Romans – Page 9 – Be Still…

Romans 4:1-22 – Faith Like Abraham

We read about Abraham’s faith in Genesis (chapters 15-22) several months ago. You can look back to those reflections for reference. Abraham was a true hero of faith. He set a great example for all of us to follow. We have so many stories of how he trusted God no matter what.

Abraham overcame so many obstacles because of his faith. Unwavering faith. He didn’t wait for the situation to match God’s promise to be faithful. He trusted in God’s promise from the moment it was uttered. Are we as trusting? Do we cling to God’s promises with as much intensity and devotion?

Romans 3:9-31 – Being Right With God

Read Romans 3:9-31

We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Paul makes it clear here. “No one is righteous, not even one.” He goes on to really expose us as downright hideous–thanks to sin. He goes on to say that we can’t rescue ourselves from this either. Not even if we follow the law perfectly. “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.”

It’s true. When we read God’s message to us and the “laws” he expects us to follow, we know we fall short. We can knock ourselves out trying to be obedient, but we will still not measure up. What do we do with our sinful selves?

Romans 3:1-8 – God is Faithful

Read Romans 3:1-8

No matter how far we stray, God is always faithful. That is a truth we can rely on. We, on the other hand, have to really work at it. We tend to make excuses and cover up our sinfulness. We cannot. God sees all.

I had to chuckle at the line, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is.” Our sinfulness does set us apart from God, but he will always be superior. Our sinning doesn’t make God look better. He is the best no matter what we do.

Romans 2:17-29 – Get a Grip

Read Romans 2:17-29

What do people think about God when they look at your life? Take a moment to ponder that for a moment. Whether we are Jew or Gentile, how we live matters to God.

Paul is rattling some cages here of his Jewish contemporaries. Paul, also a Jew, focuses on making sure these Jews in Rome did not think they had a “free pass” just because they were Jews. Jews were God’s chosen people, but that wasn’t enough.

Romans 2:1-16 – Who’s the Judge?

Read Romans 2:1-16

We all have, from time to time, wanted to be the judge. I don’t think anyone I know can say that they didn’t give a disapproving look a time or two, or avoid a certain person because of “their” sin. We need to remember our role, and it’s NOT to judge others.

This was a great passage to convict us of that very truth. If we only look in the mirror, we soon see our own imperfections and weaknesses. I don’t want to condemn myself for judging someone else’s issues. What’s the point? We know who is in charge and who will be the final judge. Why do we think we should even open our mouth?