Week 7, Day 5
Today’s Reading: Galatians 1:1-2:21
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
As I was reading through Romans chapter 15, one verse in particular stuck out to me:
Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
–Romans 15:14
in this verse, we are able to see Paul’s confidence in his brethren. Have you ever wondered what may have made him so confident? There are probably several things that could be taken into consideration, but I will share with you two that crossed my mind.
First, Paul could have confidence in these brethren because they had proven themselves to him. Paul could be thinking back to previous interactions with some of the brethren that may now be among the Roman Christians, and he could be thinking about how they had shown their goodness, their knowledge and their willingness to admonish one another in times passed. If this were the case, then it must have been a great encouragement to these brethren to hear of Paul’s confidence in them. Paul knew that they would take what he was delivering to them, and use it just as God intended. The word “admonish” means (according to Strong’s Lexicon) to admonish, warn, or exhort. The Christians in Rome were willing to take what was delivered to them, and because of their goodness, use it to admonish one another. Sometimes that meant that they would use it for exhortation. Other times, it meant that they would use it to warn their brethren. Those who strayed from the truth must be admonished!
Secondly, Paul could have confidence in these brethren because they were his brethren! Perhaps Paul was relying upon the goodness of these brethren simply because they were his brethren in Christ. He could have simply been giving them the benefit of the doubt. He didn’t know what any group would do when he sent them a letter. Would they listen to his teaching? Would they correct the things that were lacking? Would they reject him, and thus God for whom he spoke? Paul could not know these things (unless, of course, God showed it to him). Paul could have this confidence in them because he trusted their obedience to God. If they were the children of God, they would listen to Paul’s teachings, and make the proper adjustments to their lives!
I don’t know which of these explanations is right. There may be (and probably are) other explanations. But, it should strike us that Paul had such confidence in his fellow Christians. It makes me stop to question myself as to whether I have the kind of confidence in my brethren that I ought to have. How often do we hold things back from our brethren, or hide things from them, because we really do not have the kind of confidence in them that we should have? How often do we think the worst of someone who is a fellow Christian, even before they have an opportunity to make a statement for themselves? Why would we do such things? I don’t know the answer to that, but I do know that I am going to try and be like Paul, and have the kind of confidence in fellow servants that he had. Will you join me? Even those we have never met should be afforded the courtesy of having our confidence placed in their goodness. Perhaps some will prove that confidence misplaced, but better that than missing out on the blessing that trusting in brethren can provide!
Week 7, Day 4
Today’s Reading: Romans 15:1-16:27
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
In chapter 13 of Romans, Paul expresses the responsibilities that we have toward the government. The first thing to consider is that God has established the government (Romans 13:1). I am afraid that we sometimes think that this passage was written to the United States in the 20th or 21st century. But, Paul’s instructions here apply to all people, in all forms of government. Christians are not allowed to be rebellious against the government, unless that government requires that they stop being faithful to God in some way (Acts 5:27-29).
Paul shows us that the government has been given authority. We have to be willing to submit to authority to be pleasing to God, and one type of authority instituted by God is the government of the land. We may not always agree with what the government has done, or is doing, but that does not mean that we are free to be disobedient, and rebellious against the government. In fact, Paul tells us that those who oppose the authority of the government will receive condemnation upon themselves (Romans 13:2).
The idea of submitting to authority seems to be one that many people struggle with in our society today. As a whole, it seems that more and more people are moving away from having the type of respect for authority figures that they should have. In the school system, most discipline methods have been taken away from teachers, making it nearly impossible for them to control those who have lost respect for their position. The same thing is happening in many homes. Children are not taught to respect authority, instead being allowed to run the household, and control all the actions of the whole family. The mentality found in homes, and in schools has bled over into society as well. Many children have no respect for those that are in positions of authority, which is why we see so many news stories about kids that are disrespectful to the police, and to the judges that they come before. With the mass of society moving away from having respect for authority, is it any wonder that the problem has also worked its way into the Lord’s church? Even Christian parents seem to have trouble teaching their children to respect them and other adults.
Perhaps the worst thing is that this attitude will also affect the way that people treat God and His word. Those who have no respect for authority when it comes to the people around them will have no respect for authority when it comes to what God is telling them to do. Why should they have to listen to the Bible? After all, they think everything revolves around them! They will just do what they want to do do. They will do what feels right to them. They will do what makes them feel good.
Parents have no right to tell children what to do. Teachers have no right to tell students what to do. Policemen have no right to tell citizens what to do. And God has no right to tell anyone what to do. That seems to be the mentality of far too many people. God demands that we show respect for authority. This chapter tells us to show respect to the authority of the government. Do we do that? Even when it is difficult to do? Giving God the respect that is due Him requires that we show respect to the governing authorities over us!
