Romans 15-16
Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for the Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. Why do we keep secrets? Why would God keep a secret like this? Perhaps we've shown ourselves as not being able to be trusted with a secret... that as soon as we know the ending, we decide we don't have to work as hard. In any case, as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. There is no excuse now. We can't say we didn't know... can't say we were born into the wrong family tree... just need to believe and obey.
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Moral Relativism in the Bible
Romans 13-14
Don't stone me just yet, but it is my opinion that not all of the Bible proclaims a position that is 100% against moral relativism. For example, consider Romans 14:14-23:
Don't stone me just yet, but it is my opinion that not all of the Bible proclaims a position that is 100% against moral relativism. For example, consider Romans 14:14-23:
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.If moral relativism is defined as the view that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right or wrong are culturally based and therefore subject to a person's individual choice, then it at least in part, Paul is telling us that in some areas, it is scripturally correct to say that moral relativism is not 100% inconsistent with God's teachings. HOWEVER, be very careful when working out your own salvation... do so with significant fear and trembling and a heart that is oriented towards God and with heart, mind, body, soul, and strength completely abandoned to God's will.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Back to the Basics
Romans 11-12
"Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either." Let's be clear, God did not reject his chosen people, but many of them choose to take paths that did not lead to him. Although their initial motives may have been righteous, the path they got on did not lead to God. As Andy Stanley would say "Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination."
Fast forward 2000 years and the silent question bears repeating. Are we on the path that leads to God, or are we one of the wild branches about to be pruned off to make room for fruitful new growths? Will we be surprised to find that we are walking on a path that parallels those branches that were pruned? Seems to me that the church of today has written in some of their own rules... rules that God never intended... as a substitute for God's standard. It's time to get back to the basics
"Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either." Let's be clear, God did not reject his chosen people, but many of them choose to take paths that did not lead to him. Although their initial motives may have been righteous, the path they got on did not lead to God. As Andy Stanley would say "Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination."
Fast forward 2000 years and the silent question bears repeating. Are we on the path that leads to God, or are we one of the wild branches about to be pruned off to make room for fruitful new growths? Will we be surprised to find that we are walking on a path that parallels those branches that were pruned? Seems to me that the church of today has written in some of their own rules... rules that God never intended... as a substitute for God's standard. It's time to get back to the basics
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Chosen Ones
Romans 9-10
In 1000 B.C. it was pretty easy to tell who was one of the chosen ones... check yes if you are a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Fast forward 1000 years and things aren't quite so clear. In the intervening years, the chosen ones failed to keep the covenant... failed to show justice and mercy... and failed to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. So when Paul, a recovered Pharisee, saw the light (literally) he could speak from experience, telling his Roman brethren that the people of Israel tried to get right with God by keeping the law, but they never succeeded because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. Although God saved a remnant, his mantle was removed from Israel and placed on the gentiles. Why? Paul tells us... "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." I confess and believe. Do you?
In 1000 B.C. it was pretty easy to tell who was one of the chosen ones... check yes if you are a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Fast forward 1000 years and things aren't quite so clear. In the intervening years, the chosen ones failed to keep the covenant... failed to show justice and mercy... and failed to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. So when Paul, a recovered Pharisee, saw the light (literally) he could speak from experience, telling his Roman brethren that the people of Israel tried to get right with God by keeping the law, but they never succeeded because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. Although God saved a remnant, his mantle was removed from Israel and placed on the gentiles. Why? Paul tells us... "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." I confess and believe. Do you?
Monday, February 1, 2010
No One Is Righteous
Genesis 16-19
In Romans 3, Paul quotes from the old testament when he says "No one is righteous— not even one." I've probably read that a thousand times, and agreed with it without really believing that it applied to me, because I'm pretty good after all, but of course, I lie.
Today's selection from Genesis showcases one of the classic examples of the depths of depravity and unrighteousness that man is capable of... Sodom and Gomorrah. God warned Abraham that he was going to destroy the city and Abraham asked if he would really destroy everything even if there were only 50 righteous men. God agreed to withhold the destruction if 50 could be found. Eventually, Abraham worked him down to just 10 righteous men. Since ten righteous men could not be found, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed... and only 4 people escaped... except one of the four looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt, so then there were three. And those three hid out in a cave for so long that the two daughters conspired to get their father drunk and have sex with him so that they would have children... and they became the ancestors of the Moabites and the Ammonites... bitter enemies of God's chosen people because of their unrighteousness.
