Devotional Notes Romans 14

 

B1 What does this mean?

C1 God’s Rules in Relationships with Our Christian Brother and Sister

D1 Verse 1 Regarding Food

E1 The passage teaches the difference between conviction and opinion. Conviction= “I must not eat.” Opinion= “I can eat unless it damages my fellow Christian’s faith.”

E2 Conviction may be present in both parties, but it may be different if one feels it affects their salvation or rightness with God.

E3 Those, who feel it is OK to eat any food, are not to judge and condemn someone who is vegan, nor are vegans to judge and condemn those who eat any food.

E4 Weak is the idea that they cannot accept the idea of eating all and any type of food. They feel that their rightness with God will be affected.

E5 We do not want to cause troubles in the church because of food.

E6 This idea could be applied about the color of carpet in the worship area or type of curtains, etc.

D2 Regarding Special Days

E1 The same applies to those who believe that Saturday or Sunday is special or if all days are equal.

E2 This is not an issue for brothers and sisters to fight over.

E3 Comment: (Source)

We are not our own but Christ’s (1 Co 6:19-note). This right of possession, and the consequent duty of devotion and obedience, are not founded on creation but on redemption. We are Christ’s because he has bought us with a price.

 

In all of Scripture, there is no greater call

for holy living and for submission

to the sovereign and unconditional

lordship of Jesus Christ.

 

To deny the lordship of Jesus Christ in the life of any believer is to subvert the full work, power, and purpose of His crucifixion and resurrection. Christ's Lordship is the foundational truth for the unity of the Church amidst diversity of opinion.

D3 Regarding Judgment

E1 We are not to judge and condemn our brother and sister over such things.

E2 All believers are God’s servants.

E3 Different cultures have different practices in food and life. It is OK. They do not need to be changed to our opinion.

E4 We must give an account of our actions. If we judge and condemn for such things, we might incur the anger of God.

E5 Comments (Source)

Warren Wiersbe: Both strong and weak must stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and they will not judge each other—they will be judged by the Lord. The Judgment Seat of Christ is that place where Christians will have their works judged by the Lord. It has nothing to do with our sins, since Christ has paid for them and they can be held against us no more (Romans 8:1). (The Bible exposition commentary)

 

William Newell: It is a matter of reward for our service, and not salvation, that is here in question. (Romans 14 - Newell's Commentary on Romans)

C2 Rationale

D1 God is judge, not us.

D2 Paul’s opinion: No food is unclean in itself. He is speaking of Jewish teaching on uncleanness.

D3 We must practice the law of love towards loving our neighbor as ourselves.

D4 Verse 16, I believe, refers to non-believers looking at the Christian community.

D5 Verse 17 shows us that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are more important than food or drink but also applies to all that Paul has written about.

E1 Some things are more important than others.

E2 The righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are more important. Our focus must be on these things.

E3 Food might be important to some, but all should understand the lesser importance of these.

E4 The kingdom of God is where God rules. God does not rule on earth yet. The place on earth where He does rule is in the Christian’s heart.

E5 All the Christian blessings here are from taking the yoke of Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

D6 Verse 18, these things refer to righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Both God and humans are pleased when people live this way.

D7 It should be our goal to be well pleasing to God. We are His sons and daughters. We are citizens of His kingdom. We love God.

D8 Peace in the church and encouraging each other’s faith to grow is what is important, not food and drink.

D9 Most people who claim to be the weaker Christian are not, but why should we go out of our way to be offensive to anyone.

D10 Doubt has the idea of back and forth, so thinking, “Yes, this is OK,” or “No, this is not OK.”

D11 A good comment: (Source)

Ray Stedman sums up this section writing that Paul is saying "Do not deliberately stumble or shock your brother or sister. Do not deliberately do things that will offend them, or even make them feel uncomfortable. Think about them, not yourself. SECOND: Give up your right when it threatens the peace or hinders the growth of another individual. Be alert to judge in that area. And THIRD: Never act from doubt. Act only from conviction, by the Word, and by the Spirit of God. If these problems are all settled on that basis, a congregation will be moving gradually toward the great liberty that we have as children of God.

C3 Questions

D1 What is judging?

D2 Why are we to be careful in what we judge and condemn?

D3 What is our goal in serving God?

D4 What is our goal in helping our brother and sister?

 

1 Timothy 6:11-16

 

B4 Live the Christian life consistently

C1 Verse 11

D1 We are to run away from evil things.

D2 We are to seek and cultivate righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and meekness.