Week 7, Day 3
Today’s Reading: Romans 13:1-14:23
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
How many people only think about one side of God? How many believe that God is only about love, and mercy and grace? How many refuse to be obedient to God simply because they believe that God, being all love, could not possibly punish? Of course, those who come to such a conclusion can find no reason to be obedient to the instructions found for us in the word of God! But, we need to recognize that there are two sides of God, and one is just as real as the other.
God is indeed a loving, gracious and merciful God. However, He also reveals Himself to be a God of judgment and justice. Paul records for us a very pointed passage, that should make everyone pay attention! In Romans 11:22, Paul introduces two characteristics: kindness and severity. Paul warns us in this verse that God’s severity is something to be feared. It comes upon “those who fell.” However, the contrast is also set forth that God’s kindness will be shown to those who are faithful. He also emphasizes the need for us to remain faithful. After all, if we were to stop being faithful to Him, then we could be “cut off,” just as the illustration that Paul is using for the Jews who had ceased following the will of God.
The fact is that God can and will punish those who are disobedient to Him. Consider what Paul wrote to the brethren at Thessalonica in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8:
since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will take vengeance on those who do not know Him, and those who refuse to be obedient to the gospel message. In many ways, this should be very frightening. We just read a few chapters ago (Romans 3:23) that all sin, and fall short of the glory of God. So, we are all in danger of meeting the severe side of God. Fortunately for us, God has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him. In our context, this reconciliation is described as being “grafted in” to the olive tree. In general, we see the Jewish people being the olive tree, but they had branches that were broken out (those who were disobedient) to make room for the branches that would be grafted in. The Gentiles, who would be faithful to God, could be grafted into the olive tree. However, the warning is given that if they did not remain faithful, they would be broken out as well (Romans 11:20-21). We must therefore remain faithful to God, so that we might continue in his kindness, and not have to face the severity of God’s judgment. We want to be those that are grafted in, and may we never be those that must be broken out!
Week 7, Day 2
Today’s Reading: Romans 11:1-12:21
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
Romans chapter 9 can be a very difficult passage to understand. In fact, taken out of context, this passage may sound as if God chooses who will be saved, and who will be lost, without the individual having anything to do with it. In Romans 9:15-16, the apostle Paul seems to say that the mercy of God does not in any way rely upon the actions of men. Looking at the examples through the verses that lead up to this passage, it seems that Paul is saying that God randomly, and without consideration of actions, chose those whom He would save. Though I am not going to try and provide a full exegesis the passage in these brief thoughts today, I do want to show you some evidence for why this interpretation is not valid.
If we take chapter 9 in the context of the book, and especially with chapter 10, then we can see that God does have a plan for all mankind. And, that plan requires people to listen to His word and be obedient to it. Notice, Romans 10:13 is very clear about the fact that all who will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Does this mean that only those who were specifically chosen before time began would be able to call on the name of the Lord? The passage certainly doea not support that idea! Chapter 10 goes on to show us that the gospel message is preached, and through that message men and women come to know what it takes to be pleasing to God. In fact, if we take a look at the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-23) it becomes evident that the sowing of the seed (or the preaching of the gospel) is done without any prejudice. It is our responsibility to spread the seed, letting it fall wherever it may. Those who hear and respond become the children of God. That process is started by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17)!
Going back to look at the point of chapter 9 now will help us to see what Paul was actually teaching. In Romans chapter 9, Paul is speaking to the Jews about the gospel going to the Gentiles (Romans 9:30). The argument that carries through the chapter is that God has the right to choose whomever He will. He is not discussing the salvation of these Biblical characters, but rather the fact that God chose certain peoples to achieve His end. He chose Isaac over all the other children of Abraham. This caused the Jews to rejoice. He chose Jacob over Esau. Again, the Jews rejoiced. But, now, when the gospel message had gone out to the world, giving the Jews the first opportunity to be obedient, they had chosen (in general) to reject God’s message. Because of that, God was now choosing (as had been prophesied of, see Romans 9:25-26) the Gentiles, the Jews should not have been surprised. After all, if He was able to choose them as His own special people, then why should He not be able to also decide to choose the Gentiles when they made the choice to reject Him?
With passages such as Romans 9, we need to do a couple of things. First, make sure that we understand the context. We cannot remove these verses from context, and build a whole doctrine around them. In the context, it is clear that God was not speaking of predestining individuals to salvation. Rather, it was about choosing people through whom He could and would fulfill His work. Secondly, we must not enter into a passage with our minds made up about what it means. How often do we look at a passage, having already decided that it means something, only to later learn that we missed the point? There are many people who continue to miss the point of Romans chapter 9 simply because they “know what it means.” We need to let the passage show us what it means, rather than being deceived by the teachings of men.
