Imparting The Spiritual Gift Of Encouragement | April 25, 2017
Coming out of the Easter season, I wanted to read and reflect on the letter to the Romans, the comprehensive theological treatise of Christ and His work. Paul is writing from the perspective of a father who wants His children to know how the spiritual life works.
In this first chapter, Paul introduces himself to us and shares his longing for the readers to know who he is and what his passion is for them. In these two choice verses, he tells us he wants to share a gift with us.
For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Romans 1:11-12, NASB
Passing Judgement On Yourself | April 26, 2017
There is an old saying that when you point out someone's fault, there are "three fingers pointing back at you." How true it is when we point out the sin of others and do the same thing. Each day we "pass judgement on ourselves" when we focus on the faults of others.
So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Romans 2:3-4, NIV
How Do I Stay Righteous? | April 27, 2017
In this chapter, Paul addresses the Jew or in our more modern terms, the "religious" person. While reading the first two chapters, it is easy to say to ourselves, "Wow, I am glad I am a good person. At least I follow the moral laws those flunkies have blown through." This self-righteous justification is the downfall of many people. When we believe our righteousness in following whatever morality we hold is enough to meet God's holiness, we are sunk.
Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.
Romans 3:27-28, NASB