The Sycamore Message

Rules of Engagement - Part II

The Sycamore Church - Romans 14 - Pastor Eric Burton
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬-‭23‬‬Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
Today let's see where this applies to our life in respect to other believers. I don’t want us leaving here just knowing what the observation and interpretation are but the application as well. How does this apply to my life?
Key Verse: Romans 14:12-23
Sycamore Church Value: Be loyal. Accept other believers where they are and be willing to walk with them when we don’t see eye to eye.
1. Prefer other believers. Vs. 14-21• “ In and of itself” There are lots of things in and of themselves that are not bad. If you were to take it out of the context of it’s stereotype it’s not evil. It comes down to the context of a thing. Of course, we know there are things “in and of themselves” that are evil.• The “strong” believer has a responsibility to not exercise their liberties in front of a “weak” believer as it says in vs. 2. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
2. Don't ruin what God is doing. Vs. 15.• If we don't understand the terms of the new covenant we risk the chance of destroying the work of God. The church in Rome were in danger of destroying the work of God because of differences. (ROMANS 14: 20)• One might say the weaker believer just needs to grow up and not get offended. True, but we’re not talking about someone simply getting upset. This is about a practice that overlaps worship with God and someone’s old life. This has to do with someone that hasn’t quite come to the place where you are.• Is there anything you used to do in the world that you see being done in the church?• Don’t let your freedom ruin what Christ did to make someone else free.
3. Keep your liberties to yourself. Vs. 22
4. Don’t violate your conscience. Vs. 22-23• If you think it’s right then don’t feel guilty• If you think it’s wrong then don’t do it. If you do, You’re trespassing your own conscience thus sinning against yourself. God makes things acceptable, not man.I know we're not fighting over meat. 1Corinthians 8:4 So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God.Examples of meat: Something acceptable in the church and the world. Politics, style of music, organized sports, TV, riding a Harley Davidson, dancing…
5. People are not meat.•God shows Peter a vision in Acts 10:28 of a sheet of different meats. Peter's religious custom said you can't eat those kinds of meats. But God is not talking about meat, HE'S TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE HE DIED FOR. (ROMANS 14:15)God is wanting to use you to bring people into His kingdom today. If Peter had rejected what God was doing Cornelius and his family may not have come to Jesus.
Let’s go back to the beginning of our text6. Focus on yourself.• Vs. 10-12 Every knee will bow. Everyone will give a personal account.Paul is speaking to the weaker brother here. A reference back to vs. 2 in this chapter when Paul tells those who don’t do certain things must not condemn those who do. Why do you judge each other over non-essential matters when God is going to judge us all on essential matters? Focus on yourself.• INSTEAD live in such a way that doesn’t cause other believers to stumble and fall. This stumble and fall is much more serious than just hurting someone’s feelings. It's about you causing them to leave the faith; to destroy the work God has begun in them.• It may feel unfair to watch what you do for the sake of someone else’s faith, but the sacrifice will be worth it all. These present sufferings won’t compare to the glory we will share. Romans 8:8
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Jesus Said Love One Another - Yes Even That Person

Elder Tim Barber - February 16, 2025
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭13‬‬We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.” And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.” And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Theme: Paul calls believers to selfless love, unity, and hope in Christ as thefoundation of Christian community.
Paul is transforming alienation into community.
I. Bearing with the Weak (Verses 1-3): A Call to Selfless LoveVerse 1: We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Verse 2: Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.Verse 3. For even Christ did not please himself
Everyday Life: How do you use your strength?Truth: Moses and Aaron (Exodus 17:8-13) When Israel fought the Amalekites, Moses arms grew weak as he held up the staff. Instead of criticizing him, Aaron and Hur supported his arms so that Israel could win the battle. We all have weak moments; the strong are called to lift up the weak, not leave them behind.
II. The Power of the Word for Encouragement (Verses 4-6): ACall to Endurance and UnityVerse 4: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Verse 5: May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity.Verse 6: So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Everyday Life: Who and how did someone speak life into your disappointment and despair?Truth: Elijah's Despair and God's Encouragement (1 Kings 19:1-18)
III. Accepting One Another as Christ Did (Verses 7-12): ACall to Inclusion and JoyVerse 7: Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Verse 8: “For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed.” Paul shows that Jesus fulfilled God’s promises to Israel.Verse 9: Paul writes: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” (Romans 15:9) This comes from Psalm 18:49, where David declares: “Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.”Verse 10: Paul continues: “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people." This is from Deuteronomy 32:43, which says: “Rejoice, you nations, with hispeople, for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will take vengeance on his enemies and make atonement for his land and people.”Verse 11: Paul declares: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” This is a direct quote from Psalm 117:1, which states: “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.”Verse 12: Paul concludes: “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” This prophecy from Isaiah 11:10 says: “In that day the Root of Jesse will standas a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.”
Everyday Life: How did you create space for the one who felt uncomfortable or out of place?Truth: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)The Samaritan helped the wounded man while others ignored him. He didn't care about race or status—he saw a person in need.Christ calls us to embrace people, not exclude them.
IV. Abounding in Hope Through the Holy Spirit (Verse 13): ACall to Joy and Trust in GodVerse 13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.True hope isn't based on circumstances—it's based on God's faithfulness.The Holy Spirit fills us with joy, peace, and hope that overflows.
Everyday Life: Make a statement today of Living life with confidence and expectation !!Truth: Abraham's Hope in God's Promise (Romans 4:18-21)Abraham hoped against all odds that God would give him a son.Even when it seemed impossible, he trusted God's promise.Faith in God leads to overflowing hope.
Conclusion:Christ calls us to love selflessly, find encouragement in His Word, embrace unity, and overflow with hope.
Challenge:Who in your life needs patience from you?Who do you need to encourage this week?Are you living in the hope and joy God offers?
Give today! https://thesycamore.churchcenter.com/giving

