Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over opinions. Truth to Learn Infighting should not be a characteristic of a Christian church. Behind the Words The word “Receive” is from the Greek word proslambanō, which is made up of pros, meaning “to or toward”...
Daily Verse
Romans 13:14 – No Plan
Rather put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plan for the flesh, to gratify its lusts. Truth to Learn Christians need to let the light of Christ shine in their lives. Behind the Words The words “put on” in this verse are from the same root word...
Romans 13:13 – Light or Dark?
Let us live decently, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and lust, not in quarreling and envy. Truth to Learn Our words and deeds should show forth the light of Christ. Behind the Words The word “live” is from peripateō, which literally...
Romans 13:12 – Prepare for Battle!
The night is nearly over, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the weapons of light. Truth to Learn Wake up! Prepare for battle! Our Lord is coming soon! Behind the Words The words “is nearly over” are from...
Romans 13:11 – Wake Up!
Also this, knowing the time, that the hour has come for you to awake out of sleep, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Truth to Learn It’s time for all Christians to wake up and get busy for God. Behind the Words The word...
Romans 13:10 – Unselfish Love
Love does no evil to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Truth to Learn Unselfish love is what God wants from us. Behind the Words “Love” is translated from agape, which refers to “good will” or “benevolence.” In other words, it refers to acts of...
Romans 13:9 – Living The Second Table
For, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not bear false witness," "Do not covet," and if there is any other commandment, they are all summed up in this saying, namely, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Truth to Learn Fully paying our love debt fulfills the...
Romans 13:8 – The Love Payment
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Truth to Learn We are to be constantly paying off our love debt. Behind the Words The word that is translated “Owe” is the Greek word opheilē, which was translated...
Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!
Therefore give to everyone what is due to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Truth to Learn Christians should submit to all authorities and pay taxes. Behind the Words “Give” is translated from the Greek word...
Romans 13:6 – Taxes? Really?
For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Truth to Learn Paying taxes is part of God’s plan for government. Behind the Words The words “you pay” are from the Greek verb teleō, which literally means “to end.”...
Romans 13:5 – Submission by Conscience
Therefore it is necessary to be subject to the authorities, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. Truth to Learn We are to submit to authorities because it is the right thing to do. Behind the Words “It is necessary” is a translation of the Greek...
Romans 13:4 – Authority of Vengeance
For he is God's minister for your good. but if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to bring wrath on him who practices evil. Truth to Learn We are to submit to those in authority...
Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention
For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from him. Truth to Learn Good works overcome fear. Behind the Words The word translated...
Romans 13:2 – Authoritative Submission
Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has ordained, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Truth to Learn We are to submit ourselves to those in authority over us, or we will find ourselves resisting what God has put in place. Behind the Words The first...
Romans 13:1 – Civil Submission
Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are established by God. Truth to Learn We Christians are to submit to those in authority over us. Behind the Words The verb translated, “be subject to”...
Romans 12:21 – Good Versus Evil
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Truth to Learn The proper way for a Christian to combat evil is with good. Behind the Words The word translated “overcome” is nikaō, a verb form of the noun nikē, which refers to “a conquest or victory.”...
Romans 12:20 – Mercy, Not Vengeance
Therefore "If your enemy should be hungry, feed him; if he should be thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Truth to Learn Do not take vengeance. Instead, show mercy. Behind the Words “Heap” is from the Greek verb...
Romans 12:19 – Who’s The Judge?
not avenging yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Truth to Learn There is only one Judge and we need to let Him do His job. Behind the Words The word translated “avenging” in the...
Romans 12:18 – Be At Peace
If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Truth to Learn Christians should be peace-seeking people. Behind the Words The word translated “possible” is dunaton, a word we’ve seen before. It refers to “power, authority, or ability.” Literally, what Paul is saying is, “If...
Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?
Repay no one evil for evil, giving thought to do what is good in the sight of all men. Truth to Learn We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive. Behind the Words The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning...
Romans 12:14 – Blessing, Not Cursing
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not wish them evil. Truth to Learn Being Christ-like is really, really hard - but not impossible. Behind the Words The word translated “bless” is eulogeō, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and a...
Romans 12:16 – Right-minded Thinking
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves. Truth to Learn Who we compare ourselves to affects what we think of ourselves. Behind the Words “Mind” is translated from...
Romans 12:15 – Give and Take
Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping. Truth to Learn Sharing in grief means taking, but sharing in joy means giving. Behind the Words “Rejoicing” comes from the Greek word chairo, which means “to be full of cheer, that is, calmly happy.” It...
Romans 12:13 – Pursuit of Generosity
distributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality. Truth to Learn Selfless sharing is a sure sign of a committed Christian. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “distributing” is koinonointes, which is derived from the word koinonia, meaning “to have things in common” or “to share things...
Romans 12:12 – Guided Journey
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; Truth to Learn Hope, patience, and steadfastness can be ours in Christ. Behind the Words “Rejoicing” is translated from chairontes, meaning “to be full of cheer,” or “to be calmly happy.” The word “hope” is from elpis, which means,...
Romans 12:11 – Diligent Spiritual Service
in diligence, not slothful, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Truth to Learn A Christian’s life should be characterized by diligent service. Behind the Words “Slothful” is from oknēros, from the verb okneō, meaning “to be slow, to be lazy, or to delay.” The word translated “diligence” is spoudē,...
Romans 12:10 – Being an Example
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Truth to Learn Christians are to treat other Christians in a special way. Behind the Words The word translated “kindly affectionate” is found nowhere else in the Bible. It is philostorgos, which is...
Romans 12:9 – Sacrificial Evidence
Let love be sincere. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Truth to Learn Here is the evidence of a living sacrifice. Behind the Words The word translated “sincere” is the Greek word anupokritos, which is a compound word made up of a, meaning “without” and a...
Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving
the one who is exhorting, in exhortation; the one who is giving, with simplicity; the one who is leading, with diligence; the one who is showing mercy, with cheerfulness. Truth to Learn Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ. Behind the Words The...
Romans 12:7 – His Gifts, His Choice
or service, let us use it in our serving; the one teaching, in the teaching; Truth to Learn We all have gifts to be used within the church, but God determines which gift or gifts we have been given. Behind the Words The word that is translated “service” is...
Romans 12:6 – Benevolent or Malignant
But having different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; Truth to Learn Each Christian is gifted for the benefit of the body of Christ. Behind the Words Paul begins the verse with a coordinating conjunction...