Again, we haven’t tackled much of this chapter, so there is much to be added to the discussion. But, we do need to make sure we are fair with the context, and ensure that our interpretation also harmonizes with all other scripture. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), so it is clear that Paul’s teaching is not about individual predestination to salvation.
Week 7, Day 1
Today’s Reading: Romans 9:1-10:21
Some thoughts from Friday’s Reading…
There is one particular verse that stands out in this reading which can be of a great encouragement to us, especially when we are going through times of trials or tribulation. In Romans 8:18, Paul makes it clear that whatever we might face in this life are worth it, considering what we will receive in the way of reward when this life is over. This is a verse that should make us keep perspective. What if we are ridiculed for being a Christian? What if we have to face some sort of physical persecution? What if we are called upon to give our lives for the cause of Christ? Even if that is the case, we have a reward that is so far greater than what we are called upon to offer!
If we put this verse together with Romans 8:38-39, we can have great comfort and great encouragment. Even if we must (or perhaps get to) go through the persecutions of this life, we can have the assurance that those things cannot separate us from the hand of God. Remember, the only thing that can separate us from God is our own decision to leave Him! He is strong enough to hold on to us as long as we choose to hold on to Him. All of the things that we may be concerned about in the world around us are only temporal. If we maintain our focus on the spiritual (Romans 8:13) then we will indeed remember the goal that is set before us so that we can attain to the everlasting reward that is promised to the faithful!
Week 6, Day 5
Today’s Reading: Romans 7:1-8:39
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
The idea of hope has been oft discussed in our country of late. That hope, however, has not been based on anything solid, but rather political rhetoric. Fortunately, we as Christians have the opportunity for real hope. Hope is comprised of two characteristics: desire and expectation. We can have hope of an eternal reward when this life is over because we know that God is able to provide it for us, and that He has promised it for those who are faithful to His commands. In Romans 5, Paul talks about the development of hope. In Romans 5:3-5, we see the progression laid out from tribulations, to perseverance, to character and finally hope.
We often forget that tribulations are a key part of our faithfulness. Unless we are tried, we cannot be proven. Paul shows us that it is through these tribulations that we produce the kind of perseverance (or endurance) that we must have to be pleasing to God. If we are able to “keep on keeping on”, then we will develop the kind of approved character that God wants us to have. This reflects our way of life, the way that we act in any given circumstance. Having developed the proper character, we can have hope. Our hope is founded in “the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)
The final comforting idea of Romans 5:5 is that this is a hope that does not disappoint. There are many who are disappointed by the hope that is proclaimed around us in our society. But the hope that belongs to the faithful Christian will not disappoint. We can have confidence in what God has promised to us. How can we have such confidence? Because God has given to us the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit has been given to us (those who obey, Acts 2:38) to seal us until the final judgment. He is the earnest payment, or the guarantee that God will indeed provide what He has promised to us in eternity (Ephesians 1:13-14). We are going to be let down by those who proclaim hope to us based upon worldly measures. However, we will not be disappointed by the hope that we have in Christ, as He has already provided us with the down payment which ensures that we will receive the end prize.
May we have a true hope, and not be dissuaded from faithful service by the false hope proclaimed to us by men!
Week 6, Day 4
Today’s Reading: Romans 5:1-6:23
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
Romans chapter 3 and 4 are chapters that are often misused in the denominational world. The interpretation that is often attributed to these chapters is that salvation is the gift of God, and that we do not ever have to do anything to achieve that salvation. But, that is certainly not the case, nor is it the point of Paul’s writing. In fact, many who believe this is the teaching of the book of Romans will simply discount the book of James because it is so clearly contradictory to the teaching that they want to believe. The problem is that the interpretation of the book of Romans is incorrect, leading to a whole faulty belief system.
In the reading of these chapters, one must realize that Paul is not trying to make the argument that a person never has to do anything but believe to be saved. He is making the point that one cannot earn his salvation through works. There is a difference in those concepts. One cannot do enough works to be saved without the grace of God, but he also cannot be saved without doing the works that have been so clearly commanded by God.
