ widow’s mite Matthew 17:24-27 (NIV) 24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes— from their own children or from others?” 26 “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Questions Does Jesus care about your temple (council) tax? How did he know where the coin was? What can we learn from this story? Mark 12:41-44 Luke 21:1-4 1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Questions What can we infer from the fact that the poor widow cast in all she had? What was her view of God’s importance? What do you think Jesus might have done in response? Would you be willing to part with your last penny for the Lord? Amen Prayer The Lord is willing and able to meet all your financial needs . Amen For full text for printout and access to other parts of 'Faith Cameos' please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-2

Submission to Governing Authorities In this chapter Paul continues his theme of how the believers should apply the Christian faith in day to day life in terms of our attitudes and conduct. Paul may well have had in mind his readers many of whom were Jewish and who had perhaps a low regard for their Gentile civil authorities. Paul makes it clear that all the Christians in Rome should be subject to their lawful civil authorities. Freedom in Christ is truly wonderful but it does not set us free from our lawful civil obligations. This is not God’s way. However we must use wisdom when we interpret vv1-7 since people such as Adolf Hitler have tried to use these verses to demand total subjection from the German church of his day. Submission to Governing Authorities 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. v1 Paul clarifies the nature and structure of authority and shows that every lawful civil authority derives its right to act from God Himself. The whole concept of authority flows down from God. God has given civil authority and government to man for reasons of establishing law and order, promoting and rewarding good conduct and also the punishment of evil doers. Believers must set a good example of having a submissive attitude to their lawful civil rulers so that they are good witnesses and do not hinder the spread of the Gospel by antagonising the local governors. v2 So does this mean that we must obey every command of our civil authorities whether or not it is right according to God’s word? Or whilst we are generally submissive to our civil rules should we check anything doubtful or wrong against the word of God? Daniel and his three friends disobeyed the command of the king when he told them to fall down and worship an idol and they ended up in the fiery furnace. This example shows clearly that exceptionally where our rulers fail to act correctly in their God given roles and in disobedience to God’s word then we must obey God rather than men. At all other times we should be submissive to their lawful demands. Dietrich Bonhoeffer the German pastor and theologian struggled with his conscience and these verses before coming to the point of joining the failed bomb plot against Hitler. Bonhoeffer was later hanged for his part in the conspiracy. v3 It is interesting that Paul who had been failed by civil authorities on an number of occasions such as at Phillipi (as was Jesus by Pilate) should give a strong defence of their right to exercise authority of their citizens and to punish wrong doers. He gives a stern admonition that it is the evil doers who should be very afraid of the severe punishment by the civil authorities and that normally good citizens should have nothing to fear. He does not cover evil civil authorities who fail in their roles in the passage. The apostle then personalises his point to the individual believer strongly urging each one of them to be a good citizen which will bring some sort of approval and also keep them free from living in fear of punishment by the civil authorities. v4 Under normal circumstance the believer must view the magistrate as a servant of God (at least until proved otherwise). Civil rulers who rule well will bring their society into a state of law and order with peace and harmony. But the evil doers better be afraid, be very afraid and remember that the magistrates have the power to chastise, imprison and are even licensed to kill where the crime is capital in nature. The sword of justice in the hand of the magistrate is in a sense is hanging over the heads of the murderers etc. The magistrate is God’s servant (hit man) to bring His anger onto the heads of the evil doers and as such he deserves the respect and submission of the believers. v5 It is therefore a matter of conscience for the believer because God is his daddy and He requires it that we be submitted under normal circumstances to the authority of the God appointed civil rulers. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. v6 Being a good citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven means that we should also be good citizen wherever we live here on earth. Having seen that our magistrates are ultimately appointed by God to serve mankind for His purposes then we should realise that paying our taxes and fulfilling our other civic duties fits in well with our Daddy’s plan for us to be good citizens. v7 As good citizens of both kingdoms we will not only pay all our tax, duty and custom but will render due respect and honour to those civic authorities that God has placed over us. Being a good citizen benefits us in many ways but especially in the promotion of the Gospel message. Love Fulfils the Law 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” [a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” [b] 