Romans 1:8 – 11.27.08
1.First – Paul now begins the reason for writing this letter. After offering an incredible introduction about Himself regarding God's work in both his own life and their own, he launches into his reason for writing.
First – We can take this term and look at it in two ways...
1. First, order of sequence. He wants to begin by letting them know His appreciation to God for the believers in Rome. 2. Order or predominate attention. Christ is is called the firstborn of all creation in Col 1:15. This title is a place or prominence and authority. It is a place of power and control As the firstborn of creation, Christ holds all power, authority, and the right to rule and be in power. The concept bears with it the idea of authority, weight, importance, and one demanding respect. Paul is calling attention to the fact that he does not want to go any further without first acknowledging that their testimony is worthy of praising God for. I believe he is also using this term to reveal the authority, importance, and weight of this proclamation. He is truly, whole-heartedly thankful for how these believers are magnifying God.
2.Thank – 2168 – Eucharisteo – to be thankful. To thank. It does not occur in the Sept. where instead we find eulogeo – to speak well of or eulogize, which in some respects embraces a more narrow and in others a wider concept than eucharisteo. In the NT, exempt in Romans 16:4, used in a religious sense with or without reference to God. This construction, unknown in classical Greek, has its origin from the absolute use of eucharisteo. Syn eugleo – to bless, praise, eulogize, speak well of, meaning praising and glorifying God which is prompted only by God Himself and His revealed glory.
In other words, as Paul is expressing thanks for the believers work of proclaiming His gospel throughout the world, Paul is thanking God for this work, not them. Paul does not thank the believers in Rome for what they are doing to proclaim the gospel of God throughout the world. He is thanking God for using them thus to glorifying Himself.
How many times do we thank individuals for what they do in ministry? How many times do we praise them and give them the glory for what they are doing? Worse yet, how often do we simply say thank you and accept the glory for ourselves? Paul is acknowledging his appreciate for the believers by telling them that he thanks God for them and for what He is doing through them. He in no way puts the glory on them or even directly thanks them. He is thanking God for such believers who are concerned with God's glory. There is a difference.
3.My God – He personalizes it. He is not afraid to admit or proclaim that God is someone personal to Him. He is no afraid to proclaim that by God's grace, he can claim a personal realtionship with God.
4.Through Christ – Hebrews is an entire book devoted to the fact that Christ is our High Priest and the only one worthy of holding such a position. He is the greatest high priest and stands for us as an intercessor to God. Paul is thanking God the Father through the High Priest of Christ who stands before God on our behalf, praying for these believers.
5.Paul is thanking God for these believers because their faith is being proclaimed throughout all the world. I think it is worthy of being noted here that Paul is not mentioning any specific deeds or acts on their part that they have done in order to be known throughout the world. He says that their faith is being proclaimed. Here is a case in point too, of what he was referring to in verse 5 when he said that his ministry was to bring about the obedience of faith. It is also a case in point of what James refers to when he says that faith without works is dead. Genuine faith produces good works. Paul will say this later in chapter six when he says that we are saved by grace unto good works. Genuine faith does not need to be proven because it will naturally be proven by the actions of those who hold to it. The testimony of God that was going forth to the world was simply a result of the fact that these believers were acting upon their faith and people were acknowledging this, spreading news of it as they went out.
6.Do people we come into contact with testify that we are different? Do people I come into contact with daily comment that I am different or do they not even notice that I have faith in a living God?
7.Proclaiming – 2605 – kataginosko – from kata – tell, declare, to declare plainly, openly, or aloud.
Simply put – people were openly, plainly, and loudly proclaiming that something was different about the believers in Rome and as a result, God was being magnified.
8.World – 2889 – Kosmos – world – cosmos from kosmeo – to set in order, adorn That which pertains to space and not time. The sum total of all the material universe, the beauty in it, the sum total of person living in the world.
