A Christian’s Five Responsibilities

A Study of Romans 12- 13

INTRODUCTION.

A.        In the process of child rearing, a parent must teach his child to live up to his responsibilities.

1.         The younger the child, the easier the responsibilities.

2.         However, as the child grows older, the parent should increase the level of responsibilities.

3.         Too often, some children grow up not being taught how to follow through with their responsibilities.

B.        God has given Christians responsibilities which they must uphold. If we rear our children to live up to their responsibilities, then we will be helping our children to be better prepared for a life of service to God.

C.        Within the realm of responsibilities, there are five specific responsibilities addressed by the apostle Paul in Romans 12-13. It is the purpose of this lesson to examine these five responsibilities.

I.         OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD.

            A.        Present your body as a living sacrifice. (12:1)

            B.        Be transformed. (12:2)

                        1.         Conformed - “to conform one’s self (i.e. one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern, (fashion one’s self according to)” (Strong’s Enhanced Lexicon)

                        2.         Transformed - “to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure” (Ibid.)

II.       OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR BRETHREN IN CHRIST.

            A.        Treat all brethren equally. (12:3-5)

            B.        Work together, with each person doing their part. (12:6-8)

            C.        Have and show brotherly love. (12:9-21)

III.      OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR GOVERNMENT.

            A.        Be subject to the governing authority. (13:1-4)

            B.        Being in subjection to the government is to be in subjection to God. (13:5-7)

IV.      OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR NEIGHBORS.

            A.        We are to love all men. (13:8)

            B.        We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. (13:9-10)

V.        OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OURSELVES.

            A.        We must not sleep. We must awake to righteousness. (13:11)

            B.        We must put on the armor of light. (13:12)

            C.        We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ. (13:13-14)

CONCLUSION.

A.        The question for you is this: Are you living up to your responsibilities? If so, then great. Keep on keeping on.

B.        If you are failing in the fulfillment of your responsibilities, then repent and change today. If you do so, then God will fulfill His responsibility by forgiving you of your sins.

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A Christian’s Five Responsibilities -- January 13, 2002 -- File # 2055

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK