This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Romans series with a word about resetting our hearts on the Lord through His love and grace. Sometimes we grow weary in our walk with the Lord or start walking in our old ways. We need a fresh awakening and today is the opportunity! The first step to softening our heart towards God is to allow Him to love us.
Loving Others Well
Romans 13:8–9 (ESV)
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Godly Love…
• Begins with “a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Gal. 6:10).
• Finds ways to “do good” to those whom we love, whether they seem to deserve it or not.
• Is forgiving (Eph. 4:32).
• Is characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance (Eph. 4:2).
• Is a willingness to sacrifice its own needs and welfare for the needs and welfare of others, even to the point of forfeiting life if necessary (John 15:13).
• Is a matter of choice.
“God did not make the first human because he needed company, but because he wanted someone to whom he could show his generosity and love. God did not tell us to follow him because he needed our help, but because he knew that loving him would make us whole.” Irenaus
Types of Love…
- Phileo = Friendship
- Eros = Romantic
- Agape = Decision of the will (highest form of love)
“Our biggest problem is our lack of love, our inability to love one another. Everything we know in life revolves around that problem. This passage is telling us that the ability to love — that and nothing less than that — is the radical force that Jesus Christ has turned loose in this world by his resurrection. Therefore it has the power to radically change the world.” Ray Stedman
John 13:34–35 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Luke 6:35 (ESV)
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Now is the Time to Wake Up
Romans 13:10–11 (ESV)
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
The Encyclopedia Britannica defines sleep as “a state of inactivity, with a loss of consciousness and a decrease in responsiveness to events taking place.”
Titus 2:11–13 (ESV)
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
1 Peter 4:7–11 (ESV)
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
1 Chronicles 12:32 (NRSV)
32 Of Issachar, those who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…
Now is the Time to Give Up Some Things
Romans 13:12 (ESV)
12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Ephesians 4:22 (ESV)
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
Romans 13:13–14 (ESV)
13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered us. Like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C.S. Lewis
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from
Discussion Questions:
- What are some practical ways to demonstrate love to our neighbors in accordance with the teaching in Romans 13?
- Pastor Chris mentioned being physically awake but spiritually asleep (like sleepwalking). Are there areas in your walk with the Lord where you are asleep or need of a fresh awakening?
- Romans 13:14 tells us to make no provision for the flesh. What are some practical steps to avoid debauchery, dissension, and jealousy?
- When we agree with lies about who we are or who God is, a barrier forms between us and the Lord. What are some Scriptures to help redirect your heart and mind toward the truth of your identity in Christ and who God is?
Application Questions:
- Grace trains us to put off ungodliness and to live upright lives. Spend time this week allowing the love and grace of God to encourage your walk with the Lord.
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