In other words, the testimony of their faith was going out far and broad. To nearly the ends of the earth. Simply living out the faith that God has granted to us has tremendous influence. I wonder then, if we are not being effective in showing God to world, our we not living out our faith as we ought? If not, we are failing God.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Romans 1:7
Romans 1:7 – 11.24.08
Peace – Eirene – Peace, rest, in contrast with strife; Denoting the absence or end of strife.
Denotes state of untroubled, undisturbed well-being
Synonym – asphalea – Security.
Such a state of peace is the object of divine and saving promise and is brought about by God's mercy, granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin.
Peace as a Messianic blessing is that state brought about by the grace and loving mind of God where in the derangement and distress of life caused by sin are removed. Hence, the message of salvation is called the Gospel of Peace. Acts 10:36; Romans 10:15.
In other words, Paul is praying that God would grant the believers in Rome grace and peace to be upon them. He is praying that God would remove the distress that is caused by sin and that they would experience the grace and love of God in fullest measure. God's peace is tied directly to His grace and mercy.
REVIEW OF VERSES 1-7
Paul is bound by His calling and His will is consumed by it. He is a bond-servant, purchased so by the blood of Christ who is devoted to being an ambassador of the good news of the saving work of Christ Jesus, who is fully God, fully man, and the fulfillment of all the OT prophecies. His ministry is to take this news to the Gentiles who have also been called of God and who are Saints by God's making. His ministry is to bring about the obedience of faith (both faith unto salvation and faith unto obedience in Christ). He is writing to the believers in Rome and praying that God would grant them His grace and peace.
It is from this incredible introduction that we now launch into his purpose for writing. This is only the tip of the iceberg! Incredible is the word of God!
Peace – Eirene – Peace, rest, in contrast with strife; Denoting the absence or end of strife.
Denotes state of untroubled, undisturbed well-being
Synonym – asphalea – Security.
Such a state of peace is the object of divine and saving promise and is brought about by God's mercy, granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin.
Peace as a Messianic blessing is that state brought about by the grace and loving mind of God where in the derangement and distress of life caused by sin are removed. Hence, the message of salvation is called the Gospel of Peace. Acts 10:36; Romans 10:15.
In other words, Paul is praying that God would grant the believers in Rome grace and peace to be upon them. He is praying that God would remove the distress that is caused by sin and that they would experience the grace and love of God in fullest measure. God's peace is tied directly to His grace and mercy.
REVIEW OF VERSES 1-7
Paul is bound by His calling and His will is consumed by it. He is a bond-servant, purchased so by the blood of Christ who is devoted to being an ambassador of the good news of the saving work of Christ Jesus, who is fully God, fully man, and the fulfillment of all the OT prophecies. His ministry is to take this news to the Gentiles who have also been called of God and who are Saints by God's making. His ministry is to bring about the obedience of faith (both faith unto salvation and faith unto obedience in Christ). He is writing to the believers in Rome and praying that God would grant them His grace and peace.
It is from this incredible introduction that we now launch into his purpose for writing. This is only the tip of the iceberg! Incredible is the word of God!
Romans 1:6-7
Here is what the dictionary calls a “saint.”
saint
–noun
1.
any of certain persons of exceptional holiness of life, formally recognized as such by the Christian Church, esp. by canonization.
2.
a person of great holiness, virtue, or benevolence.
3.
a founder, sponsor, or patron, as of a movement or organization.
4.
(in certain religious groups) a designation applied by the members to themselves.
–verb (used with object)
5.
to enroll formally among the saints recognized by the Church.
6.
to give the name of saint to; reckon as a saint.
Italics added for emphasis
According to these definitions, a saint is someone who is called so as a result of their OWN good deeds and works.
Here is what the bible says.
Saint – Hagios – Holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated, It has a common root of Hag – with Hagnos, chaste, pure. It's fundamental idea is separation, consecration, devotion to service of Deity, Sharing in God's purity and abstaining from earthly defilement.
