Sunday Devotions - The Book of Romans

The Study of the Book of Romans

Source of Commentary:  Woodbridge Bible study Course, the Expositor’s Study Bible, the Life Application Bible, and Our Daily Bread Journey Through Romans.

09-21-2025.  Introduction/Overview.

            Martin Luther believed that the test of the maturity of any believer or church was their understanding of Paul’s letter to the Romans.  Over the next several months our goal in studying this book will be to bring us, the unrighteous ones, to God through His Son Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  Romans show us that there is a world of difference between trying to do what religion requires of us to satisfy God’s righteous requirement and trusting in what God has done to bridge the gulf between Him and us.  It’s my hope that as we go through this Book we will all learn how we can be in the right with God and see how righteousness is lived out in how we live our lives so others will see Jesus through us.

            It’s believed that Paul wrote the Letter of Romans in about AD 57, towards the end of his third missionary journey perhaps while he was in Corinth which is documented in Acts 18:23-19:41.

            This letter has been called the greatest theological document ever written.  In it, Paul outlines what Christians believe, and he explains God’s perfect plan for bringing sinners back to Him.  It offers Paul’s fullest exposition on the all-important issues of righteousness which is how a person can be in a right standing with God, and how a person can live a God-honoring righteous life.

            The structure of the book reflects this theme:

                        1:1-17                          Introducing the theme of righteousness

                        1:18-3:20                     The natural unrighteousness of mankind

                        3:21-5:21                     How God makes us righteous

                        6:1-8:39                       The key to righteous living

                        9:1-11:36                     God’s righteous dealing with Israel

                        12:1-15:13                   Communal righteousness

                        15:14-16:27                 Concluding remarks

            The key verses are Romans 1:16-17:  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:  first to the Jes, then to the Gentle.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:  “The righteous will live by faith.”

            We will begin our study of Romans next Sunday

with the introduction of the theme of righteousness.

09-28-2025 Romans 1:1-7 Paul Introduces the Theme of Righteousness.

            In these verses Paul introduces himself, his message and his readers.  The letter begins starkly:  “Paul, a servant.”  In ancient times to be a “servant” was a terrible thing.  A servant had no rights, a servant’s marriage and family were not recognized; a servant’s death went uninvestigated. Yet Paul uses the title as a badge of honor for he is Jesus Christ’s servant.  To be a servant of Christ is a liberating thing. 

            Paul’s description of himself in verses 1-5 is a description of how he has been shaped and affirmed by the Gospel of Jesus.

Verses 2-5 describe his message:  Essentially, the gospel is all about “Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Paul summarized the Good News (Gospel) of Christ who came as a human by natural descent, was part of the royal line through David, died and rose from the dead and opened the door for God’s grace and kindness to be poured out on us. He tells us that Jesus’ humanity is real and not imagined.  And in verses 4 he reminds us that Jesus’ deity is confirmed by his bodily resurrection. 

            Christians have a great privilege along with a great responsibility.  Paul and the Apostles received the privilege of sharing the Good News of forgiveness for sin and new life in Jesus.  Paul considered it a gift.  But this privilege also came with the responsibility of sharing the message.  He understood that it was literally a matter of life and death.  God also graciously forgives our sins when we believe in Jesus as Lord.  This begins the journey of our new life with Jesus.  Paul’s new life also involved a divine assignment to witness as a missionary about God’s Good News to the World.  God may or may not send us to be missionary, but He does call us and all believers to be Christ’s ambassador and to witness to the change life that Jesus being in us.  We can witness to our own family, friends or next-door neighbors.

            In verse 6-7 Paul tells us that those who become Christians are invited by Jesus to become part of God’s family and be His very own holy people set apart for His service.  It’s a wonderful expression of what it means to be a Christian.  Being reborn into God’s family, we have the greatest experience of love and the greatest inheritance.  Because of all that God has done for us, we are to work hard to be His holy people.

            TAKEAWAY:  Ask yourself how carefully you form your self-image around the gospel’s affirmation of who you are in Christ.  Are you determined to see and treat others as God sees them?  Think about what a difference this will make in your relationships.

10-05-2025 Romans 1:8-13.  Paul Introduces the Theme of Righteousness Cont).

            Paul started churches in Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus – all within the Roman Empire but he didn’t start the church in Rome. – the center of the Roman Empire.  He hadn’t met the church at Rome, but he can see his real interest in the progress of its believers.  Paul uses the wording in verse 8:   “I thank my God through Jesus Christ” to emphasize the point that Jesus is the one and only mediator between us and God.  He  is also giving thanks for them for their faith that is spoken about throughout the Roman Empire.

            Verses 9 and 10 tell us he is a man of generous spirit and isn’t given to narrow interests.  He continually prays for them as though they were his responsibility and prayed that he would be able to visit Rome to teach the Christians that were there.  Eventually he did make it to Rome, but it was as a prisoner. 

            We learn in verses 11-13 of his strong desire to visit Rome but God prevented him from getting there for quite a while which is why he wrote this letter to the Romans.  This is a reminder to us that God may be planning to use our personal situation in ways we don’t expect or can’t see right away.  Like Paul, we should do the work in front of us that God has made clear.  We shouldn’t let bitterness seep in or become discouraged about not getting the answers we want.

            Wherever God is at work, Paul prays for and supports them.  He’s a model in his ministry in contrast to other examples of professional jealousy and territorial insecurity.  Paul’s attitude provides a necessary corrective. Like Paul, we also must be careful not to criticize other ministries out of envy.

            Whether God does His work through Paul or not, Paul rejoices that God’s work is being done.  He gives thanks and prays that “the way may be opened” (verse 10) so that he could go to them.  Paul wants the work to continue growing, and he wants to impart “some spiritual gift: (verse 11) – probable the gospel – so they will be strengthened. 

            Paul, however, wherever he goes, he’s not going as a superior.  Verse 12 makes it clear that he expects mutual blessing in the visit as noted by his emphasis on “you and “,” mutually” and “each other’s”.

            There is no aura of detached self-sufficiency about Paul.  Some people were alleging that he had not visited the church at Rome because he wasn’t interested in them; he corrects that in verse 13.  His desire is for a harvest in Rome among the Gentiles because he is the Apostle to the Gentiles as we are show in in Acts 9:15.  It’s apparent that besides being a great theologian, Paul was also a passionate missionary and evangelist.

            TAKEAWAY:  Reflect on Paul’s generosity of spirit and his enthusiastic support of the gospel work.  Ask yourself if you are challenged by his attitude and his activities towards people he has never met.  John Wesley said that parochialism, a narrowminded view, has always been the enemy of the gospel.  Don’t allow parochialism creep into your thinking.

10-12-2025 Roman 1:14-17.  Paul Introduces the Theme of Righteousness (Cont)

            Paul concludes the introduction to his letter with three “I am” statement.  First, he says “I am a debtor” (verse 14).  He is saying he’s legally obligated – literally meaning indebted - to “Greeks and non-Greeks” – referring to all cultures – and to “the wise and foolish” – meaning all classes within those cultures.

            What’s the source of this obligation?  It came from God’s grace to Paul.  Once he was the persecutor of the church and now he is Christ’s Apostle.  The kind of grace he received now makes him a debtor to all people.

            Grace can’t be earned.  But receiving it so freely puts us under obligation to all.  Paul likely felt more at home with people from a similar background to his, but his sense of obligation is extended to everyone without discrimination.

            That’s why he said, “I am so eager” (verse 15).  “Eager” is a rare word in the New Testament.  It means, to be single-minded.  Such a mind is the essence of maturity.  Paul says in Philippians 3:15 that those who are mature will express an eagerness of mind in pursuing greater intimacy with Christ and conformity to Christ.  Contrast that with the picture of immaturity he gives in Ephesians 4:14 where immature believers are described as being “tossed back and forth,” moving from one novelty to the next.  Bible commentator F.F. Bruce says of Paul:  “He strikes us as a man possessed with an uncommon strength of will.”  This is what causes his eagerness to preach the Gospel in Rome.

            Paul says in verse 16:  “I am not ashamed.”  Far from being ashamed of the Gospel, Paul is ready to share its message because it’s the power of God to bring people to salvation.  It’s meant for everyone.  It’s received by faith and can never be earned by good works.

            Paul longed to go to Emperor Nero’s Rome as an ambassador of the Gospel.  He wanted to go not with weapons or a huge entourage; he only wanted to go with a message about the crucified Jesus.  In Nero’s Rome, this message would have seemed laughable, yet the historian T.R. Glover said that the day would come when men would call their dogs “Nero” and their sons “Paul.”

            Most commentators agree that verses 16 and 17 contain the theme of Paul letter to the Romans.  Verse 17 tells us that the Gospel reveals “the righteousness of God.”  Righteousness speaks of a relationship that is right.  However, Paul may also be speaking here of the righteous character of God which is that God is just.  When the Gospel is preached, it reveals God’s justice and yet, at the same time, it also reveals God’s mercy.  It shows how sinful humans can have the right relationship with Him.

            This kind of relationship comes only by faith.  It can’t be earned.  Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 when he says that those who are righteous live simply by their faithfulness – by trusting God. 

            Martin Luther, the 16th century Augustinian monk, was haunted by God’s righteousness and by his own sin.  He tried every means the church offered in his quest for peace with God.  He one said, “I greatly longed to understand Romans, and nothing stood in the way but that one expression, ‘the justice of God,’ because I took it to mean that justice whereby God is just and deals justly in punishing the unjust.  My situation was that, although an impeccable monk, I stood before God as a sinner troubled in conscience…Then I grasped that the justice of God is that righteousness by which, through grace and sheer mercy, God justifies us through faith.  Then I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise.”

            Luther went on to lecture on Romans and to write a commentary on it.  When John Wessley, founder of the Methodist movement heard a public reading of the introduction to Luther’s commentary he felt his heart ‘strangely warmed’ and was converted.   The truth that has changed the course of history, is a righteousness coming to us by grace, through faith, based on the finished work of Jesus Christ.  This is what the gospel and the “righteousness of God is all about. 

            TAKAWAY.  First, we all must ask ourselves if our experience of God’s grace allows us to recognize our obligations as Christians.  Does our sense of indebtedness show itself in our giving praying and activism for Christ?  Does being unashamed of the Gospel lead us to share it with others?  These are two important questions that all Christians will one day need to answer.

            Second, think about what it means in your life each day to enjoy a right relationship with God – not because it has been earned or through merit, or even because of faith, but only because of Jesus.  That’s why looking to win God favor by religious activity is both impossible and unnecessary.

10-19-2025 Roman 1:18-32.  The Natural Unrighteousness of All Mankind

            Today we move into the second theme of the Book of Romans – The Natural Unrighteousness of all mankind.  It begins in chapter 1,verse 18 and concludes in chapter 3 verse 21.  In today’s reading Paul teaches that no one can claim to be good in God’s sight by their own efforts or merit – not the masses, not the Romans, not even the Jews.  All people everywhere deserve God’s condemnation for their sin.

            We are told that God’s wrath is bad news and are given the answer to the question of how a loving God would send anyone to hell, especially someone who has never heard about Jesus.  The reason for God’s wrath is people’s godlessness and wickedness, as seen in their suppression of the truth shown in verse 18.  God gives all people a choice to follow Him or go their own way.  They arrogantly go their own way and substitute the truth about Him with a lie.  The truth is suppressed because of a determined, rebellious will.  Verses 19-20 tell us that people know about God’s power and deity by observing the order in creation.  However, they deliberately exchange His truth and glory for the lie of idolatry shown in vv. 23- 25. 

            The proper response to God is to glorify Him and to give Him thanks.  Instead, people worship and serve created things rather than the Creator.  The nature of God’s wrath is shown  in vv. 24, 26 to 28 that say God ‘gave them over.’  This means God leaves humanity to live with the fruit of its choice.  That fruit comprises general uncleanness (v 24), shameful lusts and perverse sexual activity (vv. 26-27), and living contrary to God’s standard (vv. 28-32).  This kind of lifestyle becomes the judgment of God.  It’s ironic that our society describes as “gay” a lifestyle characterized by a desperate search for the fulfillment of lusts, which ought never – and will never - be satisfied.

            Nature reveals God as one of order, beauty. might, intelligence, intricate detail, and who controls powerful forces. Jesus coming to earth show us His love and forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

            When Paul wrote that God ‘gave them over.’   We learn in Acts 5 how God exacted swift judgment on Ananias and Sapphira where he killed them God in front of the Apostles for withholding a portion of money meant for the church and lying about it.  This was done to remove hypocrisy from the church.  But ‘giving over’ is a less obvious and more passive form of God’s wrath.  It allows sin to meander on through the life of the church, making life hard for God’s people.  Yet, mercifully, God also has provided an opportunity for repentance and salvation through Jesus.

            TAKEAWAY.  We often get sidetracked by the symptoms and don’t look for the root cause as to why the world is the way it is.  Our lesson today tells us that people act the way they do (vv. 24-32) because of a theological infection that causes them to suppress the truth of God in favor of idols (vv. 18, 23, 25).  The appropriate antibiotic for such an infection is also theological:  it’s the Gospel of Jesus that can provide the cure. 

10-26-2025 Romas 2:1-11.  The Natural Unrighteousness of Mankind (Cont)

            In today’s reading we see Paul shifting attention from the pagan idolater to the self-righteous moralist who is someone that’s concerned with regulating the morals of others.  In vv. 1-3 he tells us that passing judgment on others doesn’t exempt a person from God’s wrath.  He mentions passing judgement five times. 

            God is kind, tolerant, and patient and uses these attributes to lead the unrepentant to repentance (v. 4).  Peter echoes this though in 2 Peter 3:9.  Yet, if the moralist interprets this as an approval of their lifestyle, v. 5 tells us that attitude results in a hardening of the heart which is a disregard for the things of God.

            Also, God makes it clear that hard times remind us that we are living in rebellion against God in a post-garden of Eden environment.  Jesus talks about this in Luke 13:1-5.  Hard times are often used to lead us to repentance.  So God speaks one message to the world:  when things are good, repent; when things are disastrously bad, repent. 

