Romans 12:3-8 “Christoformity: Part II”

Message: Romans 12:3-8 “Christoformity: Part II”

This week we continue talking about what it looks like to look like Christ: Christoformity. We move from the necessity of our being oriented toward God to the need to be oriented toward the Body of Christ, which is the family of followers of Jesus. Within this community we use our gifts for building one another up, making room for our differences and providing a seat at the table for those who do not have power or privilege.

Romans 12:1-2 “Christoformity: Part 1”

Message: Romans 12:1-2 “Christoformity: Part 1”

The last couple of weeks Paul has shown how Power and Privilege are not something to be held unto among followers of Jesus. Instead, if we have any power or privilege, we are to use it to make space for those who do not. This is a big part of what it means to be ‘conformed’ to the likeness of Christ, or Christoformity. Jesus, as our example, teaches us to first orient ourselves toward God. That is, to live our lives with seeking God and his Way as our goal. That is what we’ll be discussing this week as we talk about living lives of sacrifice and prayer.

Romans 14:1-13 [14-15:13] “Powerful vs Unempowered”

Message: Romans 14:1-13 [14-15:13] “Powerful vsUnempowered”

In this week’s passage, Paul deals with a couple of issues that were causing division within the church located in Rome. He describes two sides as “Weak vs Strong.” These two sides had different convictions when it came to living out their theology. One of these group had more power than the other, while both were in the wrong. Paul tells both to live out their convictions without forcing others to imitate them, but he puts more responsibility on those who have more power. In the end, this is a lesson in not judging others and entrusting the lives of others to God.

Romans 16:1-6 (7-16) "Reading Romans Backwards"

Message: Romans 16:1-6 (7-16)

We are beginning a new series this week called “Reading Romans Backwards.” In these first verses from Romans 16, where we will begin our series, Paul is breaking down assumptions of Privilege and Power that were so taken for granted in the first century world. Unexpected people are leaders in the early church, but they too are equals and all are considered ‘siblings’ in this community. Each person must set aside aspects of their old identities in order to embrace their new identity as one people “In Christ.”