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Jumpstarter 4 of 10

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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 14:10-13 Do Not Judge Your Brother  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 4
Polycarp urges serving Christ “in fear and with all reverence”; how do you react to that language, and what parts of your discipleship would need to change if “fear” and “reverence” were normal, early-Christian assumptions rather than awkward words we avoid?
Another way to ask: How do you feel about serving Christ “in fear and with reverence”? What would you need to change if those were normal parts of following Jesus instead of words we avoid?

Direct Answer The transcript presents “fear” and “reverence” as a reasonable, steady response to the certainty of standing before Christ’s judgment seat; if that became normal, discipleship would shift toward serious, watchful obedience and away from casual attitudes about sin and accountability.

Support from Transcript:

  • Polycarp’s statement is central: “We must all appear at the judgment seat of Christ… give an account… Therefore, let us serve Him in fear and with all reverence.”
  • The teacher frames judgment as decisive: “where our eternal destiny will be determined.”
  • Judgment includes “recompense… based on what he has merited… as to good or evil.”
  • Scripture is repeatedly cited: “those who have done good… resurrection of life… those who have done evil… resurrection of judgment.”
  • The lesson warns against being casual: “we Christians should take the matter very seriously.”
Discussion Follow-ups What routines (speech, entertainment, habits) would you treat differently if you kept “give an account” in mind daily? How can reverence show up without turning into despair or constant anxiety?

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