Lesson 4755

(Lesson 4755) (02-10-25) Romans 13:8-14 

   “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul urged believers to owe no one anything except love, explaining that love fulfills the law. He stated that commandments such as not committing adultery, murder, theft, or coveting are all summed up in the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm and is the essence of God's law. Paul then reminded believers that salvation is nearer than when they first believed, urging them to wake up spiritually and cast off their sinful works. He encouraged them to live honorably, avoiding sinful behaviors such as revelry, drunkenness, lust, strife, and envy. Instead, they were to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the things of the flesh, focusing on righteousness and godly living. ~  

Lesson 4754

 (Lesson 4754) (02-09-25) Romans 13:1-7 

   Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul instructed believers to submit to governing authorities, as all authority is established by God. He warned that resisting authority is resisting God's ordinance and could lead to judgment. Although today most don’t, rulers are meant to promote good and punish evil, serving as God's ministers to enforce justice. Paul emphasized that believers should obey not only out of fear of punishment but also for the sake of conscience. He also instructed them to pay taxes, give respect, and honor those in positions of authority, fulfilling their civic responsibilities as part of their obedience to God. ~ 

Lesson 4753

 (Lesson 4753) (02-08-25) Romans 12:4-21 

   “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul described all believers as members of one body, each with different gifts and roles to play in the church. He encouraged them to use their gifts faithfully, whether in serving, teaching, giving, leading, or showing mercy. He urged them to love sincerely, hate evil, and hold fast to what is good. Paul instructed them to be devoted to one another, patient in tribulation, steadfast in prayer, and generous to those in need. He also called for humility, blessing those who persecute them, living in harmony, and avoiding pride. Instead of seeking revenge, believers are to leave judgment to God and respond to enemies with kindness, as this could lead them to repentance. Paul concluded by urging them to overcome evil with goodness and mercy toward all. Another lesson that applies doubly to today. ~ 

Lesson 4752

 (Lesson 4752) (02-07-25) Romans 12:1-3 

   “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul urged believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. He instructed them not to conform to the sinful nature of the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their spirits so that they could discern and obey God's perfect will. Paul also warned against thinking too highly of oneself, emphasizing that each person should exercise humility and sound judgment according to the measure of faith that God has given them. The latter is a problem that has overtaken many (so called) Christians today. ~