Romans 14 begins to expose the divisions between strong and weak Christians in the Roman Church. Paul emphasizes that believers should not judge each other regarding “matters of indifference,” but recognize Christ’s supreme Lordship over all.
Romans 13:8–4 stresses the imminent coming of the Lord Jesus and the necessary of preparing for that day by living in love and holiness.
The controversy surrounding the command to submit to political authorities in Romans 13:1–7 continues unabated. But its message is unambiguous: all must obey the God-ordained powers in their legitimate and moral exercise of authority for the good order of society and the glory of God.
The apostle Paul draws a direct connection between justification and sanctification. The justified believer cannot live in sin because he is crucified with Christ and the Lord indwells him by His Spirit.
Luke’s report of the angelic visitation of the shepherds expands on the meaning of the incarnation of Jesus–the God-anointed Saviour and the divine Lord. Believers in Him rejoice and glorify God for the gift of peace with God.