The one remaining person, Lot, he was righteous right? Well, not exactly. When the angels of the Lord came to his house and the men of the city wanted to have their way with the angels, Lot offered to give up his virgin daughters to the men of the city to do with as they wanted if they would leave the men alone. Hardly the bastion of righteousness. Looking back through the pages of scripture, there really are no righteous men. Thankfully, if we fast forward to Romans 3 again we see the solution... "Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins."
In Romans 3, Paul quotes from the old testament when he says "No one is righteous— not even one." I've probably read that a thousand times, and agreed with it without really believing that it applied to me, because I'm pretty good after all, but of course, I lie.
Today's selection from Genesis showcases one of the classic examples of the depths of depravity and unrighteousness that man is capable of... Sodom and Gomorrah. God warned Abraham that he was going to destroy the city and Abraham asked if he would really destroy everything even if there were only 50 righteous men. God agreed to withhold the destruction if 50 could be found. Eventually, Abraham worked him down to just 10 righteous men. Since ten righteous men could not be found, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed... and only 4 people escaped... except one of the four looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt, so then there were three. And those three hid out in a cave for so long that the two daughters conspired to get their father drunk and have sex with him so that they would have children... and they became the ancestors of the Moabites and the Ammonites... bitter enemies of God's chosen people because of their unrighteousness.
The one remaining person, Lot, he was righteous right? Well, not exactly. When the angels of the Lord came to his house and the men of the city wanted to have their way with the angels, Lot offered to give up his virgin daughters to the men of the city to do with as they wanted if they would leave the men alone. Hardly the bastion of righteousness. Looking back through the pages of scripture, there really are no righteous men. Thankfully, if we fast forward to Romans 3 again we see the solution... "Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Amor Vincit Omnia
Romans 7-8
Where do you start in a critique of Rembrandt? How do you advise Shakespeare on the composition of a sonnet? How do you expound upon or otherwise provide insight into Romans 8? ... Love Conquers All.
Where do you start in a critique of Rembrandt? How do you advise Shakespeare on the composition of a sonnet? How do you expound upon or otherwise provide insight into Romans 8? ... Love Conquers All.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Slave by Choice
Romans 5-6
My guess is that if you asked 100 people if they would choose to become a slave, all of them would say no (other than a handful of jokingly lewd yeses), but in Romans 6:16, Paul tells us that we all choose to be slaves. "Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?" Due to our human nature, we do not have a choice over whether we will be a slave, but we are free choose our master... sin or God... death or life. Amazingly, many choose death.
Can so many people actually be so wrong? Sadly, they can. They have been deceived in much the same way as Adam and Eve. They have been fed a lie... the lie resonated with them... and they bit. Thankfully, unlike the Garden of Eden, we can choose to repent (turn away) from our previous choice and turn to God. Halleluia!
My guess is that if you asked 100 people if they would choose to become a slave, all of them would say no (other than a handful of jokingly lewd yeses), but in Romans 6:16, Paul tells us that we all choose to be slaves. "Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?" Due to our human nature, we do not have a choice over whether we will be a slave, but we are free choose our master... sin or God... death or life. Amazingly, many choose death.
Can so many people actually be so wrong? Sadly, they can. They have been deceived in much the same way as Adam and Eve. They have been fed a lie... the lie resonated with them... and they bit. Thankfully, unlike the Garden of Eden, we can choose to repent (turn away) from our previous choice and turn to God. Halleluia!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Now Everyone is Sinning
Romans 3-4
What a difference a Savior makes! When the Israelites first entered into the promised land, the sin of one man, Achan, caused all of Israel to be punished and all of his family to be stoned. But Paul tells us a different story of a new covenant...
What a difference a Savior makes! When the Israelites first entered into the promised land, the sin of one man, Achan, caused all of Israel to be punished and all of his family to be stoned. But Paul tells us a different story of a new covenant...
Through his atonement, we are declared righteous... even though we aren't... even though we are in fact sinners. How much better to have a Savior. What a difference a Savior makes!But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Privileged Position
Romans 1-2
One of the things I like about the New Living Translation is that it often words familiar passages in a way that is easier for me to process... a way that catches my attention... a way that convicts. The NLT translation of Romans 1:5 is a good example.
