Category Archives: Romans

Elderly woman sitting in church pew with hands clasped in prayer
Bible, Gratitude, Love, Praise, Romans, Scripture, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Worship

GIVE THANKS TO GOD

ROMANS 14:6

“The one who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and the one who eats, does so with regard to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and the one who does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God.”

Are you a thankful person? Or do you gripe and complain about everything? Usually, people are one or the other. I think I am a pretty grateful person. Often when I stop to think of what God has blessed me with, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I have to admit, though, I can gripe sometimes. It’s the age old complaint – why do the wicked prosper? But I have to trust the Lord to provide according to what He has planned for me and be grateful for what I have. Right?

Paul brings up the topic of giving thanks to God in today’s verse in the midst of this discussion about not judging other believers. Forget about the importance or unimportance of certain days. These are the examples Paul is using to teach a bigger truth. Today that is to be grateful to God. I am reminded of Colossians 3:17 which reads, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “gives thanks” is euxaristéō, and it means just that – to be grateful. 25 of the 38 times it is used in the New Testament are at the hand of Paul in his letters. The Topical Lexicon says, “the verb frames gratitude as an intentional God-directed act.” Both times in today’s verse the verb is in the Present Indicative Active. In other words, it is something we should be continually doing.

In 1 Corinthians 1:4, Paul writes, “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,” Shouldn’t that be our response in regard to other believers? Instead of nick picking about unimportant issues, we should be giving thanks they know Jesus. Instead of arguing and judging others in the church, we should be building them up and encouraging them.

We have all been guilty of being ungrateful. Can I get a witness? But we must be more grateful for our fellow believers. As the days get harder and harder for Christians, we are going to need each other more than ever. We can’t let denominational differences or styles of worship separate us. Let us give thanks to God for all He has done in and through us. We are one body – the Body of Christ.

I am grateful, Lord, for all You have done for me and 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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Elderly woman with an ash cross on forehead, wearing scarf and coat
Bible, Celebrate, Freedom, Judging, Law, Romans, Scripture, Worship

ONE DAY OVER ANOTHER

ROMANS 14:5

“One person values one day over another, another values every day the same. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.”

All through Christendom there has been a debate about which day(s) should be observed by Christians as more holy than others. For some denominations, Ash Wednesday is a very holy day that precedes the Easter season on the first day of Lent. Others hold strictly to Easter Sunday and Christmas as the most holy days. Some believe you should worship on Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath) while others adhere to Sundays.

Paul includes this debate in his instructions to the readers of this letter. Go back and read Romans 14:1-4. You will see that Paul is trying to show them that judging others, no matter the issue, is not what God intended. The Jewish believers still held to many of the Jewish festivals. They were family occasions and times to gather and celebrate. These were hard to just stop. So, Gentile believers or Jewish believers who had ceased recognizing those days should not be critical.

APPLICATION

In Galatians 4:10-11, Paul warns the young believers, “10 You meticulously observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.” Of course, Galatians was written in part to defend against the influences of the Judaizers, the ones who taught that Gentiles should follow the Mosaic law in addition to following Jesus. No! We are free from the restraints of such laws.

The same held true as Paul wrote to the Colossian believers. In Colossians 2:16 we read, “Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day—” This was a wide-spread issue, not just isolated in Rome. Paul’s desire was for all believers to dwell in unity and not argue about things that did not pertain to their salvation in Christ Jesus.

After all, Paul had been a Pharisee. If anyone would have wanted to hold on to the ceremonial law which had driven his life, he would. But Paul knew Jesus had come to fulfill the Law and set all men free from the impossible demands. God gave Moses the Law to guide and prepare the Jewish nation. Man had corrupted it and added burdensome regulations. Paul is saying, “Enough is enough! Those days are no longer binding. Live in harmony.” Let’s agree to not be critical of others who celebrate Jesus differently than we do. Amen?

Father, You have brought us all into one family. Help us keep the family united.

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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Older gentleman in gray suit stands beside waiter holding whiskey decanter and glass on tray in library
Bible, Judging, Judgment, Masters, Obedience, Romans, Scripture, Servant

ANSWER TO THE MASTER

ROMANS 14:4

“Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”

Did you ever watch the tv series Downton Abbey? The storyline had as much to do with the servants as it did Lord Graham and his family. These servants’ jobs were to cater to every whim and fancy of the Grahams. Other aristocrats who had servants had no authority over the Grahams’ servants or vice versa. It was a society steeped in tradition and long standing observances.

Paul uses the analogy of servant and master today to illustrate what he has been teaching about judging others. A servant during Paul’s time answered only to his master. No one had the right to judge that servant on the way they served their master. Only the master did. What is Paul saying? God will judge us for our service to Him. No one else has that right. As followers of Christ, we answer to one Lord. We are responsible to do what He tells us, no matter what others may think.

APPLICATION

Barnes says, “Christians are the servants of God; they are answerable to him; and ‘we’ have no right to usurp ‘His’ place, and to act as if we were ‘lords over His heritage;’” Peter tells the elders in 1 Peter 5:2-3, “2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock.” He goes on to say if they do this God promises them a crown of glory. Wow!

In James 4:12, we are told, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor?” As Paul says in the last phrase of today’s verse, “for the Lord is able to make him stand.” We are beholden to no one except our Father in heaven. He has the right to judge us and forgive us. He is the one who will “make us stand.” Many scholars agree that this refers to our security of salvation.

Are you passing judgment on others? Are you judgmental of what a person wears and what they eat? As long as that person is not doing anything that goes against the teachings of Christ, we must show tolerance and acceptance. I didn’t say this was going to be easy. I struggle reconciling this in my own life at times. However, we all must bow to the wisdom of God in these things and trust that He sees the big picture. Just love each other.

Father, I do struggle at times accepting others who think differently than me. Help me accept them because You love them and desire to see them become more like Jesus.

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

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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Plate of grilled steak with pork belly and herbs next to a plate of assorted roasted vegetables including broccoli, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and onion
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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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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Woman in oversized beige teddy coat walking on leaf-covered park path in autumn
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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Two women walking arm in arm across a crosswalk carrying grocery bags in an urban setting.
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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Indoor storage room filled with rifles, handguns, helmets, body armor, and ammunition boxes
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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Person sleeping in bed with bedside table showing phone, coffee mug, alarm clock, and book
Bible, End Times, Gospel, Romans, Scripture, Sleeping, Time

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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