Category: Romans
A reasonable spiritual act!
Scripture reading for November 21st: Romans 12-16
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8,10
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” Romans 14:17-18
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6
“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.” Romans 15:13
“Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made know through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!” Romans 16:25-27
These powerful truths all come in Paul’s response to God’s amazing plan of salvation for Jew and Gentile! In response to God’s amazing grace, we present Him with our bodies as “living sacrifices” and allow God’s word to renew our minds. The Kingdom of God in us brings righteousness, peace and joy through the Holy Spirit that spills over into our daily living. We love one another and fulfill all God’s laws! We live in hope of Christ’s return and eternal glory! What a powerful way to live and prepare for eternity!
Everyone who calls on the Lord!
Scripture reading for November 20st: Romans 9-11
There are some people in religious circles who believe in universal salvation. They contend that God is good and He would never send anyone to hell. However, this is not the teaching of the Scripture! Paul explained in Romans 9-11 how God plans to save the Jews and the Gentiles by faith in His Son Jesus Christ!
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13
Salvation begins in the heart. It is with the heart that we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. We believe that He died for our sins on the cross as the Son of God. We simply believe in God’s mercy through Christ, not in our works. When we believe, we are justified by faith just like Abraham and Sarah. Our believing is counted as righteousness to us because of what Christ has provided in His death, burial and resurrection.
When we believe in our heart, we confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord! Confession is not a work that we must do. It is the natural flow of a heart that believes and is fully persuaded about Jesus Christ! It is an outworking of faith. We confess Jesus as Lord and choose to live in submission to Him and His word.
Faith puts both Jew and Gentile on the same level ground at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ. All who call on the Lord will be saved! If you refuse to believe and confess Jesus as Lord, you will be lost eternally! If you have called on Jesus for salvation, take time and thank Him for His marvelous gift. If not, today is a great day to do so! It’s available to everyone who will! That’s universal salvation!
Abba, Father!
Scripture reading for November 19th: Romans 6-8
God has given fathers the responsibility of modeling the character of God, the Father. They are to teach their children how to love, serve, and give their lives to God and others. Sin has marred this process so that many times fathers teach the opposite to their children. Children hate their fathers or are afraid of them. In Romans 8, Paul teaches us about the new relationship that salvation brings with our heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit.
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co -heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings that we may also share in His Glory.” Romans 8:15-17
When we repent, we are adopted into the family of God and made a part of that family. The Holy Spirit gives us a deep understanding that we are children of God and our inner man cries out, “Abba”, which is the Greek word for “Daddy”. It is the affectionate title of a family member for their father! Remember Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9)
We become “co-heirs” with Christ in the Father’s family! (Romans 8:17) We have an inheritance from our Father’s estate and God owns everything visible and invisible! This truth is beyond comprehension with our natural mind! We must have revelation to begin to grasp what God has given us!
However, we will share in this glory only if we are willing to share in His sufferings. When Jesus lived on earth, he suffered temptations, persecution, physical torture, and death because of His willing obedience to the Father who loved Him. He loved us enough to endure the pain and shame of crucifixion so that we might be adopted into Father’s family! (Hebrews 12:1-2) Now that we are part of that family, we must obediently submit to a path of suffering to enter into glory!
As you go through your day today, take time to talk to your “Abba” and tell Him how much you appreciate what He has provided! Take any inconvenience or suffering as opportunity to thank Him for the coming glory!
Considering God faithful
Scripture reading for November 17th: Romans 4-5
Faith always has an object and that object is God! God alone is trustworthy and faithful to His word. If He said it, He will do it! He has the power to do whatever He says He will and the character of never lying! He can be counted on and His word will never fail!
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it has been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” “Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead–since he was about a hundred years old–and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised. This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.'” Romans 4:18-22
Sometimes things look impossible to the natural eye. When Abraham and Sara left their home to go to Canaan, God told them that He would give them offspring. (Genesis 15:4-6) In fact, their offspring would number more than the stars in the sky! Abraham believed God and it was counted as righteousness!
Time passed and they tried to produce the offspring. Nothing happened and they were getting older. Sarah gave Abraham her maid and she conceived a son, Ishmael. They thought that perhaps this child was the promised seed, but God visited them again and told them that in their old age that they would have a son from their own bodies! This seemed so impossible that Sarah laughed out loud! (Genesis 18:10-15) However, God restored their bodies and they had the child, Isaac, whose name means “laughter’! Faith brings results that cause joy and laughter to those who believe!
Faith is not difficult. It is simply coming to the point of being fully persuaded that God is faithful! What He has promised, He will bring to pass! If you have heard Him promise you a child, believe it and prepare for a child! If He has shown you it is time to move to a new city and preach the Gospel, pack up and head out! Your faith is counted as righteousness! How marvelous is the grace of our amazing God!