Super Soul Sunday

Pastor Eric Burton - February 9, 2025
Key Verse Today: Matthew 16:26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Sycamore quality: church should be enjoyable.
It's Super Bowl Sunday!  Apollo 11 Moon landing and Super Bowl XXVII halftime show are considered the most watched event.
Today we're going to have some fun with a N. American tradition while presenting a biblical truth. 
Because of the NFL's copyright restriction on the use "Super Bowl" others have deemed today as Super Sunday!
I'm not a big proponent of gimmicky sermons but culture is worth using when it can bring a spiritual insight.  Jesus often did this through his teaching.  So what if today we had a Super Soul Sunday. 
Today our soul is the prize and there will be a winner and loser, you decide.   The first soul we read about in the Bible is Adam's. Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
The life in Adam was different than the life in every other creation.Adam was made from the same earth but didn't have the same source of life. There may be similarities between you and another species  because God used the same material.  But when he gave life He put something different in Adam and every human being that made us a living soul.  His Breath.  
We're made of the same earth but what's in me is different.  
The breath of God gave Adam the ability to do a purpose rich work on earth transcending robotic instinct.  The breath of God ignites our ability to connect with our purpose and our world.    
The soul is the immortal part of our being. We know we have one but don't know how to listen to it. We know we have one but don't know how to nourish it.We know we have one but don't know if it's healthy.  We know we have one but don't know it's value.  We know we have one but fail to realize it's going to live forever somewhere.
It's difficult to put your finger on soul.  It's the combination of heaven and earth. When eternal was mixed with temporal. It's feeling and facts. Soul will make you remember your alive. This is what is up for grabs today. John 10:9-10 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Soul is when you know the rules and then bend them.You know soul when you hearWhen you hear it you feel itWhen you feel it you express itWhen you express it you see it
We need more soul in the churchMore soul in our prayers, our worship, our preaching, our evangelizing, our faith
In Matthew Jesus asks is there anything worth more than your soul?He says, what does it profit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul.  In order for there to be a profit what I'm getting has to be more than what I'm giving, that's good economics? Is there anything more valuable than your soul. Some people have gained earthly riches and notoriety at the expense of what makes them different. Moses praise to God that he wouldn't take His presence from them because that's what made them different than everyone else.  Don't lose what makes you, you. Don't lose your identity and creativity.  The beat in your heart was gone.  Your joy and passion. We won't come out profitable when we put pleasure over value, gratification over value, quantity over value. Opinion over value. 
Ephesians 2:5 We were dead in our trespasses (sin) Much what kills us is trespass.  We went where we weren't supposed.  We violated a boundary God set up.  God breathed into Adam and he became a living soul. We were dead in our trespasses and sins but God wants to breath life back into you. Jesus' breath is what gave the disciples the Holy GhostIt's the same breath that came from heaven like a mighty rushing wind on the day of Pentecost.It's the breath of God that makes us alive!
God gave us a playbook for the soul to be saved.Run the play. 
There's this interview with Drew Brees about the QB calls. And Stephen Colbert wanted to know how you decode this long connection of phrases to make sense. The coach wants you to run the play because it works. But so often we don't want to follow the instructions. 
God's play for saving your soul starts with 
1. Believing.  Mark 16:16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.2. RepentLuke 13:3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.3. Be BaptizedActs 2:384. Because all have sinnedRomans 3:235. Be filled with the Holy Spirit; the breath of God.  Acts 2:38Ephesians 1:13
What If Jesus were a Quarterback?
Your second half can be a comeback. If it feels like the first half of your life, no matter your age, was a mess there’s still time to come back! 
ConversionWho's the best at 4th down conversions? Luke 19:10 Jesus  came to seek and to save that which was lost. This is the story of Zacchaeus.  He had gained the world and lost his soul. He spent half his life doing the wrong thing.  But Jesus called a play.  Zacchaeus ran it and the second half of his life was better than the first.  
The first half of your life may be a mess but Jesus can turn it around.