10 Love does no harm to its neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law. Whilst the believers must pay all their debts to other people the greatest debt we owe to our fellow man is the debt of love which is an ongoing life-long debt. God Himself has placed this debt upon us by commanding us to love our neighbour as ourselves. Our hearts should respond to His great love by allowing the love of God that is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit to flow through our lives to our fellow human beings. v9-10 All the prohibitions of the ten commandments can be circumnavigated simply by loving our neighbour as our ourselves and so we can fulfil God’s law. The Day Is Near 11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. [c] As we continue to love our neighbour we should be acutely aware that we are living in the last days before Christ’s return to Earth. Each believer must adopt a lifestyle of love as though putting on a garment of light and love which is worn day by day at all times. Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can empower this lifestyle. Such a lifestyle of love resolutely avoids all the sins of the flesh including indecency and dishonesty and we should not even waste time thinking about them. Each day we live is a day nearer to our deaths and the glorious resurrected life in Christ. Our human lives are far too short and precious to squander on the sins of the flesh but rather should be full of love. Amen Footnotes: Romans 13:9 Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deut. 5:17-19,21 Romans 13:9 Lev. 19:18 Romans 13:14 Or the flesh For full text for printout and access to other chapters please click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/romans-13-1-14

How to live the Christian lifestyle Chapters 12-16 of Romans deal mainly with the practical applications for the Christian life in reference to the theology (i.e. the doctrine of justification by faith) as described in the preceding chapters 1-11. A Living Sacrifice 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. In view of all that God has done for us the following actions should occur in our lives also and be filled with gratitude. Firstly we should offer our whole life (spirit, soul and body) to God like a living sacrifice on the altar on a continual day to day basis. This is exactly the type of response God earnestly desires and as such this constitutes an acceptable form of worship. The next response from our lives is that we should refuse to let out thoughts and actions be squeezed in the mould of this world’s evil standards. But rather we should be renewing our thought patterns and consequent actions by reading and imbibing the Holy Scriptures. As we practise this on a day to day basis we will become more and more proficient in recognising just exactly what God’s will is in any given situation and consequently obeying the Lord in a way that we can be sure that is well pleasing to Him. Humble Service in the Body of Christ 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Paul then warns us all against having too high an opinion of ourselves but rather that we should be level headed, always keeping our feet on the ground and refuse to develop over inflated opinions of ourselves. Our measure of ourselves should only be based on what the Lord has revealed to us about ourselves and certainly should not be based on invidious comparisons with our fellow men and women. Our mindset should be that since God has given every believer their particular gifting then we should be seeking to maximise the use of our gifting for the blessing and benefit of our brothers and sisters. v4 Although the members of the Body of Christ have an organic unity in which all the organs must play their part for health , this does not mean that every body part will function in the same way. God purposed that the diversity of gifting in His Body necessitates the close interdependence of each body part (each person). v6-8 Paul than goes on to describe seven types of gifting [1] that the Lord has graciously placed in the different members of the Church; Prophesying; This gift brings a fresh message from God to the church and may include direction or consolation etc. Serving; The gift is the ministry of practical helps such as serving tables and other hands-on tasks. The Greek word here is diakonia from which the English word deacon is derived. Teaching; This gift is the ability to bring forth the truth from God’s word for the edifying of the church. The ability to communicate such truth is supernatural. Exhorting; This gift gives the ability to both encourage and challenge God’s people and calls them to action in the service of God. This gift calls for a response to what God is saying. Giving; The gift confers the ability to contribute towards the needs of the poor and the needy whether within the church or beyond. We should always give out of our gratitude to God and of course with no strings attached. Leading; All leaders or elders must carry the burden of their oversight with diligence and faithfulness and recognise the great price that Jesus Christ has paid for each member of the flock. Showing mercy; This gift confers the ability and desire to visit the broken hearted, the sick, the dying and those who are bereaved and to bring the comfort and mercy of God to the distressed soul. It often involves the reminding of the suffering person that God loves them, he truly cares and whatever the evidence to the contrary He has not forgotten them. All these gifts have been given for the building up of the body of Christ to bring us into a full spiritual health