These people were called saints before any deeds had been done by them. They were called saints, not based on their own deeds and good works, but on God's choosing. Wrapped up in this word, is the word we translate, HOLY. To be a true saint was to be one called by God, set apart, sharing in God's righteousness and purity, for the purpose of living a life of faithful devotion and service to God. To be called a saint, implies you are so by the choosing of someone else for the purpose of service. You do not get the title saint, according to scripture, by your own performance of good deeds. Rather, you are called a saint in order to do good deeds for the sake of giving God the glory.
saint
–noun
1.
any of certain persons of exceptional holiness of life, formally recognized as such by the Christian Church, esp. by canonization.
2.
a person of great holiness, virtue, or benevolence.
3.
a founder, sponsor, or patron, as of a movement or organization.
4.
(in certain religious groups) a designation applied by the members to themselves.
–verb (used with object)
5.
to enroll formally among the saints recognized by the Church.
6.
to give the name of saint to; reckon as a saint.
Italics added for emphasis
According to these definitions, a saint is someone who is called so as a result of their OWN good deeds and works.
Here is what the bible says.
Saint – Hagios – Holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated, It has a common root of Hag – with Hagnos, chaste, pure. It's fundamental idea is separation, consecration, devotion to service of Deity, Sharing in God's purity and abstaining from earthly defilement.
These people were called saints before any deeds had been done by them. They were called saints, not based on their own deeds and good works, but on God's choosing. Wrapped up in this word, is the word we translate, HOLY. To be a true saint was to be one called by God, set apart, sharing in God's righteousness and purity, for the purpose of living a life of faithful devotion and service to God. To be called a saint, implies you are so by the choosing of someone else for the purpose of service. You do not get the title saint, according to scripture, by your own performance of good deeds. Rather, you are called a saint in order to do good deeds for the sake of giving God the glory.
Romans 1:5
Romans 1:4 continues this spectacular opening of Paul's It is amazing how much he has packed into a mere introduction!
The holiness of God really stood out in this verse. The word in Greek used here for holiness is Hagiosune. It means sanctity, or holiness. It is derived from Hagios - holy. It denotes sanctity not santification. it does not need to be proved. It is a character quality for which there is no need to be any proof. It just is. The term Hagiasmos, which speaks of the process of sanctification, has to be proven at each stage. In other words, it is a continual, growing process. This term, Hagiasoms, is never used of Christ Jesus. The term Hagiosune, used here in Romans 1:4 of Jesus Christ, is only used three times in the entire NT. Here in Romans 1:4, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, and in 1 Thes. 3:13.
Romans 1:4
In this verse, the term is being used to describe the holiness of God pervading and molding the scheme of redemption and manifested finally in and by Christ. Here we have the spirit of Sanctity and holiness in what Christ Himself IS: HOLY. In the flesh, Christ did not have to achieve holiness. He simply was Holy. He was holy from eternity past and He will be holy until eternity future.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
This is the goal of every believer, to be presented before God in a state of holiness of character that does not have to be proven. In fact, it is the final result of our eternal glorification when we reach Heaven. However, it is to be our goal, to strive for that purpose - to have perfect holiness (that does not have to be proven) in the fear of God.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you: so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints.
This is the ultimate goal, the ultimate destination of every believer: To have the same holiness of character present in us that Christ has in Him. We have the HOPE to look forward to one day of being presented in this way to God. What a day that will be! This kind of holiness is achieved when we see ourselves as we truly are (corrupted and tainted by sin) and as we see who God truly is (Holy, just, perfect, sinless, and forgiving), and out of fear of Him (2 Cor. 7:1) strive to allow the Holy Spirit to perfect us and present us Holy on day.
This type of holiness (Hagiosune) is the ultimate result of the process of sanctification.
The holiness of God really stood out in this verse. The word in Greek used here for holiness is Hagiosune. It means sanctity, or holiness. It is derived from Hagios - holy. It denotes sanctity not santification. it does not need to be proved. It is a character quality for which there is no need to be any proof. It just is. The term Hagiasmos, which speaks of the process of sanctification, has to be proven at each stage. In other words, it is a continual, growing process. This term, Hagiasoms, is never used of Christ Jesus. The term Hagiosune, used here in Romans 1:4 of Jesus Christ, is only used three times in the entire NT. Here in Romans 1:4, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, and in 1 Thes. 3:13.
