Romans Review

There are some important things pointed out to us in Romans.  I believe one is that we don't always get to do what we want to do in serving God.  Paul wanted to go and preach the gospel where it had never been preached before, but was often threatened or imprisoned instead.  As followers of Christ, we must make sure that we are obedient to the will of God, even when it does not agree with our plans. We must continue to witness for Christ, no matter our circumstances.  Had Paul given up when threatened or imprisoned, we would not have much of the scripture of the New Testament.  Paul tells us that he was not ashamed of the gospel, and neither should we be.  We may be mocked or even persecuted for our faith in Christ, but we are never to be ashamed or afraid to present the gospel of Christ to the world. We can be certain that God is with us for time everlasting.  We are to boldly present His salvation plan to the world.  Paul also tells us that we are to work together as followers of Christ.  Everyone has a purpose, and God will make that purpose known to us.  When all believers work together, each filling their own role, we will be much more effective than if we all attempt to do what we want to do instead of what God called us to do.  When one person does not fulfill their calling, that does not mean that proclaiming the gospel will stop.  It will be as with the parable of the talents. The one who attempts to bury his talent, or calling, will lose it, and it will be given to someone who will use it.  The one who doesn't follow God's call for the way he or she is to serve simply loses the joy that their service would bring.  Paul tells us we are to present ourselves to God, as living sacrifices, which is a reasonable demand.  God does not force salvation on anyone, and that He asks us to be His willing servants is a very reasonable request, since He sent His only begotten Son to die to bring salvation to mankind.  Christ died for us, so we are asked to live our lives for Him if we are His followers. Salvation is inclusive, not exclusive. Christ did not die to take away the sins of some of the world, but for all the sins of everyone for all time.  The only thing we must do is accept this in faith.  Once we accept Christ as Savior and Lord, then we are commissioned to share the gospel with everyone, even those that we may not like and those who may hate us.  Paul tells us that we are to obey the law.  I believe the qualifier would be unless it goes against God's law.  Then, we should be willing to face the consequences of not obeying as we stand firm in our faith.

Hosea 2:1

Hosea 2:1 says, Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi; and to your sisters, Ruhamah. There was to come a day when the people of God, those in both Israel and Judah, would again be called His people after they were delivered by His mercy.  This promise was not just to the Jews, but to the Gentiles as well.  Verse two adds, Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts;  We have to remember that the church is called the bride of Christ, and the seed of Abraham were also to be in a relationship with God based on that same spiritual closeness.  God had entered into a relationship with Abraham and made promises to him based on Abraham and his descendants being faithful to Him. He alone was to be their God, but they became adulterous, chasing after other god's.  God asked those who were truly His to plead with those who had started chasing after other god's to return to Him.  The people of the nation of Israel at that time were not God's people due to their idolatry, but God waited to restore them to that right relationship if they would return to Him.  There are people today who are relying on earthly things to make them right with God, but it can only happen through a spiritual relationship based on faith in Christ alone.  Verse three continues, Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.  I believe that God was warning His people, those who professed to be His in name only, that He was going to remove His protection from them.  When we are no longer protected by God's mercy, we are indeed stripped bare of all defence against the evil of this world.  Since Christ is the living water that will keep us from thirsting again, we will die of spiritual thirst without Him.  Verse four states, And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.  God was warning the people of Israel that He was no longer going to have mercy on them, because they were no longer His children spiritually.  We today need to be wary of allowing ourselves to profess to be followers of God when we are still chasing after the things of this world.  Verse five adds, For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.  Though this may have been what was occurring in the life of Hosea, it was a message to the people of Israel about their relationship with God.  They were looking to the world to provide their needs and rejecting their relationship with God.  We may think that we can find security in material possessions and not really need a close, personal relationship with God, but we only deceive ourselves.  Verse six continues, Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.  We need to remember that this was a call to the people of God to return to Him spiritually.  God hedges us from sin if we allow Him to, but sin can become a hedge between us and God's will if we allow it to.  Verse seven concludes, And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.  I believe God is telling us that we will never be able to find satisfaction thorough any false god, and only when we realize this and return to Him will we find true satisfaction in this world.  Nothing but obedience to the will of God can accomplish this.  God had not deserted the nation of Israel, but they had deserted Him.  We cannot be God's people if we are still serving the false gods of this world.

