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: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Chapters: Romans 13-16
Message: Romans: Marks of A True Christian
Hello My Friend,
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. We also learn the importance of the Christian brotherhood being there for one another, [Romans 12:9-13 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 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.]
I messed up and skipped chapter 12 from yesterday’s reading so I added it here. The marks of a True Christian, is not something that you do not hear every day. I remember years ago that when you told someone that you were a Christian it meant something positive as they saw you as someone who was honest, dependable, and virtuous, even if they were not a Christian. Today, Christians are seen as just the opposite, but then again we were warned by Jesus that this was going to happen, [Luke 21:16-18 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.]
This does not mean that we will escape suffering or even death for our faith. Yet we can rest assured that God’s protection and sovereignty remain unshaken for those who are faithful to Him. The Christian life is not always easy, but it is a life blessed, especially in the eternal joy that awaits us. Jesus gave His life for us, enduring far greater suffering than we ever will, and He overcame it all. Because He lives, we too will live to tell the story of our journey with Him. What a testimony it will be when we stand before Christ and hear Him recount the ways we served Him, especially in moments when we felt we had little strength or reason to continue. As Paul closes his letter to the Romans, he reminds us that we are called to be living sacrifices,
[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.]
Being a living sacrifice does not mean that we become nuns or monks, it means that we live each day in honor, thanksgiving, and respect for what Jesus did for us. The talent that God has given to each saved, born again Christian is to be used for His purpose and once we do that we can expect that He will even let us use them for provisions . Some of us are given more responsibility, but that does not mean that we are more favorable, it just means that we are able to handle more. Paul, goes on to explain.
[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.]
Whatever it is that God has called us to do whether it be a pastor, missionary, evangelist, teacher, prayer warrior, maintenance tech, or even a janitor, it is something that we are to do with simplicity, diligence, and with a cheerful disposition. We do not need to overdo things, we just need to be faithful, merciful, and enjoy what we are doing, [Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.]
Is every day going to be rainbows and sunshine? Absolutely not! There is this quote that keeps showing up that says, “Not every day is joyful, but we can find some joy in every day.” and that is definitely something that we need to be working at. While no one can honestly prove to anyone that they are a true Christian by their works, I mean we have wolves in sheep’s clothing all over the Church, but there are some marks that can.
[Romans 12:17-21 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. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 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. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.]
Perhaps one of the most difficult things that we encounter as a Christian is helping and praying for those who wrong us. This is something that only the love and power of the Holy Spirit can do through us, [2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.]
It is Satan’s goal to keep Christians fighting among themselves so that the watching world sees division instead of salvation. If we are not firmly grounded in Christ, evil can overtake us, because in our own strength we are not capable of resisting it. While Satan and his demons cannot possess a soul that belongs to Christ, they can certainly oppress and discourage. Many of us know this reality firsthand. We may be knocked down for a season, but God Himself will lift us up, strengthen us, and turn what was meant for evil into good. Our testimony is not in never falling, it is in rising again by His power. 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 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.]
God, gives us a choice, but that does not mean that our choices do not count against us. Those who refuse to acknowledge that Christ is the only way to be saved receive damnation to themselves. The sword is a symbol of the power of life and death, just as Jesus is the power of life and death. Unless one received Christ in vain they have that same power of life upon their souls, but if they did receive Him in vain, their death is upon themselves, [Revelation 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.]
Paul reminds us that governing authorities exist because God has allowed them. To resist lawful authority is to resist God’s order. Christians are called to respect authority, but this does not mean blind obedience. When those in authority act justly, obedience brings peace. When those in authority act unjustly, we must weigh our response against God’s higher law. True faithfulness means honoring God above all and yet still living honorably before those who are in authority. Paul, explains.
[Romans 13:7-11 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 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. 10 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.]
