Week 2: A life of love, sacrifice, and submission Week 2: A life of love, sacrifice, and submission. Chapters 12-14 Brief introduction about St. Paul Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection. Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy. Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years): Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark. After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision. 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years): Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke. 2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years): Asia minor and Macedonia 4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians. 4th Journey (Rome): 8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews. The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21) Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7 His early preparation for ministry Missionary trips St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament. Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles Received 4 crowns : martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness. Introduction: Author: St. Paul Written to : believers in Rome Time of writing: 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD Purpose of the book The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ. How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life. The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith. Basic teachings for practical Christian living. Care for those weak in faith and encourage them Outline The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1). The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8). God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11). Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15). Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16). Reading: Chapter 12-14 Resources: Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English Key verse: “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. for if we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:7-7 Comments: Chapter 12 Sanctifying the Body and Mind for a Spiritual Life with God (Romans 12:1-2) We should offer our bodies and minds to God and do everything for the glory of God, while sacrificing and rejecting every desire that contradicts God's commandments. We should not confirm to the ways of the world. The world behaviors and habits are against God's commandments. Know that while you live in the world your principles are different from it. Contemplation: If you have been drawn into some improper actions, you need repentance and the renewal of your mind, so that you may live for the love of God. Types of gifts in the Church (Romans 12: 3:8) The work of service is fundamentally based on trust in God's work, regardless of human limitations. God is a God of order—He established the members of His Church like parts of one body, each with a distinct role and function, different yet complementary. The gifts given to each member are meant for serving others, not for personal pride. Prophecy: Speaking God's truth with faith. Service: Helping and serving others. Teaching: Explaining the word of God Exhortation: Encouraging and strengthening others. Leadership: Administration Mercy: Showing compassion with Joy Virtues in the Christian community (Romans 12:9-21): Sincere love: Genuine love without hypocrisy Rejecting evil: Hating what is evil and cling to what is good Caring for one another Serving the Lord with enthusiasm Joyful, patience, and prayer Sharing with those in need and welcoming them Blessing your enemies Empathy: rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep Humility Avoiding retaliation: Not repaying evil with evil but overcoming it with good. Contemplation : We are called to acquire all these virtues to truly become a children of God. Duties of a Christian Toward Society (Romans 13:1-7) Submission to authority: We are called to submit to authority because they are established by God. Those who resist authority, resist God Respect for rulers: We are called to respect our leaders Obey the law: We are called to obey the laws unless they contradict God's commands. Living peacefully: We are called to live peacefully and responsibly Loving everyone (Romans 13:8-10) Universal Love – Christian love is not limited to friends or fellow believers but extends to all people, reflecting God’s love for the world. If you have fallen into many sins and struggled to resist sin, know that the easiest path is to love everyone. Repent now before time runs out (Romans 13: 11-14) We must reject sinful behaviors and walk in the light of Christ. Put on the Armor of God Ask yourself: Would I commit this sin if people could see me now? And the more important question: Can I commit this sin while God is watching me now?" Accepting the weak in faith (Romans 14:1-12) We should welcome those who are weak in faith without judgment Avoid argument over personal and non essential matters We Live for the Lord – "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord" (Romans 14:7-8) Do not cause others to stumble (Romans 14:13-23) As children of God, we need to be careful with our actions. For example, (If your father of confession gave you absolution to eat specific food during fasting) don't eat non fasting food in front of others Avoid gossiping and making others to fall into sin Avoid cursing or using hurtful words Don't lie or encouraging others to lie Review/recap questions ** Servant may add more questions Homework ** Servant may add more questions