            Repentance involves a complete change of our attitudes and actions. It means turning away from rebelling against or ignoring God’s claim upon us and instead recognizing His claim and serving Him in reverence.

            This is exactly what the self-righteous moralists doesn’t do.  Instead  v. 5 tells us they think they have nothing to repent for and are storing up God’s wrath for the day of judgment.  We’re lost because God’s justice dispenses punishment based on our sinful acts.

            Verses 7-11 are the most difficult verses of the letter.  This is because they appear to contradict its central message which is that we are justified not by works but through faith.  But Paul doesn’t contradict himself, nor is he speaking hypothetically.  He’s very clear that God doesn’t have one standard for the Jew and a different one for the Gentile – He doesn’t play favorites.  He does tell us that judgment is based on works - it’s universal and it’s individual.  There is one standard and only one:  God isn’t fooled by the hypocritical judgments made by self-righteous people on others.  He will not be swayed by our moralizing or by our condemnation of others.  As v. 6 tells us, God is interested in what we do because it reveals who we really are.

            TAKEAWAY.  We all need to ask ourselves where we stand in the light of God’s judgment.  We shouldn’t think too highly or ourselves.

11-02-2025 Romas 2:12-16.  The Natural Unrighteousness of Mankind Cont.

            In today’s reading Paul shows that God will judge people by their actions.  They will also be held accountable for the truth they possessed.  All people – Jew and non-Jew – know something of God as we saw in 1:19-20, and therefore all people have a sense of right and wrong.  Such truth as people possess will provide their definition of sin.  People will be judged for sin, either sin as defined by Moses’s law, or sin as defined by conscience. 

            Paul shows that an inner morality is evident in the Gentiles who, without having Moses’s law, often naturally do the things required by that law. (vv.14-15).  On judgment day, as Paul indicated in v. 16, their thoughts will accuse and excuse them when they realize it was God’s law they were disobeying and obeying.

            Paul is showing how people are lost, not how they are saved.  We will be judged by what we do in the light of what we know whether it is the law of Moses (as in the case of the Jew) or the law of conscience (as in the case of the Gentile).  Universally, we will be found to be sinners who have acted contrary to the standard we possess.

            Only the Gospel, which Paul comes to in chapter 3:21, will be able to give relief to all of us who are under the threat of God’s wrath because of our sin.

            TAKEAWAY:  There are those who say that a pagan is better off without the gospel.  Let the pagan stand before God to be judged in the light of what he or she knew, for if the pagan hears and rejects the Gospel, he or she will be condemned for that.  So we all need to ask ourselves what part we are playing in seeing the Gospel taken to the world and look to see it affects the way we give, pray, and live.

11-09-2025 Romas 2:17-28.  The Natural Unrighteousness of Mankind (Cont)

            When Paul wrote chapter 1 through 2:16 he was including all believers – Jew and Gentle.  But in today’s reading he’s specifically referring to Jews.  He’s telling us that God entrusted the Jews with the law.  But, as he makes clear in vv. 19-20, mere possession of the law doesn’t qualify one to be a guide, a light, an instructor, or a teacher.  If the law isn’t lived, God is dishonored (vv. 21-23).  Verse 24 is heavy with its condemnation that “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of the lawless lives led by God’s people – the Jews.

            Paul then turns from the law to the issue of circumcision and its inner spiritual meaning.  He argues that just as mere possession of the law is no protection against God’s condemnation, circumcision is of value only if it indicates a circumcised heart.  An uncircumcised Gentile who keeps the law and lives as though he were circumcised, will condemn the disobedient, circumcised Jew (v. 27).  Jewishness is not outward and physical; it’s inward and spiritual.  It’s a circumcision of the heart (see Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 9:26, and John 8:39-45).

            So Jews who depend on the superiority of having God’s law and the mark of the covenant through circumcision are in for a big surprise.  Unless these outward signs are matched by inward experience and integrity, they’re empty.  We’ll see how Paul further illustrates this truth later in chapter 4:11 when he talks about Abraham.

            The application to the issue of sacraments is obvious.  Sacraments are circumcision for male children, baptism by immersion, and participation in the communion service.  Paul is telling us that the sacraments are empty signs if they aren’t matched by the inner reality they symbolize.  Baptism, the initiating rite, is a symbol of our new birth, our death with Christ, and our resurrection into a new life.  The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of the foundation of our right relationship with God through the work of His Son on the Cross.  Unless these truths are real in how we live our lives, participation in the sacraments is useless.

            Paul’s concern is to show how Jews are lost because of their disregard for God’s Lordship in their lives.  No amount of religious activity can compensate for that before God.  If our heart isn’t right with God, then there is nothing that we can do to ensure our eternal life with Him.

            TAKAWAY:  We all need to think about how we may be tempted to put our faith in doing good things, even things like studying the Bible, rather than in Christ for a relationship with God.  Nothing we do, no matter how good and beneficial to others, will reconcile us to God and living in eternity without the acceptance of Jesus into our heart and life.

11-16-2025 Romas 3:1-8.  The Natural Unrighteousness of Mankind (Cont)

            As with last week’s reading, today’s reading is still focused on the Jews.  If, as far as God is concerned, Jews are no better off than anyone else, what advantage is there in being a Jew, one of God’s people?  There are many that include being the people through whom the Messiah would come to earth (Isaiah 11:1-10, Matt 1:1-17), being beneficiaries of covenants with God himself (Gen 17:1-16, Exodus 19:3-6); but Paul only focuses on one in v. 2:  that the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God, the Old Testament Scriptures.  Israel’s supreme privilege is that she was the first to know the mind of God.  By stating this Paul anticipates two questions. 

            The first question is found in vv. 3-4.  Does Jewish unfaithfulness release God from His obligation to be faithful?  Absolutely not.  Paul clearly states God is always true – or faithful.  John Calvin, the sixteenth-century theologian, said that this is “the primary axiom (or rule) of all Christian philosophy.”  God is faithfully committed to His Word. 

            We see in v. 4 an excerpt  from Psalm 51:4 where King David acknowledged that God was just to punish him for his sin.  Therefore, God is faithful.  He stands by His covenant promises and threats.  His faithfulness is seen in His punishment of David and in His punishment of Jewish faithlessness.

            The second question,  If God’s faithfulness is shown when He punishes our sin, then why not continue sinning? is addressed in vv. 5-8.  The assumption is that God is unjust to punish us when our sin highlights His faithfulness.  The thinking behind this is that we don’t have to worry about sin because it’s God’s job to forgive us and as a loving God He won’t judge us.  They think sin isn’t so bad because it teaches us valuable lessons.  This thinking is justified by believing sin is necessary to stay in touch with the culture around us.

            Paul responds forcefully to this line of thought in v. 6 with ‘God forbid’ – or in today’s language - absolutely not - because it rules out God’s judgment.  Verse. 7 shows that God can not overlook sin.  No matter how many excuses we make, we will have to answer to God for our sin.

            Paul says in v. 8 that those who justify sinning because it enhances God’s character are rightfully condemned.  Paul had been slandered with a claim that he encouraged sin, no doubt because of his emphasis on faith, not works.  Others were not slandered like this because their version of the Gospel had an element of human contribution to it.  In our efforts to justify ourselves and condemn God we see the depth of sin in the human heart. 

            TAKEWAY.  If a doctrine causes us to have a slack attitude towards sin and to live below God’s moral standard, they it’s not the truth.  It’s not of God.  The condemnation of the Jew is a reminder to us that one can be passionate, knowledgeable, and religious, and yet not know God.  We should all ask ourselves:  Do we know God or merely know about God? 

11-23-2025 Romans 3:9-20.  Natural Unrighteousness (Final)

            Today’s reading finishes Paul’s second theme of The Unnatural Unrighteousness of mankind. 

            He starts be saying that Jews are no better than Gentiles.  Following the rabbis’ pattern of substantiating their case by a list of Old Testament Scriptures, Paul quotes from Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah to summarize his argument about the state of humanity.  There is none righteous, no not one.  There is none who understands, and there is non who seek after God, they have all gone astray, and there is none who does god, no not one.

            With the repetition of ‘no one,’ not even one,’  ’no one,’ ‘not even one’ Paul is saying that there are no exceptions; we are all worthless because even though we were created for a relationship with God, none of us has this relationship with Him or displays any sign of seeking it. 

            The lack of a relationship with God, or unrighteousness, is evident in our conduct.  What stands out in vv. 13-17 is the prominence of the throat, tongue, lips, and mouth.  This is appropriate because as Matthew tells us in 12:34, what comes out of the mouth is an indication of the state of the heart.  The tongue is shown to be full of cursing, uncleanness, destruction, and deceit, and our activities parallel our words.  To explain the reason for this Paul quotes in v. 18 from Psalm 36:1:  “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  And it is the eyes that are the window to the soul. 

            The summary of our reading is stated in vv. 18-20.  It is the law - God’s unchangeable standard – that silences all excuses.  Bible commentator J. B. Phillips says these verses are “.. the straight edge of the Law that shows us how crooked we are.”  The law makes us conscious of our sin.  What the law will not do is provide a right standing with God even though we observe of its requirements.

            Therefore, God justly condemns humanity, and there is no way out.  We can’t work our way into heaven.  So any solution must come from God’s side.  We don’t like to face the reality of ourselves.  It’s like looking at an unflattering photo – it’ hard to see.  But Paul is showing us God’s perfectly focused photograph of ourselves. 

            It’s important for us to be fully aware of our guilt and our hopeless state if we are to fully appreciate the wonder of the good news of salvation.

            TAKEWAY.  Think about your growth in knowledge of God and His plan for our salvation.  We learn in Jeremiah 17:9 that God knows the hopeless corruption of the natural heart, which is why Jesus said to Nicodemus that no one, however cultured and moral they are can either see or enter the Kingdom of God without a  new birth.

11-30-2025.  Roman 3:21-26.  How God Makes us Righteous

            According to the Bible scholar Leon Morris, this is perhaps the most significant passage ever written.  After the bleak but realistic news Paul give us about the natural unrighteousness of all mankind, we’re given some good news:  That a right standing with God, apart from human performance, has been revealed.  It comes to all who believe in the faithful work of Jesus as shown in vv. 21-22. 

            Paul explained to the Jews that they needed to teach themselves – not others – the law.  They knew the law so well that they had learned how to excuse their own actions while criticizing others.  But the law is more than a set of rules – it’s a guideline for living according to God’s will.  It shows how to deal equitably and fairly with other people and how to restore justice when relationships are broken. 

            It's also a reminder that we can’t please God without a proper relationship with Him.  As Jesus pointed out in Mark 7:9-13: withholding what rightfully belongs to someone else is stealing, and in Matthew 5:27-28 He says that looking on another person with lustful, adulterous intent is a sin.  Before we accuse others, we must look at ourselves and see if sin, in any form exists within us. 

            Paul tells us in v. 23 us that the need for a relationship with God is universal.  He goes on to use three words to explain this.  First in v. 24 is the word ‘justified.’  This is a legal word whereby God, the judge, declares the guilty sinner to be right with Him.  He does this and remains a just God on the basis of the death of Jesus on the Cross which fully paid our penalty for sin.  Also in v. 24 Paul uses the word ‘redemption’ that is often used in commerce.  It means that because of His death on the cross, Jesus buys us back for God, paying the ransom price of His own perfect life.  The third word Paul uses is ‘propitiation.’  This is a religious word that means ‘sacrifice of atonement.’  It explains what Jesus’ death means to God.  Through His death, Jesus absorbs the wrath of God due our sin so that we don’t have to take the punishment we deserve.  In the death of the Son, God the Father makes His attitude to sin patently clear. 

            Finally, we see in v. 26 how God demonstrates His justice.  His perfect Son gave His life to set us free because He absorbs God’s just wrath against human sin.  God, in His love satisfies His own justice.  The penalty of sin is paid, and the law is upheld.  God is just and able to be the justifier by declaring us to be in the right with Him because of the work of Jesus.

            The foundation of this relationship is the unchanging work of Jesus.  God is always satisfied with the work of His Son.  Therefore, our relationship with God is unchanging and stable because it’s based on what Jesus has done.

            TAKEAWAY.  In the light of the truths shown in this passage, we see how the practice of religious rituals to earn God’s favor is both impossible and unnecessary.

12-07-2025 Roman 3:27-31.  How God Makes Us Righteous (Cont)

            Most religions lay out specific duties that must be performed to make a person acceptable to a god.  Christianity, however, uniquely teaches that no good deed we do can make us right with Him.  No amount of human achievement or progress in personal development will close the gap between God’s moral perfection and our imperfect daily performance.  Doing good is important, but it won’t earn us eternal life.  We’re saved only by trusting – or having faith - in what God has done for us as told in Ephesians 2:8-10.

            If faith is our response to what God has done, where does faith come from?  It comes from within each of us.  It’s our own contribution, then it could become a ground for our boasting as Paul explains in v. 27.

            Paul makes three points regarding justification.  First, in vv. 27-28 he makes it clear that justification isn’t earned.  It’s not based on keeping the law.  Justification is through faith, and faith is God’s gift.  Otherwise justification would be a work or an act.  If it was a work, it would provide grounds for boasting.  So boasting is excluded.

            Second, Paul tells us in vv. 29-30 that justification means that God isn’t some localized deity having oversight and interest in the Jews alone.  Justification is by faith.  It’s not by keeping the law or circumcision.  Faith can be found in either the circumcised Jew or the uncircumcised Gentile.

            Third, he shows us in v. 31 how in justification God doesn’t set aside His own justice.  He doesn’t turn a blind eye to our sin and disobedience.  He doesn’t nullify the law.  Rather, our faith is directed to the work of the One – Jesus - who fulfilled the law’s demands.  The law is upheld by the provision of a perfect life offered (redemption) and God’s just wrath absorbed (propitiation).

            So in justification, God is seen to be central.  He is the source of faith that we need to link us to the work of Christ.  He is the expansive God with no limited national interest.  He is totally  just and yet, as justifier, He is wonderfully merciful toward the guilty sinner.

            The early theologian Saint Augustine, prayed “O God, demand what You will, but supply what You demand.”  God demands perfection, and He meets that demand with the provision of His Son Jesus.

