Real living

Truth made real to everyday experience.

    Does God relate to the daily lives of people?  Yes !

The letter to the Romans in chapters 1 to 8 emphasises the spiritual condition of humanity (lost). Also included is the God given remedy (new life by grace). This is so very important to re-establish our connection with God.

         Now in considering Romans 12 to 15 the focus turns from the foundation of spiritual truth to the material world in which we live. It is our privilege on the journey to glory, to yield ourselves body, soul and spirit to God .

        First is the call upon our minds to be transformed so that instead of hate there is love. This affects how we use our abilities, how we interact, how we give to others etc. By God’s intelligent grace the believer is enabled to overcome in times of difficulty, able to give generously, able to show sympathy with those suffering, able to refrain from revenge. Chapter 12 concludes – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”.

Chapter13 teaches us that God has ordained the institution of government along with our responsibility to comply and pay our dues.

At the end of chapter 13 is the clarion call to not be involved in reckless living. “not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarrelling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

Chapter 14 addresses the real life issue of conflict between people of differing cultures and convictions. Instead of the survival of the fittest or strongest, Christian grace makes room for others. In fact the practical solution is given by focusing not on ourselves, but on the Lord above who will be the final judge of all.

Chapter 15 gives a review of truth stated with this beautiful conclusion – God is for us and has a very bright future for those who trust Him –

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15.13)

How good it is to see the book of Romans as God transforming a hopeless situation in one of joy and hope. How blessed that we are included in the invitation to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved and safe for eternity.

May I encourage you to read again these wonderful chapters.

John McKee