One of the things I like about the New Living Translation is that it often words familiar passages in a way that is easier for me to process... a way that catches my attention... a way that convicts. The NLT translation of Romans 1:5 is a good example.
Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.We have been given the privilege and authority to evangelize... to tell people everywhere what God has done for them. When I read that this morning I felt convicted. Then, at church tonight, Mark started a new sermon series on Evangelism. God knows my heart so well. I shall listen.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Bible Study Tools
Bible Readings... Romans 3
Highlighted Verse... Romans 3:10-18 - As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies. Snake venom drips from their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow them. They don’t know where to find peace. They have no fear of God at all.”
How it impressed me... What impresses me the most about this piece of scripture is the depth of Paul's knowledge of scripture. I guess I'd always assumed that these 9 verses were lifted as a whole from some other part of scripture that Paul repeats here, but that is not the case. These verses are an amalgam of quotes from Psalms 5:9; 10:7; 14:1-3; 36:1; 53:1-3; 140:3 and Isaiah 59:7-8 put together into a cohesive whole to illustrate this portion of Paul's systematic theology. Paul didn't have a concordance, or Internet search engines, or any of the other tools we use in Bible study. Instead he had years of learning at Gamaliel's feet, a direct encounter with the risen Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a life immersed in God's Word. From there, he had all the tools he needed to teach God's children the truth.
My response to God... Father of Truth, inspire in me the desire to live in your Word... to dwell in your truths... to love your ways... that they would become my life, my truth, my love, my ways.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 3:10-18 - As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies. Snake venom drips from their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow them. They don’t know where to find peace. They have no fear of God at all.”
How it impressed me... What impresses me the most about this piece of scripture is the depth of Paul's knowledge of scripture. I guess I'd always assumed that these 9 verses were lifted as a whole from some other part of scripture that Paul repeats here, but that is not the case. These verses are an amalgam of quotes from Psalms 5:9; 10:7; 14:1-3; 36:1; 53:1-3; 140:3 and Isaiah 59:7-8 put together into a cohesive whole to illustrate this portion of Paul's systematic theology. Paul didn't have a concordance, or Internet search engines, or any of the other tools we use in Bible study. Instead he had years of learning at Gamaliel's feet, a direct encounter with the risen Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a life immersed in God's Word. From there, he had all the tools he needed to teach God's children the truth.
My response to God... Father of Truth, inspire in me the desire to live in your Word... to dwell in your truths... to love your ways... that they would become my life, my truth, my love, my ways.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Twisted Thinking
Bible Readings... Romans 3
Highlighted Verse... Romans 3:5 - “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for him to punish us?”
Thoughts... How twisted does man have to become to conclude that we do God a favor by sinning so that other people can see how great he is? How insensitive does one have to be to not see the price that Christ paid for each one of our sins that we would so easily sin and dismiss the action? Who is this man that could do such a thing?
How it impressed me... I am that man. I sin without counting the cost. I expect God to simply forgive. Even if I have never voiced a statement that my sinfulness helps to show God's righteousness, I have been just as callous... just as casual with sin... forgetting the price of each act of disobedience.
My response to God... Merciful God, forgive me yet again. Help me to visualize the cost of every indiscretion... every intentional action that is contrary to your perfect will. Help me to follow you in lock step, setting aside my agenda for your greater plan.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 3:5 - “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for him to punish us?”
Thoughts... How twisted does man have to become to conclude that we do God a favor by sinning so that other people can see how great he is? How insensitive does one have to be to not see the price that Christ paid for each one of our sins that we would so easily sin and dismiss the action? Who is this man that could do such a thing?
How it impressed me... I am that man. I sin without counting the cost. I expect God to simply forgive. Even if I have never voiced a statement that my sinfulness helps to show God's righteousness, I have been just as callous... just as casual with sin... forgetting the price of each act of disobedience.
My response to God... Merciful God, forgive me yet again. Help me to visualize the cost of every indiscretion... every intentional action that is contrary to your perfect will. Help me to follow you in lock step, setting aside my agenda for your greater plan.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Which Way Out?