            What Paul is teaching led to some misunderstanding between the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome.  Worried Jewish Christians asked Paul if faith wiped out everything Judaism stood for, canceling the Scriptures, put an end to their customs, and that God was no longer working through the Jews.  The answer to their concerns is no.  What Paul is saying is that when we understand the way of salvation through faith, we understand the connection between the Old and New Testaments.  We know why Abraham was chosen, why the law was given, and why God worked patiently with Israel for centuries.  Faith doesn’t wipe out the Old Testament, Instead, it makes God’s dealings with the Jewish people understandable.  Romans 4 will expand on this concept.

            TAKEWAY.  When it’s all said and done, as William Temple, the former Archbishop of Canterbury once said:  “All I have to contribute to my own salvation is the sin from which I need to be saved.”  This is something we all need to think about.

12-21-2025 Roman 4:1-15.  How God Makes Us Righteous (Cont)

            Paul anticipates objections to what he said about justification through faith because it was  revolutionary that people will think he simply thought it up.  Objectors to the Gospel today often reject it on the basis that it’s just Paul’s gospel and not the Gospel from God.  To prove that what he is saying isn’t innovative, Paul gives two illustrations. 

            First, he takes us back to the experience of Abraham.  He shows that Abraham wasn’t justified by works, or he would have had something to boast about (v. 2).  Instead, he quotes Genesis 15:6.  Abraham knew the blessing of credited righteousness by faith.  This righteousness was unearned.  It came as a gift to him through faith (vv. 4-5). 

            Second, Paul quotes Psalm 32:1-2 to show that even the great King David anticipated the blessing of a covering for sin and that God wouldn’t count sins against those who have faith.  Abraham has a credited righteousness, while David’s sins aren’t attributed to David himself.  So justification isn’t new; the experiences of Abraham and David confirm it.

            So, this leads to Paul’s next question:  Is justification only for the Jews?  His response is “No,” because when Abraham received the blessing (Genesis 15), he was uncircumcised.  It wasn’t until fourteen years later that his circumcision took place (Genesis 17).  Circumcision didn’t confer the blessing on Abraham; it was the sign and seal of the blessing of credited righteousness as we see in v. ll.  So circumcision doesn’t establish our lineage to Abraham.  Ours is a spiritual lineage, with faith being the common link.  Abraham is the father of those who believe God and so follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had, as we are told in v. 12.

            The law didn’t confer the blessing on Abraham either (vv. 13-15).  Righteousness was credited to him well before the law was given.  The law brings only wrath because it shows us what we do wrong, and we can’t keep it.  Abraham’s righteousness was by grace through faith, not by circumcision nor by law-keeping.  As a result, he is the father of all believers in God’s promise, the Gospel.

            TAKEAWAY.  The Jews believed that having the law and being circumcised were safe shelters against God’s displeasure.  Too often we think we can substitute other things to receive God’s justification such as helping others and working in the church instead of accepting Jesus Christ into our heart and lives as Lord and Savior.  Without Jesus, you can’t be justified in God’s sight and will miss out on Heaven.

12-28-2025 Romans 4:16-25 How God Makes us Righteous (Cont)

            Last we saw Paul shows us that Abraham is the father of all those who have faith.  The name “Abraham” means “father of many nations,” and that’s what he is.  Since Abraham is our father, he is our model or pattern.  Paul says that the way God relates to Abraham is the way God relates to us.

            We see in vv. 16-17 how Paul repeats that Abraham’s justification wasn’t earned but was granted by grace because of his faith.  Abraham’s faith is the model for ours.  Abraham pleased God with his faith before he had ever heard about the rituals that would become so important to the Jewish people.  We too are saved by nothing but faith.  Its object was the promise of God as we see in v. 18.  Faith has no inherent value apart from its object.  Bible teacher Paul E. Little said, “A strong faith in a weak bridge will not bridge the gulf, but a weak faith in a strong bridge will get you to the other side.”

            VV. 19-20 tell us the strength of faith is seen in how Abraham believed despite the seeming impossibility of the promise that the elderly Sarah would give the elderly Abraham a son.  The focus of his faith was God’s ability to do what He said, as we see in v. 21.  Abraham was not put off, because he was convinced of God’s power.

            Paul says in v. 22 that the blessing that flowed was righteousness, credited to him graciously through faith.  Paul tell us in vv. 23-24 that the reason this incident was recorded wasn’t just for Abraham’s sake, but for ours as well.  Just as Abraham believed in the promise of God, so we are to believe in the work of Christ as the basis for our justification.  V. 25 reminds us that Jesus died because of our sin.  His resurrection was God’s confirmation that Jesus’ work on the cross had been accepted.  Therefore our justification is sure if we have faith to believe it.

            Abraham believed the promise of redemption (v 17), and so can we (v. 24).  Abraham looked forward to the blessing that would come to his life (Gen 12:3); we look back to the Redeemer who came and through whom we are blessed, as was Abraham.  Abraham’s life was one of great blessings.  He had known persecution and harassment, yet God blessed him, and today there are approximately 1.4 billion living sons and daughters of Abraham.  He is indeed our father, our  model, and our pattern.

            TAKEAWAY.  We all should think about how Abraham’s faith in God challenges our own and how it is an example that can help us keep our faith strong no matter the circumstances we may experience.

01-04-2026 Romans 5:1-11 How God Makes us Righteous Cont.

            Justification, which is the act of God whereby mankind is made free from the guilt and penalty of sin, is a treasure that Paul outlines in today’s reading by showing us the three blessing that come from it.

            The first blessing is that God is at peace with us because His justice has been satisfied as is seen in v. 1.  He holds nothing against us and allows us back into His family.  The second blessing, in vv. 1 and 2 is that not only do we have a peaceful relationship with God without his anger, we also have access to a gracious relationship with Him that is unconditional and underserved through faith in Jesus Christ. 

            The third blessing that comes from a justified relationship with God is that we have a certain expectation that, in the future, we will share in the glory of God as we see in v. 2.  Not only can we rejoice in hope, we also can rejoice in suffering. Why?  Because suffering leads to perseverance, which leads to character growth and strengthening.  Perseverance in the face of opposition shows the authenticity of our commitment.  Such an experience leads to a fresh or new yearning for the fulfillment of our hope as we see in v. 4.

            How can we  be sure of our hope will be fulfilled?  Paul give us three reasons. The first is in v. 5 where he tells us that God has given us the Holy Spirit who reminds us of God’s love.  It’s God’s love that will not allow the hopes of His children to be disappointed.

            The second reason that our hope is indeed real is found in vv. 6 to 8 where we see the proof of God’s love is the Cross where Jesus died for our sin.  Jesus’ death is gracious because those for whom He died are described as sinners, helpless, and enemies.  This demonstration of God’s love lies at the very core of Christianity, which is the death of the innocent Son for His underserving sinful people.

            The third reason is found in vv. 9 to 11 where Paul argues that our hope is real because God arranged our reconciliation while we were still His enemies.  Once we make the decision to accept Jesus by faith, we are brought back to Him and He will save us.  Having done the greater thing, He will do the comparatively lesser thing – the fulfillment of our hopes.

            TAKAWAY:  When we accept Jesus as our Savior by faith, we can be confident that our hope of glorification (which is eternal life with a body that will feel no pain, and a life in eternal light with no sadness or tears) is in fact real.

 01-11-2026 Roman 5:12-21 How God Makes us Righteous (Final)

            Today we cover the final lesson from the section of Romans on how God makes us righteous.

            So, many feel that it’s not right for God to judge us because of Adam’s sin thousands of years ago.  But if we had been in Adam and Eve’s place, we would have done what they did or worse.  Each of us confirms our solidarity with Adam by our own sins every day.  We have the same sinful  nature and are prone to rebel against God, and we’re judged for the sins we commit.  Because we are sinners, it isn’t pure justice we need – it’ mercy.

            The preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls today’s reading the core of Paul’s letter to the Romans because he sums up all that he has said about how God has released us from the penalty for sin.  He shows that there were only ever two “camps” with two representatives – Adam (v 14) and his counterpart Jesus Christ (v. 15).  We are represented either by the first Adam or the second Adam.

            The first Adam, by an act of disobedience, brought condemnation and death to us all (vv. 16-17).  The second Adam, however, bring grace and the gift of righteousness to His people (v. 17)

            Paul also shows that the way we are justified parallels the way we were condemned (vv. 18-19).  Adam trespassed and we were all condemned (v. 18).  Christ obeyed and we were all justified (v. 18).  The act of the one renders the many either condemned or justified.

            How were we condemned?  God attributed to all people to come the disobedience of our representative head, Adam.  Before we had actually sinned.  Adam’s sin was debited to our account.  That’s why people are condemned before sin was defined by Moses and the law (vv. 12-14).  We were condemned because Adam’s sin was attributed to us.

            The way we are condemned is, in the case of Christ and the believer, a pattern for our justification.  All the righteousness and obedience of Christ was attributed to us.  It was credited to our account, and we were declared righteous (v. 19).

            What then happened to all our debits – Adam’s trespass and our personal sin?  It was reckoned to the account of Jesus Christ.  He didn’t become actually sinful any more than we became actually perfect.  But, as with a bookkeeping entry, our sin was debited to Him.  He died to pay its penalty, and now His righteousness is credited to us.

            When God looks at our account now, He sees only the accounted perfection of Jesus.  It’s through faith that we transfer from the camp of Adam (the camp of our birth) to the camp of Jesus (the camp of the children of God).  The first camp is by birth, and the second by rebirth through acceptance of Jesus Christ.

            TAKEAWAY.  The Law defined sin and made it obvious, but God’s grace in the work of Christ is always enough to cover human sin and bring us, through credited righteousness, to eternal live (vv. 20-21).

            Next time we begin the fourth lesson from Paul’s letter to the Romans, which is The Key to Righteous Living.

01-18-2026 Romans 6:1-14 The Key to Righteous Living

            So far Paul has shown us what righteousness is in God’s eyes, the natural unrighteousness of mankind, and how God makes us righteous.  This morning we begin Paul’s fourth lesson: the Key to Righteous Living.

            We see in v. 1 that Paul anticipates the big question:  Since God’s grace increases to allow for forgiveness of our sin (was shown in chapter 5:20), why not sin more so that God’s grace increases even more?  If God forgiveness because of the work of Jesus on the Cross is guaranteed, do we have the freedom to sin as much as we want?  The truth is, this is the coward’s point of view and as Paul adamantly tells us in v. 2 it’s not the way to live righteously. 

            The widespread practice in Paul’s day was for new Christians to be baptized by immersion in water.  New Christians would be completely “buried” in water which symbolized the death and burial of the old way of life.  Coming up out of the water symbolized resurrection into a new life with Christ.  When you think about it this way, it’s a powerful motive to resist sin.  We do this by making a conscious decision to treat the desires and temptations of our old nature as if they were dead and continue in our new life in Christ.  We’re to do our best to live a holy life because by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, we symbolically died with Him. 

            Jesus’ death was a substitute death for us wherein we were with Him on the Cross, with Him in the tomb, and with Him in His resurrection (vv. 3-5).  When Christ died for sin, we died to sin.  Paul says baptism is a constant reminder of our participation in Christ’s death and resurrection.  Union with Jesus is the key to our justification and holiness.

            When we died with Christ, we died to sin.  Sin didn’t die; but our physical body, which sin uses as its instrument, was taken out of Satan’s control (v. 6).  Meanwhile, we have been raised with Christ to a new life (vv. 4, 5, 8).  This new life is never-ending (v. 9) and demands that we live a life that acknowledges and honors God for what He has done for us (vv. 10-11). 

            Up to this point in the letter, Paul hasn’t given one command.  When it comes to justification, we have no contribution to make, so nothing can be commanded of us.  But in vv. 11-14, he gives us several actions we need to take to live a righteous life. 

            The first in v. 11 is a change in attitude,  We make the decision to regard our old sinful nature as dead and unresponsive to sin and instead be alive to God.  Then in v. 12 we stop letting sin dictate how we live our lives by identifying our personal weaknesses, recognizing the things that tempt us, staying away from sources of temptation, practice self-restraint, consciously invest our time in good habits and service, lean on God’s strength and grace, and let the peace of Jesus Christ fill our hearts.

            Paul tells us in v. 13 that our skills, capabilities, and bodies can serve many purposes – good or bad.  Sin makes every part of our bodies vulnerable to attack by Satan.  But when we commit ourselves once and for all to God’s lordship by accepting Jesus as our Savior, we live in a relationship that isn’t ruled by observing law or by earning merit.  We live in an unconditional, undeserved relationship of grace which controls our new nature and allows every part of us to be an instrument for service.  Who we decide to offer our service to – Jesus or Satan – is what makes the difference.  We can’t serve both masters.  It’s in our best interest to serve Jesus, and we can do it because have been freed from the bond of sin by the of the grace of God as we see in v. 14.

            TAKEAWAY.  The key to righteous living comes when we recognize our unification with Jesus and consciously decide to stop sinning.  As we work to resist temptation, we will receive help from God to be successful.

02-01-2026 Roman 6:15-23  The Key to Righteous Living (Cont)

            Today’s reading begins with a reminder that because Christians are  under the grace of God, we’re not free to sin as much as we want.  Quite the opposite.  We should always do our best not to sin. 

            Then Paul uses the slave market to illustrate the reality of what he’s teaching.  He says that when we offer ourselves to someone as an obedient slave, we are a slave to the one we obey whether we are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or a slave to obedience, which leads to righteousness.  .

            Paul questions those who are justified and their attitude toward sin. We see in v. 16 that there are only two possible masters :  sin, whose Master is the sinner Satan, or obedience and righteousness whose Master is the righteous God.  The essence of sin, therefore, is disobedience.  .

            Then in v. 17 Paul shows us that the choice we should make is the path of righteousness and holiness with the good news that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected to give us a new life. 

            We learn in vv. 19-22 that it’s impossible to be neutral.  Every person has a master and that master is either God or sin.  As Christians we will still sin, but we are no longer slaves to sin because we belong to God.  Jesus becomes our coach who gives us a new role, new assignments, and new training that will bring out the full benefits of our new life. 