God gave them over!
Scripture reading for November 16th: Romans 1-3
My wife and I have raised 5 children and discipline has not been easy. Children are born with a sin-nature and self-will. Part of the job of parenting is to set boundaries and instruct them in wise choices. We wanted them to enjoy God’s blessing and favor and avoid the traps of sin and destruction that fill our world.
Initially, God makes Himself known to all men through nature. (Romans 1:20) The truth about God as creator is evident to all who will pay attention to the marvelous detail and order of our earth and universe. But godlessness and wickedness cause men to suppress the truth about God as creator and God’s wrath against their willful ignorance is set in motion.
As a result of suppressing the truth about God that was made clear to them by God through nature, men become darkened in their hearts and their thinking becomes futile and empty. They imagine themselves as the center of all things and think they are wise and intelligent. This foolish thinking leaves God out and puts man at the center of everything. When man chooses this route, God’s response is to give them over to what they desire in their darkened hearts. “Have it your way!” might be another way to say it!
As a result of being given over, men exchange the truth of God for a lie and begin to worship created things rather than the creator. (Romans 1:25) They pursue sexual immorality and sin. Their immorality takes the form of homosexuality and lesbian activity. Every kind of sin and wickedness flows from God simply withdrawing His light from their minds because they chose to ignore truth! Those who are ‘given over’ not only participate in this wickedness but honor others who also practice this same kind of wickedness! (Romans 1:32)
As we look at our nation, we can understand why we are in such sad shape. Because many have suppressed the knowledge of God, He has given them over to their own lusts and darkness. Sexual sins are off the charts and many do not blush at their own participation. Their consciences are seared. They encourage others to join them and vote into office those who will make their sins legal. Lord, have mercy on our nation! How we need the power of the Gospel to break the chains of selfishness and sin!
Personal relationships and ministry!
Scripture reading for August 3rd: Romans 16:8-27
Paul concludes his letter of introduction with some personal notes of greeting showing that although he had never visited the church at Rome, he had many connections. The community of faith is like a family with relationship connections everywhere. Ministry happens through relationship and when someone is born again, they come into a circle of new relationships.
The first woman mentioned was a sister in the Lord, Phoebe. She was called a ‘servant of the church in Cenchrea’. (Romans 16:1) The word for ‘servant’ is ‘deacon’. Phoebe was a friend of Paul’s who probably took his letter to the church in Rome from Corinth.
Priscilla and Aquila were a husband and wife whom Paul met in Corinth. Priscilla and Aquila were originally from Italy and left Rome because of persecution from Claudius, the Roman emperor who ordered all Jews to leave. (Acts 18:1-3) They had evidently returned to Italy and were part of the church there. Paul had been a tent maker with them and worked with them in sharing the Gospel in Corinth. These two had risked their lives for Paul. (Romans 16:3-5) A church was meeting at their house in Rome!
Andronicus and Junias, were relatives of Paul’s who were imprisoned with Paul at some point. Paul indicated that they were outstanding among the apostles and saved before he was. (Romans 16:7) This is the only mention in Scripture of a woman who was part of the early apostles!
Paul listed at least 8 women who were his friends and workers for the Lord. He also listed 19 men by name that he knew in Rome and commended them to the church there. He spoke of them in very personal ways as ‘dear friends’ and ‘like a mother’. He called them ‘saints’ and asked that the church greet them for him with a holy kiss of affection.
Paul warned the church there to be on guard against those who would cause divisions in the relationships that they enjoyed. Each church must be watchful because Satan loves to cause strife and division. (Romans 16:17-19) These who cause strife use smooth talk and flattery to deceive naive people. Paul’s warning was part of his pastor’s heart and years of experience in spiritual warfare. Personal relationship with Jesus Christ forms the basis of our salvation. Personal relationships in the body of Christ are essential for ministry. God knows each person by name!
Receiving offerings!
Scripture reading for August 2nd: Romans 15:23-16:7
Paul explained to the Roman church his calling to reach the Gentiles and to preach to those who had never heard about Christ. He felt that this is why he had been hindered from coming to visit them. They had already received the Gospel! He did want to have their fellowship and invited them to assist him in going to Spain to preach the Gospel there. This would be new territory.
Paul explained where he was headed now. He was going to Jerusalem to bless the church there. Paul had received offerings from the churches he had helped found in Macedonia and Achaia to help the poor among the church in Jerusalem. Many of the Jews who had believed in Christ were cut off from their families and often lost their jobs. They were persecuted for their faith and this resulted in poverty and need. Because the Gentiles had shared in the Jew’s spiritual blessings through Christ, Paul told them that they had an obligation to share with these Jews their material blessings. Paul stated that these Gentile churches had given generously and with joy! (Romans 15:26-27)
“I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:30-33) Paul’s great need as a missionary and apostle was prayer from the church. Prayer is as important as giving finances in accomplishing the work of God. Paul asked for protection from the unbelievers in Judea. He was aware of the potential danger to his own life and knew prayer would make a difference. He asked for God to enable him to serve the church in Jerusalem with excellence through his offerings and ministry. Paul also anticipated coming to the Roman church and having a time of refreshing with them as well. What great insight into the heart of the apostle Paul and his ministry through these last chapters of Romans!
