Romans Part 4
Continuity
The finished work of Christ is humanity’s only hope for a good life and a fair society (i.e., the inside and outside of the same thing – Righteousness and Justice). In Chapters 12 to 15, Paul spells out some of the major differences this way of life creates.
Input
The secret of All Christian Character-Chapter 12 verses 1 to 2
The secret of All Christian Fellowship-Chapter 12 verses 3 to 21
The secret of All Christian Citizenship-Chapter 13
The secret of All Christian Standards-Chapter 14 verse 1 to Chapter 15 verse 12
Question – Which of these passages ‘Rings your bells the loudest’?
Important Assessment
Romans is not just ‘The Gospel according to Paul’. It is aimed at a truly practical target.
The great divides in the human race still scandalise and ruin us today; “us and them”, “black and white”, “rich and poor”, “the in-folk and the outcasts”. In Paul’s day, the great divide threatening the Church was the gulf between Jews and Gentiles. Paul uncompromisingly declared, “Christians are all one in Christ or they are not in Christ at all.” This was revolutionary.The Council in Jerusalem (Acts, Chapter 15) settled it officially, but the question remained
“Who are the people of the true church?”
Romans is the greatest pamphlet on Christian Unity ever written.
Imagine for a moment that you are a Christian brought up an orthodox Jew to believe in the Law of Moses, circumcision, the Sabbath and the idea of one God who was invisible and unimaginable.Now you were told that your new sisters and brothers in faith were ex-pagans who had worshipped idols, never heard of Moses or the law and that in God’s sight now, you were all equal. God has no favourites. All must sit together at the (Passover) communion table of Christ.
Question – What would you say?
Follow Paul’s argument:
The Main Shaft, Chapter 1 verses 16 to 17 Jews and Gentiles
The Slagheaps of both Pagan and Jewish beliefs and behaviour, Chapter1 verse 18 to Chapter 3
The Uncircumcised Abraham, Chapter 4
The heart cry of a devoutly Jewish preacher in Chapters 9 to 11
Who are the “weaker brethren” of Chapters 14 to 15 if not devout Jewish Christians?

In your prayer time, pull down any barriers between “us” and “them”.

Optional Reading for Next Session read Romans Chapters 9 to 11 and let the passion flow into you.

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