            In v. 23 we learn while we are free to choice between the two masters, we are not free to adjust the consequences of our choice.  Each of the masters pays with their own kind of currency.  The currency of sin is eternal death.  That’s all we can accept or hope for in life without God.  The currency of Jesus is eternal life that begins on earth and continues forever with God.  You can’t wait until you die to make your choice.  You must do it as soon as possible to enjoy the eternal benefits for the remainder of your earthly life and after in your eternal life.

            Finally in v. 23 we learn that eternal life is a gift from God.  Because it’s a gift, it’s not something we can earn or something that must be paid back.  A gift can’t be bought by the recipient.  The appropriate response to someone who offers a gift is graceful acceptance with gratitude.  Our salvation is a gift of God, not something of our own doing.  He saves us because of His mercy, not because of any good things that we can or will do.  It is in our best interest to accept it with thanks.

            TAKEAWAY.  Sinless perfection isn’t possible during life on earth.  But we are to resist temptation all the time and show thankfulness for the gift that God has given us through Jesus and His death on the Cross.  If you haven’t accepted God’s gift of life, don’t hesitate any longer.

02-08-2026 Romans 7:1-13 Key to Righteous Living (Cont)

            Paul used the image of our solidarity with Jesus – we died, we were buried, and we were raised with Him in 6:1-14.  And he used the image of the master and slave relationship in 6:15-23.  Now, he uses the image in marriage in vv. 1-6.

            The point Paul makes is that death frees a person from the binding of the law.  He uses marriage to illustrate our relationship to the law.  When a spouse dies, the law of marriage no longer applies.  Because we have died with Christ, the law can no longer condemn us.  Since we are united with Christ, his Spirit enables us to produce good fruit for God.  We now serve God, not by obeying a set of rules, but out of renewed hearts and minds that overflow with love for Him.

            He shows us in v. 4 that when a person dies to the old life and now belongs to Jesus, a new life begins.  Those who don’t follow Christ have only their own self-determination as their source of power.  By contrast, God becomes the center of a Christian’s life and God supplies the power for the Christian’s daily living.  Believers find that their whole way of looking at the world changes when they come to know and depend on Jesus. 

            Some people try to earn their way to God by keeping a set of rules such as obeying the Ten Commandments, attending church faithfully, or doing good deeds.  But all they earn for these kinds of efforts is frustration and discouragement because they can never do any of those things perfectly.  However, Christ’s sacrifice has opened the way to God, and we can become His children simply by putting our faith in Him.  No longer trying to reach God by keeping rules through our own efforts, we can become more and more like Jesus as we live for Him day by day.  We learn to let the Holy Spirit turn our eyes away from our own performance and toward Jesus..  We become free to serve Him out of love and gratitude.  This is what “living in the new way of the Spirit” is all about

            Just keeping the rules, laws, and customs of Christianity doesn’t save us.  Even if we could keep our actions pure, we would still be doomed because our hearts and minds are perverse and rebellious.  Like Paul, we can find no relief in the churches or synagogues until we look only to Jesus Christ for our salvation – which He gives us freely.  When we do come to Jesus fully and completely, we are flooded with relief and gratitude.  Will we keep the rules any better?  Most likely, because we will be motivated by love and gratitude, not by the desire to get God’s approval.  We won’t just be submitting to an external code, but we will willingly and lovingly be working to do God’s will from within.

            God’s law makes people realize that they are sinners doomed to die, yet it offers no long-term remedy.  Sin is real, and it’s dangerous.  Imagine it’s a hot sunny day at the beach and you jump into the surf to cool off.  Then you notice a sign on the pier: No Swimming, Sharks in the water.  Your day is ruined.  If it the sign’s fault?  Are you angry with the people who put it up?  The law is like a sign.  It’s essential, and we are grateful for it – but it doesn’t get rid of the sharks or our sin.

            Finally we see in vv. 11-13 Paul is showing us that sin deceives people by misusing the law.  The law is holy, expressing God’s nature and will for people and showing them how to love God and treat each other.  In the Garden of Eden the serpent deceived Adam and Eve by taking their focus off the freedom God had given to them and putting it on the one restriction God had made.  Ever since then, we have all been rebels.  Sin looks good to us precisely because God said it’s wrong.  When we’re tempted to rebel, we need to look at the law from a wider perspective – in the light of God’s grace and mercy.  When we focus on His great love for us, we will understand He only restricts us from actions and attitudes that ultimately will harm us. 

            TAKEWAY.  The Bible commentator F.F. Bruce says to blame the law is like a prisoner in jail blaming the law that put him there as though it were the law’s fault and not his own.  It’s only through the light of conviction of our sinfulness that we realize the greatness of the rescue we have in Jesus.

02-15-2026 Romans 7:14-25 Key to Righteous Living (Cont)

            Paul previously showed us that  the Law is spiritual – from God, but we are carnal - sinful and rebellious.  But because as Christians we’re under God’s grace, sin is no longer our master.  So, if we’re no longer under the law but under grace, are we now free to sin and disregard the Ten Commandments?  Absolutely not.  When we were under the law, sin was our master, not the law.  Yet the law can’t justify us - meaning declare us innocent or guiltless of our sin - or help us overcome sin.  But now that we are bound to Jesus, He is our Master and He gives us power to overcome our sinful tendencies.

            There are three lessons in v. 15 that Paul is sharing that he learned in struggling with his sinful desires.  First, knowledge of the rules doesn’t make it easier to obey them.  Second, self-determination and self-improvement can’t change our hearts.  And third, becoming a Christian doesn’t stamp out all sin and temptation from our life.  However, being born again happens in a moment of faith, but becoming like Jesus is a lifelong process. 

            Paul compares Christian growth to a strenuous race or fight in I Corinthians 9:24-27 and II Timothy 4:7.  Therefore, as Paul has been emphasizing since the beginning of this book, no one in the world is innocent; no one deserves to be saved – not the pagan who doesn’t know God’s laws, nor the person who knows them and tries to keep them.  Every one of us must depend totally on what Jesus has done for our salvation.  We can’t earn it by our good behavior.

            Paul is describing the experience of anyone struggling against sin or trying to please God by keeping rules and laws without the help of the Holy Spirit.  We must never underestimate the power of sin or attempt to fight it with our own strength.  Instead of relying on our human willpower, we are to take hold of the power of Jesus available to us through the Holy Spirit.  Satan manipulates and deceives us just as he tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness.  He succeeded with Adam and Eve in the Garden, and he is constantly doing the same thing to us.  Because we’re experts at making excuses, we must be alert to temptations.  God provides the Holy Spirit to help us defeat Satan in our lives.  That Spirit enters our hearts and lives when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and reaches out to help us when we fail. (v. 15)

            “The devil made me do it,” sounds like a lame excuse, but there is some truth in it.  Without Jesus’s help, sin is stronger than we are and sometimes we’re unable to defend ourselves against its attacks.  That’s why we should never try to stand up against sin on our own.  Jesus, who conquered sin once and for all, promises to fight by our side.  When we look to Him for help, we don’t have to give in to sin. (v. 17)

            V. 23 tells us another law is at work within us.  This is a reference to the sin deep within us and our vulnerability to the power of sin.  It’s everything within us that keeps us more loyal to our old way of selfish living than to God. 

            There is a great tension in our daily Chrisitan experience.  We face conflict because we agree that God’s commands are right and good, but we can’t carry them out completely on our own making us painfully aware of our sin.  This inward struggle with sin was as real for Paul as it is for us and he is teaching us what to do about it in vv. 23-25.  When we feel overwhelmed by the spiritual battle, like Paul, we can return to the beginning of our spiritual life, remembering how we have been freed from sin by Jesus.  When we feel confused and overwhelmed by sin’s appeal, us can claim the freedom Jesus has given us.  His power can lift us to victory over every sin in our life.

            TAKEWAY.  There are many people out there that believe in God and try to obey the Ten Commandments, but they don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Sadly, they are still condemned by God.  Christians can thank God for the deliverance from sin that we have through Jesus and tell as many people as we can how they can take Jesus as Lord of their lives and receive eternal salvation.

03-01-2026 Romans 8:1-17  Key to Righteous Living (Cont)

            This is an especially majestic section of the letter to the Romans where Paul is showing us two things. 

                        First, we’re delivered from the condemnation of the law that we deserve.  The law couldn’t justify us because we can’t keep it (v. 3), so God provided His Son Jesus who perfectly meets the requirements of the law and then took our place as the perfect offering for sin (vv. 3-4).

            Second, while the sinful nature of the former people we were before accepting Jesus remains a powerful force within all believers, God has given every believer a powerful gift – the indwelling Spirit who enables us to do God’s will.

            By the way, chapter 8 of Romans contains more references to the Holy Spirit than in all the other chapters of this letter.

            In vv. 5-8 Paul contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh. He divides people into two categories:  those who are dominated by their sinful nature and those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit.  All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn’t offered us a way out.  Once we have accepted Jesus, we want to continue following Him because His way brings life and peace.  Every single day we must consciously choose to center our lives on God because we live in a sinful world.  We use the Bible to discover God’s guidelines and then follow them.  In every complicated, confusing or worrying situation, we should ask ourselves what Jesus wants us to do.  When the Holy Spirit points out what that is, we are to do it eagerly.

            V. 9 tells us that being a child of God means that we have the Holy Spirit with us.  If you have accepted Jesus, You can be assured that you have the Holy Spirit because Jesus promised that He would send it to you.  Since you now believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that eternal life comes through Him alone, as told in I John 4:9, you will act as Christ directs; you will find help in your daily problems and in your praying; you will be empowered to serve God and do His will; and you will become part of God’s plan to build up His church.

            We learn in vv. 10-11 that the Holy Spirit revitalizes our aging, dying bodies by giving us the ability to live forever with Jesus in Heaven.

            V. 13 tells us that the Holy Spirit allows us to turn away from the appeal of sin and ignore it’s temptations.

            Finally in vv. 14-17 Paul compares our new relationship with God to adoption.  In Roman culture, an adopted child lost all rights in his or her old family and gained all the rights of a natural born child in the new family.  Like adopted children, we are now full heirs to all the privileges and responsibilities of a child in God’s family.  One of the privileges includes being led by the Holy Spirit.  We may not always feel as though we belong to God, but the Holy Spirit becomes our witness and it’s presence reminds us of who we are and encourages us with God’s love.

            We’re no longer like fearful slaves because we are the Master’s children and we share in great treasures as His co-heirs.  God has already given us His best gifts:  His Son, His Holy spirit, forgiveness, and eternal life.

            Paul answers two questions for us:  First, are we condemned by our past lives? And second, does God leave me without resources in the battle against sin?  The answer to both questions is “No” because of what Jesus did on the Cross.  We’re no longer condemned to die and because God has given us His Holy Spirit we are never without help in this life.

            TAKWAY.  Being identified with Jesus as “heirs of God” does come with a price.  Christians will face suffering that includes economic and social persecution and maybe even loss of their earthly lives for standing up for Jesus.  But nothing we will suffer in this life can compare to the price that Jesus paid to save us.

03-08-2026 Romans 8:18-27 The Key to Righteous Living (Cont).

            Paul starts out in v. 17 telling us that as children of God we’re waiting for our promised inheritance.  He then goes on to tell us what our experience is while we wait.

            In v. 18 he reminds us that he is also suffering just as we are suffering in this life but what we’re experiencing in nothing compared to what we will experience when we begin our eternal life.  Just as in his time on earth, Christians today will face pressures and persecution, even in countries where Christianity is widely accepted.

            In vv. 19-22 he tells us that sin caused all of creation to fall from the perfect state that God created.  As a result the entire world is subjected to the frustration and bondages to death and decay so that it can’t fulfill its intended purpose.  This includes the air, land, sea, animals, vegetation, and people that occupy it.  But there will come a day all of creation will be liberated and transformed but until that time it waits in eager expectation for the resurrection of God’s children and the restoration of all the earth as God originally created it.

            Christians see the world as it is – physically and spiritually infected with sin.  But Christians don’t need to be pessimistic because we have hope for future glory.  We look forward to the new heaven and new earth that God has promised to us.  And we wait for God’s new order that will free the world from sin, sickness, and evil.  In the meantime, Christians go with Jesus in their hearts into the world where we serve others, work for the well-being of people’s bodies and souls, proclaim the truth and promises of the Gospel, and fight the evil effects of sin in the world.

            Even though we may groan and complain, v. 23 reminds us that we will be resurrected with glorified bodies like the body Jesus now has in heaven.  We have the “first fruits,” the first installment or downpayment of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our resurrected life to come.

            Most young children naturally trust their parents, even though parents sometimes fail to keep their promises.  In vv. 24-25 Paul assures us that our Heavenly Father – God – never makes promises He won’t keep.  He has given us hope, but His plan will unfold according to His timetable, so certain things may take longer than we may want.  Just what is it that we are waiting for?  New bodies, a new heaven and new earth, rest and rewards, our eternal family and home, the absence of sin and suffering, and being face-to-face with Jesus!.  Rather than waiting like impatient children for His promises to be fulfilled, we are to place our confidence in God’s current promises to bring good out of bad situations, to give us  divine wisdom for daily living, and to encourage us with peace in our hearts and minds.

            Finally in vv. 26-27 Paul tells us that as believers we aren’t left to our own resources to cope with our problems.  Even when we don’t know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with us and for us so we can be 100% confident that God will answer.  With God helping us pray, we don’t need to be afraid to come before Him.  All we need to do is ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for us “in accordance with the will of God.”  Then, when we bring our requests to God, we are to trust that He will always do what is in our best interest.

            TAKAWAY.  We should all look within ourselves to become aware of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Look for ways to recognize that the Holy Spirit is at work in your lives.  Then thank God for giving you the Holy Spirit because of the work of Jesus on the Cross.

03-15-2026 Romans 8:28-39 The Key to Righteous Living (Final).

            This morning we finish up Paul’s lessons on the key to righteous living.  Today’s passage is showing us how we can conquer this life of sin that hold us back from the full and complete love of God. 

