Romans 14 teaches us not to be critical or cause there to be any stumbling blocks in a weaker brother's way. We are not to condemn another servant of God due to a disagreement, but allow God to show them what is right. We can trust that "the Lord is able to make them stand" (v.4). Paul says, "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (v.19). Romans 15 teaches then, to help bear the weaknesses of a brother, for his edification. Accept one another, for the united purpose of bringing praise and glory to God for His grace and mercy. Paul says to boast together only in Christ's work in you, and strive together in prayer , that God might "fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".

In Romans 13, Paul teaches us to respect and obey ruling government authorities, since God has appointed them for the purpose of punishing wrongdoing. He gives three reasons for living rightly and in subjection : 1) to avoid punishment from the authorities, 2) to keep a clear conscience, and 3) time is running out for Christ's return. Paul says to give to all men their dues, whether taxes, fear, or honor, being in debt for nothing, except to love one another as yourself. Paul concludes by saying, "Let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires".

Romans 12 is about recognizing and engaging our purpose in Christ. Paul says we should respond to God's amazing mercy and grace by presenting ourselves to God as an act of worship. In this way, He transforms our thinking and allows us to know his good and perfect will. We will then be able to see ourselves from God's eternal perspective and understand the basis of our self-worth--- our identity in Christ. Each of us has been given the ability to do certain things well "in accordance with the measure of faith" given by grace from God. Paul says we are to use these abilities "in proportion to our faith", in devotion to one another in love, and in service to the Lord. Paul concludes the chapter by encouraging us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, living in harmony and peace with everyone.

Romans 10 and 11 are about the "remnant of Israel". As clarified in chapter 9, "Israel" , "Jews" , "children of God" seem to refer to the "children of the promise" or "those of the faith of Abraham" , rather than the biological descendants of Abraham. Here, Paul speaks about how he longs for Israel to stop clinging to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. He longs for them to believe in what Christ has already accomplished in making them right with God. Paul asks a rhetorical question, "How can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him?" (v.14). Paul says that not everyone who hears welcomes the message of the Good News. He explains, with quotes from Isaiah, that Israel not only heard, but understood the message. However, they rejected the message and kept disobeying and arguing against it. Paul says, though, that "not all the Jews have turned away from God", but a few are being saved as a result of God's grace in choosing them. "So this is the situation, that most of the Jews have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have---the ones God has chosen-- but the rest were made unresponsive" (v. 11:7). The "Jews" are God's chosen people and are the objects of His promises to Abraham, for God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn (v.29). Paul then says to the gentiles, "you ,too, were once rebels against God, but when the Jews refused his mercy, God was merciful to you instead. And now, in the same way, the Jews are the rebels, and God's mercy has come to you. But someday they , too, will share in God's mercy (v.31)". There is much to cause confusion in all of this, but that's ok. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (v.33)" Maybe it is impossible for us to understand all the details, but it's enough just to know that "everything exists by his power and is intended for His glory" (v.36).

Romans 9 is about God's absolute sovereignty in choosing those who would receive his gift of eternal salvation. Who are God's chosen people, "Israel"? Is it the "Jews"? Are they biological descendants of Abraham? This chapter teaches that God had a plan for some to be chosen and some not to be chosen. He chose some to be objects of his judgment and fit only for destruction, but God also chose to pour out the riches of his glory upon those he prepared to be the objects of his mercy. He selected His chosen elect from both the Jews and from the Gentiles. He did this sovereignly, showing mercy to some just because he wanted to, and he chose to make some people reject Him by hardening their hearts. "It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but (only) on God's mercy" (v.16). Paul quotes from Hosea concerning the Gentiles and the Jews---- 1) God says He will chose some (Gentiles) whom he formerly did not call and whom He did not formerly love and 2) God says that the descendants of Abraham have become great, but only a small number will be saved and this the Lord has done "with finality". Let's then rest in the hope and peace given lavishly by the grace of God, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Romans 8 is about the peace, freedom, and blessings we have now in the Spirit. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ ( v.1) and nothing on earth or in heaven can separate us from the love of God (v.39). Paul says that when "the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace"(v.7). As children of God, we eagerly anticipate "sharing in his treasures and ... sharing His glory" (v.17). We were called according to his purposes, chosen in advance, to become like His Son. And since we have been given right standing in His Son, "overwhelming victory is ours through Him" (v.37). Need encouragement? Read this chapter often !

In Romans 7, Paul describes how though we are now free from the control of our sinful nature, we continue to struggle with sin. "So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. "(v.24-25). Enough said !