For an example, at the end of chapter 3, Paul makes the argument that a man is justified “by faith apart from the works of the Law.” It seems, at least on the surface, that Paul could be saying that the works are unimportant, and only faith (or belief) is important. This is where the idea of “faith only” comes from! However, the point of this whole book goes back to having an obedient faith. In Romans 1:5, Paul spoke of having received grace for “the obedience to the faith,” which emphasizes the need for obedience for faith to be legitimate. That, by the way, is the very same point that James makes in his epistle. Paul’s point in these chapters is that works of the Law cannot provide salvation, because they would have to be perfect, without any failure. And, we all know that we will not live so perfectly as to never make a mistake. This is a point driven home by Paul in Romans 3:23–all have sinned! If salvation were in the works of the Law, then as soon as there was a violation, there would be an end to any hope of salvation.
Continuing with Paul’s example at the end of chapter 3 also reveals another problem if salvation is through the works of the Law. No one outside of the nation of Israel could be saved. However, if there were those who were obedient to the original commands that God had given to mankind, even before the Law was delivered, they could be saved. They acted on the faith that they had in the commands that had been given. This is why chapter 4 speaks of Abraham and his relationship with God. He was called righteous even before circumcision, before the Law. This was because he was obedient to what God told him to do. He had faith in what he was commanded, and acted on it.
Later in the Old Testament era, we see the children of Israel going through the motions of keeping the specifics of the Law, offering their sacrifices just as they were supposed to. However, they didn’t have the right attitude. They were going through the motions, but they were not being obedient from the heart. Working the works of the Law was not going to save them because they were missing the element of belief. At the same time, those who may have believed in their hearts, but failed to go through with the actions, would also not be saved.
One of the points of the book of Romans (and the whole Bible really) is that we must have belief based actions. That is what the Hebrew writer tells us in Hebrews 11:6. One must intellectually believe in God, but also believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. But looking at the rest of Hebrews 11, we find that those who diligently seek God are those who will act in obedience to what they are commanded to do. Each example in this chapter reflects that the faithful listen to God’s will, and then do just what He says because they believe in Him.
We must realize that we cannot earn salvation through works. However, we also cannot be saved without obedience to what God has commanded. That demands that we do works.
Week 6, Day 3
Today’s Reading: Romans 3:1-4:25
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
One of the most famous and popular verses in the book of Romans, and perhaps in the Bible is Romans 1:16. This verse is oft quoted, and the idea should be at the forefront of our thoughts as Christians. Think about what Paul is saying in this verse. He was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. That meant that he would teach the gospel unashamedly, and would not change that message for anything! This is obviously not a common thought among religious people today, and sadly even sometimes among those who are in the Lord’s church. The shame that people have toward the gospel is made manifest in many different ways, but we will just address a couple of them.
First, some will show their shame in the gospel by trying to make changes. They decide that the gospel message just doesn’t fit our society today, so we need to make some subtle (and sometimes some not so subtle) changes. Elements that are simply not accepted by people in the world are cast aside so that we can make more converts. The message of the gospel is watered down to the point that it is nearly unrecognized as that gospel that God revealed in the first century. See Galatians 1:6-9. Paul had to deal with this change to the message in the first century! How often do we hear that elements such as baptism are removed from the gospel plan, simply because people do not want to feel obligated to act in any way to receive the gift of salvation from God? If we make these types of changes to God’s revealed will, then we are obviously ashamed of the gospel message. We could introduce several other examples as well. Consider, for example, the Biblical teaching on women’s roles. God is clear about what He expects for women, which is a teaching that is not limited by the constraints of a particular culture or society. In passages such as 1 Timothy 2:9-15, Paul shows the type of demeanor that a woman must possess to be pleasing to God. That demeanor is required of her, no matter what setting she might find herself in (or put herself in). Further restrictions are found in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, where Paul shows that women are not allowed to take a leading role in the assembly of the church. She is not allowed to address the congregation (even when she had spiritual gifts). We could certainly go on with many more examples, but these will suffice for now. Are we ashamed of the gospel message, making changes to it when we think that it will not “go over well” with the person we are trying to teach? Or do we stick with the plain and simple gospel message, regardless of what the outcome may be?
Secondly, some show their shame of the gospel by being unwilling to stand for truth. There are many who are Christians, who have been baptized into Christ, but refuse to stand up for Christ. They think that it is someone else’s responsibility to correct the gainsayer, or to teach the uninformed. They are not willing to defend Christ when their friends are making fun of “those crazy religious people”, or when the cause of Christ is directly assaulted. This is a problem when false doctrines arise as well. It is easier to “go with the flow” than it is to stand up for what is right. We don’t want to “rock the boat”, so we simply keep our mouths shut. Are we ashamed of the gospel message, or are we willing to take a stand for what is right, for what is true, regardless of what the consequences might be?