Romans 1:4
In this verse, the term is being used to describe the holiness of God pervading and molding the scheme of redemption and manifested finally in and by Christ. Here we have the spirit of Sanctity and holiness in what Christ Himself IS: HOLY. In the flesh, Christ did not have to achieve holiness. He simply was Holy. He was holy from eternity past and He will be holy until eternity future.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
This is the goal of every believer, to be presented before God in a state of holiness of character that does not have to be proven. In fact, it is the final result of our eternal glorification when we reach Heaven. However, it is to be our goal, to strive for that purpose - to have perfect holiness (that does not have to be proven) in the fear of God.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you: so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints.
This is the ultimate goal, the ultimate destination of every believer: To have the same holiness of character present in us that Christ has in Him. We have the HOPE to look forward to one day of being presented in this way to God. What a day that will be! This kind of holiness is achieved when we see ourselves as we truly are (corrupted and tainted by sin) and as we see who God truly is (Holy, just, perfect, sinless, and forgiving), and out of fear of Him (2 Cor. 7:1) strive to allow the Holy Spirit to perfect us and present us Holy on day.
This type of holiness (Hagiosune) is the ultimate result of the process of sanctification.
Romans 1:4
Romans 1:4 continues this spectacular opening of Paul's It is amazing how much he has packed into a mere introduction!
The holiness of God really stood out in this verse. The word in Greek used here for holiness is Hagiosune. It means sanctity, or holiness. It is derived from Hagios - holy. It denotes sanctity not santification. it does not need to be proved. It is a character quality for which there is no need to be any proof. It just is. The term Hagiasmos, which speaks of the process of sanctification, has to be proven at each stage. In other words, it is a continual, growing process. This term, Hagiasoms, is never used of Christ Jesus. The term Hagiosune, used here in Romans 1:4 of Jesus Christ, is only used three times in the entire NT. Here in Romans 1:4, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, and in 1 Thes. 3:13.
Romans 1:4
In this verse, the term is being used to describe the holiness of God pervading and molding the scheme of redemption and manifested finally in and by Christ. Here we have the spirit of Sanctity and holiness in what Christ Himself IS: HOLY. In the flesh, Christ did not have to achieve holiness. He simply was Holy. He was holy from eternity past and He will be holy until eternity future.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
This is the goal of every believer, to be presented before God in a state of holiness of character that does not have to be proven. In fact, it is the final result of our eternal glorification when we reach Heaven. However, it is to be our goal, to strive for that purpose - to have perfect holiness (that does not have to be proven) in the fear of God.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you: so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints.
This is the ultimate goal, the ultimate destination of every believer: To have the same holiness of character present in us that Christ has in Him. We have the HOPE to look forward to one day of being presented in this way to God. What a day that will be! This kind of holiness is achieved when we see ourselves as we truly are (corrupted and tainted by sin) and as we see who God truly is (Holy, just, perfect, sinless, and forgiving), and out of fear of Him (2 Cor. 7:1) strive to allow the Holy Spirit to perfect us and present us Holy on day.
This type of holiness (Hagiosune) is the ultimate result of the process of sanctification.
The holiness of God really stood out in this verse. The word in Greek used here for holiness is Hagiosune. It means sanctity, or holiness. It is derived from Hagios - holy. It denotes sanctity not santification. it does not need to be proved. It is a character quality for which there is no need to be any proof. It just is. The term Hagiasmos, which speaks of the process of sanctification, has to be proven at each stage. In other words, it is a continual, growing process. This term, Hagiasoms, is never used of Christ Jesus. The term Hagiosune, used here in Romans 1:4 of Jesus Christ, is only used three times in the entire NT. Here in Romans 1:4, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, and in 1 Thes. 3:13.
