Key verses
Romans 16:25-27 - "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 known 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."
Deuteronomy
What a guy! Moses had a super productive life, and to top it off, he died well. His strength wasn't gone, and his eyes were still good. He just walked into the mountains and died. He was so well respected and the Israelites grieved his going for a while, and no one after him compared to his godliness.
I've been reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey lately, and one of the habits is to begin with the end in mind. Ultimately, we should have in mind what kind of legacy we want to leave behind when we die, and what we want people to think of us when we're gone. And then, we take that idea or legacy, and work toward achieving it. I want to be respected, and be considered by God as a good and faithful servant, such as Moses. Think about what you want to achieve, consider whether it's worthwhile, and work toward it!
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Righteousness, peace, and joy
Romans 14:17 - 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.
This verse alone (though read in context) should be enough to keep the church from petty fights over how we 'do church'. Unfortunately, we let ourselves get too caught up in the small things and end up completely missing out on what God was really establishing among us - an life of righteousness, peace, and joy! I want to take part in that! So let's set our minds on things above and work toward this kingdom.
This verse alone (though read in context) should be enough to keep the church from petty fights over how we 'do church'. Unfortunately, we let ourselves get too caught up in the small things and end up completely missing out on what God was really establishing among us - an life of righteousness, peace, and joy! I want to take part in that! So let's set our minds on things above and work toward this kingdom.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Authorities are God's servants
Key verse
Deuteronomy 25:10 - That man's line shall be known in Israel as The Family of the Unsandaled. (I put this verse up mostly because I found it amusing. To check out the context, read Deuteronomy 25:5-10.)
Romans
Read Romans 13:6-7. Actually, I'll post it here so that you can easily refer to it: "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
I think almost everyone realizes the necessity of paying taxes, even if they don't enjoy it. As I read these verses, I thought, of course, taxes, I pay those. But then I read the last part, about paying honour and respect to those in authority. Taxes are one thing, but honour and respect?? Just look around in the news, and see the advertising of political parties, and it certainly doesn't seem like they deserve honour and respect. Petty fighting and insults are the way they treat each other; it certainly doesn't seem like they want or deserve our respect. But the people that God has placed in authority are there to govern us; they have huge responsibilities, even if it doesn't seem like they use them well sometimes. If we pray for them, show them respect, and honour them, perhaps they'll raise the standard and become the type of people that we would readily respect and honour.
Deuteronomy 25:10 - That man's line shall be known in Israel as The Family of the Unsandaled. (I put this verse up mostly because I found it amusing. To check out the context, read Deuteronomy 25:5-10.)
Romans
Read Romans 13:6-7. Actually, I'll post it here so that you can easily refer to it: "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
I think almost everyone realizes the necessity of paying taxes, even if they don't enjoy it. As I read these verses, I thought, of course, taxes, I pay those. But then I read the last part, about paying honour and respect to those in authority. Taxes are one thing, but honour and respect?? Just look around in the news, and see the advertising of political parties, and it certainly doesn't seem like they deserve honour and respect. Petty fighting and insults are the way they treat each other; it certainly doesn't seem like they want or deserve our respect. But the people that God has placed in authority are there to govern us; they have huge responsibilities, even if it doesn't seem like they use them well sometimes. If we pray for them, show them respect, and honour them, perhaps they'll raise the standard and become the type of people that we would readily respect and honour.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Faithful in Prayer
If there's one thing I feel I could do better in, it's prayer. Romans 12:12 says "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." As I just typed that out, I realized being patient in affliction could use some work in my life as well. In making friends out of enemies, you'll need both of these things in good measure. Today, practice patience, and while you're being patient (or trying to be), pray!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Olive shoots and salvation
Consider this passage from Romans: Paul is talking about grafting in wild and cultivated olive shoots. Gentiles are the wild shoots and the cultivated ones are the Jews, who have grown up with a belief in God. Paul says that they were cut out of the tree because of unbelief (in Jesus) and we were grafted in, but we shouldn't take pride in this fact, because they can easily be re-grafted into the tree (of faith in Christ). Romans 11:30-32 states "Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all."
That last sentence always confused me because of the word 'bound'. But we have to understand it not as an involuntary sinfulness, but as voluntary. God has allowed us to be disobedient (by our own choice), but in our sin he comes near and provides a way out - salvation by grace through Christ - and thereby shows his glory and majesty to all men.