I will take a break from the study today to speak once more of Momma, Nadine Rice Dobbs.  A year ago today, she took here final breath here on earth and drew her first one in heaven.  She was in a lot of pain the last few months here, but that pain is no more.  She had a lot of difficulty even walking, and the last few weeks couldn't even walk at all.  I think about how now she is walking free and easy on the streets of gold, with no back pain and strong legs that easily carry her where she needs to go.  She hated to give up her Sunday School class, but now she can learn at the feet of the Savior.  Time has moved on for those of us left behind, but for her time no longer has meaning.  She was not restored to wholeness only to get old and start suffering again.  Through her faith in her personal Savior, Jesus Christ, she is victorious over not only death but also all the pains of this cruel world.  By the way, that is the only way to victory over death, through a personal relationship by faith with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Momma traveled more the last few years of her life than even sho would have thought possible.  Yet, all that pales in comparison to the trip she embarked on a year ago.  I cannot tell you exactly where heaven is located, but I can tell you that it is far removed from this old world.  We go by the grave site from time to time.  My wife was there yesterday.  The truth is though, since the first of July last year, momma has never been there.  Since daddy and momma had their graves and headstones already in place, she had seen it before, but not since that day a year ago. She has no need to see that last date inscribed on the head stone, because that is the day her everlasting life started with no barriers, and time ceased to have any bearing.   There were over eleven years of time that passed here between the time that daddy died and momma died, but for them as they stroll around heaven, the time has no meaning.  We have gone through many firsts without momma, but she is always at the first of her everlasting life.   My spell check keeps asking me if I want to add momma to the dictionary, but I choose not to.  It is the name my brother, sister and I always called her by, and it is in my heart, so it doesn't matter if my dictionary acknowledges it.  So, as another day leading into another year begins here, I just want to say that even though you are missed by many, I am glad you are in your home of everlasting joy and peace, Momma.  Love always, from your number two son.

Romans 16:24

Romans 16:24 says, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.  In this verse, Paul states what should be our prayer for everyone at all times, especially our fellow Christians.  We need the grace of God with us each minute of the day if we are to be effective servants of God.  Verse twenty-five adds, Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,   The necessity of Christ coming to die for the sins of humanity was not a new thought.  God knew that this was the only way to redemption from the time of creation.  This was pointed to throughout the Old Testament, but the truth of the fact, the exact details, was still hidden.  Paul tells us how we are to be able to be effective followers of Christ, and that is through the grace of God, present in us through the Holy Spirit.  Paul knew firsthand the power of the gospel to change lives, and if we are followers of Christ, we know this same power of transformation in our lives.  We are new creatures, born again into the kingdom of God. Verse twenty-six continues, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:  This is really a continuation of verse twenty-five.  Paul tells us that what was once hidden is now made manifest.  The death, burial and resurrection of Christ was and is an accomplished fact. Though even the Jews, God's chosen people, were still somewhat in the dark, not to mention the Gentiles, concerning the exact nature of the awaited Messiah, through Christ everything was made manifest.  The coming of Christ was the fulfillment of the Old Testament, but that does not mean that the Old Testament is no longer relevant. We still need to learn what it tells us about God, but we can now understand the Old Testament in light of the accomplished fact of its prophecies in Jesus Christ.  God completed His salvation plan through Christ, and it is the eternal, everlasting plan of redemption.  We do not need to look for a new way or a further revelation.  Verse twenty-seven concludes, To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.  Paul reminds us that God alone is wise enough to know how to redeem us. We cannot do it through our own understanding but must come to God through faith.

Romans 16:17

Romans 16:17 says, Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  After Paul had asked that those he was writing to acknowledge certain individuals for their faithful service to Christ, he then warned them to avoid those who would cause divisions and try to change the gospel.  We today must be the same, uplifting those who are truly proclaiming the gospel and avoiding those who want only to cause divisions in the church.  Verse eighteen adds, For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  Paul was warning them that some would profess to be followers of Christ simply to benefit themselves materially. Paul also said they would deceive the hearts of the simple with good words and fair speeches.  I believe that this is a warning to us that we must be grounded in the scriptures.  We are not to judge fellow believers, but we are to judge what those who profess to be believers in Christ proclaim.  If anyone presents anything other than forgiveness through the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross as a way to being restored to God, we are to avoid them.  Many people will use fair words, those things that sound good or are maybe simply what we want to believe to draw us away from God.  Verse nineteen continues, For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.  Paul said that their obedience to Christ was noted abroad.  We need to live so that our obedience to Christ will be noted by those around us.  He again warned them about false teachers who would lead them away from the gospel.  We simply must avoid evil to be effective in our witness for Christ.  When we are effective witnesses for Christ, we can expect to come under attack from Satan. That is why we must always remain grounded in the gospel.  Verse twenty concludes, And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Paul reminds us that God is victorious over Satan. God is the God of peace, and as His followers we are to let our lives reflect that peace. Paul said God would bruise Satan under their feet shortly.  We need to remember that with God, any amount of time can be shortly. We are to live by faith in Christ continually and not be overly concerned about when Christ is going to return to claim the church. Verses twenty-one states, Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.  Verse twenty-two adds, I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.  Verse twenty-three continues, Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.  Paul was not the only one who cared about the Roman Christians, nor was he alone in his ministry.  We should note that Tertius was the scribe of Romans, not the author of the book. The author was Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  We today need to care about the welfare of Christians everywhere and to realize that we are not alone in our work for God.