Romans: You Are Not What You Eat

Pastor Eric Burton - February 2, 2025
 
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭23‬‬
Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
 
Defining Terms: 
*Strong believers were those with a strong conscience that felt okay to exercise liberties.
*Weak believers were those with a weak conscience that had a conservative theology and did not exercise liberties.  
 
Weak is simply anyone that's isn't quite where you are. Weak are those who don't feel comfortable doing what you feel free to do. 
 
We are admonished by Paul to accept other believers that don't see things the way you do.
 
Interestingly enough the weaker believers tended to be the Jews; those with a longer history with God.  
 
Let's see why this verse of scripture was important to them and may be important to us today. 
 
Exodus 34:15 “You must not make a treaty of any kind with the people living in the land. They lust after their gods, offering sacrifices to them. They will invite you to join them in their sacrificial meals, and you will go with them. Then you will accept their daughters, who sacrifice to other gods, as wives for your sons. And they will seduce your sons to commit adultery against me by worshiping other gods. 
 
What they ate connected them to God.
 
God gives this warning:  
What you eat is connected to your worship.
What you desire is what you give to.  
What you give to is what you accept.  
What you accept becomes your normal. 
 
Remember eating the forbidden fruit in the garden breached the relationship between God and man.
This practice was so entrenched in the people that it determined who was allowed to worship with you.  
Kosher= fit. Fit for consumption
Just ask yourself that question, "Is what I'm eating fit for consumption?"
What the Jewish people ate related to their relationship with God. They had a co

Let's Level Up

Pastor Eric Burton - January 26, 2025
Isaiah 28:10-13
He tells us everything over and over— one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!” So now God will have to speak to his people through foreign oppressors who speak a strange language! God has told his people, “Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.” But they would not listen. So the Lord will spell out his message for them again, one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there, so that they will stumble and fall. They will be injured, trapped, and captured.
 
Key Verse Today: Isaiah 28:10-13
 
Main Announcement: Today we launch Connect Groups!
 
We like to start at the finish line. We normally experience life from the vantage of big experiences and completed projects, but life is constructed of small things: It's making your bed, lending a smile, a penny saved, simply saying no or yes.  
 
Today we're going to encourage you to start. Start with the small things and allow God to continue doing the small things in your life. 
 
Context of Isaiah 28: There's a city of proud drunks that believe their city is indestructible because of its location. They have made a deal that has hedged them against death. They don't like that God speaks to them like children, telling them things over and over, one line at a time... a little here and a littler there. They've built their lives on a foundation of lies. 
 
They are told a hailstorm will destroy it all; God lets them know a catastrophe is coming that is going to destroy you.  
 
Instead, (God loves to offer a better option) God offers a solution by laying a firm foundation of truth that they can build on and anyone that builds on it will be safe.
 
Psalm 127:1
 
Psalms 127:1
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
 
God builds people and His kingdom out of small things. He instills His principles through the process of here a little and there a little. 
 
Is it Nagging or Nudging?
 
Building a brick wall is the same material layered up one level at a time. 
Nagging is when you're still on the same level the first time it was told to you. Nudging is when you are further along than the first time it was told to you. 
 
Don't mistake the instruction of God for nagging when He simply wants you to level up!  
 
Things we nudge about around here at The Sycamore:
Next Steps
Serving 
Salvation
Baptism
Connect Groups
We hope by saying it enough one day you will catch on. ;)
 
God is a Builder, not a Destroyer.
 
It's easy to tear things down. Anyone can demolish, but it's a skill to build. To build people and churches and ministry and a marriage...
 
God doesn't want to hear himself say the same thing over and over. It's actually a way of building. God CAN build things quickly, but most often he chooses not to.
 
God builds with lines: 
So you develop
So you don't collapse under pressure
So your gifting doesn't outpace your character
 
One line by itself isn't that strong but put lots of lines together and you have fortification.
 
