Man and woman shouting angrily at each other in a living room
Bible, Faith, Maturity, Opinions, Quarrels, Romans, Scripture

STOP THE QUARRELING

ROMANS 14:1

“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions.”

Do you know people who are quick to judge others? Boy, I’ve met a few people like that in my lifetime. You know what they say, “Don’t point your finger at someone. You have three other fingers pointing back at you.” Christians can be the worst at doing this. I have to admit; I have fallen guilty of that once or twice. It’s easy to think your way is the right way and everyone else is wrong.

Paul covers a topic in Romans 14 that we all have to deal with. We all need to know how to treat others in the fellowship of believers, especially young, immature believers who have not been taught how to study the Word and live accordingly. The word “quarrels” can mean to pass judgment. There we go! That’s what we can be guilty of so quickly. But Paul tells us in verse 1 today that we must “accept the one who is weak in faith.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “quarrels” is diákrisisand is only used two other times in the New Testament. I like how the New Living Translation puts this verse. “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” If you have Blue Letter Bible or Bible Hub, check out several other translations of this verse. The bottom line is we are not to judge a weaker brother or sister. We should welcome them into the fellowship and take the opportunity to disciple them.

In 1 Corinthians 12:10, diákrisis is translated as “distinguishing” referring to the gift of distinguishing of spirits. In Hebrews 5:14 it is used to “distinguish between good and evil.” So diákrisis isn’t a negative word. We should be able to distinguish what a weaker brother/sister is saying without turning them out or refusing fellowship. Let me quick to say, however, that if that weaker brother/sister is not willing to hear what the Word of God says about an issue, this could lead to issues. Be careful of condoning any sinful behavior they may be still harboring.

We will see the issue at hand for these Roman believers had to do with food and drink. We will take a closer look at that in the next few verses. Paul is instructing us who are more mature in the faith to take the lead and disciple those immature believers. Disciple-making is a skill that is lacking in so many churches today. Let me take this opportunity to point you to the ministry I am a part of Every Man A Warrior (www.everymanawarrior.com). Check out our resources and let us know if we can help you build a strong disciple-making ministry in your church.

Lord God, help me a faithful instructor to those who are in need of growing in the faith.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Clothing, Flesh, Jesus, Romans, Scripture, Testimony

PUT ON JESUS

ROMANS 13:14

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”

When I read today’s verse I thought of dressing up in a costume. I don’t personally like Halloween because of the darkness that surrounds that festival (devils, skeletons, ghosts, etc.) but I know kids like to dress up. A lot of churches have alternatives for Halloween and allow kids to dress up in costumes like cartoon figures or animals or even Bible characters. But dressing up in a costume does not make you into that person. It’s just an outward expression.

When Paul uses this term “put on” it was a very recognizable term in the Greek and Roman culture. This expression was used by people who “put on” Plato or Socrates. It meant to follow these teachers and their instruction. Barnes says, “to put on the Lord Jesus means to take him as a pattern and guide, to imitate his example, to obey his precepts, to become like him, etc.” That’s what the Lord expects of His followers.

APPLICATION

The Greek enduo comes “from en and duno (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) — array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Isn’t that a beautiful picture? We sink into Jesus. He envelops us with His love and Spirit. Wow! Why would we wear anything else?

The same word is used in Ephesians 6:11 where we are told to “put on the full armor of God.” In Colossians 3:10 Paul writes, “and have put on the new self,…” I really love how Paul uses it in Galatians 3:27. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

So, let me ask you a question. What are you putting on today? Are you clothing yourself with the Spirit of Christ in all your interactions so that all anyone sees is Jesus? Or are you putting back on your filthy garments of the flesh, which Paul tells us in today’s verse to “make no provision for”? Personally, I prefer Jesus over my flesh. Choose your wardrobe carefully.

Lord, help me dress up today by putting on Jesus so that all those around me are in awe of Him.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Behavior, Bible, Lifestyles, Reputation, Romans, Scripture, Testimony, Witness

BEHAVE YOURSELF

ROMANS 13:13

“Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy.”

There seems to be a large discrepancy among Christians today in the way they think we should live our lives. If you hold to a high moral code, you are labeled a fundamentalist or legalist. Sadly, the church has allowed way too much liberality inside. Any lifestyle is acceptable as long as you are a Christian and love Jesus. I am sorry, but that is just not true to God’s Word. We are going to see such a verse today.

Paul tells us bluntly to behave ourselves. What he really says is “Let’s behave properly.” I need to break this down a little. “Let’s behave” is the Greek word that means to walk all around. It implies a conduct of life. But it’s the word translated as “properly” that I want to concentrate on. That’s the Greek word eusxēmónōs. It is only used three times in the New Testament (we’ll take a look at the other two shortly).