Romans 1:4
In this verse, the term is being used to describe the holiness of God pervading and molding the scheme of redemption and manifested finally in and by Christ. Here we have the spirit of Sanctity and holiness in what Christ Himself IS: HOLY. In the flesh, Christ did not have to achieve holiness. He simply was Holy. He was holy from eternity past and He will be holy until eternity future.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
This is the goal of every believer, to be presented before God in a state of holiness of character that does not have to be proven. In fact, it is the final result of our eternal glorification when we reach Heaven. However, it is to be our goal, to strive for that purpose - to have perfect holiness (that does not have to be proven) in the fear of God.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you: so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints.
This is the ultimate goal, the ultimate destination of every believer: To have the same holiness of character present in us that Christ has in Him. We have the HOPE to look forward to one day of being presented in this way to God. What a day that will be! This kind of holiness is achieved when we see ourselves as we truly are (corrupted and tainted by sin) and as we see who God truly is (Holy, just, perfect, sinless, and forgiving), and out of fear of Him (2 Cor. 7:1) strive to allow the Holy Spirit to perfect us and present us Holy on day.
This type of holiness (Hagiosune) is the ultimate result of the process of sanctification.
Romans 1:3
This is truly spectacular! What an amazing verse! Verse three could easily be used as proof text for the hyperstatic union of Christ (Which declares that Christ was fully God and fully man-without sin). The word used for Son in this verse is the Greek word, Huios. This is distinguished from the Greek word Teknon for child. Huios is reserved in its usage for the Son of God. The difference between being a believer as Children of God (Tekna) and sons of God (Huios) is brought out in Romans 8:14-21. Tekna refers to those who were born of God while Huios refers to those who were born of God AND SHOW MATURITY BY ACTING AS SONS OF GOD. Huios gives evidence of the dignity of ones relationship and likeness to God.
Hence, the very word used to describe Jesus Christ as the Son of God reveals MUCH about Christ's relationship to God the Father and much about Christ's character. Jesus is never called Tekna in scripture but is always called Huios. It is a incredible testament to Christ's relationship with the Father and His character. It reveals His deity. More so, at the end of the verse, we see that Christ is of the descendants of David according to the FLESH. This term embodies what it means to be human, man. It encompasses all of what humanity is about. Thus, showing Christ's full humanity but sinless when connected with his Sonship to God the Father.
Amazing! Such a simple verse from the surface. Yet filled with power, theology, and authority.
God, thank you for the wonder of your Word!
Hence, the very word used to describe Jesus Christ as the Son of God reveals MUCH about Christ's relationship to God the Father and much about Christ's character. Jesus is never called Tekna in scripture but is always called Huios. It is a incredible testament to Christ's relationship with the Father and His character. It reveals His deity. More so, at the end of the verse, we see that Christ is of the descendants of David according to the FLESH. This term embodies what it means to be human, man. It encompasses all of what humanity is about. Thus, showing Christ's full humanity but sinless when connected with his Sonship to God the Father.
Amazing! Such a simple verse from the surface. Yet filled with power, theology, and authority.
God, thank you for the wonder of your Word!
Romans 1:1 - A High Calling
As I have studied each work in Romans 1:1 more carefully than ever in the past, I have come to see that Paul's "simply" introduction to the Romans, is more than it appears. What I have come to love about the Greek language is that it has such a deeper and richer meaning than our English language. Essentially what Paul is saying is this:
Paul is a permanent slave (bond-servant) to Christ (the annointed one, the redeemer) whose will is completely consumed by the One to whom he is a slave (God), who is appointed to office (called) by divine calling, having been conformed to God's saving purpose to be an apostle (a special office established by Christ Himself) to declare God before all the world, and he was set apart by distinction destined to be different, to stand out, to be noticed (and likely criticized and even hated for it), and to be given a mission to be a witness for God. Paul had a HIGH calling. A HIGH mission; one of distinction and monumental purpose; one which he had not choice but to accept and to fulfill but likely would have even if he was given the choice. His will was consumed by God's so that he had no choice, nor did he have any other desire!
