The final chapters of Paul’s letter change from teaching to encouragement. Make a list of the imperatives that he uses to encourage his beloved Roman Christians to grow in their commitment to Christ.
The essence of Jewish worship was animal sacrifice. Paul takes this concept and urges his listeners to have their bodies become a “living sacrifice.”
Similar to his thought in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds his people that their oneness in the body of Christ means that they belong to one another. It is Paul’s way of stating a truth found in the very beginning of the Bible about Cain and Abel: you are your brother’s keeper. Spiritual gifts special to each person are described just as Paul did in that same chapter of 1 Corinthians.
When you conclude the reading, rest … wait … write—what further words of encouragement does the Spirit speak within you.
Check out Study Tools in BibleGateway.
I especially recommend the free resource
in Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 