King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Chapters: Romans Chapters 12-16
Message: Competitors By Nature United By Christ
Hello My Friend,
Did you ever notice how much of a competitive nature we have? Skills, talents, possessions, jobs, even the people in our lives, draw out a “Mine is better than yours.” or “I can do it better than you mentality.” We may not even realize it, but we compare ourselves with others and sometimes become envious of those who can do something that we cannot. I like to tell myself that I do not care what others have or do, but I would be lying because I do sometimes, especially when I am around certain people. Well, at the heart of our competitive nature is something called pride, and the one thing you learn real quick the second that you receive Christ as your Saviour is that pride gets you nowhere with God. Jesus, gave an example of this.
[Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.]
As we come to the end of the reading of Romans, we learn of how God uses His people for His will and will give them all talents to fulfill it. Paul, begin with the reminder that no matter what talents we have or what we know, we are not here to please anyone, but God.
[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. 2 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. 3 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.]
[God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.] In other words, the stronger our faith the more God gives us to be used for His glory, even our infirmities are used for His glory. However, we are to discredit or compare ourselves with others because we are all valuable to God.
[Romans 12:5-8 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 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.]
[gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,] While we may have some talents as others, it is not possible for all of us to possess all the same. Why? Since we and the world are a melting pot of different cultures we need to be diverse so that we can reach the lost. While I do believe that the Holy Spirit in us will enable us to become what others need in order to lead someone to Christ, we cannot be everywhere at the same time so God scatters us everywhere, [1 Corinthians 9:22-23 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.]
For some reason many Christians think that because we walk with Christ we are to do and agree with everything they do, and if we do not, then we are not true Christians. Well, I do not have to tell you that our biggest competitors in this world are other Christians, they in their pride cause more division, strain, and hindrances in our walk with Christ than anyone else. Why? They want us to conform into something that resembles them. Paul, goes on to give us some insight of what marks show a true Christian.
[Romans 12:10-18 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 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. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.]
[Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things,] This is exactly where many Christians falter, they compete with one one another over earthly possessions and even the favor of people. Jesus said this, [Luke 11:42-44 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.]
We need to be content with who we are, what we have, and what we are capable of doing and stop comparing ourselves with others and by the way, what we see is not at all what it appears to be. The marks of a true Christian is not shown by those who appear to have no sin in their lives, it is by those who trip and fall and get back up in the strength of Christ. We set the example for others to see Christ for who He truly is, our Saviour, if we are living different lives than we appear to be, then it will come out for all the world to see. Paul, reminds us that we are all subject to the powers that God ordained.
[Romans 13:1-4,7 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. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 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: 4 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. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.]
[Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.] We may not like those who are in authority over us, but we do need to respect them as God will allow wicked or unwise people to run our nations for the sake of uniting His people as one, and that includes pastors in His Church, [Romans 9:22-23 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,]
Let me tell you, the more we walk with Christ the less competitive we get because we start to realize that we are all the same, sinners saved by grace. Paul, reminds us that we are Christ’s ministers and by ministering to them as Christ does, there is no need to compete with one another.
[Romans 13:10-14 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 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. 12 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. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.]
[knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:] Every day that passes we are one day closer to seeing Jesus, whether it be heaven or His return. So it is time we stop being concerned about every little thing that other Christians are doing and start being concerned about all the souls that are lost. We are not always going to agree on everything that is right or wrong, but we are to never be the cause of why someone walked away from Christ.
[Romans 14:1-5 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.]
[let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth:] It is not about them it is about you, if you choose not to wear certain clothes, eat certain foods, drink certain things, or even watch or listen to certain things that others find acceptable, then that is your decision. We are to never feel obligated to comply with them because the only one we are truly here to live for is Christ.
[Romans 14:7-13 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.]
[that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.] Dead, meaning those who are saved and their flesh died before He returns as well as those still alive in their flesh. We have no one to prove, but God, therefore we do what the Holy Spirit leads us to do, and not man. Remember, God will never lead us into something that will bring us to sin, if we fall into sin, then that is of our own doing, [James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.]
[no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.] This is why we should always be courteous toward one another, if it is something that makes someone else feel uncomfortable, then just refrain from it. There are way too many things that we need to be concerned about rather than a woman wearing pants or man choosing to listen to rock music. We are here to help each other while leading others to Christ, [Romans 14:21-23 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.]
[he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith:] It does not matter what it is, even if it is a cup of coffee, if we do not consume it in faith, then it is sin. And this is not about food, it is about living our own lives in the way that we feel we are pleasing God, and if that means we cut out certain things or people from our lives, then so be it. We may not like it, but we are not here to please ourselves.
[Romans 15:1-3,7,13-14 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.]
[filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.] [Admonish; To warn or notify of a fault; to reprove with mildness.] It is important that we understand the difference between passing judgment on people and using righteous judgment, it is not inappropriate to let someone know what us biblical. We are sent out into the world for one reason only and that is to present Christ as He is. There is only one Gospel and it does not matter if one knows of Christ, they need to know the one true Christ, the one who we come to with fear and trembling, [Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.]
Let me tell you, there are a lot of saved, born again Christians who choose to engage in sinful behavior, but as long as the doctrine of Christ remains the same let them live how they live, it is God they have to answer not us. If we live how God directs us then we will respect the person through Christ in us, and live our own lives as He sees fit for us. Paul, ends his letter with making sure they commend those he sent to assist them, but also warns them to be careful not to associate with those who cause division.
[Romans 16:1-4,17-18 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.]
[mark them which cause divisions and offences…and avoid them.] We are not to condemn them, we are to love them, and if that means we remain separated from them, then so be it. If they are going against Scripture all together, it is time to cut them from our lives completely. When we conform to Christ and not the world, we do and see things differently, and no longer want to seek things to please the flesh, but the things that please God.
[Romans 16:19-20,25-27 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.]
[God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.] Paul, is referring to this verse, [Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.] and it has to do with the day that the devil will get what is coming to him, [Revelation 20:10,14 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Romans 13:13-14 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You, for your gift of salvation. I do not need to lift one finger to be saved from death and hell to my soul, I just need to believe in the Gospel of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and receive Him as my Saviour. Now, I know that I am under no obligation to prove my faith to the world, but I do want to set the mark of a true Christian by being the example that you need me to be to lead others to Him as well. Jesus, lead me and guide me, give me Your mercy, grace, and power to live by Your example. Let me live by Your strength alone and help me to be a living sacrifice to not only bring others to You, but give them strength when they are weak. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Ready To Follow Jesus?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/welcome/
Like I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readytofollowJesus
Copyright © 2024 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.