What a life purpose to strive for! How short do I fall.
The question naturally arises from Romans 1:1, "Are we called to be the same kind of bond-servants of Christ as Paul was? Are you to be the same kind of slave to God; our will being completely consumed by His?"
As I invested this matter, I arrived in Romans 6:15-18.
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slavesbold to the one whom you obey—whether you are slavesbold to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slavesbold to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slavesbold to righteousness.
In this passage, the word for slave as used on all occasions in verses 16 and 17 are the same as used in Romans 1:1. In verse 18, it changes slightly to be a variation of the same word. In verse 18 it is used in the passive voice thus indicating that the action is received by the hearer. It carries the idea then of being made a servant, being subjugated. It is an action applied to the person regardless of choice.
If that is as clear as mud, let me summarize or put it this way: When we were unregenerate, we were slaves to sin. Our entire being, our entire will was bent on doing evil. We had no choice but to obey the sinful nature because we were bound to it. We had no capability or desire to do what was right. When God changed our nature and our will, enabling us to do what is right, and when we willing gave our lives to God in repentance and reconciliation, we also at this same moment, offered ourselves to being obedient to God, thus enslaving ourselves to Him instead of sin. We were slaves, are slaves, and will also be slaves. The issue is not a matter of whether we are slaves, but to whom.
Thus, we too can say as Paul did, that we are bond-servants/slaves to Christ. Our will is to be completely consumed by His. Our desires ought to be completely consumed by His. However, this is not a reason for alarm, fear, resentment, or anger. Rather, this is a tremendous blessing, honor, and motivating calling to a higher purpose in life. This is a position that ought to bring great comfort and purpose to us. If I had my choice of being a slave to sin or Christ, well...my answer is Christ!
Paul is a permanent slave (bond-servant) to Christ (the annointed one, the redeemer) whose will is completely consumed by the One to whom he is a slave (God), who is appointed to office (called) by divine calling, having been conformed to God's saving purpose to be an apostle (a special office established by Christ Himself) to declare God before all the world, and he was set apart by distinction destined to be different, to stand out, to be noticed (and likely criticized and even hated for it), and to be given a mission to be a witness for God. Paul had a HIGH calling. A HIGH mission; one of distinction and monumental purpose; one which he had not choice but to accept and to fulfill but likely would have even if he was given the choice. His will was consumed by God's so that he had no choice, nor did he have any other desire!
What a life purpose to strive for! How short do I fall.
The question naturally arises from Romans 1:1, "Are we called to be the same kind of bond-servants of Christ as Paul was? Are you to be the same kind of slave to God; our will being completely consumed by His?"
As I invested this matter, I arrived in Romans 6:15-18.
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slavesbold to the one whom you obey—whether you are slavesbold to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slavesbold to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slavesbold to righteousness.
In this passage, the word for slave as used on all occasions in verses 16 and 17 are the same as used in Romans 1:1. In verse 18, it changes slightly to be a variation of the same word. In verse 18 it is used in the passive voice thus indicating that the action is received by the hearer. It carries the idea then of being made a servant, being subjugated. It is an action applied to the person regardless of choice.
If that is as clear as mud, let me summarize or put it this way: When we were unregenerate, we were slaves to sin. Our entire being, our entire will was bent on doing evil. We had no choice but to obey the sinful nature because we were bound to it. We had no capability or desire to do what was right. When God changed our nature and our will, enabling us to do what is right, and when we willing gave our lives to God in repentance and reconciliation, we also at this same moment, offered ourselves to being obedient to God, thus enslaving ourselves to Him instead of sin. We were slaves, are slaves, and will also be slaves. The issue is not a matter of whether we are slaves, but to whom.
Thus, we too can say as Paul did, that we are bond-servants/slaves to Christ. Our will is to be completely consumed by His. Our desires ought to be completely consumed by His. However, this is not a reason for alarm, fear, resentment, or anger. Rather, this is a tremendous blessing, honor, and motivating calling to a higher purpose in life. This is a position that ought to bring great comfort and purpose to us. If I had my choice of being a slave to sin or Christ, well...my answer is Christ!