Romans 16:1

Romans 16:1 says, I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:  In these next few verses, Paul begins to single out people who had been a help and a blessing to him and ask his fellow believers to accept and uplift them.  There are most likely people in our lives who have helped us spiritually, and even materially as we follow God's call.  We need to always be thankful for them and concerned for their welfare as well.  In verse one, Paul said he commended to them their sister Phebe.  Paul recognized that even if we don't know each other, we as followers of Christ are all brothers and sisters through our salvation by Him.  We should be able to commend each other to fellow believers.  Paul said Phebe was a servant of the church at Cenchrea.  We don't really know much about this church, but Cenchrea was about twelve miles from Corinth, where there was great opposition to the gospel.  Verse two adds, That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.  Paul asked the believers in Rome to receive her in the Lord and help her any way they could.  She had helped many, including Paul, and now as a woman alone in a new city, she was going to need help.  Paul looked to fellow believers to provide this help.  Verse three continues, Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:  Verse four concludes, Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.  In Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila had helped Paul during his time there.  They were fellow tent makers and stood with Paul in spite of a threat to their own lives. We today need to help help our fellow Christians, even if it costs us. Aquila and Priscilla had been in Corinth because they were exiled from Rome but had evidently now been allowed to return.  Still, even when their lives had been uprooted, they were still serving God.  Not only did they help Paul, but they made their home available for worship services.  Verse five states, Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.  They had evidently continued this practice in Rome.  Paul asked that they salute Epaenetus, one of the first converts to Christ in Achaia.  Paul would remember him especially, since he was proof of the effectiveness of the gospel of Christ to save the lost.  In the next several verse, Paul asked that certain individuals be remembered by the church. Verses six adds, Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Verse seven continues, Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Verse eight says, Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Verse nine adds, Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.  Verse ten continues, Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. Verse eleven states, Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.  Verse twelve adds, Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.  Verse thirteen continues, Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.   Verse fourteen says, Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.  Verse fifteen adds, Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.  Verse sixteen continues, Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.   We may not know a lot about most of those named here, but they were all important to Paul in his spreading of the gospel.  Both men and women were named.  There are many followers of Christ today who are at work spreading the gospel who may never be known to most people, even to fellow believers.  We must be thankful for their service to God, and like Paul acknowledge them when we have the opportunity.  Paul knew that others were working to help him spread the gospel, and we must remember that as well.  Paul reminds us to also salute one another through our love of Christ.

Romans 15:22

Romans 15:22 says, For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.  Paul was writing to the Romans, and he told them it was his desire to come to them and proclaim the gospel.  Paul was one of the greatest men of faith, but he did not get to do everything that he desired to do.  We need to make sure that what we are doing is really for God and not just a fulfillment of our own desires. Verse twenty-three adds, But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;  Paul's desire to come to them was something that he had wanted for many years.  Again, we must put our desires second to following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Paul had not given up on his desire to go to Rome, but he was not going to put his desires first.  Verse twenty-four continues, Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.  Paul said he was going to Spain, though we don't know if he really made it there.  We may have a desire to do many things today to proclaim the gospel, but we must first make sure that the Holy Spirit is leading us to do whatever we desire to do. Paul did not always get to go where he wanted to go, but he always went where God needed him to be.  Verse twenty-five states, But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.  Paul said was returning to Jerusalem at this time to minister to the saints.  We need to never lose sight of the need to help our fellow believers grow in knowledge of Christ.  Paul did not just reach people with the gospel and forget them once the accepted Christ, but he did all he could to help them grow in faith.  The saints were not those people who were morally superior to other people but they were all the followers of Christ.  They had not been designated such by any earthly group, but were saints by there faith in Christ.  Verse twenty-six adds, For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. Christians in Macedonia and Achaia were sending contributions to the poor saints in Jerusalem.  We might think it would be the other way around, but though Jerusalem was considered the city of God, the saints, the believers there, were poor, at least somewhat because of those who called themselves God's people.  As followers of Christ, we need to do all that we can to help other believers, wherever they are.  Verse twenty-seven continues, It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.  I believe that Paul is telling us that we need to help fellow believers materially as well as spiritually.  Since we receive the free gift of salvation from the witness of others, then if we are better off materially than they are, and they are in need, we need to help them. Verse twenty-eight says, When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. Paul's plan was to deliver the contributions to the believers at Jerusalem then he was going to Spain.  We need to have a plan of how we are going to serve God today, but we need to realize that our plans may be changed by the Holy Spirit. Verse twenty-nine adds, And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.  I believe Paul is telling us that when we carry out our plans, we must make sure that we do so with the full blessing of Christ.  We must go under the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit. Verse thirty continues, Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; Paul asked for their sincere prayers for him as he went to Jerusalem. We today need the sincere prayers, not just empty words, of others as we do whatever God has called us to do.  Paul ask them to strive in prayer, to really feel a burden when they prayed. Verse thirty-one states, That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;  In Jerusalem, there were a lot of Jews who wanted Paul dead and a lot of believers in Christ who didn't trust Paul.  Paul asked for prayers for his safety and acceptance.  Verse thirty-two adds, That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.  Verse thirty-three continues, Now the God of peace be be with you all.  Amen. He wanted to come to them in joy by the will of God. When we go in God's will, it should always bring joy to us. Paul wanted to be refreshed in faith, and we should want the same when we gather in God's will.  When we are doing God's will, we will always go in His peace.