The Open Word

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 77 - Romans 14:1

In Romans 14, Paul turns his attention to the exercise of personal liberties and disputes over doubtful things. We begin our study of this topic by introducing this concept and how to practice it in the body of Christ.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 76 - Romans 13:11–14

We complete our study of Romans 13 in which Paul exhorts his readers to be alert, because the night is gone and the day is at hand. It is no time to be complacent, rather it is time to put off the works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can walk in the day.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 75 - Romans 13:8–10

Paul continues his discussion of Christian virtues by discussion the golden rule in Romans 13:8-10. He points out that we should owe no one anything, except to love them and consider others over ourselves. In fact, love is the fulfillment of the law. If we love our neighbors and God as we should, then keeping the Ten Commandments becomes a by-product of that love, and not a duty.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 74 - Romans 13:4–7

We continue our discussion of the Christian and government. Paul indicates that God has ordained government to provide stability in a society, and that the Christian is responsible to be submissive, pay their taxes, and show honor to those in authority.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 73 - Romans 13:2–3

We continue our discussion of the believer's response to governmental authorities by exploring the statement of Paul that all authorities, even those that are godless, are appointed by God and as such we are to be good citizens of whatever nation we find ourselves living in.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 72 - Romans 13:1

We begin a new section and topic in the Book of Romans which is the believer's response towards governmental authorities, even those that may not reflect a Christian worldview. This is an important topic, because the New Testament makes it clear that the believer is to be a model citizen, and is to obey governmental authority unless that authority specifically prohibits that which God commands.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 71 - Romans 12:17–21

Paul completes his discussion of our Christian duties by focusing on how we are to treat our enemies.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 70 - Romans 12:14–16

Having discussed our duties to ourselves and the family of God, Paul expands the circle in Romans 12:14–16 to all men. In these few verses, Paul packs a host of admonitions on how we are to treat others as representatives of Christ.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 69 - Romans 12:9–13

In the last part of Romans 12, Paul lays out Christian virtues in an expanding circle from personal duties to the family of God, then to all people, and finally to enemies. In this session we look at the first two circles, personal duties and duties to the family of God.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 68 - Romans 12:3–8 Part 3

We complete our study of spiritual gifts in Romans 12.