E1 The Greek word diligently follow/pursue is διώκω diṓkō. It means to run after and by application depending on the context ideas as pursue, harass, etc.

F1 Matthew 5:10 NIV Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

F2 Following the teachings of false teachers/prophets. Luke 17:22-23 NIV Then he said to his disciples, "The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 People will tell you, 'There he is!' or 'Here he is!' Do not go running off after them.

F3 Similarly, we read: 2 Timothy 2:22 CSB Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

E2 Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, [and] meekness

F1 Righteousness is thoughts, desires, words, and deeds in alignment with God’s standards.

G1 God’s standard. Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

G2 Based on God’s law as given in the Old Testament.

H1 The standard: Romans 8:4 NIV in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

H2 All has been fulfilled by the Lord Jesus: Romans 10:4 NLT For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

G3 We can read the standard and know the standard: 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

F2 Godliness is imitating God’s ways. These are the ways of His character, worldview, lifestyle, rules, and kingdom.

F3 Faith is believing God. God knows how to communicate perfectly.

F4 Love is a choice to be caring and fulfilling the description in 1 Corinthians 13.

F5 Perseverance is remaining loyal to God and His ways. It includes the ideas of patience and endurance.

G1 God strengthens us to do this. Colossians 1:11 NLT We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.

G2 Our strengthened by being tested. The Christian life has afflictions, sufferings, persecutions, etc. James 1:3 NLT For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

F6 Meekness is not being abusive, pushy, being stubborn, and demanding your own way. It is not throwing childish temper tantrums. It has the attitude of yielding rather than bullying and demanding. 1 Peter 3:15 WEL Instead, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to answer with gentleness and respectfulness anyone who asks you about the reason for the hope that is in you.

C2 Verse 12

D1 Timothy is commanded to do two things—being vigorous in the battle of faith and holding on tightly to eternal life.

E1 Give vigorous effort in the good battle of faith.

F1 We don’t use force, physical weapons, bullying, threats, money, false promises, etc. to bring conversion. We rely on the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin.

F2 We live the Christian life not because of threats, etc. but because of love and loyalty for Jesus.

G1 As others have said that it is horrifying when our mind changes from thinking about Messiah to thinking mostly about the world.

G2 Colossians 3:1 WEL So then, if you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.

E2 Holding on tightly to eternal life

F1 The Greek word implies a grip like the grip of death. A grip that will not quit.

F2 Here is an illustration using the same Greek word: Matthew 14:29-31 NLT Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

D2 The good confession

E1 Our example is the Lord Jesus.

E2 This confession is totally true, given honestly, believed sincerely, and lived consistently.

E3 It is living as a witness for Jesus and being a light to the world, the salt of the earth in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

E4 There are true confessors for Jesus and fake ones.

F1 True

G1 Matthew 10:32 NLT Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

G2 1 John 4:15 NLT All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.

F2 Fake Matthew 7:21 KJ2000 Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

E5 A blessing and a warning. Luke 12:8-9 NLT I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels. 9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels.

C3 Verse 13

D1 As the Lord Jesus gave an open confession, so should we.

D2 You can read the good confession that the Lord Jesus gave in John 18:33-40. Jesus answered the Roman governor respectfully, truthfully, and clearly.

C4 Verse 14

D1 This commandment refers to verses 11 and 12.

D2 Spotlessly and blamelessly

E1 Spotlessly

F1 The Greek word for spotlessly is ἄσπιλος áspilos. It means spotless in the sense of cloth with no flaws or discolorations, thus keeping this rule perfectly. Since we cannot be perfect, we must ask forgiveness, but the Lord Jesus knows how we pray to do His will, try to do His, and repent when we fail.

F2 It is also used

G1 For us to be spotless from the world’s lifestyle and worldview. James 1:27 NET Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

G2 In looking forward to the time sin is punished, creation is renewed, and death and curse has been removed. 2 Peter 3:14 NIV So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

E2 Blamelessly. The Greek word for blamelessly is ἀνεπίληπτος anepílēptos. It means cannot be blamed for anything, above reproach.

E3 This is God’s standard. No one can do this perfectly in this life. See Romans 7:13-25.

D3 Lord’s appearance

E1 Paul expected the return of Jesus in his lifetime.

E2 Imminency is taught in Scripture. More on this topic here (The Doctrine of Imminency: Is it Biblical)?

E3 We always need to be ready.

