Subjection, even in the literary sense, exists within the framework of genuine and divine love. How we choose to live within society, subjected or rebellious, is, undeniably, a testimony for or against the Gospel; and, it is a significant matter deeply intertwined with the commandment to love.
Romans 12, part C
The Church quickly grew in reputation throughout the Roman Empire as being a community that loved fiercely by showing a sincere concern for the welfare of others with a devoted willingness to sacrifice self. This is the Gospel culture that spurred the revolutionary wildfire that we call the first century church revival.
Romans 12 part B
All believers are in this together; we need each other; we need everyone to get involved and act as vessels for the power of the Spirit. You belong; and, you are not only welcomed but needed. More than that, you are not only needed but specifically and uniquely empowered.
Romans 12, part A
Of all the worldly aspects of which we should strive to not be conformed, a life lived for the benefit of self is one to avoid. Christians seeking to obtain a standard of righteous living for personal gain find themselves conforming to the patterns of the secular world. Heaven, instead, guides us to live for the benefit of others, sacrifice that others may known Him and be redeemed, pursue a life of holiness that is evangelistic in nature—this is our spiritual act of worship.
Romans 11
Like the Apostle Paul, as ambassadors of the Gospel of Christ, the cry of our hearts and the longing of our souls should be that none are left behind. The heart of Paul’s evangelistic appeal was personal, vulnerable, and compassionate; moreover, his appeal was centered on the faithfulness of God—even to those who rejected Him. Those left behind, the pharisaic and sadducaic communities, were not anonymous; Paul, a former Pharisee himself, knew their names, spent time in their homes, debated them in the scholarly chambers, broke bread with them, prayed with them—to Paul, these communities were family.
Daniel 2, part A
Because of the disturbing dream of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel was given an opportunity to stand out as a wise sage with religious authority beyond that of the other academics. However, the opportunity presented, the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar, came dramatically and with potential for terrifying consequences. The actions of faith, the prudent wisdom of Daniel, created a lasting legacy of Biblical proportions that would have a significant impact for hundreds of years to come.
Romans 10
The corrupted sinful teachings of righteousness through piety is shattered at the foot of the Cross. According to Paul, all who are in Christ should shout to the eagerly waiting world that the very notion of performance-obtained right standing has met its end by the blood of the Lamb and the roar of the Lion.
Measuring the Christian Life
Following worldly practices will never lead to a faithful representation of the Gospel of Christ and the heart of the Father. In that regard, attempts to quantify the spiritual disciplines and the quality of the Christian life follow a secular “wisdom” of the worst kind.
Accepting Individualism
The emphasis on the uniqueness of the human experience is called phenomenology. The phenomenological approach states that your experience and perception of an event are a phenomenon as unique as you.
Daniel 1, part B
Daniel made a resolution within himself; and, it is reasonable to assume that, while excelling in proficiency of Babylonian culture, Daniel’s resolution was to maintain a characteristic of his life that distinguished himself from the world around him; he resolved to remain set apart.