Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together, and we cannot accomplish all that we need to do without working together. Paul concludes with a final exhortation to unity and steadfastness in the Gospel.

What are some defining characteristics of wise leaders according to Solomon?

You can’t solve a problem, until you understand the issue, and you can’t properly answer a question until you understand what’s asked. These brethren in Rome had a problem. If we can understand what the problem was and how Paul went about correcting it, then we can use Romans 14 to fix the same problems in our time. If we can understand the issue that hindered these brethren, we’ll be less likely to misapply Paul’s solution to problems he does not address in Romans 14.

God says the rod and reproof give wisdom. I want to spend a moment thinking about that second part of the equation–reproof–the verbal instruction we give to train our children in godliness.

How should a Christian relate to civil authorities? What is his or her responsibility? What if that government is evil and opposed to Christ and His will? Let's consider these questions as we read Romans 13.

He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently – Solomon (Pro. 13:24)

Scripture reveals hatred as the driving force behind parents’ neglect to discipline their children. No father can passively allow his kids to do whatever they want to do and, at the same time say, “I really love them.” Apathetic, non-interventionist styles of parenting (aka lazy parenting), yields a host of terrible consequences.

Romans Part XXI: Overcome Evil With Good by Leon Valley Church of Christ

In this portion of our Proverbs series, we’re going to focus on parenting–guiding and training our children in godly wisdom, so that they may live in the fear of the Lord from a young age.

Be transformed. It's a command, meaning spiritual growth will not happen by accident. How does the Bible say we can be transformed?

We can use words to comfort, convict, teach, encourage, bless, and communicate the Gospel to the lost. Yet, words also have the potential to inflict great harm–to curse, insult, blaspheme, etc. Scripture teaches us everything about using words wisely and righteously–Proverbs alone addresses the issue 150 times in 915 verses. That’s one-sixth of the book.