and the ability to reproduce the church by bringing new disciples into the body of Christ. Love in Action 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. All this agape love that each believer demonstrates in life must be truly sincere, genuine and absolutely real. There is no place in the church for love that is merely ‘play acting’ or false in any way for this sticks in God’s throat and we in turn should hate and avoid this hypocrisy and indeed all other evils but most of all in our own hearts. Every believer should extend the full love of God to each other and ask God for the grace of learning how to put others needs before our own. Paul tells us we must learn how to consider other believers as better Christians than us. Perhaps the trick to this is to consider the evil in our own hearts and since we know our own hearts much better than anyone else’s this should keep us looking up to others and not down on them! v11 Always be full of spirit filled enthusiasm for the Lord, His works and His Kingdom. Enthusiasm from our flesh achieves nothing. v12 Knowing that we have a sure hope of our salvation and eternal destiny this produces joy and confidence in us through times of trouble and helps us sustain our prayer life with God. v13 Always be ready and willing to supply the practical needs of any Christian whether they need a meal or a bed for the night. God’s people pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. [c] Do not think you are superior. What sort of life attitude should believers adopt? As we pursue hospitality we should note that no good deed goes unpunished! All that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution and so we are pursued by our persecutors. God’s love in us should so subdue our bitterness towards our persecutors that rather we will bless them than curse. This must cause huge confusion to Satan and his servants who cannot understand just how powerful and effective love and forgiveness can be. We must remember that our Daddy God is love personified and we are His offspring who must emulate His actions when we are persecuted. The love of God in us enables us to identify with all believers in such a way that we can empathise exactly with what they are going through. This promotes peace and harmony between the believers. v16 Don’t be a spiritual snob but rather identify with anyone irrespective of their rank or social standing. Don’t act in a condescending manner to anyone because this reveals your pride and a self appointed superiority. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” [d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [e] There is absolutely no room for any form of vindictiveness or revenge in the believer’s life. The unbelievers fully understand the desire for revenge that lurks in the human heart but what they need to see is a people who refuse to act on this evil impulse. Remember Jesus’ words on the cross ‘Father forgive them they know not what they do’. How can we be salt and light when we bear grudges and seek to take revenge on those who have wronged us? Paul actually goes as far as to forbid retaliation in any form! The believer’s life is lived in full view of the world (like living in a goldfish bowl) and our behaviours and responses are crucial in our witness to the unbelievers. Paul is saying let the believer’s life not give any excuse or stumbling block to the unsaved in case it hinders their salvation. The world must see our lives to be so honest, decent and filled with love that they realise that true Christianity is distinctively different from the ways of the world. v18 We should always live a lifestyle of peace avoiding quarrels and arguments however this may not always be possible where other people’s wills are involved. We are accountable for our part in any unnecessary ‘breaches of the peace’. Our choice of a lifestyle of peace sets a good example to everyone else. v19 Paul reminds his dear brothers and sisters that they should never seek revenge but rather allow God Himself time to deal with the offence against them. God will of course extend His grace to the wrong-doer and sometimes that will be us! v20 Paul then quotes from Proverbs 25:21-22 reminding us whose children we are and that we should always emulate our Daddy by being kind and generous to our enemies even to the extent that we would be willing to provide the necessities of life for them! The idea of ‘heaping coals of fire’ upon their heads has been given various explanations. For me the most plausible means that our enemy will be ashamed at our kindness particularly in light of his ill treatment of us. This can be a powerful redemptive witness. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. We must never let evil trip us up or let it bog us down but rather continue to emulate our Big Brother Jesus Christ and never pay back evil for evil. We ought to repay evil with kindness and good deeds. The Christian life that Paul describes here is way beyond any of our natural abilities and must of course be empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is radical Christian living and goes against our natural sense of injustice when we are badly treated. We need to enter in to this victorious living. Footnotes: [a] - [e] 1-5 Romans 12:6 Or the Romans 12:8 Or to provide for others Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35 Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22 [1] See also 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (nine gifts in this passage). Full text for printout and access to other chapters of Romans https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/romans-12-1-21