What’s wrong with it?

 Read 1 Corinthians 8.

The Apostle Paul continued to answer the questions the Corinthians had asked.  This chapter deals with a cultural issue by utilizing several universal principles of God's word.

Corinth was an important port city of Greece.  As a metropolitan center in the Roman Empire, the spiritual beliefs were multitudinous.  On one hand, the Greeks worshipped the pantheon of gods and the Romans added their own group of deities.  At issue was the meat that had been offered to these false gods and whether it was acceptable for a follower of Christ to eat it.  The congregation chose up sides to debate the subject, but Paul presented three important points to bring unity.

1. True Humility. (vv.1-3) 
Whenever there is a debate, one side always thinks they know better than the other side.  Most often, at the root of such thinking is pride.  Selfish pride causes a person to demand their rights, creates arguments, and results in divisions.  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7).  Admitting one does not know everything, and that God does, was the starting point of Paul's instruction.

2. True Theology. (vv.4-6)
The Apostle sets the record straight.  All the so-called gods of the Greeks and Romans were man-made figments of imagination.  Carved images and philosophies of multiple deities possess absolutely no spiritual power at all, period!  There is one God.  In a quick lesson in theology, Paul presented the true God of Heaven in this way:
-"From whom are all things."  He is the Creator.  Concerning Jesus, Paul wrote, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible..." (Colossians 1:16a)  This answers the ultimate question of where we came from.
-"For whom we exist."  As Creator, this one true God has the claim of ownership.  Everything and everyone belongs to Him.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of each human to live to please the Owner of all things.
-"And one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist."  "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17) Jesus is not only the Creator, but the Sustainer of the universe, including us.
There is no other God than this One.

3. True Reality. (vv.7-12)
Every person who comes to faith in Christ brings baggage of experiences and influences with them.  In this case, many who were saved out of paganism abhorred the thought of eating the meat that they once used in celebration to a false god.  It took them back to their sinful days.  Others in the church did not maintain such qualms.  It was merely meat and contained no spiritual attributes.  Both views seemed very real to each person.

Notice the resolve.  The one who is not bothered by the problem is admonished in the strongest of terms to limit their freedom for the sake of the weaker brother.  Openly using personal freedoms to the offence of another person is called sin; not only against the brother but against Christ!  This principle may be applied to many activities and practices in various cultures. 

"Therefore..."  The point is that a mature believer understands their accountability to others and protects their testimony for Christ.  Never does a mature believer want to do anything to cause another person spiritual harm.

 

Sex and Marriage

 Read 1 Corinthians 7.

The Corinthians had written some questions to the Apostle Paul.  He addressed at least a couple of them in this chapter.

Paul was a single man.  He could have married (Peter did, Matthew 8:14) but Paul chose to remain as he was when God called him.  It is crucial not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit, as some have done, by dismissing these Biblical statements as "Oh, that was just Paul talking."  Not only did he write these instructions "as (he) was carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21), but, in addition, he had Apostolic authority to give such specific instructions.  Indeed, this is the word of God.

Marriage Defined 
Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman.  (v.2)

The only ones endeavoring to redefine marriage are those who reject God's word and seek to justify their sin. 

Marriage is a singular union.  The term "each" does not allow for polygamy. 

Marriage is a submissive relationship, in that each lovingly gives up personal rights and authority over their body (vv.3-4).  Ephesians 5 describes the attitude of believers in this regard.  In the same way Christ loves and sacrificed Himself, so a husband is to demonstrate that kind of sacrificial love to his wife.  In the same way, a believer submits themselves to a loving Savior, so a wife is to give herself to her husband. 

Sexual intercourse is truly an act of marriage.  Intentionally withholding intimacy from a marriage partner is a violation of verses 3-4.  Engaging in sex outside of marriage is strictly condemned as the behavior of unbelievers who are subjecting themselves to God's judgment.  This was made clear in 6:9-10.  "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." (Hebrews 13:4)

There are two overarching statements for all of us.
1. Be self-disciplined. (v.5b)
To engage in sex outside of marriage is a temptation from two sources.  First, Satan is a tempter.  His aim against every believer is to lure them into sin.  "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)  The second is our own lust.  James 1:14, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire."    "...walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)

2. Be content where you are. (v.35)
Single?  That is okay.  Married?  That is okay.  Widowed?  That is okay.  At best, all earthly relationships are temporal.  "For the present form of this world is passing away" (v.31b).  Whatever your state in life, make it your focus, then, "to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord."

 

3 test questions for a follower of Christ

 Read 1 Corinthians 6.

Should a person who claims to be a Christian ________________?  (You may fill in the blank.)

Questionable activities spring up in every culture and some of the answers may change with time.  But the Scriptures do not change.  Here in verses 9-10, as in other passages, sin is named explicitly.  These are not negotiable.  The only ones debating these issues are merely seeking justification for their sin.

When God says "no" it is because He has something better in His plan for us.  Often times, selfishness and fear get in the way of our thinking and doing what is right.  We fear that God will not provide what we want or think we need.  So, we take matters into our own hands and go our own way.  Trusting the Lord to fulfill His promises toward us (Matthew 6:25-34) and waiting for God's timing to act is the challenge of faith.

Beyond the facts of right and wrong in God's word, there are three positive questions that should guide our lives.

1. Is it helpful? (v.12a)
Yes, we have freedom in Christ, but we do not have the freedom to sin or violate Biblically stated behaviors.  "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." (1 Peter 2:16)  How is this behavior pleasing to God and helpful to my Christian growth?  How is this behavior helpful others in their coming to faith in Christ?

2. Am I controlled by it? (v.12b)
Does this dominate my life?  The Apostle Paul wrote, "All things may be "lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything."  Can I easily live without it?  When others think of me, is this what comes to mind?  Am I presenting a lifestyle that others can follow as I follow Christ?

3. Am I demonstrating that Jesus is truly the Lord of my life? (v.13)
When a person comes to faith in Christ, they renounce their sin and selfishness to become a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Life is no longer about me, nor about defending my rights.  It is about personal surrender, living to please the One who loved me and gave Himself for me (Ephesians 5:2). 

Therefore, we are to behave as those who "were (past tense) washed, you we sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God" (v.11b).  As a temple of the Holy Spirit we are to make decisions based upon the fact that we are not our own.  We have been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Christ.  "So glorify God in your body." (vv.19-20)

 

When acceptance is not Acceptable

 Read 1 Corinthians 5.

The church at Corinth was proud of the fact that they were accepting of everyone and all behaviors. This incestuous relationship mentioned here was open and well-known in the congregation.  "Your boasting is not good." (v6)  Scripture does not mince words when it comes to sin.  Sexual behavior outside of the marriage between one man and one woman is consistently condemned in the Bible.  "Let him who has done this be removed from among you." (v.2b)   But the bluntness of this passage goes on: "...you are to deliver this man to Satan..." (v.5)  "Purge the evil person from among you." (v13)

Who are we to judge?
God is the Judge and He has given His word to be implemented by His people.  This and other passages (see chapter 6) make it clear that the church is to be a place where godly people do not tolerate false teaching and deals promptly with wrong behavior.

