Highrock Church

In this flashback to May 27, 2025, we consider a passage that has historically been used to demand submission to all kinds of abuses and inequalities coming from governing authorities. Is Paul complicit in supporting such corrupt governments? By basing the authority of government in God, Paul appears to give legitimacy to such authorities but only within limits. Those authorities are also under authority (God's) and must submit to authority as well. What is the purpose of government and what are those limits?

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For Reflection:

Christians have had great differences in understanding how to apply Paul's instructions from this passage.

- Given Paul's word about the legitimacy of government, its purpose (to promote good and restrain evil), and its limitations (its authority comes from God), when and how do you think it is appropriate to resist authority?

- Paul was not living under a democratic government in which authority comes from the people. How might that context affect how we apply Paul's instructions, if at all?

After eleven chapters explaining what God has done for us, Paul turns to how we should respond. He urges Christians to offer their whole lives to God as living sacrifices of woship. Rather than conforming to the patterns and values of the world, believers are to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so they can discern and follow God's will. The life God wants for us is more than just believing the right things. The goal is not simply moral improvement but becoming people through whom God's love and grace are made visible.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- What do you think it means to offer your life to God as a "living sacrifice"?

- How might God want you to resist being shaped by the world and instead allow God to renew your mind (v2)?

- What spiritual gifts or abilities has God given you to serve others?

- What would it look like for you to overcome evil with good in a current situation?

- Prayer: Lord, transform my mind and heart so I might join you in overcoming evil with your goodness.

Paul continues his discussion of God's dealings with Israel by warning the Gentile believers not to become proud. Just as some branches were broken off because of their hard hearts, we are just as accountable for the condition of our hearts. Paul then reveals a mystery: Israel's present hardening is partial and temporary, and God's plan ultimately includes showing mercy to all. If we comprehend nothing else, we must understand that God's ways are often beyond our understanding and should move us to humility, gratitude, and ultimately, worship.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- What can we learn from Paul's confidence in God's larger plan and character, even when God's present actions are difficult to understand?

- Why do you think Paul ends this section with worship (vv.33-36) rather than explanation?

- Are there areas of your life where you need to trust God's wisdom even when you cannot see the full picture?

- Prayer: Lord, your ways are above and beyond our ways! Help us to walk in humility and gratitude, always trusting your purposes and character.

Did God reject Israel because so many in Israel rejected the good news of Jesus? Paul answers with an emphatic, "No!" Paul points to his own faith as evidence that God has not abandoned his people and reminds his readers of Elijah's day, when God preserved a faithful remnant during a time when most people betrayed God. In the same way, God continues to save people by grace, not because of their works or achievements. No one earns a place in God's family, therefore our attitude should never be pride or judgmentalism but always humility and gratitude!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- How would you summarize God's continued faithfulness to Israel in light of what Paul says?

- Why might some of the Roman Christians have felt unwarranted pride? What attitude should they have had instead, and why?

- In what ways have you seen God's faithfulness even when people have been unfaithful?

- Prayer: Lord, help me to live with humility, gratitude, and confidence in your unchanging promises.

Paul here reminds us that salvation is not earned through religious effort or moral excellence. It is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile or any people in this regard, as we all come to God through the grace of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the gospel: those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead will be saved.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Why is zeal for God alone not enough according to Paul?

- How does the promise that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (v13) encourage you?

- Who has helped you hear and understand the good news of Jesus? Whose life has made you jealous (v19) for what Jesus offers?

- Is there someone in your life with whom God may be calling you to share your faith?

- Prayer: Lord, help me trust in your grace and boldly and lovingly share the good news with others.

Following Jesus can change what we believe, how we live, and even the kind of people we become.

But what about the people we still can't stand? What might they reveal about how much further we have to go?

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Most of us spend our lives trying to make a name for ourselves - to prove we're enough and to find where we belong. But what if the identity you've built isn't the one that matters most?

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👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals

Pouring gas into an electric car would be disastrous -- an engine needs proper fuel. In this flashback to November 18, 2024, we join Paul as he explores the kind of fuel that our new nature requires. Just as it would be disastrous to pour gas into an electric car, it would be similarly disastrous if those who are in the Spirit turn to the old fuel of the sinful nature, which leads to death rather than life. This most basic choice opens or closes the door to so many other important choices in our lives. Let's choose the right fuel!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Think for a moment about the people, places, and practices that used to fuel or recharge you in the past. How different are your choices today? What differences do those choices make?

- Is there anything that God might be inviting you to change about the people, places, and practices you turn to for energy and renewal in your life? Why might God be inviting you to consider those changes?

Paul describes the painful inner struggle of wanting to do the right thing yet continuing to choose the wrong. This conflict reveals both the weakness of human effort and the weakness of God's Law itself! Because of this corrupting force living in us, even God's Law often just gives us new ideas about sins we never even considered before! This confession ends with Paul crying out for relief and then pointing to the answer: Jesus Christ. Though sin remains a reality in this life, ultimate victory comes not through willpower but through the saving power of Jesus.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- What does this passage teach about the purpose of God’s law?

- How does Paul’s description of his inner struggle resonate with your own experience?

- Pastor Dave used the example of a motorcyclist focusing on where they need to go rather than the obstacle they need to avoid. How might your focus need to change in following Christ?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me rely on your strength each day as I seek to follow you faithfully.

When we focus on God's Law, the underlying question is always, "How far is too far? How much can I sin and still be ok with God?" When we focus instead of God's grace, the underlying focus shifts to "Where can I find life?" In other words, the Gospel is about more than just forgiveness; it's about transformation. Because of our connection with Christ, we have a new identity and a new way of life. Though we still struggle with sin, it is no longer our master. In Christ, we have the power to follow Jesus into new life!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- How does understanding your new identity in Christ affect the way you view temptation?

- What are some practical ways to present yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness (v13)?

- Does knowing that sin is no longer your master (v14) give you any encouragement, or raise any questions? Explain.

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for setting me free from the power of sin; help me to experience new life in offering myself fully to you.