Basic Training 09 Series

Welcome back to Basic Training. We have 1 weeks remaining in our study of the book of Romans after today.

I love preaching out of the book of Romans because it is a book that draws us closer to God. The words of Paul which were inspired by God can bring revival to the hearts of those who read this book and take to heart the messages within.

I can sense that God is doing awesome things within Prairie Family Church. I see the growth that is taking place, not necessarily the physical growth of the church, as encouraging as it is, but rather the spiritual growth that you as individuals are experiencing on a daily basis.

If the church can move closer to God and be all that God desires it to be, then we are doing our job.

The one thing we need to remember about this spiritual growth is that every time we hit a newer, higher level in Christ the enemy will turn up the heat of his attacks.

Satan hates it when the church does what it is supposed to do. That is why you will often hear me say, “New level, new devil.”

He is prowling around like a lion to see who he can devour. Be on guard against the enemy. Be ever vigilant to stay firm in your faith and follow God regardless of what the enemy of our souls throws at us.

If we keep our eyes on God, He will fulfill His promises in our lives and He will fulfill the purpose of Prairie Family Church, A gather that began 15 years ago, to build healthy families in the greater Bismarck area.

Prayer

Father,

Open my eyes so I can see Your truth.

Open my ears so I can hear Your voice.

Open my mind so I can understand Your Word.

And open my heart so I may receive all that You want me to receive. AMEN

We started off by discussing the doctrinal truths found in the book of Romans and for the last couple of weeks we have been discussing the practical application of those truths.

The simple fact is, if we are not putting into practice the truths and practical applications that are contained in God’s Word then we are wasting our time.

We are told in the book of James that we are not just supposed to be hearers of the Word, but we are supposed to be doers of the Word.

That is what the last few chapters of Romans gives us; it teaches us how to be doers. If we are not doing what God’s Word asks of us then I would say that we are no better off than those who do not know Christ as Savior.

That is why the Apostle Paul tells us to not conform to the pattern of the world.

Last week I shared how we as Christians are supposed to live in respect to our government. We determined from Romans 13 that we are suppose to support our government as long as that government does not contradict the Word of God.

We also were reminded once again of our obligation to love each other and to love others. Love should be the only debt we have according to Paul.

There was an urgency to what Paul was writing. He stressed the need for Christians to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

It was time then and it is time now that all believers stand up and be counted for Christ and to make a mark for God in this world.

Today and next Sunday we get to see in Romans 14 and 15 how Paul continues to teach us how to live as believers. More basic training for us.

Today’s training is in consideration. As we allow the righteousness of God into our lives He produces within us a life of consideration.

In the English language the word consideration has 6 meanings. It is the third meaning that applies to what the Apostle Paul is sharing.

Consideration in this Scripture means thoughtful and sympathetic regard for others. For example your mom might say to you, “Please show some consideration and clean your room.” That makes this a Mother’s Day Sermon.

Paul teaches us that we need to be considerate of those around us and in Romans 15:1-3 he gives us the example of consideration that we should all follow.

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3 NIV