Why is this so important?
Like yeast in a lump of dough (vv.6-7), sin is a cancer.  If not dealt with decisively and correctly, the sin will spread and kill the ministry of that church.  This symbolism is carried over into the Lord's Supper.  The bread used for that celebration is to be unleavened. (vv.7-8) as a sign of purity, "sincerity and truth".

What is the ultimate purpose of such church discipline?
It is not to embarrass people into submission to church authority.  It is not meant merely to rid the local church of unrepentant people.  There two purposes of such discipline:
1. The process is to be conducted in love by those who are committed to restoring the sinning believer to full fellowship in the congregation.  Any other motives are illegitimate and unbiblical!  Matthew 18:15-20 provides a step by step process, including the Lord's confirmation of the judgment of the two to three witnesses.
2. The wayward congregant is to express repentance and demonstrate they have forsaken the sin.  These are the requirements for restoration.  If there is no admission of guilt and no willingness to change, then the church must let the person go.  In the context of false doctrine, 1 John 2:19 states: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.  But they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us."

Why are most churches failing to follow the commands of church discipline?
1. It is a sorrow-filled process.  Those who are committed to the person's restoration carry a huge load of brokenness over the situation.  Galatians 6:1-5 cautions those who would do such ministry. 
2. It is a time-consuming process.  Bearing one another's burdens is not accomplished in a single meeting.  Restoring one's relationships takes consistent trust-building interactions.
3. It is based upon voluntary accountability.  Without the willingness of committed people in the church and the willingness of the sinning person, restoration is not possible.

Fortunately, in this case, it appears from 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 that the church and this individual listened and followed God's word.

 

How is your work coming along?

 Read 1 Corinthians 3.

In chapter 2, the Apostle Paul wrote of two kinds of people in the world: natural and spiritual.  The natural person has only experienced a human birth and is limited to eyes, ears and intellect.  The wisdom of God may seem unintelligible and even foolish to them.  The spiritual person, having received Jesus as personal Savior, is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to reveal and help the believer to understand and apply God's word.

Now, in chapter 3, Paul addresses a third type of person.  Those in the church at Corinth were believers, but they were behaving like unbelievers.  He called them carnal or fleshly.  They were thinking, speaking, and acting as though Christ had not changed their lives.  Throughout this book, Paul will address many specific examples of their unspiritual behaviors.  Here, their lack of Christian maturity was evidenced by the "jealousy and strife" in the congregation.  The divisiveness came as they chose sides on which preacher they followed.  Who was more important and who was better?  Was it the one who founded their church or the one who continued to teach in the church?  Paul's terse answer, "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." (v.7)  They ended up working on each other, instead of why God raised up the church in Corinth. 

Looking at the birth and life of a local church, we are given two comparisons.  The church is like a field that needs cultivation, planting, tending, and harvesting.  The church is like a building that has a foundation, a structure, an appearance, and occupancy.  Each area requires multiple workers with different skills and giftedness to labor.  The ministry is W-O-R-K. 

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, when each individual believer in Jesus will stand for an accounting of their Christian life, two things will happen.  The work we have done will be tested.  What did we do with the gifts, time and opportunities God gave us?  All the temporal and material facades will be removed and only what we did that has lasting, eternal value will remain.  Based upon that evaluation, the worker will be rewarded for their service for Christ.

Note that the reward is based upon the quality of labor, not the quantity of the results.  The farmer has no control over the weather and other unforeseen conditions.  He cannot make a harvest.  He is held responsible for doing his personal best in working to do all he can.  It is "...only God who gives the growth."  The builder is responsible for the quality of the materials selected and the quality of work that was done in construction. 

The encouraging aspect of serving the Lord is that, in addition to the Holy Spirit, God has already given us "all things" to be effective for Him.

 

Why don't they Understand?

 Read 1 Corinthians 2.

Paul was highly educated, intellectually capable, multi-lingual, and a trained debater.  To the more experienced in the faith, Paul communicated insights into the Scriptures and the "wisdom of God" (vv.6-7).  But when he taught in public, he kept it simple.  The message centered on the implications of "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (v.2).  His ministry was even accompanied by the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power."  Lives were being transformed.  People experienced forgiveness of sin and the freedom of a clean conscience.  Some behaviors changed.  What took place was undeniable!

Even though the message of Jesus was so simple a child could respond in faith, and though the power of God was evident, still many did not get it.
"None of the rulers of this age understood." (v.8)
"No one comprehends..." (v.11)
"He is not able to understand..." (v.14)
And, the question is why?

Everyone has family members, dear friends, neighbors and acquaintances who do not know Jesus as their Savior.  It is a heartache the believer carries daily in prayer.  Why don't they understand the urgency and the loving kindness of God?

The truth about God and His word can never be fully understood by natural means.  Jesus said, "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24).  In other words, eyes, ears and intellect will prove useless in fully comprehending spiritual truth and spiritual things.  Because it is spiritual and not natural, one must have the help of the Holy Spirit to understand and appreciate the wonderful work of Christ and His offer of salvation by grace.  To the natural person these things may sound foolish and optional.

This is clearly explained in verses 9 and 10.  Often only verse 9 is quoted and misapplied regarding some future plans of God.  However, the rest of the sentence continues in verse 10 by saying "these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit."  Notice the verb tense.  Those who personally know Jesus already have the indwelling Holy Spirit alongside to help them.  Understanding and obeying God's word is evidence of what Paul called having "the mind of Christ" (v.16).  

Even the number one Rabbi in Jesus' day did not understand this.  In John 3, Jesus compared it to a birth.  A physical birth alone will not result in a relationship with God.  "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit.  Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"  When one is born into God's family through faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit then does a work of unlocking our human understanding.

 

How to describe the message about Jesus

 Read 1 Corinthians 1.

The basis of the redemptive message is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  It is personal faith in His sacrifice for one's sins that saves from eternal judgment and results in eternal life.  Such forgiveness cannot be earned.  It is a gift from God for simply believing in what the Bible calls the Gospel (good news).

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul uses at least four descriptive phrases for the Gospel.
1. "The word of the cross." (v.18a) 
If there is no cross, there is no Gospel.  That is how the full, final, once and for all payment for sin was made.  It is only through the substitutionary crucifixion of the Son of God that we have any good news concerning forgiveness.

2."The power of God." (v.18b) 
It is the same term used in Romans 1:16.  Humans are powerless to gain God's forgiveness and spiritual life.  Salvation is an act of God.  1 Timothy 6:16 could not be more clear.  Concerning Jesus, Paul wrote, "who alone has immortality."  There is no alternative.