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says eusxēmónōs “denotes a manner of life and ministry that is fitting, orderly, and becoming to those who belong to Christ. It calls believers to conduct that is externally attractive because it accurately represents the inner transformation produced by the gospel.” Man, that is a powerful statement and one that should be spoken loudly and often in our world today. Our outward conduct should reflect our inner transformation.

In 1 Corinthians 14:40 Paul uses eusxēmónōs when he writes, “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly way.” In this passage he is referring to the issue of speaking in tongues which was being abused in the churches. People claiming to have this gift were disrupting the body of Christ. God is not a God of chaos. He has put everything in order.

Again in 1 Thessalonians 4:12 we see the word used by Paul. He writes, “so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” You see, our conduct is to be proper no matter who is observing it. You cannot live one way around nonbelievers and another way at church. God sees right through that.

Let me urge you to “behave properly” today. Make sure your lifestyle matches God’s Word. Live your life so that you will draw others to the throne of grace. Never let your conduct confuse people about how to live as a follower of Christ. Point the way. Behave yourself!

Thank You, Lord. I needed that reminder to live like Jesus each and every day.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Light, Armor, Instruments, Romans, Weapons

ARMOR OF LIGHT

ROMANS 13:12

“The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore, let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

If we want to fight the battles that come our way in our walk with Christ, we must be properly equipped. Too many followers of Christ are inadequately equipped for battle. As a result, they face defeat after defeat by trying to take on the forces of evil by themselves. Many think they can just tough it out. That’s a recipe for failure. Let’s take a look at this “armor of light” Paul refers to in today’s verse.

Paul certainly knew that he had to be equipped for battle. Just go back and read about Paul’s battles. He had a lot of them. He didn’t strap on a sword and start swinging. No, he bathed himself in prayer and in the Word of God. We’re going to see something interesting in today’s verse, though. When I read this verse in the English, I naturally assumed that the word “armor” was the same word that is used over in Ephesians 6:11 where Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God. That’s the Greek word panoplía which refers to the complete set of defensive and offensive weapons. That is not the word used in today’s verse. Let’s look at the difference.

APPLICATION

The word used in today’s verse is hóplon which is defined by HELPS Word-studies as “an implement (normally used for warfare). In the NT, hóplon (instrument) is always in the plural (weapons to wage war).” We see this used six times in the New Testament. One of my favorites is in 2 Corinthians 10:4 (which I have referenced multiple times). It says, “for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” Don’t you just love that these “weapons” are in the plural? God doesn’t just give us one weapon. We have many!

In fact, hóplon “underlines that God always gives all the resources we need to prevail in every form of spiritual warfare – as we live in faith” (HELPS Word-studies). Back in Romans 6:13 we saw this word used. “and do not go on presenting the parts of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead, and your body’s parts as instruments of righteousness for God.” Again, it’s in the plural. This “armor,” these “weapons” are “instruments” to be used for righteousness.

Just as a surgeon uses different instruments as he operates, we have different weapons or instruments to wage war against darkness. And don’t forget that they are bathed in the light of Christ. If we are diligent to use His weapons and not our own, we will be victorious over every stronghold. So, be equipped, my beloved.

Father God, thank You for equipping us so well for battle. Help me rely on Your weapons and not my own.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Gospel, Time, End Times, Sleeping, Romans

KNOWING THE TIME

ROMANS 13:11

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed.”

I set my alarm on my phone every night in order to make sure I am awake at a certain time. Nine times out of ten, though, I wake up about five minutes before the alarm goes off. Sometimes I awaken before that. It’s like my body clock just knows the time. I can’t wait each morning to get up, get my coffee and get into the Word. I need that morning cup of joe and my morning time with the Lord.

I just love this verse. It’s so full of imagery. Before the Gospel was presented to us, the time was full of darkness and sin. But Paul says, “it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep.” In other words, “WAKE UP! Daylight’s burning!” Paul knew the importance of the day. He knew the time of salvation was near. This is a call for each of us to get up and get going. We’ve got work to do.

APPLICATION

It’s one thing to know the time you are supposed to do something and actually showing up and doing it on time. For instance, going to work on time. I have heard it said that if you’re early, you’re on time and if you’re on time, you’re late. I have always tried to be on any job I had before it was time to start working. As a supervisor I was always in my office before my employees. But I had to be aware of the time in order to do that.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8, Paul writes a similar thought to the church in Thessaloniki. “5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

The days are dwindling, brothers and sisters. As Paul says, “salvation is near.” This salvation, many believe, refers to our ultimate salvation from sin and darkness. Can you imagine? Don’t you want that for your loved ones? Don’t you want to share the good news of the Gospel with those you know need to hear it? It’s time to wake up! The world needs to hear the message of Christ, before it’s too late.