F1 1 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

F2 Titus 2:13 NLT while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

F3 Hebrews 9:28 NLT so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

C5 Verse 15

D1 A time is coming when Jesus will return in glory, power, honor, and truth. There is deliverance or judgment depending if one believes or does not believe.

D2 The Greek word show is δεικνύω deiknýō. It means to reveal, expose to sight. Many times, someone will say, “Prove it. Let me see him.” Well, that time is coming. Revelation 1:7 NIV Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen.

D3 All will know when He returns (Daniel 7:9-14 and Revelation 19:11-21).

D4 Jesus is King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

E1 Psalm 115:3 NIV Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

E2 Proverbs 21:1 NIV In the LORD's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

C6 Verse 16

D1 This is a list of some noncommunicable character traits of God. Only God has these traits. Some communicable character traits of God are traits humans have as mercy, reason, intelligence, love, anger, etc.

D2 Immortality

E1 The Greek word for immortality is ἀθανασία athanasía.

F1 It means deathless.

F2 This is a character trait of God. It is a non-communicable trait; humans do not have it.

F3 We have to have to be clothed with immortality. Only God can clothe us. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 CSB For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. 54 When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.

D3 Living in unapproachable light

E1 The Greek word for unapproachable is ἀπρόσιτος aprósitos.

F1 It means literally unable to go to, so unapproachable or inaccessible.

F2 Light is associated with purity—purity in truth, love, mercy, justice, judgment, etc.

F3 1 John 1:5 NIV This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

F4 Habakkuk 3:3-4 NRSV God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. [Selah] His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 The brightness was like the sun; rays came forth from his hand, where his power lay hidden.

D4 Invisible

E1 The Greek word for invisible is οὐδείς oudeís (no one/nothing) and εἴδω eídō (the common word for see/seeing).

E2 Colossians 1:15 NLT Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.

E3 John 1:18 WEL No one has ever seen God. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, declared him.

E4 Matthew 11:27 WEL All things have been entrusted to me by my Father, and no one fully knows the Son except the Father, neither does anyone fully know the Father except the Son and to whoever the Son is willing to reveal him.

D5 Honor

E1 The Greek word for honor is τιμή timḗ. It means something valued, prized, reverenced, precious, etc.

E2 The highest honor should always be to Yahweh. There is only one God, and He deserves the honor given to a god. Since there is only one God, all honor goes to Him.

E3 We are to honor God because of our salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:20 WPNT Because you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

E4 We are to honor Him with our giving. Proverbs 3:9 NRSV Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce.

E5 We are to honor Him in our private and public actions. 1 Corinthians 10:31 WPNT Therefore, whether you eat or you drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

E6 We are to honor Him personally. Isaiah 25:1 NLT O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.

E7 We are to honor Him in groups, public, and before leaders. Psalm 107:32 NLT Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.

E8 We are to honor Him by our preaching the Gospel. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 NRSV Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you.

D6 Everlasting power

E1 The Greek word for everlasting power is αἰώνιος aiṓnios (everlasting, without a beginning and without an end) and κράτος krátos (strength).

E2 Regarding God:

F1 Everlasting

G1 This means eternal:

H1 No beginning and no end. Yahweh is the only being who has this character trait.

I1 Isaiah 40:28 LEB Have you not known, or have you not heard? Yahweh is the God of eternity, the creator of the ends of the earth! He is not faint, and he does not grow weary! There is no searching his understanding.

I2 1 Timothy 1:17 WEB Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

H2 He is life and the giver of life. He is always living. Psalms 102:12, NKJV But You, O LORD, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations.

H3 He is infinite.

I1 He never changes. He never grows older. He never learns anything. There are no surprises. He has need of nothing. James 1:17 PickNT every good giving and every perfect gift is from Above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

I2 He is the Eternal Now. Isaiah 46:10 GNB From the beginning I predicted the outcome; long ago I foretold what would happen. I said that my plans would never fail, that I would do everything I intended to do.

G2 This is aseity:

H1 God exists, not because He was caused or made by another, but simply exists without any cause.

H2 He is self-existent and unchangeable. There was never a time when He did not exist. Exodus 3:14 LEB And God said to Moses, "I am that I am." And he said, "So you must say to the Israelites, 'I am sent me to you.

H3 He is Life.

H4 Because He is life, He can give eternal life: John 3:36 LEB The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life—but the wrath of God remains on him.

F2 Strength

G1 Omnipotent. This is perfect power and strength. There is no strength greater.

G2 Matthew 19:26 WEL But Jesus looked right at them and said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

G3 Jeremiah 32:27 ESV2011 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?

