Does the Gospel Show Up in Your Life?
Preparing for Romans 12.
As we prepare to move into Romans 12, it’s essential to make note of the fact that the gospel of Christ promotes - and demands - holy living.
Opponents had said that the logical end of Paul’s doctrine was for people to continue in sin so that grace might have multiplied opportunities to work and bring glory to God. Paul dealt with this nonsense in 6:1-8:17. He had shown there that the logical end of his teaching was a life which pursued holiness. - McGuiggan, Romans, 335
What has been taught about the gospel of Christ is not just meant to fill our heads, but it is meant to “show up” in the way we live our lives.
Doctrine is never taught in the Bible simply that the mind might be filled or that something might be known. It is taught in order that the faithful and obedient child of God might translate that doctrine into practice. - Wacaster, Studies in Romans, 413
When we learn what God has done for us, it ought to lead to us living our lives for Him.
Gospel preaching or teaching that eliminates or downplays moral exhortation does an injustice to the gospel and neglects a major emphasis in Paul’s letters. - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 424
Peter, like Paul, calls for Christians to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:13-16), in part, to silence the foolish accusations of others.
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15)
Paul’s deep dive into the inner workings of the gospel has been a vitally important study to us growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
What we have learned, or been reminded of, about the gospel of Christ is now supposed to show up in the way we live our lives. As we begin Romans 12, Paul is going to start giving specific examples of how people who have been saved by the gospel of Christ ought to live.
I look forward to continuing our study together!