Expressions of Grace
Expressions of Grace
In the Light of His Grace
What a great perspective to begin seeing and understanding all of life and its circumstances, events, and happenings in the light of Your [God] infinite and wonderful grace. It is such a refreshing perspective.
Roman's chapter six is what I think of when I hear the word “grace.” I think of what You did when you forgave my sins and adopted me as your son. I think of what you did when you redeemed me and reconciled me to yourself. I think of what you did when you lavished your love upon me. I think of what you did when you lavished so many great and wonderful things on me. I think of the best aspects of my life; my wife, my children, my home, my abundant possessions, my family, my friends (these are in no particular order :)) and I see Your grace.
However, I have begun to see it beyond those things. I have begun to see that there is much more to it than that. I have never viewed grace before in the way that I am beginning to view it now. Hardships are an overflow for Your grace. I mean, I know that you used hardships in our lives. I knew that they could be used to bring about growth and maturity in our lives through allowing them to come upon us. Romans 8:28 and James 1 are clear on this point. But I never viewed them as deliberate and intentional orchestrated events in my life. I have never viewed them as an overflow of grace into my life. WOW! What a concept! What a perspective! If I were to truly understand and adopt this perspective in my life, it would revolutionize my attitude and approach to life and to hardships that I encounter.
It is truly an expression of God's grace that...
...we are permitted to experience difficult circumstances.; for if we never experienced difficult circumstances, we would never learn to view God as a Sovereign God in control of all circumstances and we would fail to learn the many lessons of life and aspects of God that can only be learned through difficult circumstances.
...we are allowed to feel the weight of and guilt of our sin; for if we never felt the weight and guilt of our sin, we would never feel the weight of God's glory or the magnitude of His righteousness.
...we are permitted to experience grief; for if we never grieved, we would never know the depth of His comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
...we are permitted to experience hardship; for if we never experienced hardship, we would never know the strength of God, nor would we ever learn to trust and lean on Him. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
...we are permitted to experience hardship; for if we never experienced hardship, we would never know the incredible faithfulness of God. Amos 9:8
...we are permitted to experience discipline from God; for if we never experienced discipline, we would never know the incredible love and faithfulness of God. Amos – Entire book
...we are not capable of being self-sufficient.
...we are permitted to experience loneliness; for if we never experienced loneliness, we would never know the comfort, security, and sufficiency of God's eternal presence. Hebrews 13:5
...we are permitted to experience need; for if we never experienced need, we would never know the riches of His provision and His great love to lavish gifts upon His children. Philippians 4:19
...we are permitted to experience the pain of betrayal; for if we never experienced the pain of betrayal, we would never know the faithfulness of God.
...we are permitted to experience discontent; if we never experienced discontent, we would never long to be home in our eternal kingdom. I Corinthians 5:1-5
...we are permitted to experience shame; for if we never experienced shame, we would never know the extreme depths of God's love and forgiveness.
...we are permitted to experience the pain of disappointment, for if we never experienced the pain of disappointment, we would never know the healing power of the Shepherds touch!
...we are permitted to experience homesickness; for if we never experienced homesickness, we would never long for the greater home that God has prepared for us.
...we are prevented from having all the answers; for by not knowing all of the answers, we are prevented from wandering too far from God.
...we are permitted to experience pain; for if we never experienced pain, we would never know the healing power of the great physician.
...we are permitted to experience confusion; for if we never experienced confusion, we would never know the infinite wisdom of God. James 1
...we are permitted to experience difficult circumstances; for if we never experienced difficult circumstances, we would never learn to persevere, nor would we experience the powerful protection of God. James 1:7; John 17
...we are permitted to serve God; for the ability to serve God is nothing less than an expression of His grace in our lives. Ephesians 3:7-8
...we are permitted to suffer for His names sake; for when we suffer for His names sake, we are considered by God as capable of enduring it and we bring Him the glory. Acts 5:41
In the Light of His Grace
What a great perspective to begin seeing and understanding all of life and its circumstances, events, and happenings in the light of Your [God] infinite and wonderful grace. It is such a refreshing perspective.