That last sentence always confused me because of the word 'bound'. But we have to understand it not as an involuntary sinfulness, but as voluntary. God has allowed us to be disobedient (by our own choice), but in our sin he comes near and provides a way out - salvation by grace through Christ - and thereby shows his glory and majesty to all men.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sharing the good news
Romans 10:14-15 - How,
then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can
they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they
hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
I believe these verses speak to the need for all of us to actively participate in passing along the good news that Christ has died for our sins. God has chosen us to be the medium of his message, and if we don't participate in that, we completely miss out on part of his mission for us. Granted, God will get his message out regardless of what we do, but our ability to share the gospel should be considered a blessing for us, not a duty.
I believe these verses speak to the need for all of us to actively participate in passing along the good news that Christ has died for our sins. God has chosen us to be the medium of his message, and if we don't participate in that, we completely miss out on part of his mission for us. Granted, God will get his message out regardless of what we do, but our ability to share the gospel should be considered a blessing for us, not a duty.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Do we have free will?
What do you think about Romans 9:18? "Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."
As I read this verse, I wondered how free will could come into play when God can harden whomever he wants, or have mercy on whomever he wants. It doesn't seem like a situation where we could ever choose to follow God. But Jesus himself said "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). However, perhaps God is calling all of us to him, drawing all of us to him, and not all of us are responding. This would make sense because, as 2 Peter 3:9 states, God "is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Does Romans 9:18 then mean that God hardens those who have already decided to ignore him? In what other way could God harden someone and still allow them to have made a choice?
As I read this verse, I wondered how free will could come into play when God can harden whomever he wants, or have mercy on whomever he wants. It doesn't seem like a situation where we could ever choose to follow God. But Jesus himself said "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). However, perhaps God is calling all of us to him, drawing all of us to him, and not all of us are responding. This would make sense because, as 2 Peter 3:9 states, God "is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Does Romans 9:18 then mean that God hardens those who have already decided to ignore him? In what other way could God harden someone and still allow them to have made a choice?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The first among many brothers
Romans
"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." I present this verse from Romans (8:29) not to start into a debate on predestination, but to focus on the second half of the verse. As Christians, we have become brothers and sisters with Jesus Christ, God the Son! Not only can we cry out for our Father (as we read yesterday), but we have a brother who intercedes for us on our behalf. Therefore, we can be more than conquerors! When that sin that entangles us comes upon us, we cling to Jesus and can be freed.
"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." I present this verse from Romans (8:29) not to start into a debate on predestination, but to focus on the second half of the verse. As Christians, we have become brothers and sisters with Jesus Christ, God the Son! Not only can we cry out for our Father (as we read yesterday), but we have a brother who intercedes for us on our behalf. Therefore, we can be more than conquerors! When that sin that entangles us comes upon us, we cling to Jesus and can be freed.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Abba, Father
Key verse
Psalm 59:16 - But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Romans
Romans 8:15 - 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."
This verse brings me joy because it is liberating! We don't have to be afraid of sin and death. Granted, that doesn't mean that sometimes I won't be afraid, but the promise this verse brings is amazing - through the Spirit of God, living in me, I can call on God and not worry or fear.
Psalm 59:16 - But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Romans
Romans 8:15 - 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."
This verse brings me joy because it is liberating! We don't have to be afraid of sin and death. Granted, that doesn't mean that sometimes I won't be afraid, but the promise this verse brings is amazing - through the Spirit of God, living in me, I can call on God and not worry or fear.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A life of integrity
Key verses
Romans 7:21-25 - So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Matthew
I'd like to continue from yesterday's theme of Jesus's return. Matthew 24:42 says that we do not know the day or the hour that Jesus will return. Do we live in disregard of his message, then, and simply carry on as we please, hoping to get at least some notice of when we should clean up our act? By no means! Living a life of integrity is the better way, like the "faithful and wise servant" mentioned in verse 45. First, we won't be caught off guard when the end does coming (whether through the second coming or through our own physical death), and secondly, having consistently followed God for the rest of our lives, we will be far better prepared for heaven than we would be otherwise. Certainly, heaven will be something beyond our imagination, but by seeking after God here, somehow I think we'll be in a better position to continue being with him there.