            Paul starts out in v. 28 by reminding us that God is at work in all things – not just isolated incidents.  And He is working for our benefit.  This doesn’t mean that all that happens to us will be pleasant and we don’t have to call pain good.  He is reminding us that even though evil pervades our fallen world, God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range benefit. 

            God doesn’t work only to make us happy.  He promises to work in us to fulfill His purposes in us and through us.  This promise isn’t for everybody.  It can only be claimed by those who love God and are called by Him through the Holy Spirit after we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Once we do that, we have a new perspective and a new mindset.  We’re able to trust in God, not in life’s treasures, but in the security we have in heavenly priorities instead of earthly ones.  Our faith in God doesn’t have to waver in pain and persecution because we know God is with us.

            Some believe that vv. 29-30 mean that before the world was formed God chose certain people to receive His gift of salvation.  They also point to Ephesians 1:11 that says we are predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.  Others believe that God knew in advance who would respond to Him and He set His mark on (predestined) them.  But in reality, we have to understand that God isn’t bound by time.  What’s clear is that God’s purpose for people was not an afterthought, it was settled before Creation as we learn in Ephesians 1:4.  People are to serve and honor God.  If you believe in Jesus, you can rejoice in the fact that God has always known you.  God’s love is eternal and His wisdom and power are supreme.  He will guide and protect you until the day that you stand in His presence.

            Vv. 31-34 show that you never have to feel that God’s salvation is for everyone but you.  God give His Son for you, and He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation from you.  Jesus gave His life for you so why would He turn around and condemn  you?  He won’t withhold anything you need to live for Him.  And when he does, Jesus, who is sitting at the right hand of God, is our advocate presenting our cases for us.

            Vv. 35-39 contain one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture.  Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms such as persecution, illness, imprisonment, and even death.  Persecution can  sometimes cause us to fear that we have been abandoned by Jesus.  But Paul is telling us that it’s impossible to be separated from Jesus.  His death for us proves His unconquerable love.  Nothing can separate us from Jesus.  God assures us of His great love so that we will feel totally secure in Him.  When we believe these amazing assurances, we never have to be afraid of anything.

            Finally, the powers spoken of in vv. 38-39 are the unseen forces of evil in the universe carried out by Satan and his demons.  As believers who have Jesus’ power available to us, we will experience victory after victory now and for eternity.  When we hold these two verses deeply in our hearts we never have to doubt God’s love and care for us, especially when we are facing problems and distress in our lives.

                        TAKEAWAY.  There’s no enemy that can effectively defeat us because God is for us.  He showed the extent of His love and support for us by giving us His Son Jesus.  There’s no lawyer who can effectively make a charge against us stick because God has declared us to be right with Him because of the work Jesus did on the Cross.  There’s no accuser who can condemn us because Jesus, who is constantly at God’s right hand, will always silence any accusation.  There’s no person or situation that can effectively separate us from God’s love, the blessings of our salvation in Christ, or from God’s loving oversight throughout our life.  We are super conquerors because of God’s love for us.  The theologian J. I. Packer said chapter 8 as his favorite chapter in the Bible because it begins with telling us there is no more condemnation and ends by reminding us that nothing is able to separate us from the love of God.

03-22-2026 – Romans 9:1-14. God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel

            This week we begin the sixth lesson that Paul is teaching in Romans which is God’s righteous dealing with Israel.  Even though Paul is writing about how God deals with Israel, it also applies to how He will deal with Christian churches.

            He ended chapter 8 by giving us confidence in the love God has for us and His ability to help us conquer whatever life throws at us.  But now he is expressing sorrow and anguish (v. 2) as he writes about Israel’s obstinate resistance to the Gospel. 

            We see in v. 4 how Paul describes God’s choosing of Israel as adoption.  The people of Israel were underserving and without rights as natural children.  Yet God adopted them and granted them the status of His sons and daughters. 

            Because they resisted God often, some think God won’t keep His promises to save Israel, or it’s a failure of His Word (v. 6).  But this is not true.  God always intended to save a remnant of Israel.  Even among Abraham’s children, He chose Isaac, and not Ishmael; Jacob, and not Esau as we in vv.7-13. 

            God’s covenant promise came to Abraham.  Covenant people, the true children of Abraham, are not just his biological descendants.  They are all those who trust in God and in what Jesus Christ has done for them.

            The Jews were proud of the fact that their lineage came from Isaac, whose mother was Sarah (Abraham’s legitimate wife), rather than Ishmael (whose mother was Hagar (Sarah’s servant).  Paul emphasizes in v. 11 that no one can claim to be chosen by God because of his or her heritage or good deeds.  God freely chooses to offer salvation by His sovereign goodness and mercy, and not because of our own merit.

            Paul is explaining in vv. 12-14 about the qualities of God that makes Him make the decisions that He does.  Was it unfair of God to choose Jacob, the younger son of Isaac, to be over Esau?  If you look in Malachai 1:2-3, the statement that God loved Jacob but hated Esau refers to other names for the nations of Israel and Edom rather than to the individual brothers.  Jacob was chosen by God to continue the family line of the faithful because his heart was for God.  But He didn’t exclude Esau from knowing and loving Him. 

            We have to understand that the God we worship is sovereign.  He is not arbitrary.  He works all things for our good.  He is trustworthy, and He will save all who believe in Him.  When we understand these qualities, we know that His choices are good even if we don’t understand all His reasons.

            TAKAWAY.  Sometimes, it’s hard to understand why God makes the choices and decision that He does.  But when we accept His sovereignty and His love for us, we can accept what we don’t fully understand and trust that His love for us will result in good things for us, even though we have to experience pain and problems while living in a world controlled by Satan.

03-29-2026 – Romans 9:15-21 God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel (Cont)

            Last week we saw that God makes decisions that we often don’t understand and may seem to be unjust.  But Paul tells us in vv. 15-18 that God’s decisions aren’t about justice because we all are sinners and deserve to be condemned. 

V. 16 highlights the false belief that salvation can be gained by human effort remains as strong as ever – people still think that good intentions are the key that unlocks the door to eternal life.  But by the time they get to try the lock, they will find that their key doesn’t fit.  Others imagine that their efforts are building an invisible ladder to Heaven made up of service, family, position, reputation, good work, and desire.  But none of these rungs will support the weight of a feather.  People are so busy trying to reach God that they completely miss the truth that God has already reached down to them.  We cannot earn God’s mercy.  If we could, it wouldn’t be mercy. 

In vv. 17-18 Paul quotes from Exodus 9:16 where God foretold how Pharaoh would be used to declare God’s power.  Paul uses this argument to show that salvation is God’s work, not ours.  When Paul says that God chooses to harden the hearts of some, it most likely means that God allows those who willfully rebel against Him to continue to do so.  In effect, God confirms their choice to live a life of resisting Him.  But God is sovereign in the exercise of His mercy and in the exercise of whom He hardens, like Pharaoh.  God used the stubbornness of Pharaoh, which was Pharaoh’s own choice, to glorify His name. 

God’s judgement on Pharaoh’s choice to resist Him was to confirm his sin and tells us today that the more you resist God, the harder it is to turn to Him.  After a lifetime of resistance, you may find it impossible to turn to God.  A hardened heart is one that is unable to hear God’s voice.  You should never get to the point where God chooses to let you go because your heart is so hard toward Him, He knows you will never turn to Him.

Paul isn’t telling us in vv. 19-21 that some of us are worth more than others.  He is telling us that only the Creator – God – has control over the created.  The created doesn’t have the right to demand anything from the Creator.  The very existence of the created depends on the Creator.  Keeping this perspective will remove any temptation to have pride in personal achievement.

TAKAWAY.  Paul is giving us insight into why God does what He does and the reasons behind it.  As our Creator, He can made choices and demand that we may not fully understand until we get to Heaven, or are one day judged and sent to eternal death.  We do have choices we can make but we are better off making the choice to follow our Creator.

04-05-2026 – Romans 9:22-33  God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel (Cont)

            Last week we learned that some human unbelief is a result of God’s hardening of the human heart, Paul tells us in vv. 22-24 that the unbelievers, by their stubborn resistance, increases God’s patience so that believers, by their underserved acceptance, increases God’s mercy on them.

            Paul quotes from the prophet Hosea in vv. 25-26 to show how God always intended that Israel would be restored but that many will still reject Him.  Also, God always intended to bring non-Jews into His family.

            Then in vv. 27-29 Paul quotes from Isaiah’s prophesies how only a small number – a remnant – of God’s chosen people, the Jews, would be saved.  Paul saw this in every city he preached.  Even though he wen to the Jews first, relatively few ever accepted the message of salvation through Jesus.

            VV. 30-31 is where Paul says Gentiles obtain righteousness by faith, but many Jews will not because the law alone cannot save them.

            Paul then explains further in vv. 32-33 that the Jews had a worthy goal – to honor God.  But they tried to achieve it the wrong way by rigid and painstaking obedience to the law.  The result was that they were more dedicated to the Law than to God.  God would have accepted them as His people, but God cannot be controlled.  The Jews didn’t see that their Scriptures, - the Old Testament - taught that salvation depended on faith, not on human effort. 

So, in vv. 32-33 Paul makes it very clear that the Jew’s stumbling stone was Jesus.  They Jews didn’t believe in Jesus because He didn’t meet their expectations for the Messiah.  Some people still stumble over Jesus because salvation by faith doesn’t make sense to them.  They would rather try to earn their way to God, or else they expect God to simply overlook their sins.  Others stumble over Jesus because His values are the opposite of the world’s.  Jesus asks for humility and many are unwilling to humble themselves before Him.  Jesus requires obedience humility.  That’s why many who refuse to put their will at His disposal will lose their eternal reward. 

TAKAWAY:  No one – Jews and non-Jews - can ignore Jesus.  Jesus and only Jesus must be chosen to be the foundation that every Christian life is built on in order to receive eternal life.  To do otherwise will lead to eternal death,

04-12-2026 – Romans 10:1-8 God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel (Con’t)

            In vv. 1and 2 Paul is expressing his deep concern that many Jews will never make it to Heaven because of their refusal to believe in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus.  His earnest desire for them to accept Jesus is why Paul worked so hard and sacrificed so much after his own conversion. 

            Because Jesus is the most complete revelation of God, we cannot fully know God apart from Him, and because God appointed Jesus to bring God and people together, no one can come to God by another path.  Jews, like everyone else, can find salvation only through Jesus Christ as is also told in John 14:6 and Acts 4:12. 

            Like Paul, we should pray that all Jews might be saved and lovingly share the Gospel with them.

            Vv. 3-5 tell us that rather than living by faith in God, they choose to use their established customs and traditions, in addition to God’s law to try to make themselves acceptable in His sight.  But human effort, no matter how sincere, can ever substitute for the righteousness God offers us through faith in Jesus.  The only way to earn salvation is to be perfect – and that’s impossible for all of us – Jew and Gentile.  All we can do is hold out our empty hands and receive salvation through Jesus as a gift.

            Paul explains in v. 4 that Jesus accomplished this purpose for which the law was given in two ways:  (1) He fulfills the purpose and goal of the law as Matthew tells us in 5:17 in that He perfectly exemplified God’s desires on earth; and (2) Jesus is the termination of the law because its purpose was to point to the new “law,” a new covenant that we are to follow.  The Old Testament law remains the Word of God, but with the coming of Jesus, we now understand its real purpose – to show us that it cannot save us and to point us to the only one who can save us – Jesus Christ.  This doesn’t make the Old Testament laws irrelevant; they continue to teach us about God’s character and how we are to live as followers of God.

            In v. 5 Paul tells us that to be saved by the law, a person would have to live a perfect life, not sinning once.  This is impossible.  Why did God give the law knowing people couldn’t keep it?  According to Paul, one reason was to show people how guilty they are as is also explained in Galatians 3:19.  The law was a shadow of Christ - that is the sacrificial system educated the people so that when the true sacrifice came, they would be able to understand His work (see Hebrews 10:1-4).  The system of ceremonial laws was to last until the coming of Christ.  The law pointed out our need for a Savior

            Paul shows two possible routes to righteousness.  In v. 5, righteousness is gained by keeping the law.  But he continues in vv. 5-7 to show us that righteousness is gained not by human achievement but by God’s provision.  Jesus doesn’t need to be brought down (v. 6), but He came down in the incarnation.  Jesus doesn’t need to be brought up (v. 7) but He came up in the resurrection.  Both are God’s provisions and shows God’s gift of righteousness is not a result of human achievements.

Finally in vv. 6-8 Paul adapts Moses’ farewell challenge from Deuteronomy  3:11-14 and applies it to Jesus, who has provided salvation through His incarnation  (taking on human form) and resurrection.  God’s salvation is right in front of us.  He will come to us wherever we are.  All we need to do is respond sincerely and accept His gift of salvation.  The ‘deep’ as used here refers to the grave, or Hades, the place of the dead.

            TAKAWAY:  Righteousness is something God requires and graciously provides to all who put their faith in Jesus.  It doesn’t come by any act or deed we can ever do.  Having faith in Jesus means accepting that He is God’s Son and that God raised Him from the dead.  Our faith also requires that we confess that He is indeed our Lord, Savior, and God in the flesh as confirmed by His resurrection from the dead.

04-19-2026 – Romans 10:9-15 God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel (Con’t)

            Has anyone ever asked you how to become Christian?  Faith in Jesus is the only way of righteousness, and only God will choose those who want to return to Him.  But what is His criteria when He makes His choice?  Paul’s thinking is very structured about this point.  Most think it’s a complicated process.  But in truth, salvation is as close as your own lips and heart.  VV. 9-12 spells it out quite clearly.  First (v. 9) confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord then believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead to save us from our sins.  Why?  When you believe in with your heart that Jesus is the Son of God and died so that your sins can be forgiven, that’s faith you are justified meaning God now sees you as worthy to be forgiven of your sins.  Then you are to declare your faith in God and Jesus, His Son, tells others of your beliefs, and then you’re saved.  You must let your faith come out of its silence and speak of the glory and grace of God. That is the confession Paul speaks of in v. 10.