Thank You, Lord for waking me up to the Gospel. Give me opportunities to share it with others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Evil, Love, Neighbors, Romans, Scripture, WRONGS

DO NO WRONG

ROMANS 13:10

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.”

There are neighbors who just cannot get along. They fight about trees and fences. They even fight about an outside flood light. They say fences make good neighbors. I am not sure about that. Fences divide people. I understand the whole property line thing, but it is not about that. People who fight with their neighbors just want what they want no matter how others feel about it.

Paul has spent the last several verses talking about how to treat others. In today’s verse he kind of wraps up this thought before moving on to some other thoughts for the rest of the chapter (I know, he didn’t write chapters). After telling us to love each other, he says, “Love does no wrong…” the word for “wrong” here is kakos which Strong’s Concordance says means, “worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas poneros properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious — bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.”

APPLICATION

Kakos is a primary word in the New Testament where it is used 50 times. Paul uses it 15 times in Romans alone. But one of the clear pictures of this word is found in 2 Timothy 4:14-15 where Paul uses it again. “14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.”

You see, those who do evil against us are really rebelling against God. If you choose to do wrong to others, you also are disobeying the Lord’s command to love your neighbor. In 1 John 4:20 we are told, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”

Just who is this “brother” or “sister” or “neighbor”? Remember the story of the Good Samaritan. It’s found in Luke 10. Jesus told this story after He was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” The one who showed love was the neighbor. The one who went out of their way, at great personal risks, was the neighbor. Are you that kind of neighbor? Can you love that way? Sure, you can. Let God love through you.

Help me, Lord, to love others as You love them and only seek their good.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Commands, Love, Neighbors, Romans, Scripture

TO SUM IT UP

ROMANS 13:9

“For this, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’”

How we treat others is evidence of our faith walk. If we live our lives for ourselves disregarding the effect it has on others, I am not sure we are true believers. You have heard people say, “Well, that’s just the way God made me,” to try to justify a negative behavior. That is just a lie from the pit of hell. Excuse my bluntness. But we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Paul sums up the commandments he listed from Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 which have to do with how we treat others. Remember the first four commandments are the vertical commands as they relate to us and God. The remaining six commands are horizontal dealing with others. Paul claims all six can be summed up by Leviticus 19:18 which reads, “You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.”

APPLICATION

Paul uses an accounting term which would have been very recognizable to his readers. The Greek word for “summed up” is a cool word, anakephalaíomai. It is used here and in Ephesians 1:10 where Paul writes, “to bring all things together in Christ.” It means to “sum up all the parts as a comprehensive (organized) whole.” (HELPS Word-studies).

All the commands about the horizontal relationships are accomplished as we love our neighbors. For instance, you can’t commit adultery and say you love your neighbor as God does. You surely can’t murder them or steal from them. Even coveting something others have reflects a lack of love for others. Man, this is heavy stuff, isn’t it? But it really quite simple. Love others as God loves them, and you fulfill the law regarding others.

Is there someone you need to love better? Is there someone you have wronged? Make that right. Seek to love them with the love that resides in you as a follower of Christ. Keep your old self dead. It has no place in your life anymore. I didn’t say this was easy. The devil will tempt us all to lash out or show our ugly side. But just remember – Christ resides within you through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Now go love well today.

I will choose today to love my neighbor as myself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Debt, Love, Romans, Scripture

OWE NOTHING BUT LOVE

ROMANS 13:8

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.”

In Luke’s account of Jesus’ instructions to the disciples on how to pray (the Lord’s Prayer) it reads in Luke 11:4, “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” The word “indebted” is the same word used in Romans 13:8 for “owe.” It’s the Greek word opheílō which “refers to being morally obligated (or legally required) to meet an obligation, i.e. to pay off a legitimate debt.” (HELPS Word-studies) Let’s look at our indebtedness.

Paul tells us in today’s verse to NOT be indebted, to NOT owe anyone anything except love. I would love to be completely debt free. But like most people (at least here in the U.S.) I have a house mortgage and some other debts. I am indebted to others to pay off these debts. But there is one debt I should continue to pay – love for one another. After telling us in verse 7 to pay what is due to others, he drives the nail home with this verse. The most important debt to pay is love.

APPLICATION

MacLaren says about this verse, “the debt of love is never discharged. After all payments it still remains owing. There is no paying in full of all demands, and, as Bengel says, it is an undying debt.” The end of today’s verse reminds me of the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:39. He told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do you love yourself? Then love your neighbors as well.

