Take Action! Romans 2:12-16

Romans 2:12-16
For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them ) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

There are two major points I hope you will take away from this scripture today.

The first point – and one that troubled me in the past – and really does trouble many people – is that you don’t need to hear to Gospel to be ‘saved’. Between here and the end of Romans 1, we can see that God has revealed himself through creation (see previous study here), and we all have the ability to recognize God, and do the things that are right and written on our hearts. You can make a concerted effort to seek God without having heard the message – and will be judged according to that.

Now I’ve got to admit it is rather easier to have heard and be taught than to have not heard – but this answers the long question of ‘what of those that had no opportunity to hear’? We could delve a lot deeper into this subject (and may just at some point), but right now take comfort in this – that everyone can see God, and everyone has His law written on their hearts, and therefore the opportunity to see Jesus. I know if someone with the right heart sought the Creator of the universe, he would not leave them to stumble alone.

Now – for the rest of us (because if you are reading this, you have no doubt heard something….) – ‘but the doers of the law will be justified’. It’s simple really – you gotta ‘do’. You can’t sit around with ‘head knowledge’. You can’t say you haven’t heard (because you have), you can’t say you haven’t seen (because God’s creation reveals Him to you). Your only choice now is to find this Creator of the universe and find out what He is about.

Fortunately, in this modern day this is easy. You can read His word through your Bible, or through an online Bible, or from the Library, or from a friend or church. There are plenty who will help guide you if you ask – just make sure you ask the right person! My advice? Read His word. That is God’s message to us – his divinely inspired writings that are there to guide you to Him, to an understanding of Him, and to a relationship with Him. Simple. Take the Word of God and apply it in your life – and take anything that someone offers you and compare it with the Word. If it conflicts, it’s time to review or drop it. Simple. I expect you to do the same with what I put on here – that is why every scripture is linked to an online Bible where you can read in full context and search the scriptures yourself.

So. As the slogan goes – Just Do It.

Lord God, I pray you will continue to give us revelation from your Word through your Holy Spirit. Teach us to be doers of your word, and not just idle listeners. Guide us in your path. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Do not Judge – Romans 2:1-11

Romans 2:1-11
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds” : eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.

Whilst there is no doubt more we could take from all of these verses, I think the key message is this – do not judge!

It’s quite simple really – If you are without sin – go ahead and judge (you might want to read John 8:3-11 first too). But, all have sinned (Romans 3:23 – yep, we will get there). So, since we are all sinners, when we judge another all we do is bring judgement to ourselves.

How then to apply this in our lives? I believe it’s simple – don’t take judgement on another person. You can have knowledge – you might know something someone has done (eg, stealing, adultery, slander, etc) – but it is not for you to judge. It is not for you to condemn. You do not know all the circumstance, you do not know the persons heart, and you do not know what work God is doing in their lives. I am not justifying any of these things- sin is sin – but quite simply, God is God, and the rest of us are not. Leave judgement to God, lest we suffer for it.

For me, this means to say ‘God will deal with them’ – I can pray for the person, if it’s something that needs to be confronted – I can confront the issue (eg, 1 Corinthians 5:11), especially if they claim to be a Christian – but it is still not my place to call down Judgement.

I know this sounds slightly confusing – it does to me too – but I think this summarizes it. We are sinners – and it is only in acknowledging our sin first that we can recognize the sin in others – and then have to say ‘God will deal with them as He see’s fit’ – rather than us pass judgement ourselves. We truly have no idea of the persons heart, and where God is wanting to take them, or what work he is already doing in their lives. So leave it to Him, cause he knows best

Lord God, I pray that you will help us to see our own faults and seek forgiveness, and teach us not to judge others, but pray for them and leave them in your keeping. In Jesus name. Amen.

Sin is Sin – Romans 1:24-32

Romans 1:24-32
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Well, to begin with, our verses start with a ‘therefore’. And as my pastor says, ‘so what is the therefore, there for’. If you like, click the verse title above to read the verses in context (this is the same in all my posts), or look at my studies of the previous verses (18-23, which this refers to) here – Part 1 and Part 2.