3. "The folly of what we preach." (v.21)
The Gospel message asks a person to believe in a God they cannot see nor figure out.  By faith alone, one is called upon to commit their lives to Jesus and live with complete confidence in Him.  This sounds absolutely foolish to those who view life as "seeing is believing" and who would rather trust their own reasoning over the word of God.  The Scripture is consistent in its teaching that "believing is seeing."

4. "The wisdom of God." (v.24)
The wisest man who ever lived wrote, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." (Proverbs 14:12)  When a human heart rejects the knowledge of God, it will turn to any and every false explanation.  These false ways may salve the rebellious conscience for a time, but at the end of life there is no "good news."  Only what the Bible calls the second death awaits them (Revelation 21:14-15).  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

At the root of all rejection of God's word and the Gospel is the sin of pride.  It is shear hubris for a person to think they know better than their Creator and the One who desires to be their Savior.  Why has the Lord chosen such a plan that sets aside all human effort and depends solely on His grace?  "...so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."  And, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."  

A time to say Thank You

 Read Romans 16.

This letter was written from Corinth.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul dictated the words to Tertius (v.22), and it was delivered by Phoebe (vv.1-2) to the believers in Rome.  Quite a number of Paul's friends had moved there, increasing the reach of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In concluding this hallmark book, Paul began thanking and acknowledging 26 people by name and others in a general manner.

The ministry of introducing people to a saving faith in Jesus and then teaching them the word of God requires much more than sound theology.  Building and maintaining healthy relationships is vital to the process.  More than merely mentioning those whom he knew by name, he commended many for a specific reason.

Phoebe was a servant (Greek=deacon) in her local church and generously supported Paul and others.
Prisca and Aquila, mentioned before in Acts, had risked their lives for Paul.
Epaenetus was the first convert in Asia.
Mary was a hard worker in the church.
Andronicus and Junia were well-known believers and had been in prison with Paul.
Ampliatus.  Paul loved this man as a brother in Christ.
Urbanus also worked in the ministry.
Stachys, like Ampliatus, was a dear personal friend.
Apelles had endured a time of testing and come through strong in faith.
Aristobulus may have been the grandson of Herod the Great.
Herodion, not necessarily a family member but more likely of the tribe of Benjamin as Paul.
Narcissus' family who were believers were greeted.
Tryphosa and Persis were women who also worked hard for the Lord.
Rufus belonged to the Lord and his mother had shown special care for Paul.

A couple of insights:
We need to thank those who serve in our local church, by name and with specificity for what they do for the Lord.

If Paul had written this to our local church, what could he have said about us?

 

3 Standards, 2 Problems, 4 Responsibilities

 Read Romans 14.

A believer in Jesus lives by three standards.
Scripture-The written word of God.  
This standard does not change with time or culture or people group throughout the world.  "Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." (Psalm 119:89)  It is by the clear teaching of God's word that we are and will be judged.  Though it may not be deemed politically correct and though denominations may vote against it, the Scriptures stand sure.

Conviction based on Scripture.
The major doctrines of the Bible are clear.  Where the Scripture speaks but may seem unclear, two believers who love Jesus and submit to the Scriptures may come to different views on some finer points.  Often our individual backgrounds and experiences cause us to a conclusion that others may not share.  One honors God and gives thanks in an area of choice where another may have a strong conviction of abstinence.  Both may point to Romans 14 for justification of their conviction.

Personal preference.
This has to do with the area of style and how we live out our convictions.  God created us as individuals with our own likes and tastes of what we enjoy.  Our gifts and abilities are varied and God has given great latitude in the freedom of expression throughout history.  "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."  It is true of art, clothing choices, appearance, and music styles.  Such is not right and wrong in themselves but personal choices within the will of God.

Problems arise when one of two things happen.
1. A person confuses Scripture with personal preference.  In the last few decades, evangelical churches experienced the so-called music wars.  Some wanted to only sing hymns, as if those songs somehow were equal with the Bible.  Others preferred an updated sound using multiple instruments in worship.  The truth is that music styles have always changed among believers over time.  The beloved hymns were once new to Christian worship.  Also, what is pleasing to the ears of some American churches may not be deemed worshipful at all in third world countries.  If King David played today one of the Psalms as he did in his generation, would any one of us enjoy the style?

2. A person confuses their personal preference with freedom in Christ.  Liberty is not license.  The word of God is our guardrail and must not be violated.  Feelings do not trump the facts of Scripture.  

We have a responsibility to each other in our choices (v.7).  What are we to do?
1. Do not quarrel over opinions but accept one another. (v.1)
2. Do not despise or judge someone else's personal preferences. (3)
3. Do not put a hindrance in the way of someone else by your liberty. (vv.13-16)
4. Be confident that what you are doing honors the Lord and "makes for peace and mutual upbuilding." (vv.6 and 19)

 

Timely tests of our Faith

 Read Romans 13.

This passage continues Paul's admonitions from chapter 12 on how we are to treat other people and our personal behaviors.

1. Responding to authorities over us. (vv.1-7)
Here are three test questions to measure our faith in the word of God:
Do I believe "there is no authority except from God" governing me?

Do I believe "those that exist have been instituted by God"?

Do I believe those over me in authority are truly "God's servant for your good"?

The Bible is clear regarding our required attitudes toward parents and employers.  We in the Western World have, perhaps, been too quick to condone wrong attitudes toward some authorities by using a few exception examples.  With our constitutional rights and voting privileges, some have considered themselves equal to or above any governmental authority.  Fortunately, Westerners may change their employment and may vote for change.  However, it is easy to fall prey to disrespect and even rebellion against those with whom we disagree or for whom we did not vote.  In doing so, some have dismissed the very intent of these verses.  Most of the world has not enjoyed such freedoms.  It is crucial in understanding this passage that the ultimate governing authority at the time was Nero.  If these are the expectations of Christians in the context of the Roman Empire, what does that say to us?

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle reminded the Roman believers (and us) that unduly resisting God-assigned authorities over us means that we will violate our conscience of what is right and stand to incur God having to deal with us.  Most often, the Lord will use that resented authority to implement His judgment.

Paul listed three required responses: pay your taxes, show respect, give honor.  Not because we believe they deserve it ("owed") but, looking beyond the person, we believe and want to obey God's word.  As stated above, this is a test of our faith.

2. Responding to those around us. (vv.8-10)
Before Paul became a Christian, his life as a Pharisee centered on fully obeying the Law and then some.  But way beyond trying to keep the Ten Commandments outwardly is the statement from the Law in Leviticus 19:18, "but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD."  Jesus quoted this in Matthew 22:37-40 saying that loving God and loving people fulfills all the intent of the Old Testament Law and Prophets.

3. Responding to what is in us. (vv.11-14)
As Paul wrote in chapter 7, "when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand."  Believers must be vigilant and disciplined about attitudes and behaviors.  We must be alert to the fact that at any moment we could be taken out of this life and ushered into the presence of the Lord.  So, we must be ready.  Therefore, stop doing things that displease the Lord and lead to sin.  "Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."  Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6) and shine as a true believer in every circumstance.

