Category: Romans

June 5: Write it Out

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READING & JOURNALING:

Take some time to review the questions and topics presented throughout this study on the Book of romans. What was most memorable about this study throughout the book of Romans?  

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F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Acts 1

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

June 4: Avoid Those Who Seek Division

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Romans is a pretty lengthy letter, and it’s clear Paul took a tremendous amount of time crafting it, ensuring he communicated everything he wanted to communicate to this young church. Toward the end of the letter, he makes one final appeal in Romans 16:17, And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

Unity is something worth striving for. For example, there may be some you interact with who regularly share their opinions or perspectives on things, but not be domineering about it. However, there may be others who share their opinions or perspectives on things, and be overly condescending towards you or others who adhere to a different way of thinking. Paul’s response? Stay away from those who seek division. 

As Paul writes in Philippians 2:2, …make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 16

Think of a time when you may have created division instead of seeking unity. What life-lessons did you learn as a result? 

Think about it, what are some specific ways that avoiding those who seek division will actually strengthen the unity among Christians? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know there are some who may claim to seek unity but are actually teaching or saying things that go against some of the teachings of Christ. Continue to provide me with wisdom and discernment so that I may live out Your purpose for my life well. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Matthew 28

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

June 3: Accept Others as Christ Accepted You

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Ancient Rome had a lot of diversity. As the Roman Empire spread, people from many different backgrounds, cultures, education, and status moved into this major city. With so much diversity and so many different perspectives within the city, there was sure to be some level of tension. Paul did not want to see the Christians in Rome experience this tension. 

Romans 15:5 reads, May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 

The NLT Life Application Study Bible notes, “The Roman church was a diverse community. It was made up of Jews and Gentiles, slave and free, rich and poor, strong and weak. So it was difficult for them to accept one another. Accepting means taking people into our homes as well as into our hearts, sharing meals and activities, avoiding racial and economic discrimination, and going out of our way to avoid favoritism. How can you accept others as Christ has accepted you?”

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 15

Not everybody lives in a city or community as diverse as ancient Rome. How regularly do you find yourself avoiding others who look, think, vote, spend, worship, or live differently than you? 

How can you more intentionally accept others from different backgrounds and cultures in the same way Christ has accepted you? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there are a lot of thoughts that come to mind when I think of the word diversity. Generally speaking, I find that I prefer to be with others who look, think, vote, worship, and live similarly to myself. But this isn’t the full life You’ve called me to live, as You’ve invited me to live in harmony with all other Christians. Help me see all others as You do. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: John 20 & 21

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

June 2: Don’t Cause Others to Stumble

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We all have a tendency to determine what is right and wrong in our own minds. When it comes to clear topics in the Scriptures – like the command to love God and love others – we would all say that’s a good and right thing to do. But sometimes we determine other things are wrong even if they may not be. 

Paul deals with this tension in Romans 14. As he wrestles with this tension, he’s sure to say that the one wrong thing we can do is to condemn or look down on another Christian for something they’ve done that may not actually be wrong. Some of the examples he uses include (1) Eating anything vs. eating only vegetables, (2) Thinking one day is holier than another day, (3) Drinking wine verses not drinking wine. 

What’s the solution presented? The NLT Life Application Study Bible notes, “Everything we do affects others, and we have to think of them constantly. God created us to be interdependent, not independent. We who are strong in our faith must, without pride or condescension, treat others with love, patience, and self-restraint.”

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 14

How regularly do you find yourself condemning or judging other Christians for things that may go against your personal convictions, but may not be considered wrong by God? 

What sticks out to you most from Romans 14? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that it’s sometimes easy for me to look at others’ actions or behaviors and have judgmental thoughts towards them, even when their actions aren’t necessarily wrong. Help me to remember that others may have a personal perspective or conviction a little different from my own, but that I can be united with them simply due to our faith in You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Luke 24

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

June 1: Live for All to See

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Romans 13:13-14 reads, Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

There’s a strong biblical principle that says, “We are to live in the world, but not of the world.” In this world, we may hear about or be invited to participate in wild parties, drunkenness, or sexual promiscuity. We may also participate in negative behaviors that aren’t as visible, such as quarreling, jealousy, envy, greed, and more.

But like Christ, Paul appeals that we live decent lives for all to see. In John 13:35 Jesus says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” In other words, living good lives for all to see isn’t about adhering to a list of right’s and wrong’s, do’s and don’ts. It’s simply about loving others in the same way Christ loved us. 

time, money, and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.”

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 13

Take some time to write out your own definition of the word love. What does it mean to truly love others?  