And what is this love with which we are love others? It’s God’s love, of course. If you haven’t discovered it yet, you will. There are some people who are just hard to love. I could name a few, lol. The good news is you don’t have to. What? That’s right. God will love them through you. You just have to die to yourself and allow Him to.

1 John 4:16 tells us, “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” If you are a child of God, His love is in you. And if His love is in you, it wants to get out! Let it out. Keep letting it out.

Thank You, Father, for Your love which lives in me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Honor, Honorablre, Payment, Repayment, Respect, Romans, Scripture, Tax

PAY WHAT IS DUE

ROMANS 13:7

“Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.”

As followers of Christ, we should be law-abiding citizens. When it comes to paying taxes and obeying the authorities, we should be the first to do so. Rebellion for rebellion’s sake is not an act approved by the Scriptures. I have always attempted to follow the law and do what it requires. I may not like a certain law, but I will do my best to obey it. It was no different in Paul’s day.

As Paul concludes these verses on submitting to those in authority, he simply says to “pay to all what is due them.” The Greek word translated “pay” is apodídōmi. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about this word. “In every usage Scripture presents a God-governed moral order in which what is owed—whether money, honor, duty, or judgment—must ultimately be returned.” Paul has been telling us since verse 1 of this chapter that all authority is placed by God. That is why we “pay” them back.

APPLICATION

Paul goes on to clarify what he is telling us here. He lists four things in particular, “tax,” “custom,” respect,” and “honor.” The word “tax” refers to a property tax. The word is only used five times. It’s used twice in Luke (20:22; 23:2) where the Jews are talking about paying tax to Caesar. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really like paying property tax. But as long as the government requires it, I don’t have much of a choice.

In contrast, the word “custom” is a tax as well but refers to a mercantile tax or revenue. The Greek word is telos which is often used as “finish” or “end.” So, this “custom” or tax was paid at the end of a transaction.

“Respect” is the same word we saw back in 13:3. Here in verse 7 it is better to use the word “respect” to translate it rather than “fear” which we saw earlier. It is true that respect is earned. I get that. But we are commanded here to pay respect to our authorities because of the position they hold, not because of their personality. Don’t forget that.

And the last payment we are to make is “honor.” The Greek word is defined as the respect due to persons of distinction. Some people have trouble showing honor to people they disagree with about something. Think of this way – you are being honorable by showing honor. Isn’t that what Jesus would do? (not to be cliché) Make your payments count!

Lord, I will strive to pay what You require of me towards others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Member of UK House of Commons speaking during a parliamentary debate session surrounded by seated members and officials
Bible, Minister, Ministry, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service

GOD’S MINISTERS

ROMANS 13:6

“For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.”

The first thing I think of when I think of ministers is someone who is in full-time Christian ministry. But there are a lot of different kinds of ministers. For example, in many governments, elected officials are called Minsters of Parliament (MPs). That title carries with it the authority to act on behalf of their constituents in enacting laws and voting to secure funding for their districts. They are ministers of the people.

Paul uses a word today which is translated “servants” which is only used four other times in the New Testament. The word is leitourgós which “was originally a term for public service done by an official minister of the State. In classical Greek, it means ‘one who discharges a public office at his own expense, then, generally, a public servant, a minister, servant.’” (HELPS Word-studies). This term also became used for those who were in a priestly role serving the Lord. Who are our ministers today?

APPLICATION

Speaking of himself in Romans 15:16, Paul writes, “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Paul saw himself as a servant of both the Lord and the Gentiles. He was willing to lay it all on the line for both. Are you?

In Philippians 2:25, Paul calls Epaphroditus a “minister to my need.” That’s the same word. Epaphroditus came to Paul to serve him but got sick and almost died. But God healed him and he was able to return to the Philippians. Epaphroditus also laid it all on the line for the Lord and for Paul. Are you willing to be a “minister” like that?

The writer to the Hebrews uses it twice (1:7 and 8:2). The first use is in a quote from Psalm 104:4, “And regarding the angels He says, ‘HE MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’” The Hebrew word sharath translated “ministers” has a similar definition as leitourgós. Isn’t that cool that the angels are also God’s ministers who serve Him and His Son?

The final time leitourgós is used is Hebrews 8:2 where it describes Jesus in that role. We need to back up to verse 1, however, to get the full impact. “1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, not man.” Jesus called Himself a servant, did He not?

You may be a role in which you minister to others or maybe your ministry is to your family. As followers of Christ, we are all ministers (servants) of God to do His bidding. Minister to and for Him today.

Thank You, Father, for all the ministers I have in my life, both publicly and spiritually.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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