Bible Readings... Romans 2
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:12-13 - All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Thoughts... Paul is telling us clearly that obedience is the only path to righteousness. Sinning, whether unconsciously (apart from the law) or consciously (under the law) ends negatively for the sinner. Just knowing the difference between right and wrong will not produce a harvest, but rather destruction. The only thing that will yield a harvest of righteousness, is obedience to God's word. Paul justifies the condemnation of the unknowing by reminding us that "the requirements of the law are written on their hearts."
My response to God... Merciful Savior, forgive me my trespasses. Help me to stay on the path that you have laid out for me. Help me to be obedient, even unto death, that I may dwell with you forever.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:12-13 - All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Thoughts... Paul is telling us clearly that obedience is the only path to righteousness. Sinning, whether unconsciously (apart from the law) or consciously (under the law) ends negatively for the sinner. Just knowing the difference between right and wrong will not produce a harvest, but rather destruction. The only thing that will yield a harvest of righteousness, is obedience to God's word. Paul justifies the condemnation of the unknowing by reminding us that "the requirements of the law are written on their hearts."
My response to God... Merciful Savior, forgive me my trespasses. Help me to stay on the path that you have laid out for me. Help me to be obedient, even unto death, that I may dwell with you forever.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Savings or Loan
Bible Readings... Romans 2
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Thoughts... Who would willingly "store up wrath" against their self? Who would show such contempt for the riches of God's kindness, tolerance and patience that they would risk his righteous judgement in exchange for the pleasure of judging their fellow man? Evidently... is it I.
How it impressed me... How often will I continue to fail and he continue to forgive? When God gives "to each person according to what he has done," what will I receive? His judgement... or his kindness, tolerance, and patience? I pray that his kindness is so rich, his tolerance so lenient, and his patience so forbearing that I may be spared the stored up wrath.
My response to God... Mighty God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Thoughts... Who would willingly "store up wrath" against their self? Who would show such contempt for the riches of God's kindness, tolerance and patience that they would risk his righteous judgement in exchange for the pleasure of judging their fellow man? Evidently... is it I.
How it impressed me... How often will I continue to fail and he continue to forgive? When God gives "to each person according to what he has done," what will I receive? His judgement... or his kindness, tolerance, and patience? I pray that his kindness is so rich, his tolerance so lenient, and his patience so forbearing that I may be spared the stored up wrath.
My response to God... Mighty God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Evil Inventions
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:28-32 - Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Thoughts... This is such a sad commentary on life during Paul's time. Unfortunately, it rings too true today. How arrogant can man get that he would thumb his nose at the creator of the universe? How evil does one need to be to invent ways of doing evil? Our modern contribution was to invent ways of having it beamed into our living rooms each night. And then, to top it all off, they encourage others to follow suit.
How it impressed me... Passages like this tend to make me introspective. At first I glibly say like the Pharisee,"Thank God I'm not like those people," but it doesn't take too long before I have to carefully read the passage and wonder how much is referring to me and my actions. Like Nicodemus, I come to Jesus in the cover of darkness to ask questions and try to reset my moral compass.
My response to God... Beautiful Savior, I grieve when I see how callously some people treat you until I realize that I have been there before, and but for your grace would be there still. Help me to forever set aside those things that grieve you. Help me to love you with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:28-32 - Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Thoughts... This is such a sad commentary on life during Paul's time. Unfortunately, it rings too true today. How arrogant can man get that he would thumb his nose at the creator of the universe? How evil does one need to be to invent ways of doing evil? Our modern contribution was to invent ways of having it beamed into our living rooms each night. And then, to top it all off, they encourage others to follow suit.
How it impressed me... Passages like this tend to make me introspective. At first I glibly say like the Pharisee,"Thank God I'm not like those people," but it doesn't take too long before I have to carefully read the passage and wonder how much is referring to me and my actions. Like Nicodemus, I come to Jesus in the cover of darkness to ask questions and try to reset my moral compass.
My response to God... Beautiful Savior, I grieve when I see how callously some people treat you until I realize that I have been there before, and but for your grace would be there still. Help me to forever set aside those things that grieve you. Help me to love you with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ministry to the Foolish
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
Thoughts... Paul plays it straight up and lays it on the line... He doesn't have the choice to walk away from those to foolish to know that they need God -- he is OBLIGATED to minister to the foolish. If he is to fulfill Christ's purpose for him, he must take the Gospel message to the foolish. What about me?