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know there are times when I may say or think that my actions towards others are loving. But when I take opportunities to fully reflect on these actions I recognize that my desire isn’t always to truly love them. Instead, I discover some self-centered tendencies within my actions; “loving” others in order to get something in return. As Your Word says, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Psalm 139:23-24)

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Mark 16

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

May 29: Write it Out

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

READING & JOURNALING:

In what ways are you growing in changing the way you think? How is this impacting your life, and the lives of those you interact with on a regular basis? 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: John 19

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

May 28: Really Love Them

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In Romans 12:9 we read, Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. This verse ought to make each of us pause and reflect, prayerfully considering how we may be pretending to love others instead of really loving them.

The NLT Life Application Study Bible notes, “Most of us have learned how to be courteous to others—how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to show compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and genuine love that goes far beyond being hypocritical and polite. Genuine love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.”

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 12:9-21

Is there anybody in your life you may be pretending to love instead of really loving them? 

Think (and pray) about one way you can really love them today, and then do it. 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess I don’t like to think about the likelihood that I pretend to love others instead of really loving them. Help me to not only be polite, but to use real concentration, prayer, effort, time, and money to really love others in the way You have loved me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Matthew 27:32-66 & Luke 23:26-56

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

May 27: Mutual Service

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What is one gift or talent you don’t currently have but would like to? For some, it may be the ability to sing or play a musical instrument. For others, it may be the ability to teach. Others still may desire to have more so they could give more. 

In Romans 12:3-8, Paul notes that it’s important to properly evaluate ourselves so that we may best serve one another. Some may think they don’t have anything to offer, but this isn’t true, we all have something to contribute. Others may want to contribute more than they’re able, but their real desire may be to do so for success or achievement. 

What’s the solution? Paul says the solution is to properly evaluate ourselves, recognizing that we all have something to contribute, but not to be overly proud about what we contribute, nor to be overly negative in thinking that it isn’t enough. Instead, we should see one another as parts of the same body. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:25-26, This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 12:3-8, 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-26

What do you believe you are most able to contribute to the body of Christ? In what ways does your contribution help bring harmony to the church? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I’m grateful for the reminder that I have something to contribute to the church body, but that I ought not be proud of my contribution. Continue to help me grow in humility so that I can mutually serve others, and help me to receive the service others gladly offer me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Matthew 26:35 – 27:31

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

May 26: Change the Way You Think

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In Jesus’ very first sermon, He begins by saying, Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 3:2). The Greek word translated as repent in your English Bible is metanoia. In Greek, the word is best understood as a changing of the mind. In other words, Jesus taught that in order to really get to know God and to experience life transformation, you need to change the way you think. 

This truth is repeated in Romans 12:2, which reads, Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

 This verse can be applied in countless ways. But one of the best ways to think through it is by answering these questions: 

• What am I most seeking in life right now? (Peace, contentment, love, acceptance, control, other…?)
• Where am I most looking for it? (In which behaviors and customs of this world am I looking for it?)
• What steps must I take to change the way I think about this? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 12:1-2

Read Romans 12:1-2 with the aid of a good study bible, then walk through this exercise:

• What am I most seeking in life right now? (Peace, contentment, love, acceptance, other…?)
• Where am I most looking for it? (In which behaviors and customs of this world am I looking for it? From what other people say or think about me? From what I buy or have? Elsewhere?)
• What steps must I take to change the way I think about this?

PRAYER:

Today, write out your own prayer to God, inviting Him to help you change the way you think and to discover what you’re seeking in Him.

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: John 17

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

May 25: A Living Sacrifice

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Romans 12 begins with the word, therefore. This is the author’s way of saying, “Here comes a summary of everything I’ve written up until now.” 

The NIV translation of Romans 12:1 reads, Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. The ESV Study Bible notes that “we give ourselves entirely to God because of His saving grace (God’s mercy), as shown from Romans 3:21-11:36.” This mercy from God may be best understood as undeserved kindness, a prominent theme throughout the book of Romans. 

As you begin this week, take the opportunity to reflect on the truth that God sacrificed everything for you. You may occasionally feel unworthy, unloveable, or not enough. But God says, “I gave my life for you because you are worth it to Me. You are my beloved child!” As this truth takes root deep within you, you will not only accept the invitation to be a living sacrifice, you’ll be transformed into somebody who wants to be a living sacrifice.   

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 12:1-2

How would you explain to others what it means to be a living sacrifice? Using your study bible, are there other passages you can point to as to what it means to be a living sacrifice? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that when I think about being a living sacrifice I sometimes have the thought that it would be easier not to do so. Help me to better understand that You have given me life and are inviting me to live it to the full. You’re not asking me to sacrifice myself so that I die, you’re inviting me to sacrifice of myself because You have already made me fully alive. May this truth help me to live fully and freely. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Matthew 24:32-51

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.