Romans 4:1-25 – Who Was Abraham?

Read Romans 4:1-25

Abraham was faithful to God despite his circumstances. In other words, when the world would say one thing, Abraham believed God, even if God’s promise seemed too good to be true. Paul used the example of Abraham to give us a clue about what faith looks like, and to drive home the notion that we are made right with God through faith, not by what we do.

Paul’s Jewish audience would know Abraham well from stories that had been passed down for generations. Paul’s Gentile audience would learn in this moment about a very faithful man who set an amazing example for all of us. What a hero of faith! Continue reading “Romans 4:1-25 – Who Was Abraham?”

Romans 3:9-31 – Our Rescue

Read Romans 3:9-31

Up to this point, Paul has done a masterful job of exposing our sinfulness and need for rescue. God has no favorites when it comes to Jews or Gentiles, and yet we all fall short. Paul’s words about the importance of the law are brilliant. “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.”

When we examine ourselves, our actions, our thoughts, we know right away that we are sinful. Paul didn’t want his audience to feel defeated in this moment of self-awareness. He wants to turn immediately to the solution, our rescue from sin. Our rescuer is none other than Jesus Christ himself. Continue reading “Romans 3:9-31 – Our Rescue”

Romans 2:17-3:8 – Our Faithful God

Read Romans 2:17-3:8

Paul spends a lot of time speaking to what it’s like to be a Jew. Just because you’re born a Jew doesn’t automatically mean you are going to act respectfully toward God. Just because you’re a Jew doesn’t mean you’ve got a “free card” to God’s graces. Jews are sinners, just like the rest of the world. Paul’s message now focuses more on his Jewish audience in Rome.

Jews, God’s “chosen people,” aren’t exempt from God’s wrath, are they? Paul would suggest not. Jews have a long history with God, including laws revealing God’s intentions or will. The history we read of in the Old Testament of God’s chosen ones is full of blessing and rebellion. God’s displeasure at the Jews’ disobedience and subsequent wrath are huge parts of that history. Continue reading “Romans 2:17-3:8 – Our Faithful God”

Romans 2:1-16 – God’s Righteous Judgment

Read Romans 2:1-16

God’s righteous judgment of sinfulness is clearly coming. Paul points back to those sins and sinners mentioned in our last reading. Many of those same sins are glorified in today’s culture. The Bible is not silent about it, and yet too many people want to ignore that fact or write off God’s displeasure as not applicable anymore. God’s Word and his intentions have not changed.

Paul confronts the people of Rome with some tough love here. We’re not immune from his rebuke either. We are all sinners. Our sins may look different than those described, but sin is sin to God. Sin results in our separation from God and his perfect will for our lives. There are serious consequences for sin, and Paul does not sugarcoat the danger. Continue reading “Romans 2:1-16 – God’s Righteous Judgment”

Romans 1:18-32 – Knowing God

Read Romans 1:18-32

It’s helpful to remember Paul’s first audience are Gentiles, many of whom are familiar with the pagan lifestyle Paul describes. Paul grabs their attention by pointing out that these behaviors are sinful and not approved by God. As new believers in Jesus, Paul is clear on what happens when people choose to turn their back on God.

Have you ever encountered someone who didn’t believe in God? Maybe you have had your own doubts before. Paul suggests that it is impossible to not know the truth about God because we witness creation and can’t deny there must be a creator. Unfortunately, people are still in denial about God no matter how obvious it is. Continue reading “Romans 1:18-32 – Knowing God”

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