            This is why there’s no difference between the Jews and Gentiles because God is Lord of all.  VV. 11-12 confirm that anyone who believes in Jesus will not be ashamed and will be blessed richly when they call on Him.  Then in v. 13 Paul clearly says that all who call upon the name of Jesus will be saved.

            Paul explains in v. 14 the role Christians have in sharing the message of salvation and how to obtain it.  In telling others about Jesus, we must be a good example and explain the what and how of becoming a Christian.  Being a good example is important, but we also must connect the mind of the unbeliever with the message of the Gospel – the good news of salvation.  We share the Gospel with our deeds and actions and proclaim it with our words.  Both are to be used together.

            V. 15 makes it clear that Christians are to take God’s message of salvation to others so that they have the opportunity to respond to the good news.  We may be the only way many people learn about God, Jesus, and the love they have shown us through the Cross.

            TAKAWAY:  Think about what Paul is telling us in this passage.  Then think about if you know someone that is hurting or feels lost, ask them if they know Jesus.  If they don’t, explain the simple steps of asking Him into their heart and life and tell them how He has helped you through life’s hardships.

04-26-2026 – Romans 10:16-21 God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel (Con’t)

            Paul begins  in v. 16 by telling us in vv. 15=6 and 17 that not everyone who hears the Gospel will accept it as is confirmed by the Prophet Isaiah.  Despite the fact of who Jesus was and what He did, only a few have and will accept Him as the Messiah.  Faith will come by hearing the Word of God and then believing that Word

            VV. 18-21 is where Paul brings the matter back to the Jews:  They knew about Christ and rejected Him anyway.  There was no excuse for Israel not to know.  They had the Word of God for their Guide.  Some 1600 years before Paul’s day, Moses prophesied the acceptance of the Gospel by the Gentiles. (v. 19) and in v. 20 Paul tells us that the prophet Isaiah predicted that the Gentiles would hear and receive the Gospel.  Finally in v. 21 we see that by their rejection of Christ and the Cross, most of Israel set themselves up for the wrath of God because of their self-will and unbelief.  And sadly, many churches today are on that same path.

            Question 65 of the sixteenth century Heidelberg Catechism that teaches Christian doctrine – asks, “it is by faith alone that we share in Christ and all His blessings: where then does that faith come from?”  The answer is:  “The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts through the preaching of the holy gospel…”

            Israel certainly heard the Gospel, and the Apostles took their responsibility very seriously to take the Gospel first to the Jews.  The question is, did the Jews understand it?  They understood grace well enough to be jealous of others’ reception to is as shown in v. 19.  In vv. 20 and 21 we see that God is sovereign in the process, but Israel is personally responsible for her disobedience and stubbornness in trusting in God’s Word.

            Paul is talking about the doctrine of the Elect of God, which is the belief that God, in His sovereignty, chooses or appoints certain individuals or groups for a specific purpose or destiny-often salvation-before they make any corresponding choice on their part.  This teaching spans both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating God’s ownership over His creation and His authority to call people to Himself. Since Scripture attests that God’s eternal plan is perfect and unchangeable as we learn in Isaiah 46:10. Election underscores His eternal wisdom, grace, and justice in determining humanity’s ultimate end and shouldn’t be viewed as arbitrary but as part of God’s redemptive plan that encompasses His love, mercy, holiness, and righteousness.  It’s the foundation to understanding how salvation unfolds in history and how God’s people should respond in worship and service.

            The concept of election is found throughout the Old and New Testaments where Israel is often described as God’s Chosen People and the New Testament where all who are “in Christ” – Jew and Gentile – are included in God’s elect.  The doctrine of election is often attacked because it’s said to paralyze the believers at the point of evangelism.  But Paul is telling us that doesn’t have to be so.  Rather it is what provides the greatest motivation for evangelism.  We aren’t to be put off by people’s resistance.  That’s why prayer must be part of the clear, widespread presentation of the Gospel, as the sovereign God does His work of calling out His people as the Gospel is explained. 

            TAKAWAY:  When we accept Jesus by faith and become recipients of forgiveness of our sins by the grace of God and eternal life in the new kingdom, we should never be shy about telling others that they can have the same gifts that we have been given.  Our responsibility is live as Jesus lived and share His message in order to plant the seed so that the Holy Spirit can make it grow.

05-03-2026 – Romans 11:01-11 God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel (Con’t)

            Paul, a Jew Himself, begins the chapter by pointing out that not all Jew have rejected God’s message of salvation. Nor has God abandoned Israel and He has always reserved a remnant who will never be abandoned.  Paul, Elijah, and the 7,000 who had not bowed to the false god Baal (from I Kings 19:10, 14, 18) are examples of that.

            Eijah was a great reforming prophet who challenged the northern kingdom of Israel to repent.  God chose the Jews to be the people through whom the rest of the world could find salvation.  But this didn’t mean that all Jewish people would be saved; only those who were faithful to God (the remnant)  were considered true Jews (v. 5).           We’re saved through faith in Christ, not because we are part of a nation, religion, or family. 

            Israel’s resistance and blindness are no surprise to God.  In fact, God gave them a spirit of slumber (v. 8) or an insensitivity to revelation.  I’s God’s judgment upon their refusal to accept the Gospel.  The darkening of their spiritual eyes, described in VV. 9-10, has overtaken them all, except for the faithful remnant.

            Quoting from Deuteronomy 29 and Psalm 69, Paul shows that Israel’s resistance and blindness are the verdict of Scripture, and that God expected all this activity.  The fact that other were hardened was God’s confirmation of their own stubbornness, which removed their ability to see and hear and to turn from sin to repentance.   They would experience the consequences of their resistance to Jesus, the Messiah. 

            Paul is telling us in v. 7 that resisting God’s offer of salvation through Jesus is like telling Him to, Leave you alone.  God’s answer to that prayer might be to agree and, in fact let the person alone, which would make him or her less sensitive to His voice.  This is how the heart becomes hard.  The very possibility of that happening ought to keep us asking God specifically to give us ears and eyes that always hear and see to Him.  So, what’s God purpose in all this?  Is the hardening of the Jews hearts permanent?  No (v. 11).  Bible commentator Charles Hodge says, “The rejection of the Jews is not total, neither is it final.” 

            We see this pattern repeated in the Book of Acts.  The Gospel comes to the Jews first, then upon their rejection, it goes to the Gentiles who accept it, and Israel becomes envious of God’s blessing upon the Gentiles (v. 11). 

            Paul takes seriously his ministry to the Gentiles for this is a way of arousing Israel to envy and bringing her to her senses.  Israel’s stumbling is the means of bringing many Gentiles to Christ.

                        TAKAWAY:  As Christians, we are to also try to show Jewish friends that they need Jesus for eternal salvation.

05-10-2026 – Romans 11:12-24 God’s Righteous Dealing with Israel (Con’t)

            Paul was appointed as an Apostle to the Gentiles.  He reminded his Jewish brother and sisters of this fact, hoping that they too, would want to be saved.  The Jews rejected God’s offer and so Paul went straight to the Gentiles with the message of salvation, But when a Jew comes to Christ, there is a lot of rejoicing, as if a person who has died has come back to life. 

            The Gospel will always overcome human pride and arrogance.  Paul is telling us in vv.15-18 that God is attracted by our weakness and repelled by our pride.  Gentiles should not be proud, because just as God didn’t spare Israel because of her unbelief, He won’t spare unbelief in those branches that have been grated into His family – meaning the Gentiles. 

            God is both kind and stern.  If He is willing and able to graft a wild branch, like the Gentiles, into the tree, then He is more than able to regraft the natural branches (Israel) when they believe in Christ as Lord and Savior (vv. 22-24).

            TAKAWAY.  Reflect on the mercy God has shown to you in your life then think about how Paul’s words can encourage you to be humble and live like Jesus lived.

05-17-2026 -Romans 11:25-36 God’s Righteousness Dealing with Israel (Final)

            This morning we finish up Paul’s writings on the sixth theme in Romans – God’s righteous dealing with Israel.

            The mystery Paul speaks of in v. 26 is also referred to in Ephesians 1:9-10 and I Thessalonians 4:13.  Paul is revealing how God is at work through the hardening and softening of hearts to bring the full number of Gentiles into His kingdom, so that all Israel – that is all the elect of Jews and Gentiles will be saved.  The hardening of ethnic Israel is both temporary and purposeful.  And it means there’s a place in God’s purpose for ongoing evangelism among both Jews and Gentiles.

            Paul envisioned a church where all Jewish and Gentile believers would be united in their love of God and obedience to Jesus.  While respecting God’s law, this ideal Church would look to Jesus alone for salvation.  A person’s ethnic background and social status would be irrelevant because what matters is each person’s faith in Jesus.  But his vision has not yet been realized even to this day.  Many Jewish people in Paul’s day rejected the Gospel  They depended on their heritage for salvation, and they didn’t have the heart of obedience that was so important to the Old Testament Prophets and to Paul.  Once Gentiles became dominant in many of the Christian churches, they began rejecting Jews and even persecuting them.  Unfortunately, this practice has recurred through the centuries. 

            True Christians shouldn’t persecute others.  Both Gentiles and Jews have done so much to damage the cause of the God they claim to serve that Paul’s vision often seems impossible to fulfill.  Yet God chose the Jews, just as He chose the Gentiles, and He’s still working to unite all believers, so they become a new Israel, a new Jerusalem, ruled by His Son.

            Some say the statement ‘And so all Israel shall be saved’ in v. 26 means that the majority of Jews in the final generation before the return of Jesus will turn to Him for salvation.  But others say that Paul is using the term Israel to refer to the spiritual nation of Israel, which includes Jews and Gentiles who have received salvation through faith in Jesus.  This Israel -  all believers - will receive God’s promised gift of salvation.  Still others say that ‘all Israel’ means that Israel as a whole will have a role in Jesus’ future kingdom.  The Jews’ identity as a people won’t be discarded.  God chose the nation of Israel, and He has never rejected it.  He also chose the church, through Jesus, and He will never reject it either.  This doesn’t mean that all Jews or all church members will be saved.  It’s possible to be Jewish or belong to a church without ever responding to God in faith.  But just because some people have rejected Jesus doesn’t mean that God stops working with either Israel or the Church.  He continues to offer salvation freely to all.

            Paul shows us in vv. 28-32 how the Jews and Gentiles benefit one another.  Whenever God shows mercy to one group, the other shares the blessing.  In God’s original plan, the Jews would be the source of God’s blessing to the Gentiles as can be seen in Genesis 12:3.  When the Jews rejected this mission, God blessed the Gentiles anyway through the Jewish Messiah.  He still maintains His love for the Jews because of His promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  The privileges and invitation of God given to Israel will never be withdrawn and someday all faithful Jews will share in God’s mercy. 

            In vv. 24-36 Paul asks two questions:  “For who has known the mind of the Lord? And, Who has first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed [meaning compensated] unto him again?  The implication of these questions is that no one has fully understood the mind of the Lord God.  No one counsels God, and He owes nothing to any of us.  Isaiah in 40:13 and Jeremiah in 23:10 ask a similar question to show that we are unable to give advice to God or criticize His ways.  God alone is the possessor of absolute power and absolute wisdom.  In the final analysis, every person is absolutely dependent on God.  He is the source of all things, including us.  He is the power that sustains and rules the world that we live in.  And God works out all things to bring glory to Himself.  The all-powerful God deserves our gratitude and praise.

            TAKEAWAY:  God is the source of all good; that in fallen people there is neither merit nor ability; that our salvation is only because of His grace, as is our sanctification, pardon, election, and glory.  This is why we are to give Him all the glory forever.

            Next week, we will begin the sixth the seventh theme – Communal Righteousness.

05-24-2026 Romans 12:1-2 Communal Righteousness

            God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for His children.  He wants us to be transformed with renewed minds, living to honor and obey Him, and to serve others in the name of Jesus.  Because He wants only what’s best for us and because He gave His Son to make our new life possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices to His service. 

            The biggest challenge a believer faces in their thinking is to keep on recognizing that Gods mercy isn’t a result of human achievement.  It’s so natural, given the conditional nature of human love and acceptance, to think that God’s love and acceptance is also conditional.  We need to keep correcting our thinking to see that we aren’t working to achieve and maintain God’s mercy but, rather, to respond constantly to it.  Mercy is always a precondition.  It’s never a human achievement.  Mercy is the environment from which Paul’s urging comes from in v. 1. 

            In view of God’s merciful dealings with us, there is an ‘appropriate’ or ‘reasonable’ response, that is to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice.  Just as the old covenant believer would bring an animal sacrifice in order to maintain a right relationship with God, we are to now come as living sacrifices as a reasonable response to the unconditional relationship we have with God, which He has mercifully established.

            All the Old Testament sacrifices were a precursor to the final, central sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.  His death makes the Old Testament sacrificial system no longer necessary.  It’s superseded by the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.  This makes the other New Testament sacrifice – the sacrifice of ourselves – totally reasonable.  And as Paul says, this reasonable response is both holy and pleasing to God.  God takes no pleasure in sin and the death of the wicked.  He does take pleasure from us offering ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice.

            In v. 2 Paul is warning Christians about following the selfish and corrupt pattern of this fallen world.  Many Christians wisely decided that a large portion of the world’s behavior is off limits for them  Our refusal to conform to this world, however, must go even deeper than just behaviors and customs.  It must be firmly planted in the values rooted in our minds.  That’s what being transformed by the renewing of our minds means.  It’s possible, however, to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant.  Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.

            TAKAWAY:  We must all ask ourselves if we are living reasonable as a living sacrifice to God, or unreasonably as our own person, doing our own thing, by and for ourselves.  The world may think we’re freaks when we live for God, but we know being a living sacrifice is the only reasonable way to live for a person who is dead to sin but alive to God in Jesus.

05-31-2026 Romans 12:3-8 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little our ourselves; on the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves.  Honest and accurate self-evaluation comes by knowing the basis of our self-worth that comes from our identity in Jesus.  Apart from Him, we aren’t capable of very much by eternal standards.  In Him, we are valuable and capable of worthy service to God.  But evaluating ourselves by the worldly standards of success and achievement can cause us to think too much about our self-worth in the eyes of others and cause us to miss our true value in God’s eyes. 