I believe this section is summed up in the first sentence – they have exchange the Truth of God for a lie. We studied in the previous verses that God’s Creation is enough revelation of Him for anyone – and despite this revelation, we have ignored God willfully and chosen our own path – ie, exchanged the Truth of God for a lie! And not only done this, but approve of those that follow in the same path (vs 32).

So simply – we need to ensure that we hold God as God, and that we give Him the place in our lives that He deserves. Else, we will fall into the examples that are given all through this passage.

Some interesting things to note in there as well – whisperers and backbiters (if you read the NIV, that is gossips) are lumped in the same category as murderers, the sexually immoral, the untrustworthy, and those that are disobedient to parents. What does this mean? How can we read this? Simply – sin is sin. There are no ‘levels’ of sin – you can’t come before God and say ‘well, I didn’t murder anyone, and I sure didn’t commit adultery’. Murder, adultery, gossip, pride, backbiting; these things are all sin and have ‘equal value’ as sin. We are sinners and we need to be forgiven, no matter what the sin is. And that is before we take in some verses in Mathew where Jesus says looking at someone lustfully is adultery (Matthew 5:27-28).

That’s about all we have for our study on Romans 1! No doubt there is plenty more in there that we could delve into, but I think we have covered deep enough for this study. Next time – onto Romans 2!

Father God, thank you for your word. I pray you will guide us in our study of it, and reveal it to us through your Holy Spirit. Lead us to you, and teach us how not to sin. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Futile and Foolish? Romans 1:18-23 (Part 2)

Romans 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

(If you missed it, see Part 1 here)

Futile (adj)
1. Having no useful result.
2. Trifling and frivolous; idle.

Thankful (adj)
1. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
2. Expressive of gratitude

Foolish (adj)
1. Resulting from or showing a lack of sense; ill-considered; unwise.
2. Lacking forethought or caution.
3. Trifling, insignificant, or paltry.

Paul gives us three great pictures here. The first is that despite the knowledge of God (being told or otherwise – in this case otherwise through God’s revelation of himself through Creation), people chose not to be thankful. Not to be appreciative or grateful to God for the things He has done for us – even leaving out the whole Jesus on the cross for our sins bit – He created us in the first place. I think we have plenty to be thankful for from the start!

The second picture is that we had foolish hearts and futile thoughts. Both words fit well together – we showed a lack of sense which produced no useful result. I think for much of our lives, this statement is true. How often to we run around without direction, guidance, and despite knowing we are struggling we don’t even ask for it? We first reject God in our foolish hearts, and then run around doing our own thing – which produces precicely nothing.

Lastly – we take the things God has created – and turn them into god’s of our own! My wife reminded me of this passage on the weekend, which Paul also being a Jewish scholar also would have been aware of -

Isaiah 44:14-17
He cuts down cedars for himself,
And takes the cypress and the oak;
He secures it for himself among the trees of the forest.
He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it.

Then it shall be for a man to burn,
For he will take some of it and warm himself;
Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread;
Indeed he makes a god and worships it;
He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.

He burns half of it in the fire;
With this half he eats meat;
He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.
He even warms himself and says,
“Ah! I am warm,
I have seen the fire.”

And the rest of it he makes into a god,
His carved image.
He falls down before it and worships it,
Prays to it and says,
“Deliver me, for you are my god!”

Seriously. How crazy are we? How futile in our thoughts and foolish in our hearts can we be? One day we will be fully right of mind when we are alive in the Spirit in Heaven – but until then, we need to pray that we don’t end up this way – not just in the worshiping of idols, but with futile thoughts and actions, and a foolish heart that denies God His place in our life…

Lord God, I pray through Your Word You will continue to refresh us, guide us in Your paths of wisdom and give us understanding to make the right choices in our lives. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Creation Reveals… Romans 1:18-23 (part 1)

Romans 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

This scripture is so full that even though we will only glance through it, it is going to take 2-3 posts to cover it! The main bit I think we can cover today is creation.