Abounding in Hope!
Scripture reading for August 1st: Romans 15:1-22
Paul concludes this letter with another admonition to the strong in faith. They are to bear with the failings of the weak and not just seek to please themselves. Our goal should be to build up our neighbors, not judge them! (Romans 15:1-2) Jesus set the example for us by offering Himself in our place to take the penalty of our sins! What we deserved fell on Him.
God wants His people to dwell together in unity and hope as they follow Christ! (Romans 15:5-6) The Scriptures teach us how to have hope by the stories of God’s miraculous power and by the record of Christ’s example. Jesus prayed for His disciples and those who would follow Him from their ministry. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.” (John 17:20-21) Unity is maintained as we walk in the Spirit and allow the Word to dwell in us. We have hope for the future because of the promises of God for those who believe. The best is yet to come!
Both Jew and Gentile must accept one another because Christ accepted them both! “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.” (Romans 15:13) This is the practical benediction to Paul’s letter to this group of Roman believers. What an encouragement it is to them to hear from the Apostle Paul that God is a God of hope! He wants all believers to be filled with joy and peace as they trust in Christ for their every need. As they are filled with the Holy Spirit, the power of God’s hope will bring them encouragement and perseverance through any and all trials.
As you think about this passage today, remind yourself that God is the God of all hope! Hope is not found in our world or it’s leaders. Their promises may or may not come true. But God has the power and ability to make good on His every word! Hope abounds in Our Lord forever!
Righteousness, peace and joy!
Scripture reading for July 31st: Romans 14:1-23
The body of Christ is composed of people from different walks of life and different spiritual experience. Some come from religious backgrounds. Others come with no spiritual training and are eager to learn what is expected. Paul knew that the church at Rome was very diverse, with many Jews and Gentiles of different backgrounds. He wrote to help them understand how to practice the command of Jesus to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9-10)
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” (Romans 14:1-4a) We enter into pride when we judge someone else. Some matters, such as eating meat sacrificed to idols, are disputable. The strong person knows that the idol is nothing and that the meat is made clean by prayer and thanksgiving. The weaker person may feel polluted by the meat and believe that they have sinned by eating it. As long as what they do is motivated by their faith, neither one is to judge the other and cause disunity or division over eating meat! It is not loving to bring strife over matters like this.
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” (Romans 14:17-18) The Holy Spirit wants to lead us in loving our brothers and sisters, not in judging them on matters of conscience that are not clearly dealt with in Scripture. We can please God by walking in love and faith that God will deal with each person according to their faith.
“So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:22-23) Be quiet and live by faith!
Authority’s protective covering!
Scripture reading for July 30th: Romans 13:1-14
Paul’s practical application of faith included how to relate properly to authority in our lives. Today, it is popular to talk bad about our government, leaders, and those in authority over us. This kind of talk leads to disrespect for authority and can reflect a rebellious attitude towards God Himself! God is a God of order and through His word, gives us instructions on relating to government authorities.
God establishes all authority! (Romans 13:1) When we rebel against authority, we are really rebelling against what God established! This brings judgment on those who do such things! God has given responsibility to those in authority. They are to be a protective covering over those they are leading. This protection is in the form of making laws and enforcing those laws. They are to reward or bless those who keep the law, and punish those who break the laws.
Those under the law are instructed to submit to authority. This submission is to be voluntary and means to willingly stand under the authority and serve them by obeying the laws. If we do that, we are promised commendation from the authority and God! (Romans 13:3)
When someone breaks the laws, God has assigned those in government power to enforce the law (even with the sword). They are His servants, according to Paul! (Romans 13:4) We are to pay taxes to the government to provide for the leaders over us who keep this protective covering of law and enforcement. We are able to live in safety as long as we joyfully submit to this authority.
In America, we are blessed because our government was based, to a large extent on the Bible and God’s law. Our founding fathers wanted to establish a righteous government that would protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for those who submitted to it. Under this authority, people were to be free to own property and do business. They were to use their talents and abilities to bless others and make a living. They were to pay taxes to support this government and submit to it’s laws and enjoy it’s blessings.
Maintaining righteous government requires godly people voting to keep godly people in government who will guard our laws, and keep in mind the truth that all authority comes from God! Woe to us when we depart from these basics!