Text reading 'Contempt and Condemnation' with words scowling judgment, scorn, censure, rejection in a grungy, cracked concrete background
Bible, Condemnation, contempt, Judging, Judgment, Prejudice, Romans, Scripture

CONTEMPT AND CODEMNATION

ROMANS 14:3

“The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.”

We continue Paul’s instruction to the Roman believers in regard to how to treat fellow believers. I am constantly amazed at how Christians treat each other. So many in the church have no clue what the Word says about that. They excuse their behaviors and can be downright mean to other believers. Paul did not want that to be the legacy of the early church. He knew they needed each other.

Paul uses a couple of words in today’s verse that are kind of harsh – “contempt” and “judge.” I need to remind you that the issue at hand really wasn’t about food or drink. Paul is addressing how to behave, how to encourage one another. These early believers faced enough persecution from the Roman government. He did want to see them persecuting each other.

APPLICATION

The word “contempt” is the Greek word eksouthenéō “(from ek, ‘completely out from,’ which intensifies outheneō, ‘bring to naught, reduce to nothing’) – properly, cast out as nothing; set at nought; ‘to count as nothing, to treat with utter contempt, i.e. as zero’ (WP, 2, 281); ‘set at nought, despise utterly’ (A-S); to regard something as lacking any standing (value).” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s a tough one. We see it used ten other times in the New Testament. One of those is Luke 23:11. “And Herod, together with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, dressing Him in a brightly shining robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.” Now, let me ask you, is that how you want to treat other believers? I hope not.

The other word Paul uses, “judge,” is the Greek word krínō. It’s a commonly used word in the New Testament, appearing 115 times. J. Thayer comments that “the proper meaning of krínō is to pick out (choose) by separating.” Did I ever tell you about one of the first churches I served? It was in North Carolina during my seminary days. The church (mostly family members) had an ongoing feud over hunting. One group deer hunted with dogs and the other didn’t. These family members sat on opposite sides of the church and wouldn’t fellowship together. They had judged each other and separated themselves. How sad?

Paul wanted these believers to love one another and accept each other’s decisions about this food issue. We might say, “Don’t make a mountain out of molehill.” Let the small stuff slide and concentrate on living holy lives dedicated to the Lord and each other. Let me encourage you to do the same.

Let me not show contempt or judge a fellow believer but love them as You would, Lord.

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, Faith, Freedom, Meat, Romans, Scripture, Vegetables

MEATEATER VS VEGETARIAN

ROMANS 14:2

“One person has faith that he may eat all things, but the one who is weak eats only vegetables.”

Did you know the Indian word for “vegetarian” means bad hunter? Lol. Not really but that is kind of funny. I can’t for the life of me understand anyone who would deprive themselves of a nice, juicy cheeseburger or thick slice of bacon. But that’s just me. I have lots of friends who have chosen a vegan or vegetarian diet for health reasons. I can respect that. This was a religious issue in Paul’s time. Let’s look at today’s verse as he begins this discussion.

Let me say first of all that this was not about food or drink. That was just the issue that revealed the deeper conflict – mature believers vs immature believers. In the day Paul was writing this, there were a lot a believing Jews who were concerned about eating meat that had not been prepared according to the Old Testament guidelines. There were Gentile believers who were afraid they might eat meat that had been offered to pagan idols. Therefore, both of these groups just avoided meat. This caused conflict with those who felt they were free to eat whatever they chose. Paul begins this discussion describing this difference of belief.

APPLICATION

In regard to this conflict, Matthew Henry says, “We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view.” I had friends in seminary who refused to go out to eat on Sundays because that would force someone to serve them. They felt Sundays were a day of rest. I was told time and time again growing up that I couldn’t go fishing on Sunday. I don’t why my mama believed that. Maybe she just didn’t want to get stuck cooking fish on Sundays, lol.

Differences in things that are not clearly defined in Scripture should never divide the body of Christ. Now, there are some very definite commands we should all follow. On those we must agree. But what to eat or not eat should not be one of them. Remember Peter’s dream in Acts 10:9-16? God told him, “‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’” Peter knew later that this dream had more to do with accepting the Gentiles as believers than about what was clean or unclean to eat.

Let us all agree to do all we can to encourage our fellow believers in their walk. Don’t let minor discrepancies become a wedge that the devil can use to undermine the stability of the body of Christ. He will use anything to do that. Love at all costs. Accept the weaker in faith in order to disciple them and teach them the freedom we have in Christ. Amen?

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom we have in Christ. Let us continue to build each other up.

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, 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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