 

3 indicators of genuine faith in Jesus

 Read Romans 12.

This chapter deals with three aspects of being a true Christ follower.

1. Worship. (vv.1-2)
Worship is not confined to a church service.  It is what Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4:24-"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."  Regardless of the location, the worship of God takes place inside-out. 

This love of God is seen in how we live.  We are to take the personal initiative to dedicate our bodies to the Lord.  What we do with our physical bodies is to be holy and pleasing to God.  A true Christian considers themselves dead to selfish desires and is free from the slavery of sin.

Second, it involves, not mere good feelings and positive thinking, but a transformation of the mind.  How we think matters.  No longer are we allowed to harbor thoughts that violate the word of God.  The believer in Jesus seeks to maintain thoughts that reflect the purity of the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).

The Apostle Paul reminds (as if that were necessary) that these two areas will be tested.  The purpose of the daily challenges is that we become mature in our faith, discerning in each moment what God wants us to be doing and thinking.

2. Work. (vv.3-8)
Each believer in Jesus has been gifted by God in order to serve Him.  The Bible knows no such thing as a Christian who does not put their faith to work by using their spiritual gift for the benefit of others.  No spiritual gift is self-serving.  It is our personal responsibility to discover how God has enabled us and to put that into active practice through the opportunities God provides.  The starting point is an attitude of humility and gratitude for the privilege of being used of the Lord.

3. Witness. (vv.9-21)
Loving God must be demonstrated in our love for people, especially those in our local church.  These are folks with whom we are committed and connected.  They know us and we know them.  It is a key place for our behavioral accountability.  However, our practice of the Christ-filled life is not limited solely to that group.  The contrast of our lifestyle in Jesus is most remarkable among those who do not believe.  We do not behave, react, and talk like those without Jesus.  Indeed, our changed life is to be the basis of our witness to the world.  Unbelievers should be able to see the difference and want to know more about Him.

 

What is God doing about Israel?

 Read Romans 11.

This chapter is pivotal in connecting the promises God made in the Old Testament to the future of the nation of Israel.  In the two previous chapters, the Apostle Paul addressed the national rejection of Jesus by the Jews and the consequences.  Now, in chapter eleven, he brings clarity to any confusion or doubts about Israel's future.

1. Israel Rejected. (vv.1-10)
The question is "Has God rejected the Jews?"  Are the promises, therefore, nullified that He made to Abraham in Genesis 12, 15 and 17?  The Bible's answer could not be more plain, "By no means!"  Though nationally Israel does not worship Jesus at this time, it is not a total rejection, because individual Jews were and are being saved through faith in Christ.  Paul called it "a remnant" and offered himself as an example.  As for the nation, Israel "stumbled" but the fall is not fatal. 

2. Gentiles Grafted. (vv.11-24) 
In the sovereign plan of God, during this time in world history, some of the original branches (Jews) have been broken off in order to graft in some "wild" branches (Gentiles).  The purpose is consistent with the Lord's promise to Abraham and the Great Commission.  Persecution of Christians in Jerusalem became a key means for the Good News of Jesus to spread from Israel for "the reconciliation of the world".  Seeing God work in other nations is designed to make Israel "jealous."

3. Israel Restored. (vv.25-32).
The rejection by the Jews is "a partial" hardening of their national hearts and it is temporary.  Notice the phrase "until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in".  Jesus used the same term in discussing the Tribulation Period in Luke 21:24.  This awful time will be used to prepare Israel for the appearance of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom "on the throne of his father David" in Jerusalem.  "And in this way all Israel will be saved." (v.25)  All the prophecies concerning the earthly kingdom and Israel's prominence will be fulfilled in that future restoration.  It will be the ultimate fulfillment of Jeremiah 31 regarding the New Covenant.

4. God Glorified. (vv.33-36)
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul became so excited and in awe of the purposes and plans of God that he broke out in praise.  The truths in this chapter are not merely great theological content.  They demonstrate how far beyond God's thinking is than ours.  Indeed, He is in control.  He is all sufficient and self-sufficient.  No one can fully comprehend His works.  No one is God's counselor.  God is no one's debtor.  All things come from Him in order to glorify Him.  Soli Deo gloria!

Is it God or is it Me?

 Read Romans 10.

April Rogers wrote, "Sometimes the appropriate theological answer is both/and."  This observation applies to many truths in the Bible.  Many have desired to choose one against the other when the Bible clearly presents both without any problem at all.  Examples would include the deity and humanity of Jesus, the wrath and mercy of God, God's sovereignty and human responsibility.

In the middle of chapter nine, Paul made strong statements of God's control.  Then, in verse 32, he stated that many of the Jews missed God's righteousness "because they did not pursue it by faith."  There is no injustice with God here (v.14).  Believing one against the other is choosing an argument the Bible does not make.  Is God sovereign?  Absolutely.  Are humans held accountable for their personal response to the Gospel?  Yes.  In addition, those who have come to faith in Christ are sent to communicate the Good News.

Knowing these things about God and yet not knowing who will believe and who will not, prompted the Apostle Paul to instruct the Romans by example and precepts.

1. Be burdened and pray for those who do not know Jesus. (vv.1-4)
These words express the same "anguish" found in 9:1-5.  His fellow kinsmen were trusting in their rituals, in their heritage, and their own self-efforts to appease God.  Paul's heartache for them was that they would come to a place of simple belief.

2. Be understanding as to how a person is saved.  (vv.5-13)
The Holy Spirit prompts the heart, or conscience, of an individual concerning the truth about Jesus (v.8).  A personal decision must be made in order for that truth to be effective.  "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (v.9).

3. Be a believer on mission. (vv.14-17)
Relationships are key to gaining a hearing.  Programs have varying degrees of value.  But at some point someone must communicate the simple truth of the message.  This is not referring to professional pastors and preachers, but all who know Jesus are sent into this world to tell the story.  That is the believer's responsibility.

 

Not everyone talking about heaven is going There

 Read Romans 9.

From the time of Abraham, God's unconditional promise to his descendants always included the Gentiles.  "...and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3).  The Lord sovereignly chose to bless and work through the Jews for His glory on earth.  But, over time the nation took for granted what they had been given.  This did not change God's faithfulness, nor His promises to the Jews.  Something else was missing.

1. What God gave them. (vv.4-5) 
A. The adoption.  Out of all the world, God selected Abraham and His descendants to be His people. 
B. The glory.  God visibly revealed Himself in the Exodus through pillars of cloud and fire.  Then, in the Tabernacle and the Temple, His very presence hovered in the Holy of Holies.
C. The covenants.  From time to time, God made special commitments to the Jews: Abraham (Genesis 15); David (2 Samuel 7); Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31).
D. The Law. The Ten Commandments provided only a preamble to the dietary, social, moral, judicial, and spiritual expectations of God.
E. The worship.  Only to the Jews did God give such specific instructions of how to relate to Him, including the exact details of the physical structure and practices.
F. The promises.  Repeatedly, from Genesis to Malachi, prophecies were given concerning the Messiah who would come.

No other people group before or since has had such special attention from God and blessed by Him like the Jews.  Why then are not the Jews the most godly, Christ worshipping people on earth?

2. What they thought. (vv.6-11)
Paul is quick to point out that the spiritual failure was not God's fault.  He did not change; they did.  There were two false assumptions.  First, many began to believe that just because they were born into a Jewish family that they were automatically born into the family of God.  Jesus confronted the leading Rabbi of Israel about this in John 3.  Physical birth does not count, no matter how godly the parents may be.  One must personally and individually experience a spiritual birth.  Second, many believed if they kept the Law with its rules and regulations that they would be godly people.  Paul makes it clear that no one is a child of God by good works.

3. What they missed. (vv.30-33)
How could it be that Jews who were provided this unique, national relationship with the God of Heaven miss out on being in God's family?  "Why?  Because they did not pursue it by faith..."  And, when the Messiah did come, the nation rejected Jesus.  They spiritually "stumbled" over Him who came to save them.  

4. What God wants. (v.17)
Though nationally to this day, Israel does not worship Jesus as the Messiah, God continues to call, save, and work through individuals of all nations who turn to Him in faith.  God does not waste His creative energy, nor His time.  He has a divine purpose for each life, whether they are godly people or evil.  He brings individuals into this world "that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

 

5 negative benefits of a knowing Jesus

 Read Romans 8.

What are the benefits of a personal relationship with Christ?

1. No Condemnation. (vv.1-11)
Those who personally place their faith in Jesus are forgiven of their sins.  The judgment against them has been expunged.  This is not the result of anything the individual did.  It is solely due to the fact that Jesus paid our penalty on the cross.  At the very moment of belief in Him, the grace of God is applied to our account. 

2. No Obligation. (vv.12-17)
We owed a debt we could not pay.  He paid a debt He did not owe.  Placing our eternal trust in Jesus spiritually frees us.  No longer are we slaves to sin, but we have become the children of God.

3. No Comparison. (vv.18-25)
Everyone in this life suffers.  It is the worldwide effect of sin ever since Genesis 3.  The world is in "bondage to corruption" (v.21).  This is the observable scientific law of entropy at work as opposed to the man-made theory of evolution.  All things are not evolving into something better, but the world is degrading with each generation.
All creation groans (v.22)
All people groan (v.23)
The Holy Spirit groans (v.26)
These groanings are like birth pangs, leading all creation toward the next step in God's sovereign plan.  Paul stated that the present sufferings "are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (v.18)  The physical, cultural, moral, and spiritual deterioration of this world will ultimately lead to hope.  Our hope is not in this world getting better but in the fact of Christ's return.  He will come.  He will rule.  All the groanings of this life will one day be turned to glory.  The wait will be worth it.   

4. No Desperation.     (vv.26-30)
In the meantime, we are not left alone in our present suffering and weaknesses.  The Holy Spirit who indwells every believer in Jesus (8:9), helps us with our thinking (v.5), assures us of our right standing and relationship with the Lord, and intercedes for us in our praying.  There is no need to be depressed and give up.  Even when we feel so overwhelmed by what we see in our deteriorating world and our immediate circumstances, God is present with us.  Even when we do not know what God is doing and cannot put our prayers into words, the Holy Spirit does so on our behalf according to God's will.

5. No Separation. (vv.31-39)
No matter what the culture does, no matter what circumstances may come our way, nothing will ever change the love that the God of Heaven has for us.  Once we have become part of God's family through personal faith in Jesus, it is impossible to jeopardize that eternal position. 

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.'  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

 

Am I a soldier of the Cross?

 Read Romans 7.

This is one of the most personally transparent passages in the Bible.  The Apostle Paul describes his struggles to live the Christian life.  He recognized his death to the old life of sin and alienation from God.  By the grace of God, he had been saved from the condemnation of the Law.  As a Pharisee, Paul tried his best to live up to and beyond the demands of the Old Testament Law.  But, all his efforts never resulted in spiritual life and freedom.  He could never be good enough to meet the prescribed perfection.  He came to realize that before he gave his life to Christ, he had been controlled by his sin.

Then, he met Jesus.  The old life had passed away.  He became a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Now, Paul understood.  The Holy Spirit changed his eternal destiny and gave him the capacity to finally live a life pleasing to God.  However, he discovered that his sinful tendencies and outright evil were constantly present also (v.21).

In verse 23, this conflict of wanting to obey God and feeling the pull of sin is called "waging war."  The Greek word has to do with an attack.  Its root meaning refers to an organized military campaign.  Friends, if the Apostle Paul struggled like this, how much more do we?

The battle is real and it is on-going every moment of the day.  If one is not aware of their spiritual battle, perhaps, the answer is that they have never truly committed themselves to Christ.  They sin at will with little or no conscience for doing so.  If one claims to be a believer and is not waging war daily, throughout the day, it is an indication that they are losing battle after battle with sin.  In essence, they are betraying the faith they profess and surrendering to the enemy.

Where does the battle take place?  Creating rules to control behavior is an outward attempt at morality and is akin to what Paul experienced with the Law.  The real battle is fought inside a person, in the mind (v.22-23).

Are you aware of your daily battles with sin and evil?
What is your predetermined strategy to win?

If we do not decide in advance to win by rejecting sin and yielding ourselves to obey God, we will lose 100% of the time. 
1. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) 
2. "Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life..." (Romans 6:13)
3. Suit up and put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

 

Dead and yet Alive

 Read Romans 6.

Romans 6:11 is a key verse for believers to continue to progress toward maturity in the faith.

Paul explains that Christ died once and now lives forever.  So, those who claim Jesus as their savior have died to their old way of living, have renounced their former life of sin, and now seek to live every minute to please the Lord.  We will never be perfect in this life.  Paul writes of his own struggles in Romans 7.  John reminds us in 1 John 1:8 that a person who says they have no sin is lying.

Believers have been set apart to God for eternity.  That is a done deal.  In the meantime, we must daily face the temptations and tugs that abound to think, speak, and behave as those who do not know the Lord.  What are we to do?

1. We are to surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit's control. (Ephesians 4:17-18)
Believers are not alone to tough it out.  Sin happens when we act on our own instead of yielding ourselves to what God wants.  Romans 6:17 points us in the right direction: "...become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed."

2. When we do sin, quickly agree with God and make it right. (1 John 1:9)
Confess it.  Forsake it.  God then forgives and cleanses us.

3. Etch Romans 6:11 in your memory.
"you"-This is as personal as it can be.
"also"-Just as Christ died and was raised to a new life.
"must"-Acting upon this is not an option, if you are a true follower of Jesus.
"consider yourselves"-How you think about self, habits of sin, and life.
"dead to sin"-A dead person is no longer responsive.  The old life is gone.
"alive to God in Christ Jesus"-Our reason for existence is for His glory and purposes.

4. Be aware that every moment is a decision. 
v. 12-"Let not sin therefore reign" is a choice we make.  Whom will we obey in that moment? 
v. 13a-"Do not present your members to sin" is clear.  Chapter 1 mentions over 20 examples of sin as a starter list.  The next chapters provide severe warnings of God's judgment upon those who pursue such things without repentance and change. 
v.13b-"Present yourselves to God" is an act of obedient surrender to do what is right.
"...the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." (v.22)

 

8 benefits of knowing Jesus Now

 Read Romans 5.

After several chapters explaining the wrath of God upon sinners, the Apostle Paul now unfolds the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Forgiveness and eternal life are available as a free gift through belief in Jesus.  Being saved from the wrath to come and enjoying a personal relationship with God is not something in the future only.  God does not offer a "hope so" salvation or make us wait until we die to see how things turn out.  It may be enjoyed now...today...in this life!

Notice the verb tenses of the statements of a believer's condition with the Lord. 
1. "...have been justified..." (v.1a)
The Judge of heaven has declared believers innocent of the charges against them.  We have been judiciously set free.

2. "...have peace with God..." (v.1b)
There is no more animosity.  We are in agreement.  There is a oneness, a quietness in our relationship with Him.

3. "...have also obtained access by faith into this grace..." (v.2a)
Grace is "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life."  Over and over, in the second half of this chapter, Paul reminds us that what God has done is a free gift.  It is impossible to earn this.  It is by faith through God's grace that we are saved.

4. "...we rejoice in hope..." (v.2b)
Being free from God's judgment, experiencing His love and forgiveness, knowing for certain that there awaits for us a home in heaven, causes one to live with joy.

5. "...God's love has been poured out into our hearts..." (v.5b)
Our assurance of salvation in Christ comes from the work of the Holy Spirit within us.  He confirms to the believer of God's eternal love for us.  It is a sacrificial love, demonstrated by the fact that Jesus died for our sins (5:8).  It is a faithful love in that the Holy Spirit reminds us continually of His presence.

6. "...the Holy Spirit who has been given to us..." (v.5c)
The Holy Spirit takes up residence within the believer at the very moment when one places their faith in Christ.  "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." (Romans 8:9)

7. "...we have now been justified by his blood..." (v.9a)
Hebrews 9:22 states, "...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."  It was the death of Jesus on the cross that made the full and final payment for sin.  "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (1 John 2:2)

8. "...we have now received reconciliation." (v.11b)
Atonement has taken place.  God did not change; we did.  Once we were at cross purposes with God; enemies.  Now, we are in the family of God.

Rejoice!

 

3 ways to face the Future

 Read Romans 4.

God made clear and unconditional promises to Abraham.  One of them involved innumerable descendants.  "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." (v.3) 

Many years passed, and the couple remained childless.  What about their future?  What happened to the promises God made?  We all ask similar questions when we cannot see what God is doing and wonder what will happen in the future.  There are three typical ways people deal with their future.

1. Figuring.
Proper planning is not only important; it is a vital part of good stewardship.  But the Scripture reminds us that though we can make our plans, God may have other plans we cannot see yet.  Some will delay and even disobey the Lord because they cannot figure out how His will can work out.  Many rob God and rob themselves of blessings because they fail to tithe, for example, or move forward when God has clearly said, "Go."  Pregnancy with Abraham being 100 years of age and Sarah at 90 was an impossible situation by anyone's figuring.  But that did not change what God had said.

2. Fear
Each time Abraham failed in Genesis, it was due to fear.  He did not see how God could meet His needs, so he tried instead to do it his way.  But having a child through his servant Hagar would not fulfill the will of God.  It only made things worse.  Going our own way is one of the Bible's definitions of sin (Isaiah 53:6). 

3. Faith
The good news is that even after his lapse in fear, Abraham "grew strong in his faith...fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." (vv.20-21) 

"Faith mighty faith the promise sees and looks to God alone.  Laughs at impossibilities and cries, 'It shall be done!'"-Charles Wesley

"When God gives vision, He will make pro-vision."-H. Beecher Hicks, Jr.

"What God starts, he finishes.  Where God guides, he provides.  And where God leads, he meets our needs.  But he's going to test you first, because there is no testimony without a test.  The question, then, is: Are you willing to trust God completely."-Rick Warren

 

But I am good person. Aren't I?

 Read Romans 3.

The question that determines where a person will spend eternity is, "What have you done about your sin?"  That question penetrates to the core of who we are and why God would ever accept us.  Many are the attempts of humans to justify themselves but not one of man's ideas will ever be satisfactory before a righteous and holy God.

Our parentage does not count. (v.9a)
Being in a particular group does not count. (v.9b)
Keeping the commandments does not count. (v.20)

But if I keep the Ten Commandments and do certain things won't I be good enough for God to accept me?  The answer here is clearly no.  Why?  Because none of those things address the root issue.  The problem is our personal sin.  We are judged by God's word not ours.

How pervasive is sin?
v.9 "...all...are under sin"
v.10 "None is righteous, no, not one."
v.11 "no one understands; no one seeks God."
v.12 "All have turned aside...no one does good, not even one."
Sin affects a person's speech (vv.13-14)
Sin affects a person's behavior (vv.15-17)
Sin affects a person's thinking (v.18)

Some respond by trying harder.  "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment...worthless..."  (Isaiah 64:6)

Some reject what God has said and choose to believe in something else.  But that does not change the facts.  "...so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God." (v.19)

Some react to Christians and churches who have disappointed or hurt them.  "Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?  By no means!  Let God be true though every one were a liar..." (vv.3-4)  There are simply no acceptable excuses for not dealing with one's sin.

What is the answer?
In the entire universe, there is only one solution to sin.  "...the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe...and are justified by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..." (vv.22-24)  I confess my sin to God and He forgives me, not because of my goodness but because I believe Jesus paid for my sin on the cross.

3 divine standards of God's Judgment

 Read Romans 2.

The opening chapters of Romans presents God's condemnation of sin.  His eternal wrath is being "stored up" for that day when the unrepentant will experience His judgment.  The severity of the penalty will be "to each one according to his works" (v.6).  Revelation 20:11-15 describes the scene that will take place.  The lake of fire is called the second death.  Jesus said in Mark 9:44-49 that the torment will be "unquenched."

How could a loving God do such a thing?
The answer is that those who will endure such punishment brought this upon themselves.  It is not God's fault at all.  They sinned against God and refused to believe there would be consequences for their actions.  Further, they willfully rejected the only way of escape that He provided for them.  No one will be blaming God on that day.  Each person will acknowledge their guilt.  They knew.  So, they are without excuse (v.1)

How does God reveal His standards of what is right and moral?
In chapter one, God naturally reveals His "eternal power and divine nature" through creation. With appreciation to John A. Witmer in the Bible Knowledge Commentary on Romans, there three ways God reveals His expectations of right and wrong in this chapter.
1. Truth (vv. 2-4)
He is the God of truth (Isaiah 65:16).  Jesus said, "...true worshipers will worship the Father is spirit and in truth" (John 4:23).  "...your word is truth" (John 17:17).  "All Scripture is breathed out by God..." (2 Timothy 3:16).  This is the basis of God judgments and expectations of each person.  Once an individual rejects the Scriptures as totally true and accurate then they are subject to the consequences.

2. Impartiality (vv.5-11)
In that day, one's race, color of skin, parentage, upbringing, religious affiliation, financial condition, philanthropy, skills, or achievements will not matter.  There will be no bragging or excuses.  "By nature" (v.14), "on their hearts while their conscience also bears witness" (v.15), the Holy Spirit drew them toward the truth. But they deliberately chose to go their own way.  "Self-seeking" (v.8), or contentious against God, even provoking Him, they hardened their own hearts and became impenitent (v.5).

3. Jesus Christ (vv.12-16)
The Apostle Paul wrote, "...on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus." (v.16)  To the Philippians he wrote, "...so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)  

Why does God wait to execute His eternal judgment?
Many people feel that since they have not suffered consequences already for their sin, that God will not punish them in the future, or perhaps, there is no such punishment.  Others have suffered greatly due to their personal sin and yet rejected God's attempt to draw them to Jesus.  "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (v.4)  "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

 

Saved from the wrath of God

 Read Romans 1.

"For the wrath of God is revealed..." (v.18)  There is no question that, according to the Scriptures, each human being is individually accountable to God for their life.  One day each person who has ever lived will stand before God and spend eternity in an awful place of torment or in a wonderful place with Jesus.

1. Who is subject to God's wrath?
The Apostle Paul labeled them as ungodly and unrighteous.  In other words, they have sinned against God and continue in disobedience Him without repentance.  It is crucial to understand that people are now condemned already.  "...whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36b)  That is why the Bible uses the term "saved".  "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:17) 

2. What happened to cause some to refuse God's way to escape His wrath?
First, God has made and is making His truth to be known.  When confronted with the truth, the pride and hardness of the human heart causes the sinner to "suppress the truth" (v.18) that has been revealed to them.  They choose to hold on to their sinful behaviors, their rebellious thinking, and their alternative fantasies rather than deal with reality.

3. How has God revealed Himself so people may know Him?
The prime example here in Romans 1 is creation.  If a person considers "the things that have been made" (v.20) with an open mind and heart, they will understand the power of God and come to faith in Him.  The Apostle Paul wrote that the truth of this is "plain" (v.19), "God has shown it to them" (v.19), "have been clearly perceived" (v.20), "So they are without excuse." (v.20)   When a person sees the stars and studies the movements of planets and galaxies, they make a conscious decision.  Either they are awed by the majesty of God and worship Him, or they reject God and fantasize an alternative.  One with an open heart looks at creation and sees unfathomable designs of a loving Creator.  The rejector attempts to explain away God's message to them with accidental, made up theories.  They choose to worship the creation rather than the Creator to their own eternal peril.

4. What are examples of the thinking, speaking, and behaviors that warrant the eternal wrath of God?
In verses 24 through 31, no less than twenty-two identifiable sins are listed.  And, here is the point: everyone is guilty before God.

5. How can one escape the wrath of God and have eternal life?
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that who whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

 

Turning shipwrecks into Opportunities

 Read Acts 28.

What may seem at first to be a great loss to us can become great opportunities in ministering to others.

No doubt Paul would have never met Publius nor shared the good news of Jesus on Malta, if it were not for the shipwreck.  He taught the word of God for three months before sailing on another ship from Egypt.

Being a prisoner did not seem to be a burden for Paul at all.  He so served those around him that he was allowed much freedom to live and to teach.

In Rome, he had a soldier assigned to him, but Paul lived in a house "at his own expense."  Upon arriving he discovered two things: 1) The gospel had already reached as far as Rome, and 2) He was able to strengthen the faith of the believers who were there. Then, as was his custom, he invited Jewish leaders to his home Bible study.  For two years, the Apostle taught about Jesus from the Old Testament.  Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of the "hope of Israel" (v.20), the Messiah.  It was this same hope that energized the godly Jews such as Simeon in his work as a priest in the Temple, "waiting for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25), when Mary and Joseph walked in with baby Jesus.

Some of the Jews were receptive to the message and placed their personal faith in Jesus.  Others did not.  At that, Paul decisively turned his ministry focus to the Gentiles.  From the beginning, preaching Christ to the Gentiles was his calling.  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

The book of Acts stops with chapter 28.  But the story of the church continues to unfold to this day.  It will continue "until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.  And in this way all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25-26).  Paul explained to the Romans that a partial spiritual blindness had come upon the Jews, as the prophets predicted.  One day, the church age will conclude and the Jews will welcome Jesus as the Messiah.  He will, then, fulfill all the earthly kingdom prophecies.

In the meantime, we who are part of this on-going story of the church must look for those great opportunities that God gives to each of us.  "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15).

 

Hope in the middle of Desperation

 Read Acts 27.

Paul was in the center of God's will for his life.  Several times the Lord confirmed that his mission included going to Rome.  However, that did not preclude problems along the way.  Every journey of Paul's became life-threatening at some point.  Yet, each time God delivered him and those who traveled with him as well.

The ship carried wheat (v.38), most likely from Egypt bound for Rome.  Governor Festus turned over the custody of Paul, as a prisoner, to a Roman centurion named Julius.  A centurion had charge of one hundred men.  With the soldiers, an uncertain number of prisoners, the crew, and Paul's traveling companions of Luke and Aristarchus, the total souls on board were 276 (v.37).

Sailing the Mediterranean Sea in the mid to late fall required caution at best.  No one dared sail in the winter months.  Here, the weather went from bad to worse with a storm.  Things are pretty desperate when the crew must strap the ship with ropes to keep the timbers together (v.17).  Everyone expected that this was the end.  They were surely going to die.

But, this chapter is full of twists.  Paul is in the will of God and yet about to be shipwrecked and possibly die.  He is a prisoner, yet he became the leader.  In the midst of certain death, Paul announced hope.  How was this possible?

The answer is that God had prepared Paul for this very moment.
1. He had experience with such problems.
He had been here before.  In 2 Corinthians 11:25, Paul stated that he had endured three shipwrecks in his ministry.  This prepared him to have some credible ideas as to how to survive and help others in the process.

2. He had the word of God.
In this instance, an angel of God, gave Paul direct revelation concerning his survival and future.  He was assured of his destination.  Then, he stood firm in his faith as he faced these horrifying circumstances. 

3. He had hope in what God said.
With great confidence, he announced "...I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told" (v.25).  His message of hope was not spin.  It was, in fact, the truth.  As a result, "...all were brought safely to land" (v.44).

Those same principles can guide us through the most threatening circumstances.  God uses our past experiences with adversity and the faithfulness of God to face future problems and to help others.  God has graciously allowed us to have His word in writing to know and put into practice.  It is the anchor of our faith.  Our hope is in knowing, no matter what happens to us, our true destination is secure in Christ.

 

Persuasion and Pride

 Read Acts 26.

As Jesus foretold in Acts 9:15, Paul stood before kings.  This king was Herod Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the Great.  He ruled the northern territory of Israel from A.D. 50-70.  His connections with Caesar and the fact that he was a practicing Jew led to his appointment over the Temple treasury and the selection of the high priest.  He would have known the parties involved and understood the issues very well.  Yet, Agrippa's personal life was notoriously sinful.

The details above provide insight into the manner of Paul's defense and the personal statements he made directed at Agrippa.
v.3-"...you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews."
v.22-"...saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass..."
v.26-"For the king knows about these things..."
v.27-"King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I know that you believe."

Paul presented Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, including the resurrection.  If we believe God is all-powerful, then why should believing that He can raise the dead be a problem (v.8)?  Isaiah 53, for example, paints a complete picture of the suffering and death of the Messiah for all sin.  With such a backdrop of understanding, Paul quoted Jesus regarding his calling.  Subtly, or perhaps not so subtle, Paul told Agrippa how to be saved.

"...to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." (v.18) 

Repenting and asking forgiveness would mean admitting and confessing sin against God.  With Bernice sitting there (who was a major part of his well-known sinful behavior) and in front of Governor Festus, the king was not about to humble himself and admit anything.  Yet, he knew the truth about both God and himself.  In an effort to relieve the spiritual pressure of the moment, Agrippa responded, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?"  He was almost persuaded but remained eternally lost.

Pride of the human heart may be the most personally damning element of all.  It causes one to think they know better than God; that they can hear the truth and hold on to their sin; that what the Scriptures clearly teach about heaven and hell is somehow optional for them.

 

When life doesn't make Sense

 Read Acts 25.

Paul was arrested in Jerusalem as he was about to be killed by an angry mob.  Next, he stood before the Sanhedrin being falsely accused.  Again, the Roman soldiers had to step in and rescue him from being "torn to pieces" by the religious leaders.  Then, in a move to protect his life from an assassination, the Roman soldiers escorted Paul to Caesarea.  There, Governor Felix listened to the case, determined it had no merit, but he kept Paul in prison for two more years.

After two years, a new governor was appointed.  Porcius Festus held court to hear the case for himself on his first full day in office at Caesarea.  He concluded that there was no reasonable case to decide.  In fact, he could not even figure out what to write concerning the charges against Paul (v.27).

What was going on here?  This makes no sense.  Why would any rational authority keep a prisoner for years without cause?  Why wasn't his case thrown out for lack of evidence?

Politically, the Roman appointees wanted to maintain peace in their territories at any price.  Ruling over Israel meant dealing successfully with the Jews.  With the past riots and threats, keeping Paul locked away seemed the easy decision.

Spiritually, the war was raging.  Paul, along with others, expanded the reach of the gospel from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, into Samaria, and had gone as far as Greece.  Satan launched every attack he could to try to stop the life-changing message of Jesus from going any further.  Paul later wrote to the Corinthians concerning the work of the devil, "...we are not ignorant of his designs." (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Personally, Paul appeared to be out of commission, imprisoned for years without just cause.

Why?  Why did not God intervene and do something?  The answer: He was at work the entire time, even controlling the movements of the Roman Empire.  What seemed judiciously ridiculous and could not have made any sense to Paul and his friends fit perfectly into God's plan for Paul's life.  Upon his conversion to Christ, the Lord declared that Paul would "carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (Acts 9:15-16)  The plan continued to unfold.  The story was not over yet.  Paul was going to Rome for an audience with Caesar, the infamous Nero.

What can we learn from this example that may serve to encourage us in times of adversity, loss, and lack?  When life doesn't make sense...

1. Trust God.
He knows what He is doing when we cannot see the plan.  He is in control when we think things have gotten out of control.  He is worthy of our worship and loves us eternally, even when we do not feel His love.  Our feelings do not change the facts.

2. Wait on God.
Much of our worry comes from our impatience.  We want what concerns us to be fixed immediately.  The Lord does not work on our time schedule.  Psalm 27:14-"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!"  The results will be worth the wait.

3. Expect God to work on your behalf.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

4. Be ready.
Most of life is beyond our control.  Instead of focusing on what we cannot fix, we need to take charge of what has been given to us.  We must make sure we are doing all that is within our responsibility.   That way, when God's plan is revealed, we are the person God can use at that moment, ready to seize the opportunity and fulfill our life purpose.  "Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11)

 

Rejecting Jesus is character Revealing

 Read Acts 24.

Standing before the governor in this hearing proved very revealing.  The character of each party involved was exposed.

The high priest engaged Tertullus to serve as prosecutor.  After a disingenuous introduction, three main accusations were presented.  Each was false.
1. Paul was a plague, a disease, or sickness.  Tertullus blamed Paul personally and did not refer to the message.  In fact, Paul was helping people everywhere he went.  It was not Paul but the message of Jesus that was spreading as lives were being changed.

2. Paul stirred up riots throughout the world.  In fact, it was the unbelievers who instigated every one of the riots because they wanted to stop the message.

3. Paul was a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.  Interesting that Tertullus could not bring himself to mention the name of Jesus.  He blamed a group rather than belief in the risen Lord.

Paul's response to the accusations was that they had no proof to present.  In fact, he embraced the same Scriptures they said they believed.  Then, Paul made one of the greatest character statements in the Bible: "So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man." (v.16)

We discover that the governor had "a rather accurate knowledge of the Way."  Occasionally, Felix would meet with Paul to hear more and to discuss spiritual things.  Notice the main topics Paul presented.
1. Righteousness.  What it means to be right with God and to do right according to God's word.
2. Self-control.  To commit oneself to Jesus and to live right means there are certain disciplines that must accompany that decision.  When we turn to God, we turn our backs on sin.
3. Coming judgment.  There is a day of accountability to God for our lives, what we did and what we did not do.

When Felix heard that it scared him.  He physically trembled.  The Holy Spirit of God was getting his attention.  What he did next revealed his true character.  He put off making a decision for Christ, as if a delay would change anything.  For over two years he kept Paul in prison, occasionally meeting to continue the discussion.  It was a pretense.  His character was corrupted by the hope that Paul's friends would pay money for his release.

We need to be aware of these same behaviors today.  There are those who so oppose the wonderful, liberating message of Jesus that they falsely accuse His followers of all sorts of nonsense.  True believers simply love God and love people.  The message includes right behavior, a call to stop sinning against God, and coming judgment.  To ignore any of those three is to present a false representation of the word of God.