Roman's chapter six is what I think of when I hear the word “grace.” I think of what You did when you forgave my sins and adopted me as your son. I think of what you did when you redeemed me and reconciled me to yourself. I think of what you did when you lavished your love upon me. I think of what you did when you lavished so many great and wonderful things on me. I think of the best aspects of my life; my wife, my children, my home, my abundant possessions, my family, my friends (these are in no particular order :)) and I see Your grace.
However, I have begun to see it beyond those things. I have begun to see that there is much more to it than that. I have never viewed grace before in the way that I am beginning to view it now. Hardships are an overflow for Your grace. I mean, I know that you used hardships in our lives. I knew that they could be used to bring about growth and maturity in our lives through allowing them to come upon us. Romans 8:28 and James 1 are clear on this point. But I never viewed them as deliberate and intentional orchestrated events in my life. I have never viewed them as an overflow of grace into my life. WOW! What a concept! What a perspective! If I were to truly understand and adopt this perspective in my life, it would revolutionize my attitude and approach to life and to hardships that I encounter.
It is truly an expression of God's grace that...
...we are permitted to experience difficult circumstances.; for if we never experienced difficult circumstances, we would never learn to view God as a Sovereign God in control of all circumstances and we would fail to learn the many lessons of life and aspects of God that can only be learned through difficult circumstances.
...we are allowed to feel the weight of and guilt of our sin; for if we never felt the weight and guilt of our sin, we would never feel the weight of God's glory or the magnitude of His righteousness.
...we are permitted to experience grief; for if we never grieved, we would never know the depth of His comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
...we are permitted to experience hardship; for if we never experienced hardship, we would never know the strength of God, nor would we ever learn to trust and lean on Him. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
...we are permitted to experience hardship; for if we never experienced hardship, we would never know the incredible faithfulness of God. Amos 9:8
...we are permitted to experience discipline from God; for if we never experienced discipline, we would never know the incredible love and faithfulness of God. Amos – Entire book
...we are not capable of being self-sufficient.
...we are permitted to experience loneliness; for if we never experienced loneliness, we would never know the comfort, security, and sufficiency of God's eternal presence. Hebrews 13:5
...we are permitted to experience need; for if we never experienced need, we would never know the riches of His provision and His great love to lavish gifts upon His children. Philippians 4:19
...we are permitted to experience the pain of betrayal; for if we never experienced the pain of betrayal, we would never know the faithfulness of God.
...we are permitted to experience discontent; if we never experienced discontent, we would never long to be home in our eternal kingdom. I Corinthians 5:1-5
...we are permitted to experience shame; for if we never experienced shame, we would never know the extreme depths of God's love and forgiveness.
...we are permitted to experience the pain of disappointment, for if we never experienced the pain of disappointment, we would never know the healing power of the Shepherds touch!
...we are permitted to experience homesickness; for if we never experienced homesickness, we would never long for the greater home that God has prepared for us.
...we are prevented from having all the answers; for by not knowing all of the answers, we are prevented from wandering too far from God.
...we are permitted to experience pain; for if we never experienced pain, we would never know the healing power of the great physician.
...we are permitted to experience confusion; for if we never experienced confusion, we would never know the infinite wisdom of God. James 1
...we are permitted to experience difficult circumstances; for if we never experienced difficult circumstances, we would never learn to persevere, nor would we experience the powerful protection of God. James 1:7; John 17
...we are permitted to serve God; for the ability to serve God is nothing less than an expression of His grace in our lives. Ephesians 3:7-8
...we are permitted to suffer for His names sake; for when we suffer for His names sake, we are considered by God as capable of enduring it and we bring Him the glory. Acts 5:41
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