Doctrine into Practice

Introduction

I know many people who would consider Romans to be their favorite book of the Bible. Even if it is not their favorite, most people would say that Romans is Paul’s magnum opus. It is the first systematic theology for the church, and outside of the gospels, probably the most influential book in regards to our understanding of redemption. It has been so influential that it played a pivotal role in the salvation of people like Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley. It has even been said that Romans is the God-given key to understanding all of scripture.

As Paul often does in his letters, he begins with the first half of the book by laying a doctrinal foundation for the reader; He then moves on to putting doctrine into practice. Often times we want to start with the practical part (tell me what to do, and what not to do,) and then only consider our doctrine afterwards, if at all. Paul does things exactly the opposite way. Paul says “here is God, and what he has done. Now in the knowledge of that, go forth and do.”

If we could summarize the first 11 chapters of the book of Romans, we would probably say that Paul is explaining to us God’s undeserved grace and mercy towards helpless sinners. He begins in the first 3 chapters by showing us the universal sinfulness of mankind. How God has revealed himself to all people through the things he has made, and His moral law in us, but we have rejected Him and worshipped other things instead.

Then in Chapters 3-5 he goes on to explain how the righteousness that we need is actually provided to us in Christ by faith. In chapters 6-8 he shows how sin’s dominion has been broken because we have been united to Christ in his death burial and resurrection, so we are now dead to sin and alive in Christ. And then finally he explains in chapters 9-11 how God’s righteousness, which has been established in history and received by faith is for both Jew and Gentile. The gospel is for everyone.

That brings us to here. From this point onward, Paul is going to explain what kind of response we should expect from those who believe these things.

Love, Zeal, and Mercy

If I could reduce this chapter down to just three words, it would be love, zeal, and mercy. We will see as we go on how these 3 words all fit together. Paul says that we should let love be genuine, that we should love one another like brothers and sisters, that we should actually seek to love eachother so much, that we outdo one another in showing it. We are told elsewhere that the way unbelievers are to know Christians is by the great love that we have for one another.

So what is love? It is not an emotion. Emotions come and go. I think often, when we think of love, we think of it in purely affectionate terms. It’s a kind of fluffy emotional feeling that we have towards someone. But scripture says that love more than that. It is active, It is patient. It is kind. It believes the best. Love is rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep. Love is abhoring what is evil, and holding fast to what is good. Love is forgiving your enemies. This is what marks out a Christian.

In verse 11 Paul says to not be slothful in zeal, but to be fervant in spirit. How can you be fervant in spirit? You can be fervant in spirit by showing externally what the Spirit is doing inwardly. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We are to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. What does this look like? Well Paul says to serve the Lord. He says to rejoice in hope. That is to rejoice with confidence in God’s promises to us. He says we are to be patient in tribulation. We are to wait on the Lord. That is something only the Spirit can give us the strength to do, as I’m sure some of you know. It is the Spirit that gives us the words to pray, so we are to be constant in prayer. Then in verse 13 out of the riches that God has provided us, we are to be zealous to contribute to one another’s needs, and to show hospitality.

This next command is probably the most difficult. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” In other words, show mercy. Not only show mercy, but if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. Why? Well one reason reason why is because our kindness to our enemies is meant to drive them to repentance. But the ultimate reason why, is because vengeance belongs to the Lord. Paul says that to avenge yourself is actually to be overcome with evil. At this point you might say, “But you don’t know what it’s like to be insulted like I have.” “You don’t know what it’s like to be victimized.” “You don’t know what it’s like to have your trust broken.” Christ does. And Christ, through His word says vengeance belongs to Him. Any sin against you is really a sin against Him.

We are to be kind to our enemies because while we were God’s enemies, Jesus gave up his life for us, so that we could be reconciled to Him. We are to show the same love and mercy to others that our Lord showed to us. That is how you put doctrine into practice.