C7 We need God’s grace to continue in the faith. Let us be mindful of that and be careful about temptations. Sin is addictive. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

C8 We must always have a good confession, not being ashamed of the Lord Jesus, His teachings, and His way of life.

C9 The time WILL when all will know for sure—they will see it with their own eyes—Jesus reigning in power. He is King of kings and lord of lords. God alone has:

D1 Immortality

D2 Living in light (a clear mind, a clear conscious, and no evil)

D3 The light that is so bright, no one can stand in His presence

D4 Perfect and everlasting honor

D5 Omnipotence

C10 Questions:

D1 Why are we to run away from evil things?

D2 How do we know what evil is?

D3 Why are Christians loyal to Jesus?

D4 What are some ways we can honor God?

Devotional Notes Romans 13

 

B1 What does this mean? 

C1 God’s Rules for Our Relationship with Government 

D1 God sets up and brings down who will be the leader. Some leaders are sort of good and some evil. They have been delegated by God to the office of government leader. If they do things God’s way, there is blessing. If they do everything not God’s way, there is trouble and curse. 

E1 King Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 4:29-32 GNB Only twelve months later, while he was walking around on the roof of his royal palace in Babylon, 30 he said, "Look how great Babylon is! I built it as my capital city to display my power and might, my glory and majesty." 31 Before the words were out of his mouth, a voice spoke from heaven, "King Nebuchadnezzar, listen to what I say! Your royal power is now taken away from you. 32 You will be driven away from human society, live with wild animals, and eat grass like an ox for seven years. Then you will acknowledge that the Supreme God has power over human kingdoms and that he can give them to anyone he chooses." 

E2 The Exodus Pharaoh 

F1 Exodus 5:2 NIV Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go. 

F2 Exodus 14:27-28 NLT So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. 28 Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers--the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. 

E3 King David: Acts 13:22 NLT But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.' 

E4 King Josiah: 2 Kings 23:25 NLT Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. 

E5 Each one died, but there was a difference. 

D2 Verse 2, we obey their rules unless it contradicts God’s rules. Then we obey God’s rules regardless. Acts 5:27-29 NLT Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 "Didn't we tell you never again to teach in this man's name?" he demanded. "Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!" 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. 

D3 Our attitude towards government is found in Hebrews 13:14 NLT for this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. 

D4 Verse 6, we are to pay taxes. Matthew 22:21 LEB They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore give to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God!" 

D5 We are not to be revolutionaries to overthrow the government. We are to preach Christ and His gospel. If they believe, society will be changed and peaceful. 

D6 Some comments from church fathers: Justin Martyr (Apology 1: 17) writes, "Everywhere, we, more readily than all men, endeavour to pay to those appointed by you the taxes, both ordinary and extraordinary, as we have been taught by Jesus. We worship only God, but in other things we will gladly serve you, acknowledging you as kings and rulers of men, and praying that, with your kingly power, you may be found to possess also sound judgment." Athenagoras, pleading for peace for the Christians, writes (chapter 37): "We deserve favour because we pray for your government, that you may, as is most equitable, receive the kingdom, son from father, and that your empire may receive increase and addition, until all men become subject to your sway." (Source). 

C2 God’s Rules How to Love Our Neighbor 

D1 Imagine how society and its evils would be changed if we would live by God’s rules. We must even if no other does. Imagine is all these laws were lived consistently? There would be no theft, no rape, no murder, no lying, etc. Exodus 20, the Ten Commandments. 

D2 Verse 8,  

E1 Whatever we owe others, pay them back as soon as possible. 

E2 We must love our neighbor. This is the definition of the love spoken of here: ...for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 

D3 Verse 9, society would improve for all if all followed these rules. Romans 13:9 WEL Because: you must not commit adultery, you must not kill, you must not steal, you must not bear false witness, you must not covet, and whatever other commandment, it is briefly summarized in this saying, “You must love your neighbor as you do yourself.” 

D4 Verse 10 is God’s standard. If I love my neighbor (anyone I meet), I will not lie, steal, hate, murder, covet, sexually sin, etc. This standard will not be followed perfectly until the New Heavens and New Earth, but it should be our attitude and goal that with God’s help, we will do it. 

C3 God’s Desire for Us to Live Ready for His Return 

D1 Verse 11: 

E1 We are not to sleep, that is, not being slothful, neglectful, making excuses, etc. to follow what Jesus wants us to do. Not doing the rules of verse 10 is a witness for God that His ways are the ways of peace and order. 

E2 Salvation (deliverance) refers to Jesus’s coming for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 WEL May the God of peace, himself, sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

D2 Verse 12,  

E1 Night and day refers to the Kingdom of night and the Kingdom of light (day). 

F1 Kingdom of night: The rules, worldview, and lifestyle of the arch-rebel—satan.  

F2 Kingdom of day: The rules, worldview, and lifestyle of God. 

F3 John 3:19-21 NIV This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. 

E2 We must be ready. Luke 12:42-48 NIV The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 "The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. 

E3 Weapons of light: 

F1 The weapons (defensive and offensive) that God gives. See Ephesians 6:10-20. 

F2 2 Corinthians 6:7 NLT We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 

F3 2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 

D3 Things we do not do. It is not loving our neighbor if we do these things. It is a poor testimony for Jesus if we do.  

E1 Romans 13:13 WEL Let us live honorably as in the daytime, not in carousing, drunkenness, orgies, uncontrolled lust, heated arguments, or envying. 

E2 Matthew 5:16 NRSV in the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 

D4 We must not live our life satisfying our fleshly desires. Barclay on the 6 sins: 

 It is interesting to look at the six sins which Paul selects as being, as it were, typical of the Christless life. 

 

(i) There is revelry (komos, Greek #2889). This is an interesting word. Originally komos (Greek #2889) was the band of friends who accompanied a victor home from the games, singing his praises and celebrating his triumph as they went. Later it came to mean a noisy band of revellers who swept their way through the city streets at night, a band of roysterers, what, in Regency England, would have been called a rout. It describes the kind of revelry which lowers a man's self and is a nuisance to others. 

 

(ii) There is drunkenness (methe, Greek #3178). To the Greeks drunkenness was a particularly disgraceful thing. They were a wine-drinking people. Even children drank wine. Breakfast was called akratisma, and consisted of a slice of bread dipped in wine. For all that, drunkenness was considered specially shameful, for the wine the Greek drank was much diluted, and was drunk because the water supply was inadequate and dangerous. This was a vice which not only a Christian but any respectable heathen also would have condemned. 

 

(iii) There was immorality (koite, Greek #2845). Koite (Greek #2845) literally means a bed and has in it the meaning of the desire for the forbidden bed. This was the typical heathen sin. The word brings to mind the man who sets no value on fidelity and who takes his pleasure when and where he will. 

 

(iv) There is shamelessness (aselgeia, Greek #766). Aselgeia (Greek #766) is one of the ugliest words in the Greek language. It does not describe only immorality; it describes the man who is lost to shame. Most people seek to conceal their evil deeds, but the man in whose heart there is aselgeia (Greek #766) is long past that. He does not care who sees him; he does not care how much of a public exhibition he makes of himself; he does not care what people think of him. Aselgeia (Greek #766) is the quality of the man who dares publicly to do the things which are unbecoming for any man to do. 

 

(v) There is contention (eris, Greek #2054). Eris (Greek #2054) is the spirit that is born of unbridled and unholy competition. It comes from the desire for place and power and prestige and the hatred of being surpassed. It is essentially the sin which places self in the foreground and is the entire negation of Christian love. 

 

(vi) There is envy (zelos, Greek #2205). Zelos (Greek #2205) need not be a bad word. It can describe the noble emulation of a man who, when confronted with greatness of character, wishes to attain to it. But it can also mean that envy which grudges a man his nobility and his preeminence. It describes here the spirit which cannot be content with what it has and looks with jealous eye on every blessing given to someone else and denied to itself. (Source) 

D5 We are to put on, clothe, array ourselves with 2 things: 

E1 Weapons of light as we spoke about above. 

E2 The Lord Jesus. This means 

F1 To live and think in God’s ways 

G1 Ephesians 4:24-32 

G2 Colossians 3:12-17 BSB Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  

F2 Adam Clarke writes:  

To be clothed with a person is a Greek phrase, signifying to assume the interests of another - to enter into his views, to imitate him, and be wholly on his side. St. Chrysostom particularly mentions this as a common phrase, ὁ δεινα τον δεινα ενεδυσατο, such a one hath put on such a one; i.e. he closely follows and imitates him.  

C4 Questions 

D1 What is our relationship with secular government? 

D2 How are we to pray for our leaders? 

D3 How completely do we obey their orders? 

D4 Why is it important for Christians to pay taxes. 

D5 What is a Christian life? 

D6 How is living this Christian life help society? 

 

How do I apply this to my life? Help me to remember and give me grace to obey.