Of Links & Chains // Romans 12

Here is the rundown from Daniel Barron’s message today, “OF LINKS AND CHAINS”. Romans 12 provided the biblical framework for today’s talk.

You can watch today’s service in its entirety by clicking here.

This morning we talked about how mountain top moments can be turned into some of our darkest valley’s when we are not careful to pay attention to the choices that the devil puts in our hands. Oftentimes, after a mountain top experience, like Easter and the Lenten season, we are lulled to sleep and wander. Then, before we know it we are in a valley. We might feel like we took 1 or 2 steps forward only to find ourselves 3 to 4 steps behind.

We really have the best intentions when we say that we will get around to this and that, but by and large, our good intentions never transform into obedience, and what does that leave you with? Disobedience, that’s for sure.

‌We have a bent towards loving the experience we have on the mountain, but walking away without being changed; without being born of God. This is evident in the story of Moses and the Golden Calf.

‌1. They were freed from Slavery in Egypt.

2. They were led by a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud.

3. The red sea was parted and they were led through on dry ground and their enemies were swallowed up by the sea.

4. Bitter water was made sweet.

5. Manna(Honey Bread) was given to them so they didn’t die of starvation in the wilderness.

6. Again they were provided water from a rock.

‌And then, after all that, Moses took a little too long for their liking on the mountain with God and had a golden calf made to worship rather than being patient and waiting on the Lord. If this isn’t us, I don’t know what is.

The devil does not bring us a big chain to bind us from our mountain top experiences. He doesn’t bring a chain of a ruined marriage. He doesn’t bring us a chain of financial ruin. He doesn’t bring us a pile of ruined friendships. He doesn’t bring us estranged children.

He brings us smaller, more innocent feeling decisions, a link for a chain if you will. He brings you a lingering conversation with an attractive lady in the break room at work. He brings you a small advantage you can take over someone of lowly status for your own gain. He brings you a small jabbing joke to a friend that drives a wedge.

By accepting these smaller, innocent sins, we set our trajectory for binding in chains, and not a chain that the devil placed us in, but a chain that you were convinced to build yourself.

Romans 12 gives us several decisions that we will face and we see them as the marks of a true Christian.

9-10 – Love, Brotherly Affection, Honor – Love one another in all situations and do not seek your own advantage.

11 – Zeal, Serve – Plug in to the life of the church. Get involved.

12 – Rejoice in Hope, Patient in Tribulation, Constant in prayer – Don’t just say you are going to think about something, but pray constantly. Do what you say you are going to do.

13 – contribute to the needs of the saints (Partner with, Come into communion with) – Figure out what God is already doing and dive in. This is the easiest way to get involved and contribute to the needs of the saints.

14 – bless your enemies; bless and do not curse – This is so difficult, but we must do it! Look at 17-21. It confirms it is important through repetition.

15 – adjust to those who are experiencing rejoicing or sorrow; do not try to be a debbie downer for someone who is experiencing joy and do not downplay the weight of sorrow someone may be feeling

16 – Live in harmony with others, seek out connection with the lowly – Do not get caught up with only looking to be with those who are well known.

17-21 – Love your enemy – continued from 14.

If we do these things, we will be a church who is full of the power of the Spirit of God.

Grace and Peace to you Hope Church, Daniel Barron