It’s simple really, and pointed out here – God has revealed himself through his creation. Anyone who takes some time to look closer and closer at creation, can’t but marvel at it. Not just creation, but the order of creation, and the intricacy and balance of all of creation. The deeper you look, the more obvious it becomes! I can’t remember the person who said it (if you know, please tell me!), but they said it very similar to this ‘I know there is a God just by looking at my thumb. It’s position, that it is opposed, and the intricate details alone in it prove to me God’s existence’. It’s true, the closer we look – be it our thumb, the delicate balance of nature, God’s creation as a whole, Gods power in storms and the sea, or just a wonderful sunset – the more we can see that there must have been a creator of these things – they didn’t just all appear as they were out of some ‘grey matter’ – which happened to be lying around……

Also, this is the answer (along with the start of Romans 2) to people who haven’t heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or even of Judaism or the Creator God of the universe – God has revealed himself to everyone – and they then have the choice or ability to honor him as God. They may not know his name – or they may not know how to worship Him, but they will do the right thing as it is evident around them and their heart will guide them right (again, we will cover in more detail as soon as we hit Romans 2 – not long now…).

Tomorrow, we will look closer at what man has done with God’s creation, and what He thinks of that……

Lord Jesus, as we read further into Your Word, and look deeper into the meaning of it, I pray you would continue to give us both understanding and wisdom. I also pray you would continue to remind us of You, every time we see your creation. In Jesus name. Amen.

Live by Faith – Romans 1:16-17 (Part 2)

Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

If you haven’t read Part 1 of this study, you can here.

Yesterday we looked into ‘For I am not ashamed’. Today, let’s move a little further. Firstly, ‘for the Jew first, and also for the Greek’.

What does this mean? Greek here means ‘Gentile’ – or one who is not a Jew. The Jews were first as they were chosen by God to show his Love, and bring about His plan in the world. Not because they deserved it either (Deuteronomy 7:7-8), but simply because God chose them. This is the order of God’s plan in the world – first to the Jews (and if you look closely, to anyone who wanted it, but through the Jewish Law and custom), then to everyone through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law. So there is no favoritism of God here – it is simply the order of God’s plan. You will see Paul uses this phrase quite a bit.

Lastly, we come to ‘The Just shall live by faith’. This is true of old, as it is of now. Despite this being a quote form the Old Testament (Habakkuk 2:4), we still are called to live by our Faith in Jesus Christ. It is through our faith in Jesus we are saved (Ephesians 2:8), and through our faith that we continue to live our lives (Galatians 2:20).

Lord God, I pray for revelation through your Holy Spirit as we continue to study through your word. Teach us how to live by faith in you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Not Ashamed! Romans 1:16-17 (Part 1)

Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Wow. What a great message is contained just in here! This is the last of the ‘introduction’ to Paul’s letter to the Romans, and yet, I think we have gleaned plenty already!

For I am not ashamed! Paul is not ashamed why? Because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…. This is the part I hinted at last time – are we ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I know at times I have been in some way – usually through pride or being too self conscious. I know for me – one of the biggest things in my life has been thinking ‘what will this person think of me if….’ NO! That is not the way we need to be – we need to be not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – because it is this gospel that is the power of God to salvation! What will Jesus think of us? And really, what does it matter often what a person thinks of you?

If people don’t hear – they can’t know. If we don’t preach the message – who will? At the very least, if the opportunity arises for us to share our faith – it doesn’t need to be a well crafted message, a sermon to ten thousand, or handed out with a tract. It just needs to be an honest, from the heart, through the spirit sharing of what is appropriate at that time – that is all. As long as we are willing to do this, the rest will be follow. And truly, it is the Holy Spirit working in a person’s life that brings salvation – not us. We are not the Gospel – we are just called to share the Gospel!

I think that is well enough for one post! Tomorrow, we will look more into these verses, because there is much more we can glean from this small section…

Lord God, I pray for revelation through your Holy Spirit as we continue to study through your word. In Jesus Name. Amen.