            When we accept Jesus into our life we become part of a fellowship, a family , a community of God’s people.  So, it’s appropriate that Paul’s first directive to the early church is to show how renewed thinking works out in practice within the Church.

            But today, too many churches place renewed thinking much further down the order of priorities when following Jesus.  It’s possible this is because churches today put more emphasis on individualism instead of being part of a family or community of God’s people.

            In v. 3 Paul is instructing believers to think with sober judgment according to the gifts God gives them.  In other words, don’t become high minded, arrogant or full of hot air.

            Paul uses the concept of the human body in vv. 4-5 to show how Christians should live and work together.  Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus.

            He then goes on to teach us in vv. 6-8 to look at the list of gifts and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift.  Prophets are often bold and articulate.  Those in ministry are faithful and loyal.  Teachers are clear thinkers.  To exhort is to encourage and those who encourage know how to motivate others.  Givers are generous and trusting; those who rule or hold positions of authority are leaders who are good organizers and managers; and those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others.  It must be noted that Paul’s list doesn’t include all the gifts that God gives to us.  It’s the responsibility of every Christian to determine our own gifts and ask God to help us use them to support the church and help others how most effectively.

            It would be difficult for one person to possess and use all these gifts.  At the same time, we need to realize that our gifts alone can’t do all the work of the Church.  We’re to be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from ours and let our strengths balance their weaknesses then be grateful that their abilities  make up for our deficiencies.  It’s only together as a group that we build the Church for Jesus. 

            God gives each one of us gifts – or abilities – so that we can work together to build up His Church.  To use them effectively, we must first realize that all our gifts and abilities come from God and  understand that not everyone has the same gifts.  Individually we must know who we are and what we do best, dedicate our gifts to God’s service and not to our personal success, and be willing to use our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God’s service.  We must also understand that God’s gifts differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to His wisdom and graciousness and not according to our faith.  Our role is to be faithful and always look for ways to serve others and the Church using the gifts God has given to us.

            Finally, the gift of prophecy isn’t always associated with predicting the future.  Many times, it means having the ability to faithfully and boldly teach God’s Word in how we live for Him and when we find ourselves in a particular situation.

            TAKAWAY:  Each one of us should look within to determine what gifts or abilities that God has given us to best serve Him and the Church then use every opportunity to use your abilities to make a difference every day of your life.

06-14-2026 Romans 12:9-16 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            Most of us have learned how to be courteous to others, speak kindly, avoid hurting people’s feelings, and appear to take an interest in them.  We may even be skillful in pretending to feel compassion when we hear of others’ needs or to become indignant when we learn of injustice.  Paul is telling us in vv. 9-10 that God calls all Christians to genuinely love which means to go beyond pretense and politeness.  Genuine love requires concentration and effort.  It’s no mushy sentimentality.  It’s the kind of love that affirms good and disapproves of evil. It means helping others become better people. And it demands our time, money and personal involvement.  No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in the Church does.  As we learned last week, when thinking about ourselves in the church, we’re to be both sober and humble.  When thinking about the church itself, however, sincere love is the attitude that must dominate.  In the Church respect and affection for each other are to be ongoing values.  We are to always, as individual or part of the Church, look for people who need our love and ways we can express that love like Jesus.

            In vv. 11 and 12  he tells us that our activities are to be spiritually driven and must never be lacking in sincerity.  We are to serve the Lord with gladness in everything we do.  Service leads to sincerity and prayer leads to joy and patience.  That means being happy in hope, patient in times of difficulty, and continually pray for guidance in every situation we encounter.  Always remember that sincerity and service go hand in hand.

            Christian hospitality talked about in v. 13 is different than social entertaining.  Entertaining focuses on the host:  this house must be spotless, the food well prepared and abundant, a good natured and relaxed host who focuses on the needs of the guests.  Hospitality can happen in a messy home, around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup or even while the host and guest are doing chores together.  As Christians we should never hesitate to offer hospitality just because we may be too tired, busy or not rich enough to entertain.

            Finally, vv. 14-16 are lessons on how to treat people.  Many people will use their contacts and relationships for selfish ambition, selecting only those who will help them climb the social or corporate ladder.  Jesus demonstrated and taught that we should treat all people with respect discounting their race, disabilities, financial position, age, gender or even politics.  We must never consider anyone to be beneath us in any way.  Paul is telling us that we need to live in harmony with others and not be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.  We should be able to do humble tasks with others, welcome conversation with unattractive, non-prestigious people, and befriend newcomers and entry level people.    We should never think of ourselves as better than any other individual.

            TAKAWAY:  Christians are to always take the high road in how they live and interact with other people.  Every one of us are sinners saved by the grace of God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We are to be humble and sincere in everything we do and never dismiss someone because they differ from us.

06-21-2026 Romans 12:17-21 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            These verses  summarize the core of Christian living.  If we love someone the way Jesus loves us, we are to be willing to forgive them.  If we have experienced God’s grace, we must always pass it on to others.  Remember, grace is undeserved favor.  By giving an enemy a drink, we’re not excusing their misdeeds.  We’re recognizing them, forgiving them, and loving them despite their sins – just as Jesus has done for us. 

            Paul is making it clear that a Christian’s response to hostility and aggression is nonretaliation.  How many people say, “I don’t forget, I get even.”  No true Christian can have this kind of an attitude or take this kind of action.  Christians are to always try to do what’s right and good.  It’s true that a Christian in an official position of judge, soldier, or policeman will have to bear the sword of justice, but on a personal level, he or she must always be committed to non-retribution, which leaves room for God’s wrath.  As Paul reminds us in verse 19, vengeance belongs to God not us.  In II Thessalonians 1:6 he also reminds us that God’s justice is clear.  He will bring trouble to those who trouble us. 

            In v. 20 Paul quotes from Proverbs 25-21-22.  Does this mean that our loving response is a way of bringing judgment on the aggressor?  No.  Bible commentator F. F. Bruce said it means that our response will “make the aggressor ashamed and lead to his or her repentance.” Pastor Magaw Sr. use to say when we love our enemies it will drive them crazy.  

            In this day of lawsuits and incessant demands for legal rights, Paul’s instruction sounds almost impossible to carry out.  When someone hurts us deeply, instead of giving them what they deserve, Paul is telling us to forgive them.  Why?  Because forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to reconciliation.  It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change their ways.  And repaying evil for evil hurts us just as much as it hurts our enemy.  Even if our enemies never repent, forgiving them will free us of a heavy load of bitterness.

            In truth, forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions.  If we find it difficult to feel forgiving toward someone that has hurt us, we should try responding with kind actions.  If appropriate, tell this person that you would like to heal your relationship.  We could lend a helping hand, send a gift, or smile at them.  In time, we will find that right actions lead to right feelings.

            TAKAWAY:  If we find ourselves in a difficult relationship with a person that is antagonistic toward us, we are to ask God to show us creatives ways to respond.  We can never overcome evil with evil.  Nor should we show pride and conceit.  Our Christian response is to overcome evil with good.

06-28-2026 Romans 13:1-7 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            When we look around our country and around the world, we certainly see an upward trend in cynicism among the electorates.  Many people don’t think highly of politics, politicians, or government at any level and there’s certainly a disregard for law and order everywhere. 

            Paul probably had every reason to share this attitude in Nero’s Rome.  Yet in v. 1 he says that authorities are established and instituted by God, (v. 2), they’re God’s servants (vv. 4, 6), and agents of wrath (v. 4).  Therefore, believers are to submit to authorities (vv. 1, 5), pay their taxes (v. 6), and give them appropriate respect (v. 7).

            It’s a fact that the state has obligations and so do we.  Unlike first century Rome, we live in a democracy whereby we vote for those who will govern us every two, three, four, or six years.  Apathy and ignorance of politics can be subtle forms of rebellion against God.  We’re to vote intelligently, look for the truth, and make assessments based on biblical convictions, and not be swept along by the media.  We may choose to write to newspapers, lobby for the good, and even join a political party.

            Christians have a variety of attitudes towards their government that include ignoring them because we’re not of this world or its political system; total adherence to the government because it is regarded as equivalent to God; rebellion because the government is deemed as an agent of evil; and limited jurisdiction because the Lord Jesus taught in Matthew 22 that the sate and God have appropriate claims on us.  However, God’s authority and claim over us must always take top priority.  But we are to always be careful.  If you believe you can share the Gospel by joining a political party, do it, but don’t idealize the party.

            All parties, like religious denominations, have something commendable about them, but they are still imperfect human groupings.  God is a God of order, and the authority is an instrument of such order.  The political party is an instrument of serving human need, just as the denomination is an instrument of serving the Gospel’s broadcast.  When either a political party or denomination stops doing that and compromises you by turning you away from doing these things, then it’s time to leave because we have a higher loyalty to God and to His purpose

            All Christians can understand what Paul is saying.  All agree we’re to live at peace with the state as long as the state allows us to live by our religious convictions.  Throughout the centuries, there have been three interpretations for how to do this: 

            (1) Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that they should have as little to do with it as possible.  They should be good citizens as long as can do so without compromising their beliefs.  They’re not to work for the government, vote in elections, or serve in the military.

            (2) Some believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in others.  Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either.  They should not, however, confuse the two.  In this view church and state are concerned with two totally different spheres – spiritual or physical – and complement each other but they don’t work together.

            (3) Others believe that they have a responsibility to make the state better politically by electing Christian or other high-principled leaders, or by morally serving as an influence for the good in society.  They believe church and state ideally work together.

            Notice none of these views support rebelling against or refusing to obey the government’s laws or regulations unless they clearly require the believer to violate the moral standards revealed by God.  Wherever we find ourselves, we must be responsible citizens as well as responsible Christians.

            TAKEWAY:  We’re to compare the motivation of unbelievers and believers in our thinking about submission to authority and consider what extra influences we use in our thinking about obeying the government and the laws it enacts and enforces.

07-05-2026 Romans 13:9-14 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            Somehow many have gotten the idea that self-love is wrong.  But we learn from v. 9 that if this was the case, loving our neighbors as ourselves would be pointless.  Self-love can be healthy and Godly.  Even if you have low self-esteem, you probably don’t willingly let yourself go hungry.  You take care of your body and may even exercise.  You clothe yourself reasonably well and make sure you have a roof over your head.  You try not to let yourself be cheated or injured and you get angry when someone tries to ruin your marriage, or close friendships.  This is the kind of love we need to have for our neighbors.  Loving ourselves means we can actively work to see that the needs of others are met.  By the way, people that focus on others rather than themselves rarely suffer from low self-esteem.

            V. 10 reminds us that Christians are to obey the law of love which supersedes religious and civil laws.  It’s easy to excuse our indifference to others because we have no legal obligation to help them and even to justify harming them  if our actions are technically legal.  But Jesus doesn’t leave loopholes in the law of love.  Whenever love demands it, we are to go beyond human legal requirements and imitate the love of God. 

            The ‘night’ in v. 12 is the present evil time and the ‘day’ is the time of Christ’s return.  Some people are surprised that Paul lists dissension and jealousy in v. 13 with the gross and obvious sins of drunkenness and sexual promiscuity.  Like Jesus in the sermon on the Mount, Paul considers attitudes as important as actions.  Just as hatred leads to murder, so jealousy leads to conflict and lust to adultery.  When Jesus returns, He wants to find His people clan on the inside as well as on the outside.  V. 14 tells us we are to put on the Lord Jesus.  We do this when we identify with Him by being baptized to show solidarity with other Christians; when we exemplify the qualities of love, humility, truth, and service Jesus showed while He was here on earth; and by avoiding situations that open the door to gratifying sinful desires because that would make us poor examples of our commitment to live like Jesus,

            TAKEWAY:  Think about the things you need to take off every day and then think about what it means to clothe yourself with Jesus.  Then go out and live as best you can to show Jesus to the world.

07-12-2026 Romans 14:1-6 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            When Paul speaks of ‘weak faith’ he is referring to those who may be new to their faith or are not as knowledgeable about the teachings in the Bible.  He is reminding us that we are to accept them, be patient, and not discourage their growing faith. 

            He goes on to remind us that there will be instances when opinions will differ on some things.  That’s when we should all be patient and share ideas among ourselves so that we can come to a fuller understanding of what the Bible teaches.  We are to always accept, listen to, and respect others.  Differences of opinion don’t need to cause division.  They can be a source of learning and richness in our relationships and our knowledge of Scripture.  

            He highlights that the church in Rome was made up of Jews, who were bound by certain laws concerning food and special days, and Gentiles who had no such concerns. 

            Believers are urged to accept one another and warmly take each other as companions, just as God has accepted them into His fellowship.  We aren’t to judge others.  The church needs diversity and Christians are to respect the differences and maintain unity as all times.

            TAKAWAY:  Never look down on anyone.  We shouldn’t make every difference an argument.  Instead, we should do our best to understand differences and look to the Bible to help us work things out and find the truth intended by God.

07-19-2026 Romans 14:7-12 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            Paul is reminding us that no Chrisitan lives or dies just for themselves.  Whether we live or die, we do so for Jesus because we belong to Him.  Our Christian faith is our recognition that Jesus died and rose again so that He could be Lord over both the living and the dead. And we have allowed Him to take total control over our lives and deaths.

            The foundation of our faith isn’t built on any cultural, political, or denominational expression.  It’s rests solely on the fact that Jesus died and rose for us and that we now belong to Him and he is ruler over our lives.

            Fellowship and relationships with other Christians is important but each person is accountable to Jesus, not to other Christians.  While the Church must be uncompromising in our stand against activities that are expressly forbidden by Scripture (including adultery, lying, cheating, bribing and theft), we are not to create additional rules and regulations and give them equal standing with God’s law.         There are times when Christians base their moral judgments on opinion, personal likes, or cultural bias rather than on the Word of God.  When we do this, we are showing that our own faith is weak – that we don’t think that God is powerful enough to guide His children. 