Why do we fulfill the Law when we are under grace? I cannot speak for everyone, but I can share why I strive to live as a law-abiding citizen. First, I am accountable for my actions as a minister of the Gospel and of God’s Word. My life must reflect the truth I proclaim. Second, I am accountable to those I teach. If I live in sin, I bring shame to Christ and weaken the testimony of His church. Third, I am called to encourage and strengthen those whose faith may be weaker than mine. We must be careful that the example we set does not push people away from Christ, but instead draws them closer. Paul reminds us that believers are at different levels of faith. For this reason, it is wise to respect one another’s walk, showing patience and grace as we grow together in Christ.
[Romans 14:1-4 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.]
We all come to Christ the same way—through faith in the Gospel. Yet our walks of faith are not identical. Each of us faces different struggles and temptations. There are things I must avoid because they weaken my faith, even though you may be able to withstand them. We must remember that we do not follow God’s commandments out of mere obligation, but out of wisdom and humility. We know the weakness of our flesh, and so we choose obedience as a safeguard for our souls. Paul, goes on to point out that we do none of this for our own selves.
[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.]
Paul reminds us that none of us lives or dies to ourselves. Whether in life or in death, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again so that He might be Lord of both the living and the dead. This truth anchors us: our lives are not our own, and our accountability is to Him alone. Because of this, Paul warns us not to judge our brothers and sisters, for each of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess to God. Our role is not to condemn, but to ensure we do not place stumbling blocks in the path of others. This applies not only to friends, family members, or spouses who may discourage or judge us—it applies to ourselves as well. Yes, we are our worst critics! Paul, goes on to remind us that we are all in this together so stop worrying about what each other is doing to keep themselves accountable.
[Romans 14:17,19-23 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 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.]
Paul is reminding us that the Christian life is not about nitpicking each other’s choices or measuring each others faith, it is about pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Our goal is not to tear down but to build up. Even in matters of personal conviction, we must be careful not to place stumbling blocks in the path of our brothers and sisters who are weaker in their faith.
[Romans 15:1-4,13 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. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 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.]
Truly, there is no comfort like the Word of God, When Satan attacks, I find strength in Job. When I need courage to keep fighting, I turn to Joshua, Judges, and 1 Samuel. When I need reminders of God’s promises and mercies, I rest in Isaiah, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Jeremiah. When I need to remember His endless love, I return to Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy. When I need to see God’s power working through women, I read Ruth and Esther. And speaking of women, His power works through both men and women. Paul himself acknowledges several women in ministry, showing that each of us has a role in the Body of Christ.
[Romans 16:1-6,16 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. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.]
We are sent into the world for one reason only: to present Christ as He truly is. The mark of a true Christian is one who is not ashamed to give their testimony or to share the truth of the Gospel. There is only one Gospel, and it is not enough for someone to simply know about Christ, they must know the one true Christ, the Lord before whom we come with fear and trembling. The same Christ who saves us by grace also commands us to repent and sin no more. This is why we must be careful to maintain our walk with Him, living in obedience under the reflection of the Law. Paul warns us of the most important reason to do so, and that is guard ourselves against those who cause division and spread false doctrine.
[Romans 16:17-20 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. 19 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.]
The final mark of a true Christian is one who knows they are saved by grace only by the mercies of God and how unworthy they are to even be saved yet live their lives in humble adoration, [Proverbs 22:3-4 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.]
Such people do not serve Christ but their own desires, deceiving the hearts of the simple with smooth words. Instead, we are called to be wise in what is good and innocent concerning evil. Paul, gives one final word of advice, keep the faith.
[Romans 16:24-27 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 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.]
The Gospel, once hidden as a mystery since the beginning of the world, has now been revealed through Christ. Though the Scriptures hinted at His coming, the fullness of the mystery was made manifest only when Jesus came in the flesh. What was once concealed is now proclaimed to all nations, calling every heart to the obedience of faith. The ultimate mark of a true Christian is holding on to their faith in Christ until they take their last breath on earth, [Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.]
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
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