In Response to God’s Mercy, Fulfill the Law by Walking in Love (Romans 12-13)

"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 worship." Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Context

Paul’s explanation of the gospel (in Romans 1-11) is the context for the commands in Romans 12-13. This is the proper worship of those with minds renewed by its power.

Therefore, before reading these chapters, spend some time recalling how Paul unfolded the gospel in earlier chapters:

• Romans 1:1-17 - The gospel is God’s power of salvation: righteousness for all who believe!
• Romans 1:18-32 - This power is needed because all humanity is under God’s wrath for unrighteousness.
• Romans 2:1-3:20 - This includes those who knew about God’s requirements from the Law - all have failed to meet its righteous standard.
• Romans 3:21-31 - But now, God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the Law, to all who believe.
• Romans 4:1-25 - Righteousness has always been credited this way, as observed in the examples of Abraham and David.
• Romans 5:1-8:39 - By identification with Christ and His death, we die to sin and the law and live according to the Spirit.
• Romans 9-11 - Our faithful God always said that a remnant of Jews and Gentiles, chosen by mercy, would experience this.

Observation

In most English translations, a “therefore” in Romans 12:1 connects everything Paul writes in these final chapters (Romans 12-16) to everything he wrote before (Romans 1-11).

Observe the various commands. Highlight the ones which stand out to you (or jot them down in a notebook).

Note that Paul concludes this section with two summarizing commands:

• Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8-10); and
• Do this, understanding the present time…because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed (Romans 13:11-14).

Interpretation

Why is it important for Paul’s readers to connect the commands in Romans 12-13 with his explanation of the gospel in Romans 1-11?

• What could happen if they forget what he wrote earlier about righteousness, the Spirit, and God’s mercy?
• Alternatively, what could happen if the church stopped reading Romans after chapter 11?
• What do these commands imply about Paul’s purpose in writing this letter to the Roman church?

Paul’s concluding calls to love and to remember the times can be viewed as a summary of all the commands in Romans 12-13. How would focusing on these two commands strengthen the Roman church and guide it into maturity in Christ?

Application

Paul’s final commands in these chapters may be viewed as a summary of them all:

1. Love one another.

2. Live in light of the nearness of Christ’s return.

Is obedience to these commands reflected in your life? Are there any practical steps you can take toward walking them out in an even greater way?

How does the truth of the gospel—of what God has done in Christ as explained in Romans 1-11—provide you with resources for putting these commands into action?