            Who are we to judge one another when it’s Christ’s blood that purchased His church?  One day every knee will bow to Jeus Christ the Lord, not to anyone of us so we aren’t to judge one another – that’s the prerogative of Jesus alone.  When we stand before God and give a personal account of our lives, we won’t be worried about what our fellow Christians have done. 

            TAKAWAY.  We should work to maintain unity in our church while respecting the diversity of those who make up the fellowship, don’t judge, and always be accepting of all believers.

07-26-2026 Romans 14: 13-16 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            Paul is reminding us of our Christian responsibilities.  We are not to judge or criticize one another.  None of us are perfect.  Both strong and weak Christians can cause their fellow Christian to stumble.  The strong but insensitive person may flaunt their freedom and callously offend other’s consciences.  The overly sensitive or extremely diligent by weaker Christian may try to fence others in with petty rules and regulations, thus causing dissension.  Paul wants his readers to be both strong in their faith and sensitive to the needs of others.  Because we are all strong in some areas and weak in others, we need to constantly monitor the effects of our behavior on others.

            At the Jerusalem council (talked about in Acts 15), the Jewish church in Jerusalem asked the Gentle church in Antioch not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols.  Paul was at the Jerusalem council, and he accepted this request, not because he felt that eating such meat was wrong, but because this practice would deeply offend many Jewish believers.  Paul didn’t think the issue was worth dividing the Church over.  His desire was to promote unity.  So, he concludes, “if any regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.” Paul’s practice was to honor, as much as possible, the convictions of others.

            Believers are called to accept one another without judging our varied opinions.  But when the situation has to be faced, how should we deal with those who disagree with us?  Paul’s response is that, whatever the next steps, believers on all sides should act in love in order to maintain peace in the Church.  Think of the last time you disagreed strongly with another believer on a matter of Christian conviction.  Was your response loving or judgmental?  Should you have handled it differently?  Good must be exercised with a gracious spirit, always considering others.

            TAKEWAY.  There can be a thin line between judging or criticizing and correcting.  We are to always be careful of how we handle disagreements.  Always be mindful of what the Bible says and whatever action is taken in a situation, make sure it comes from love and delivered in the same way to instruct and not offend.

08-02-2026 Romans 14:17-23 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            In v. 17 when Paul refers to meat and drink it’s a reference to rules, regulations, ceremonies, and rituals.  He goes on to remind us in vv. 17 to 19 that as members of God’s Church, we’re part of a living, interconnected community.  As God’s kingdom people, we must not let actions or beliefs that Scripture doesn’t require cause contention among the body of Christ.  As we seek out God’s priorities (and as Jesus explains in Matthew 6:31-33), we are to build good relationships with others, seek unity in the faith, and find the joy give by the Holy Spirit (we saw this earlier in Romans 5:1-2).  With this kind of attitude, we will please God and promote harmony within the Church.

            Vv. 20 and 21 warn us not to let ‘or incidental things – which by the way are what most Church fights are about, destroy the work of God by the Church.  Sin isn’t just a private matter  Everything we do affects others, and we must think of them constantly.  God created us to be interdependent, not independent.  Those who are strong in their faith must, without pride or condescension, treat others with love, patience, and self-restraint.

            Finally, v. 23 is a reminder to steer clear of actions forbidden by Scripture.  When you’re faced with situations that may not be addressed in the Bible but realize that violating what you believe would leave you with a guilty conscience or feeling very uneasy, avoid it.  But don’t judge or criticize other Christians who exercise their freedom in those areas differently than  you do.

            TAKAWAY:  We must make sure that we don’t put obstacles in front of our fellow Christians or destroy their faith by the insensitive exercise of our Christian liberties.

08-09-2026 Romans 15:1-7 Communal Righteousness (Con’t)

            Paul is like a dog with a bone because he keeps stressing the importance of unity in the Church.  When you look around, you can see that Christian unity is expendable.  Denominations divide us too easily and when there are differences people tend to just move to another church.  Christian unity is God-given and it’s precious, so we need to work hard to maintain it.

            He says in vv. 1-6 that we’re to take the initiative and be patient with those who may have a tender conscience.  In the exercise of freedom, we’re to build up others because that’s what Jesus did.  He didn’t please Himself, but He bore the burdens of others.  The Old Testament is also filled with examples of perseverance, endurance, and God’s faithfulness. 

            Paul show us in verse 4 that knowledge of Scripture affects our attitudes toward the present and future.  The more we know about what God has done in the past, the greater the confidence we have about what He will do in the days ahead.  We should always read our Bibles to strengthen our trust that God’s will is best for us.

            The Roman Church was a diverse community.  It was made up of Jews and Gentles, slaves and free people, rich and poor, and those who were strong and weak in their faith.  That’s why they had difficulty accepting one another.  But as Paul reminds us in vv. 5-7 accepting others means taking people into our homes as well as into our hearts, sharing what we have, participating in activities, and avoiding racial and economic discrimination.  We’re to go out of our way to avoid favoritism and consciously spend time greeting those we don’t normally talk to, minimize differences, and seek common ground for fellowship.  This is how we accept others as Jesus has accepted us.  And this is how we give glory to God.

08-16-2026 Romans 15:8-12 Communal Righteousness (Final)

            Today’s reading finishes Paul’s theme of Communal Righteousness.  He begins by reminding us that Jesus was first sent to the Jews so that the promises God made to the patriarch of old could be confirmed and fulfilled and He also came for the Gentiles so they too could glorify God for the mercy He has given to them.  Gentiles are grafted into the family of God, not because of any mercy on their part, but strictly because of the mercy and grace shown to all of us by God.

            In v. 9 Paul is paraphrasing David’s words from Psalm 18:49 when he writes ‘I will confess to You among the Gentiles and sing unto Your name.’  He goes on to predict in vv. 10 and 11 how the Gentiles will come to praise God and recognize His grace and virtue to all people. 

            Finally, in v. 12 Paul is reminding us that Isaiah spoke of Jesus as the root of Jesse in Isaiah 11:1.  Jesse was the father of David, and it is through this family that the Messiah – Jesus - would eventually come.  He came first to the Jews is also the savior for all people – Jews and Gentiles.  Today, the Christian Church is almost entirely made up of Gentiles.

            TAKAWAY:  We are all God’s children whether we are a Gentile or a Jew.  The grace of God through Jesus Christ that allows us to be forgiven of our sins and able to spend eternity in Heaven can be given to all who will accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of their life.  That is why as Christians we should be patient, kind, and helpful toward all people.  In the eyes of God all sin is equal.  There are no degrees attached to the kind of sins that are committed.  We are all sinners saved by the grace of God and are live lives that reflect the gift we have been given.  We are to look to Jesus as our example in how to do this.  No one is better than anyone else.  Our job is to live and reflect Jesus in everything we do, especially in how we interact with other people.

            Next week we will move into the final theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans where he will share his thoughts on his ministry and give his concluding remarks.

08-23-2026 Romans 15:13-21 Concluding Remarks

            This morning we begin the section of Romans where Paul will speak about  his ministry and personal plans for travel. 

            He begins by discussing his ministry.  In vv. 13-16 he is giving confident assurance to his readers by reminding them that God gives us our hope through the gift of the Holy Spirit and admits that he has been bold and confident in his ministry because of the grace given to him by God.  That’s why he was sometime scolding them because he was an Apostle to the Gentiles to teach them about Jesus Christ.

            In vv. 17-18 he didn’t want to brag about what he had done but instead about what God has done through him.  Being proud of God’s work isn’t a sin – it’s worship.  He tells us in v. 19 that he preached the Gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to the Roman province of Illyricum between present day Italy and Greece on the Adriatic Sea.

            He goes on to tell us in vv. 20-21 that he has worked hard to share the gospel wherever it hadn’t been shared and that he was single minded in his focus.  Instead of looking out for himself and working hard for personal advancement, he was passionate in his service of God – for Paul, meaning he was focused on preaching the Gospel where Jesus was not known.

            TAKEAWAY:  We should all ask ourselves if we are passionate for God.  If we are we want more than anything else to please Him and to do his will.  We should always ask Him for a holy and passionate calling and the strength and courage to fulfill it.  Like Paul, we should shine for Jesus at all times.

08-30-2026 Romans 15: 22 –29 Concluding Remarks (Con’t)

            Paul states in v. 22 how he wanted to personally visit the church in Rome, but he delayed his visit because he knew there was a more urgent need elsewhere.  He had heard many good reports about the believers in Rome, and he knew the were doing well on their own.  His higher priority was to preach in areas that had not yet heard the Gospel. 

            In vv. 23-24 Paul is referring to the completion of his work in Corinth, the city from which he most likely wrote the letter to the Romans.  Most of Paul three-month stay in Achaia (spoken of in Acts 20:2-3) was probably spent in Corinth.  He believed that he had accomplished what God wanted him to do there, and he was looking forward to taking the Gospel to new lands west of Rome.  When Paul eventually went to Rome, however, he was a prisoner as we learn in Acts 28.  Tradition says that Paul was released for a time and that he used this opportunity to go to Spain to preach but this journey isn’t mentioned in the book of Acts.

            His future plan was to go to Spain because Spain was at the very western end of the civilized world.  He wanted to take Christianity there.  Also, Spain had many great minds and influential leaders in the Roman world that included Lucan, Martial, and Hadrian  and maybe he thought Christianity would advance in such an atmosphere.

            TAKAWAY:  Paul never stopped planning and carrying out his purpose to spread the Gospel as far as he could.  We don’t have to plan world-wide trips but we should make it a point to always be prepared for when a window may open up for us to share who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

09-06-2026 Romans 15: 30-33 Concluding Remarks (Con’t)

            In today’s reading, Paul is offering up a closing prayer to the people of Rome.  Even though the Lord Jesus has paid the prices on the Cross for our Redemption, it’s up to us to take the message to the world.  Too often we see prayer as a time for comfort, reflection, or making requests to God.  But here Paul is urging believers to join in his struggle by means of prayer. 

            He is reminding us in v. 31 of his planned visit to Jerusalem and that because there were still many in Jerusalem that rejected Jesus, he had serious concerns for the safety of those who accepted Him.  Paul needed the help of the believers in Rome through their prayers. 

                        Prayer is a weapon that all believers should use in interceding for others.  Many of us know believers who live in difficult circumstances in order to communicate the gospel.  Supporting them financially is part of joining them in their struggle, but prayer is also a crucial way of support them.  Missionaries need and want prayers of those who have sent them. 

            TAKAWAY:  Prayer isn’t only for our own needs and thankfulness. We should never discount the good our prayers can do in support of others. 

09-13-2026 Romans 16:1-16 Concluding Remarks Con’t

            Paul is sending greetings to 25 people, some of whom he names but he mentions more:  the church, the household, the brothers, a mother, a sister, and the saints.  There are men and women, some have Jewish names like Mary, some have Greek names like Hermes, and some have Roman names like Julia.  Some are wealthy heads of households like Aristobulus and Narcissus.  And some have a close bond with Paul like Rufus’s mother, Andronicus.  We know some from elsewhere in the Bible like Pricilla and Aquila (Acts 18:1-3); and others we have only heard of their names, like Apollos.

            The descriptions that dominate this passage are “in Christ” and “in the Lord.”  All these people have this in common:  they were once outside of Christ, but because of the Gospel, they were now in Christ and with Christ – in His presence forever, enjoying the fulfillment of their hope.

            Paul’s words regarding Phoebe in vv. 1-2 are significant, as she most likely carried Paul’s letter to the Romans.  We can thank God for her safe arrival at Rome, her warm reception by the Church, and the preservation of this first-century letter that continues to strengthen the Church today.

            All their work is elevated and reported to be significant, whether it was teaching , as with Priscilla and Aquila, or the hard work of Mary (v. 6)  In v.12  we learn of Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis.  We don’t know exactly what they did but it was recognized and affirmed by Paul.

            TAKEAWAY.  All these people knew they were part of God’s family; knew God as Father, Christ as elder and brother, and one another as brothers and sisters together in one family.  All believers, then, today and until the time of the return of Jesus are part of the family of God and we too should treat them as siblings.

            Next week we will close our study of the Book of Romans.

09-20-2026.  Romans 16:17-27 Concluding Remarks (Final)

            Bible commentator J. B. Phillip’s translation of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, published in 1955, he wrote in the preface:  “If the early Christians were uncomplicated and naïve by modern standards, we have  to admit that they were

open on eh God-ward side in a way that is almost unknown today.”

            Being “open on the God-ward side” is an excellent description of the believers in first-century Rome.  There was a refreshing unpretentiousness about the early church – their self-sacrifice, the quality of their relationships, and the depth of their commitment challenges us all today.

            There is no such thing on earth as a perfect church, and Paul is urging them now to be on guard against those who seek to disrupt the work of the church by providing teaching contrary to the content of the apostolic Gospel (v. 17) There are self-serving, smooth talkers who seek to deceive naive people so he urges the Christians of old and Christians today to keep away from them.

            He encourages them to be wise and discerning, yet at the same time in v. 19 to be inexperienced in the matter of evil.  Even though he has taught them about love and respect for one another, it doesn’t mean they should ignore the truth for the sake of love.  The truth of the Gospel is vital and non-negotiable and must never be watered down in order to be all-inclusive.

            In v. 20 is it appropriate that Paul refers to the God of peace especially in the context of friction and division due to the work of those who would try to water down the truth of the Gospel.  He is assuring them that the God of peace will soon end all of Satan’s activity and refers to Geneses 3:15 when he states that God will “crush Satan under your feet.”  The victory over Satan is achieved through the death and resurrection of Jesus, but he is further crushed in the personal deliverance

of every believer.

            He is urging all believers as they fight the battle while dealing with the hardships and difficulties of living a Christian life to never lose hope in the final victory and the presence of God’s grace to sustain us all in the fight.

            So, we began the study of the book of Romans a year ago – September 21, 2025.  During that time we have seen that the book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God’s redeeming grace.  It’s a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to each one of us personally.  The moment we accept Jesus He intercedes for each one of us in Heaven.  God has removed our sin and guilt so it’s Satan, not God who accuses us.  I hope you will refer to it often when you feel you have nowhere to turn or your life is causing you to question your faith.