We hear quite a bit about “hospitality” these days. There are many who tell us how to have an inviting home and a beautiful food presentation.

In Romans 12:13-16, we find Paul addressing how we are to relate to one another.

The study points out, hospitality is meant to be deeper than a home or food presentation:

“Christians should be marked by their love for others and a deep desire to seek out those that need a refuge from a harsh world.”

(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 122)

Our homes should be a refuge to others – a place to seek encouragement, warmth, love, and prayer. A place where they know they can find Jesus.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (verse 15, NASB)

Our homes should also be places of celebration. Can we be happy and celebrate others, even when we ourselves may not have much to celebrate?

To both rejoice and weep with others from a sincere heart will come only as we have humble hearts – when we have an accurate picture of ourselves.

We need to remember we are sinners in need of God’s grace each and every day.

The study asks: Why is humility an important part of community? Why does pride hinder biblical community?

These are important questions to ponder as the answers will surely impact how we interact with those around us.

God transforms us as individuals, but … He does so because He is also transforming the Church into a body which will reflect Him to the world.

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We continued with reading Romans 13:1-7, where Paul is addressing the sovereignty of God in human government.

No matter our party affiliation, no matter who we voted for, who we agree or disagree with, we are called to respect and submit to our government as long as we are not sinning against God.

Why?

Because we trust and rest in the sovereignty of God.

“We can be assured that even when we do not understand the governmental authority (or any authority we are called to submit to), we can rest in the truth that God is using all things to bring about His purposes.”

(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 130)

That is so it in a nutshell. We are either going to trust and rest in the sovereignty of God, or we’re not.

Whatever goes on in our world and country, we need to remember to trust God. To rest in the truth that down through the ages He has used leaders (good and bad ones) for His purposes and beyond my understanding.

As I read through the Bible this year, what comes to mind is the kings of Israel. Some chose to follow and obey God and His commands, and some were evil. But all served purposes in His plan.

How does this passage encourage you to trust in the sovereignty of God?

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Moving along to Romans 13:11-14, Paul directs our thoughts to eternity, while also addressing how we are to live. We gain an eternal perspective by having hearts firmly fixed on Jesus. We can only gain this as we remain in Scripture and our souls are awakened here and now.

“Sin and death will forever be banished and we will dwell in the presence of our God forever. And that hope should pump through our veins and change the way that we live in our daily lives.”

(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 138)

As we live in the here and now, we must deal with our flesh and the struggle it brings each day. We have to ask the Lord to work deeply in us, ridding us of our sinful desires and giving us better desires, godly desires.

We must put on the armor which He provides and fight against those desires and the battle which rages both within us, and around us.

We need to maintain an eternal perspective and ask God to grow us to be a godly and holy people.

“We must not allow sin to creep in. Instead we must intentionally fix our hearts on Jesus and fix our gaze on the day we see Him face to face.”

(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 139)

What are the things that we need to wake up from? What are the things that we need to wake up to?

Let’s live the days ahead more intentionally and keep our gaze fixed and secured on Jesus.

~*~*~

As a church family,
we encourage one another to trust and rest in God’s sovereignty,
growing hearts which are firmly fixed on Jesus.

 

Photo 1: by Caleb Woods on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Sebastian Staines on Unsplash

Today I may be joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .