Living in Harmony: Heeding Warnings and Obedience
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we conclude our journey through the book of Romans, a text that has spoken to believers for thousands of years and remains relevant today. As we wrap up, I encourage you to read chapters 15 and 16 on your own to fully grasp Paul's final words to the church in Rome. We began with a story about the importance of heeding warnings, illustrated by a naval anecdote where a battleship had to change course to avoid a lighthouse. This story sets the stage for Paul's dual message in Romans 16: a warning against those who cause divisions and a call to live in harmony and peace.
Paul's letter to the Romans is foundational to Christian theology. In chapter 15, he emphasizes living in harmony with one another and reminds us that Jesus came for both Jews and Gentiles. Paul also shares his future plans, expressing his desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain and asking for support in his missionary journey. He acknowledges the challenges he faces, including opposition from Jews in Jerusalem, but remains steadfast in his mission.
In chapter 16, Paul warns the church to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in the way of true teaching. He likens these individuals to false prophets, wolves in sheep's clothing, who deceive with smooth talk and flattery. Paul urges the church to stay away from such people and to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. He concludes with a doxology, emphasizing the importance of obedience that comes from faith.
Paul's final encouragement is a call to live obediently in faith, presenting our bodies as holy and living sacrifices. He warns against the voices of the world that seek to lead us astray and urges us to stay rooted in the Word of God. The story of Eric Liddell, an Olympic runner who stood by his Christian principles, serves as a powerful example of living a life of faith and obedience.
### Key Takeaways
1. Heeding Warnings: Just as the battleship had to change course to avoid disaster, we must heed the warnings in our lives. These warnings, whether they come from Scripture or life experiences, are meant to guide and protect us. Ignoring them can lead to spiritual and moral peril. [26:55]
2. Living in Harmony: Paul emphasizes the importance of living in harmony and peace with one another. This includes not judging others and striving for unity within the church. Harmony is not just a passive state but an active pursuit of love and understanding. [29:10]
3. Beware of False Prophets: Paul warns against those who cause divisions and put obstacles in the way of true teaching. These false prophets can come in many forms, including family members, friends, and even religious leaders. We must be vigilant and discerning, testing everything against the Word of God. [35:30]
4. Obedience Through Faith: True obedience comes from faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that blessings come through obedience, and this obedience is rooted in a deep understanding of Scripture. We must continually read and meditate on God's Word to strengthen our faith and guide our actions. [43:59]
5. Living Sacrifices: Paul calls us to present our bodies as holy and living sacrifices. This means dedicating every aspect of our lives to God's service, striving to build His kingdom in all that we do. It's a daily commitment to live out our faith in practical, tangible ways. [46:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:44] - Opening Prayer
[24:41] - Naval Story: Importance of Warnings
[26:55] - Warnings in Life
[28:19] - Paul's Dual Message
[29:10] - Living in Harmony
[30:41] - Paul's Mission to the Gentiles
[33:10] - Greetings and Final Words
[33:52] - Warning Against Divisions
[35:30] - Beware of False Prophets
[39:09] - Importance of Knowing Scripture
[43:59] - Obedience Through Faith
[46:30] - Living Sacrifices
[50:46] - Heeding the Warning of Faith
[51:33] - Augustine's Quote on the Gospel
[53:39] - Eric Liddell's Story
[57:38] - Call to Obedience
[58:31] - Closing Prayer
[59:16] - Invitation to Prayer
[01:00:00] - Final Song and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 16:17-19
2. Matthew 7:15-16
3. Romans 12:1-2
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific warning does Paul give to the church in Romans 16:17-19? ([33:52])
2. How does Jesus describe false prophets in Matthew 7:15-16? ([35:30])
3. According to Romans 12:1-2, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies? ([46:30])
4. What are some of the challenges Paul mentions he faces in his mission, as described in Romans 15? ([31:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of living in harmony and peace with one another in Romans 15? How does this relate to the overall message of the book of Romans? ([29:10])
2. What does Paul mean when he says to be "wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil" in Romans 16:19? How can this be applied in today's context? ([40:49])
3. How does the story of Eric Liddell illustrate the concept of living as a "holy and living sacrifice" as mentioned in Romans 12:1-2? ([53:39])
4. In what ways can false prophets cause divisions within the church, and how can believers discern and avoid them according to the sermon? ([35:30])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning in your life. What were the consequences, and how can you be more attentive to warnings from God in the future? ([26:55])
2. Paul calls us to live in harmony and peace with one another. Are there any relationships in your life where you need to pursue reconciliation and peace actively? What steps can you take this week to work towards that? ([29:10])
3. How can you be vigilant against false teachings and prophets in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are rooted in the Word of God? ([35:30])
4. Paul emphasizes obedience through faith. What areas of your life do you find it challenging to be obedient to God's Word? How can you seek to strengthen your faith in those areas? ([43:59])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of presenting our bodies as holy and living sacrifices. What specific actions can you take this week to dedicate your daily activities to God's service? ([46:30])
6. Think about the story of Eric Liddell and his commitment to his Christian principles. Is there a principle or value you hold that you find difficult to stand by in certain situations? How can you remain steadfast in your faith like Eric did? ([53:39])
7. How can you actively engage in reading and meditating on Scripture to avoid being led astray by the voices of the world? What is one specific plan you can implement to make Bible reading a consistent part of your routine? ([39:09])
Devotional
Day 1: Heeding Warnings
In life, we often encounter warnings that are meant to guide and protect us. These warnings can come from various sources, including Scripture, life experiences, and the counsel of others. Ignoring these warnings can lead to spiritual and moral peril, much like a battleship that must change course to avoid a lighthouse. The story of the battleship and the lighthouse serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of heeding warnings in our lives. Just as the battleship had to change course to avoid disaster, we must be willing to adjust our paths when we receive warnings from God or from those who care about us. These warnings are not meant to restrict us but to keep us on the right path and help us avoid potential pitfalls. [26:55]
Hebrews 2:1 (ESV): "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."
Reflection: Think of a recent warning you received, whether through Scripture, a friend, or a life experience. How did you respond to it, and what steps can you take today to heed that warning more effectively?
Day 2: Living in Harmony
Living in harmony and peace with one another is a central theme in Paul's letter to the Romans. Paul emphasizes that Jesus came for both Jews and Gentiles, and he calls for unity within the church. Harmony is not just a passive state but an active pursuit of love and understanding. It involves not judging others and striving for unity, even in the face of differences. This call to harmony is a reminder that we are all part of the body of Christ, and our actions should reflect that unity. By actively seeking to live in harmony, we can create a community that reflects the love and peace of Christ. [29:10]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community with whom you have a strained relationship? What steps can you take today to pursue harmony and peace with that person?
Day 3: Beware of False Prophets
Paul warns the church to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in the way of true teaching. These false prophets can come in many forms, including family members, friends, and even religious leaders. They deceive with smooth talk and flattery, leading people away from the truth. Paul urges the church to stay away from such individuals and to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. This call to vigilance and discernment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith. By testing everything against the Word of God, we can protect ourselves from being led astray. [35:30]
2 Peter 2:1 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
Reflection: Reflect on the influences in your life. Are there any voices or teachings that you need to be more discerning about? How can you test these against the Word of God today?
Day 4: Obedience Through Faith
True obedience comes from faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that blessings come through obedience, and this obedience is rooted in a deep understanding of Scripture. By continually reading and meditating on God's Word, we can strengthen our faith and guide our actions. Obedience is not just about following rules but about aligning our lives with God's will. It involves a daily commitment to live out our faith in practical, tangible ways. The story of Eric Liddell, an Olympic runner who stood by his Christian principles, serves as a powerful example of living a life of faith and obedience. [43:59]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God's Word? What practical steps can you take today to align that area with God's will?
Day 5: Living Sacrifices
Paul calls us to present our bodies as holy and living sacrifices. This means dedicating every aspect of our lives to God's service and striving to build His kingdom in all that we do. It's a daily commitment to live out our faith in practical, tangible ways. By offering ourselves as living sacrifices, we acknowledge that our lives are not our own but belong to God. This act of surrender is a powerful expression of our faith and devotion. It involves making choices that honor God and reflect His love to the world around us. [46:30]
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1. "Warnings are so important in life, aren't they? We get warning signals as we drive down the highway. There's warning signs telling us the signs I've seen this week are bridge out. I've seen a sign this week for road closed. And those are warnings for what's ahead. Of course, I was talking on the phone, missed the road closed, had to turn back. Turned back around after I got to the place where it was closed. And so warnings are there to help protect us, right? To help guide us and lead us in the right way." [26:55] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul is saying, hey, beware of false prophets. In fact, he says, keep away from them at the end of 17, right? Stay away from those individuals. Because if you stay away, you're not hearing it. And by not hearing it, you're not sowing seeds of doubt, right? For such people are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ, this is verse 18, but their own appetites. So false prophets, not concerned with the kingdom of God, not concerned with pointing people to Jesus, they're concerned about what's important to them." [36:58] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How can we be wise to what is good and to not fall prey to what is evil? And that is the Word of God. Don't take this preacher's word for it. Take the Christian tradition. Go back and read through the Scriptures to know how we're to be organized, to know how we're to be a standard bearer for the world, not the world to be a standard bearer for the church, right? We're called to be the light of Christ, to permeate the light of the kingdom in all that we do and all that we say." [40:49] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul's message in Romans is so that we may be obedient of the faith, right? Paul's just talked about how we can have the faith. That we're sinners and we're in need of a Savior. And salvation comes through faith in who? In Jesus Christ alone through grace, right? And so Paul writes about that. He says once we believe in Romans 8, we receive this gift the Holy Spirit pours into our lives when we invite the Holy Spirit in, right? And reminds us that we are children of God, right? Right? Reminds us that we are heirs. Right? Of the kingdom. That we've been entrusted with God's kingdom here on earth to expand it, to build it." [45:35] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Present your bodies as holy and living sacrifices. Right? Present your bodies so that all that you do and say might go to build up the kingdom. Present it to let love be sincere. Do all those things to do all you can to share God's love in everything that you do and say. But it comes from here. It's hard because scholarship has taught us, universities have taught us that, hey, human beings wrote this. Right? Every chapter, human beings wrote this. And so how can we trust it?" [46:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you believe what you like in the gospel and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe but yourself. What a powerful quote. Sounds like he was writing in a magazine, Christian magazine last week, right? For our society. Maybe it's my new favorite quote by Augustine, right? I've got several. But if you believe what you like in the gospel, that means you, oh, I like this page, so we'll keep that one, right? Or we reject what we don't like. Ooh, I don't like that. Ooh, I don't like that whole section." [51:33] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We worship one who is worthy of everything we've got, of everything we have, of everything we are. We worship Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. May we do everything in our power. To present our lives as a holy and living sacrifice. Heeding the warning of Paul. And be obedient to our faith." [58:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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