Romans 7:21-25 - So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Matthew
I'd like to continue from yesterday's theme of Jesus's return. Matthew 24:42 says that we do not know the day or the hour that Jesus will return. Do we live in disregard of his message, then, and simply carry on as we please, hoping to get at least some notice of when we should clean up our act? By no means! Living a life of integrity is the better way, like the "faithful and wise servant" mentioned in verse 45. First, we won't be caught off guard when the end does coming (whether through the second coming or through our own physical death), and secondly, having consistently followed God for the rest of our lives, we will be far better prepared for heaven than we would be otherwise. Certainly, heaven will be something beyond our imagination, but by seeking after God here, somehow I think we'll be in a better position to continue being with him there.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The bronze snake
Key verse
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Numbers
The story about the bronze snake in Numbers 21 almost seems a bit idolatrous. At least, the snake could lead to idolatry, in that the Israelites would look at the snake alone for healing, rather than having the bronze snake be a symbol of God's healing touch. In fact, years later, Hezekiah ended up destroying this bronze snake that Israel had kept all along, because it had become a god to them, and they were burning incense to it (see 2 Kings 18).
When God provides an avenue for us to worship him or call on him, or a tool to use in developing our relationship with him, we need to avoid idolizing that tool as a god, and instead remember that it is only a means to God.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Numbers
The story about the bronze snake in Numbers 21 almost seems a bit idolatrous. At least, the snake could lead to idolatry, in that the Israelites would look at the snake alone for healing, rather than having the bronze snake be a symbol of God's healing touch. In fact, years later, Hezekiah ended up destroying this bronze snake that Israel had kept all along, because it had become a god to them, and they were burning incense to it (see 2 Kings 18).
When God provides an avenue for us to worship him or call on him, or a tool to use in developing our relationship with him, we need to avoid idolizing that tool as a god, and instead remember that it is only a means to God.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Breaking the Sabbath
Key verse
Romans 5:19 - For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Numbers/Matthew
I would have liked more information about the man who broke the Sabbath (see Numbers 15:32-36). He was gathering wood on the Sabbath, and those who found him brought him to Moses and Aaron, and he was stoned to death outside the camp, on God's orders. Was it because he didn't trust God to provide the wood after the Sabbath, or he hadn't thought of God's day the day before, so he was had to gather wood on the Sabbath? The story doesn't offer many details, and I'm left hoping that God didn't just have him stoned out of an unintentional sin. But here is where we have to go on faith that God is gracious and compassionate and has proven himself to be such time and again.
In some ways, it is easy to see how the Pharisees became so focused on the letter of the law (see Matthew 23:23). Looking at stories like this one from Numbers could lead them to think that breaking the Sabbath by doing any work is completely out of the question, or else you'll suffer the consequences. But Jesus had the right attitude - it's not the outward appearance, but what's going on in the heart that God really looks at, so that is what we must focus on.
Romans 5:19 - For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Numbers/Matthew
I would have liked more information about the man who broke the Sabbath (see Numbers 15:32-36). He was gathering wood on the Sabbath, and those who found him brought him to Moses and Aaron, and he was stoned to death outside the camp, on God's orders. Was it because he didn't trust God to provide the wood after the Sabbath, or he hadn't thought of God's day the day before, so he was had to gather wood on the Sabbath? The story doesn't offer many details, and I'm left hoping that God didn't just have him stoned out of an unintentional sin. But here is where we have to go on faith that God is gracious and compassionate and has proven himself to be such time and again.
In some ways, it is easy to see how the Pharisees became so focused on the letter of the law (see Matthew 23:23). Looking at stories like this one from Numbers could lead them to think that breaking the Sabbath by doing any work is completely out of the question, or else you'll suffer the consequences. But Jesus had the right attitude - it's not the outward appearance, but what's going on in the heart that God really looks at, so that is what we must focus on.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A broken and contrite heart
Key verses
Matthew 22:21 - "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Romans 3:21-24 - But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Psalms
Psalm 51 is another psalm that makes me read through it twice. It is so comforting to see that even after grievous sin we can approach God, humble at heart, and know that he will respond in grace and mercy. God's unfailing love and great compassion, shown through Jesus's death on the cross, will come through for us time and again, if we come with a broken spirit and contrite heart.
Matthew 22:21 - "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Romans 3:21-24 - But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Psalms
Psalm 51 is another psalm that makes me read through it twice. It is so comforting to see that even after grievous sin we can approach God, humble at heart, and know that he will respond in grace and mercy. God's unfailing love and great compassion, shown through Jesus's death on the cross, will come through for us time and again, if we come with a broken spirit and contrite heart.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Faithful in prayer
Daniel is a great example in persevering in the truth and holding fast to what you know to be the right thing to do. Today, and this week, recall his faithfulness of prayer to God and, even with the threat of painful death. I, for one, can be more active in conversing with God. He clearly understood the importance of such an action, as he prayed even when the king made it against the law. His example brings to life what Paul wrote in Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
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