Finally, some show their shame of the gospel by trying to hold it to themselves. They have accepted the gospel message, but they do nothing to share it with others. Think about what Paul said next in Romans 1:16: For it is the power of God to salvation. If we really believe that the gospel is the key to salvation, then how can we hold it to ourselves? We don’t have the option of spreading the gospel, we have the obligation! This is the message that can pull people out of sin, and give them the same hope of eternal salvation that we have (Colossians 1:13). How can we say that we are not ashamed of that message if we are unwilling to share it with those that are around us, lost and dying (eternally) in sin?
The gospel is indeed the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes. But, the gospel has to be presented in a way that is accurate to scripture, and clearly enough for every person to have the opportunity to believe. Are you busy spreading this gospel message, so that others can have that same hope of salvation that you have?
Week 6, Day 2
Today’s Reading: Romans 1-2
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
The book of Acts ends without us being able to hear the whole story. We never find, from the inspired account, what happens to the apostle Paul. This is perhaps another one of those “Paul Harvey” moments, where we wish we had the rest of the story. However, we can be assured that God has provided for us all that we need. He showed us much of the work that Paul did through his travels, and through his imprisonments.
We can be fairly confident that Paul was not executed on this stop in Rome. For example, the letter to the Philippians was written during this two year stay in Rome. Paul told the Philippians that he would be coming to see them again, which implies that he had full expectation of being released from his confinement, and would be able to go and visit with them again. Historically, we learn that Paul served 2 stints in prison in Rome. The first time, he was released, most likely after having his court date before Caesar. The second time, he was put to death because of his teachings as a Christian.
Though Luke’s account concludes before the life of Paul was completed, Luke does leave us with some valuable information about what Paul was doing. He stayed for two full years in Rome, held at house arrest. During that period of time, he was not bemoaning his situation, nor was he complaining about how bad things had gotten for him. He didn’t think of himself as being useless to the kingdom now that he was arrested. Instead, he spent the time “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” Paul used the opportunities that he was given, so that the gospel might be preached and souls might be saved! Consider what he wrote to the Philippian brethren, while in this circumstance in Rome:
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
–Philippians 1:12-18
Paul was, it seems, the eternal optimist. How many of us would consider our circumstances to be ideal for teaching the lost if we were cast into prison? How many of us would even think about sharing the gospel with the guard if we were in such a situation? Or with the prisoner in the next cell? Paul used whatever circumstances he was in to spread the gospel message. It was all about looking for those open opportunities. When they were presented to him, he stepped up and took advantage of them. How often do we do that? May we open our eyes, and see the opportunities that are presented to us daily!
Week 6, Day 1
Acts 27-28
Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…
Have you ever tried to put yourself in the place of the Bible characters? Often, you can imagine putting yourself in the place of characters on both sides of a given situation. However, in chapter 26 of Acts, I want you to consider for a moment that you are in the place of King Agrippa. This man sat and listened to the apostle Paul proclaim the gospel message. Paul laid out for Agrippa the background of his own conversion, and expanded his teaching to include more information about Jesus and His resurrection. He used facts that were well known among the Jews, and had obviously been heard by Agrippa himself.
Paul, as he concluded the message before Agrippa, brought the point home quite clearly. He challenged Agrippa with his teaching, forcing Agrippa to make a decision with the gospel message. He asked him directly, “Do you believe the prophets? I know that you do!” Agrippa was put on the spot. He had heard the gospel, and he had the opportunity to either accept it or reject it. Paul had done his job!
We have the same job today. We have the obligation to teach the gospel message plainly, and pointedly so that hearers have the opportunity to either accept or reject the pure gospel message. Far too often, we are timid with our presentation (or at least I am). We lay out the instructions of God’s will, but we are afraid to drive the point home. We teach that one must repent, but we don’t tell the specific person we are studying with what they have to repent of, or that they are the ones who need to repent. We speak in generalities, instead of speaking in specifics so that we don’t make people feel too bad about their circumstances. But, if that is the case, then we have missed the whole point. Paul made Agrippa feel uncomfortable with his circumstances. Unfortunately, Agrippa never obeyed the gospel. It is our job to teach plainly enough that those we teach are made uncomfortable.
So, put yourself in the place of Agrippa. Think about what he felt as Paul was teaching and especially what he must have felt when Paul asked him directly whether he believed or not. That is the very feeling that we want to instill in every person that we have the opportunity to teach. Bring them to the pont that they have to make a choice. To do that, we have to teach them clearly the simple message of the gospel. Once we have done the teaching, it is up to the hearer to make a choice of whether to accept or reject. But, we want to make sure that we do not conceal the gospel because we are afraid of offending someone.