You may feel discouraged because you are just starting out in your faith. But God is building you one line at a time to make you strong when storms come, and they will come.
 
Small things got us in this position.
 
Proverbs 6:10-11 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
 
Small things end up making a big difference. Little choices and little steps got us where we are.
 
Good choices build strong lives.
Zechariah 4:10, Don't despise the day of small things.
 
Things that started small: 
God's kingdom, seen as a stone that was tumbling
Anointing starts out as a stream and turns into a river
Our church
 
Don't be afraid to start with small beginnings
 
The construction is the objective. We are not being built to be finished in this life time: God is building us to develop us for the life to come.  
 
You don't have to be perfect to begin.
When God created the world, it was a mess.
When God found me, my life was a mess.
You don't have to be perfect to begin walking with Jesus. "We don't get good to come to Jesus. We get Jesus to get good"
 
What you need to do today:
Start a relationship with Jesus.
Let Jesus continue building you up.
Join a Connect Group today.

Romans: What Happens When I Love My Neighbor

The Sycamore Church
==========Romans 13: 8-14January 19, 2025Pastor Eric Burton==========
Romans 13:8Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
Last week we ended by saying pay your taxes. Taxes are an obligation by man to man. Paul says give money, fear, honor to those that require it. 
Apostle Paul urges us to get rid of these obligations owed to others, but then he says if you are going to owe someone something, let it be love.  I can get rid of debt, but I'll never be in a position where I don't owe love to someone.   
Fulfilling ALL the Law of God through love.
 It is interesting that up until now Paul has highlighted our inability to fulfill the law. Paul's controversial ministry was due in part to his inviting non Jews into the family of God and presenting a message that didn't require the law. But we're going to see that Paul uses the same words and approach as Jesus when it comes to fulfilling the law.
The reflection of our love for God is how we obey, not how we feel. John 14:15 says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Love isn't always so romantic. Contrary to what we've allowed it to become, it is dry and lacks luster.  The kind of love we're going to talk about today doesn't muster emotion but rather resolve in times when we don't feel anything. We're going to look at how living for God isn't a lofty emotional roller coaster. Our love for God is based on obeying- obeying that can lead to emotion but is not the main point. 
There's a Jewish character in the book, The Weight of Ink, that comes across the Christian idea of the spirit of man reaching out and searching to connect with God. She is perplexed because Jewish teaching is strictly about obeying God's commands, not feeling through them. Jewish writing was NOT known for its philosophical approach. 
The Apostle Paul warns in Colossians 2:8. "Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ."  
We have tried to feel after what God wants rather than hearing what God wants. We need the voice of God back in our lives.  It used to be that the voice of God would make mountains and men tremble.  When they heard God's voice, it was like many waters.   
In Psalm 119, King David is absolutely in love with the commands, regulations, laws, instructions and decrees of God. He exemplifies what it looks like when you love God; His ways are a delight not a dilemma.  God's ways don't get in the way of my lifestyle; they are the lifestyle.
Romans 13:9-14For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Vs. 9 The Spirit of the law over the letter of the lawThere are 10 Commandments, and Paul lists 5 of them, same as Jesus in Mathew 19:19.  When you love, you don't need legalism to tell you not to hurt others.   
Vs. 10 tells us the law is fulfilled by love. The law was given, in part, to prevent wrong being done to others. It was a civil document governing how to live pleasing to God AND with others. The law was meant to prevent trespasses being committed.  Because love does not do wrong to others, the best way to fulfill the law of God is to love Him and your neighbor.  
Vs. 11-13 Recognize the urgency of the timesPaul tells us to wake up! Our salvation is near and approaching like the dawning of day. It's an unstoppable light, and the deeds done in the night have to be taken off.  
Take off dirty deeds off, Paul says, like dirty clothes.  
It's not something that accidentally got on you- you put it on. You've got to take some things off.  Take off just like you would remove weight that holds you back. 
Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
Vs 14 You've got to put something on. The Bible calls it "clothing" yourself. We have to put on Christ. To sink into (clothing), put on, clothe one's self. What we wear changes our behavior and thinking. When we put on Christ, we act differently.
And don't make provisions for the flesh.  In other words don't make room or accommodate plans for your flesh in life.

Romans: Everyone Has A Boss

Pastor Eric Burton
Romans 13: 1-7
January 12, 2025

Romans: Don't Just Have Gifts, Have Guts

Pastor Eric Burton - January 5, 2025

You Better Not Pout

Pastor Eric Burton

Romans: Total Surrender

Message delivered by Angel Barnett