How it impressed me... How many times have I walked away or skirted around or avoided ministering to the foolish because it wasn't worth my time? How are the unwise to become wise, if the wise won't teach them? How are those who don't understand to understand if those who do don't reach out to them? How busy am I that I can't take time to bring the Good News to someone who needs it?
My response to God... Merciful God, soften my heart to reach out to all who need your Word. Give me the words to bring understanding to those who lack. Complete my knowledge of you and instill in me a desire to obey you.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
Thoughts... Paul plays it straight up and lays it on the line... He doesn't have the choice to walk away from those to foolish to know that they need God -- he is OBLIGATED to minister to the foolish. If he is to fulfill Christ's purpose for him, he must take the Gospel message to the foolish. What about me?
How it impressed me... How many times have I walked away or skirted around or avoided ministering to the foolish because it wasn't worth my time? How are the unwise to become wise, if the wise won't teach them? How are those who don't understand to understand if those who do don't reach out to them? How busy am I that I can't take time to bring the Good News to someone who needs it?
My response to God... Merciful God, soften my heart to reach out to all who need your Word. Give me the words to bring understanding to those who lack. Complete my knowledge of you and instill in me a desire to obey you.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Improper Perspective
Since Paul's letter to the Romans is so full of scriptural treasure, I may dwell on chapters for several days.
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:11-13 - I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Thoughts... In the last entry I noticed how my perspective was so much different than God's preventing me from seeing his plans and purpose. In these verses, I notice another difference of perspective, and it is just as ugly. When I read these verses, I initially get the impression that Paul is boasting (I want to see you so I can make you better, I planned to come see you, so I could have a harvest among you, etc.). Upon reflection, what I see is that if I had said those things, I would have said them in boast... but Paul, in his sold out state is merely recording a fact. To be completely abandoned to God's will is to have only his interest at heart, and Paul was focused so much on God's will that he could scarcely boast, but rather just told the plans that God had laid out and he was following.
My response to God... Dear Lord, remove from me any desire to lift up myself, but rather humble me before your throne.
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:11-13 - I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Thoughts... In the last entry I noticed how my perspective was so much different than God's preventing me from seeing his plans and purpose. In these verses, I notice another difference of perspective, and it is just as ugly. When I read these verses, I initially get the impression that Paul is boasting (I want to see you so I can make you better, I planned to come see you, so I could have a harvest among you, etc.). Upon reflection, what I see is that if I had said those things, I would have said them in boast... but Paul, in his sold out state is merely recording a fact. To be completely abandoned to God's will is to have only his interest at heart, and Paul was focused so much on God's will that he could scarcely boast, but rather just told the plans that God had laid out and he was following.
My response to God... Dear Lord, remove from me any desire to lift up myself, but rather humble me before your throne.
Monday, November 10, 2008
God's Second
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:24-25 - Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Thoughts... Two thousand years and little has changed... how it must break the heart of my Lord when he gives me a choice and I choose something other than him. It is as though any of us can make a motion to set aside the matter that God has placed on the table, and he will second our motion. He sadly agrees to allow us to follow our own path, all the while hoping that we will come back... running to meet us like the Prodigal Son's father. And we, and I... exchange the truth of God for a lie. A lie that tells us that we have a right to this or that, all the while forgetting that God has called us to something better, something higher, something that we cannot even fathom from our lowly perspective, but that if we will take up his promise, his mission, his purpose -- we can fly on the wings of eagles and see his plan and be a part of his kingdom.
My response to God... Father God, forgive me for choosing my way instead of yours, forgive me. Help me to forever put aside everything that is not of you that your purpose will be made complete.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:24-25 - Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Thoughts... Two thousand years and little has changed... how it must break the heart of my Lord when he gives me a choice and I choose something other than him. It is as though any of us can make a motion to set aside the matter that God has placed on the table, and he will second our motion. He sadly agrees to allow us to follow our own path, all the while hoping that we will come back... running to meet us like the Prodigal Son's father. And we, and I... exchange the truth of God for a lie. A lie that tells us that we have a right to this or that, all the while forgetting that God has called us to something better, something higher, something that we cannot even fathom from our lowly perspective, but that if we will take up his promise, his mission, his purpose -- we can fly on the wings of eagles and see his plan and be a part of his kingdom.
My response to God... Father God, forgive me for choosing my way instead of yours, forgive me. Help me to forever put aside everything that is not of you that your purpose will be made complete.
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