Saturday, November 20, 2010

Weekly Recap #46 (Part 2) - Romans 1-9

I've really enjoyed what we've read so far in the Book of Romans!!!
Here's something I read in a commentary about this fascinating book of scripture....

Romans is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul.  It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.
Martin Luther

Here are a few facts about Romans....
*It was written by Paul
*The main theme is that righteousness comes as a free gift of God and the only way we can receive it is by faith.
*It's the longest of Paul's epistles (letters)

Paul describes himself in the beginning of Romans as
"a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News".

What is the Good News?  
It's the wonderful news about God's Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord!!!

Paul wrote this letter to "all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be His own holy people".  

Here are some things that Paul told the Roman citizens....
*He prayed for them daily
 *He thanked God for them
*The Good News about Christ is the power of God at work saving all who believe

Romans 2:4 - Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?  Does this mean nothing to you?  Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from sin?

Romans 2:11 - For  God does not show favoritism.

Romans 3:4 - Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true.

Romans 3:6 - If God were not entirely fair, how would he  be qualified to judge the world?

Romans 3:22-23 - We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and this is true of everyone who believes, no matter who we are.  For everyone has sinned;  we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Problems and trials help develop endurance....endurance develops strength of character....character strengthens our confident HOPE of salvation.  This HOPE won't lead to disappointment.  God loves us dearly....so much that He gives us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love!!!

The sin of Adam brought death to everyone because all of us sin!

Adam was a symbol of Christ who was yet to come.
Adam's  sin brought death.
Christ's death brought forgiveness of sin.
Adam's sin led to condemnation.
God's free gift of Jesus leads to us being made right with God.
Adam's disobedience meant many became sinners.
Jesus' obedience meant that many become righteous!!!

As people sin more and more, God's wonderful grace becomes more abundant.

Use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 

The wages of sin is death....but the free gift of God is eternal life thru Jesus!

Maybe these should be my signature verses....since they describe me so well....
Romans 7:18-19 - And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  I want to do what is right but I can't.  I want to do what is good, but I don't.  I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  
Romans 7:25b - In my mind I really want to obey God's law,  but  because of my sinful nature, I am a slave to sin.

HOPE - We are given HOPE when we are saved.  If we already have something, we don't HOPE for it....but if we look forward to something, we don't have yet....we must wait for it patiently and with confidence....with HOPE!!!
 
The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness,  even when we don't know what to pray for.  The Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that can't be expressed in words.  Our Father in heaven knows all hearts....and knows what the Spirit is saying....because the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
 
If God is for us....who can ever be against us? 

Can anything ever separate us from the love of Christ?  Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have troubles and trials....or are hungry....or destitute....or in danger....or even threatened with death?
NO!!!
Despite all these things....victory is ours thru Christ who loves us!!!

And....I'm convinced....that NOTHING can ever separate me from God's love!  Not death....or life....not my fears....or worries about tomorrow.....not even the powers of hell....can ever separate me from God's love!!!

AMEN....and AMEN!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

1 comment:

  1. Hi Deb, i don't know if i have told you...that i feel uplifted every time i visit this blog. I always gain some new knowledge on the scriptures you share... and i thank you for being a blessing!

    Hugs,
    Ruth

    ReplyDelete

Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24