Devotion 5

Romans 1:8-12

Priority One

After clearly stating who Paul is addressing in Romans 1:5-7, he now states his first objective.  He will first make mention of his gratefulness for the believers to whom he is writing. In verse 8 he says “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” I must say from a pastoral perspective, that there is little more that will bring joy to a minister’s heart than to see God’s people in the active service of our Lord and Savior. So many times in the ministry the pastor feels that his work and words are having little effect on those ministered to. Speaking personally, I have felt the weight of this burden many times. It has been such a joy recently to see God’s people rise to the occasion in prayer and service during a time of suffering in within our church. Paul has similar sentiments in the book of I Thessalonians 1:1-8. In verse 8 he says “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God ward is spread abroad so that we need not to speak anything. “ They caught the vision and ran with it. In Romans 1:8, the faith of the believers in Rome had spread throughout the whole world, which again emphasizes the focus on spreading the gospel and accomplishing God’s great commission.

In verse 9, Paul assures the believers in Rome that although he is not there with them he is with them in prayer.  Paul does not take his responsibility to pray lightly. He says that he is praying for them “without ceasing.” He understood the power of ongoing prayer. So often in our walk today, prayer becomes an abstract and distant thing. Paul understood that prayer was the connecting bond between himself and those that were ministering in other areas of the world. It is God’s unseen communication network that allows us to participate in the work of the ministry around the world at any given time. Prayer allows us to impact the lives of people. II Thessalonians 1:11 says “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power.” Paul’s desire as seen in his prayer is for the fulfillment of God’s purpose in the lives of God’s people. It is important to bear in mind that prayer is not designed for our own selfish fancies. It is designed to fellowship with God in the fulfillment of his mission. It is also important to note in verse 10 Paul is praying according to God’s will. He desires to come and be with his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ however he understands that God’s will overrides his desires as he says “by the will of God.” Take some time today to connect with someone in prayer. 

In verse 11, Paul’s desire for personal interaction with the believers in Rome is twofold as stated in verses 11-12. First of all, he desires to see them to impart unto them some spiritual gift. His desire is not fleshly in nature. His desire is to edify the body of Christ that they might be established in the work of the Lord. Paul’s focus is continually on the accomplishment of God’s purpose, whether it be in his life or that of others. This warrants a moment of self evaluation in this area. What are we doing to edify one another in the faith? Christianity is a team sport.  Paul desire is that of Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Help a brother out, and remember that God does not give you what he does for your edification only. Give it to someone else.

The second reason that Paul desires to both see and encourage these blessed brethren is for the purpose of fellowship. He desires a sincere relationship that is built upon the joys of mutual purpose and faith. Having worked in law enforcement for a number of years, I can honestly say that the bond between fellow officers is one of the strongest bonds that I have ever had the privilege of experiencing. We spend more time with one another than anyone else. We face potential life and death situations together on a routine basis. There is a mutual fellowship that exists between men that have fought and bled together that does not exist in any other arena other than that of soldiers in battle. There is a comradery and comfort between officers that exists in the midst of some of the most chaotic and horrifically surreal situations.

 I have at times experienced this same fellowship among believers however I must admit that it is rare. It exists between brothers and sisters that are engaged in the spiritual battle for the souls of men. As Paul says, his desire was to “be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Faith is a strong bond between believers. Remember that “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Our unity in faith comes when we as believers work and struggle together to accomplish God’s will in our lives as being directed by the word of God. Ephesians 4:1-8 is a great passage on the commonality of believers. Give it a read sometime.  I want to encourage you today to break free and step beyond the norm of complacent Christianity and engage in the battle in the furtherance of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior.

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus, going on before

Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe

Forward into battle, see his banners go

Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus going on before

Devotion 4

Romans Chapter 1:5-7

To Whom it is Written

As we continue our dissection of Paul’s opening statement, we now come to the address line. In chapter 1:5-7 Paul defines by whom we were called into this ever growing family of faith and to whom he is specifically speaking. He will also define for us the destination of his message.

In verse 5 Paul continues with “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations for his name:” Again referring to his prior statements Paul concludes that it was by Jesus Christ that he received grace and apostleship. One of the most amazing things about the living God is his ability to use this human race to accomplish his great purpose. Later in Chapter one, Paul will describe the depravity of mankind in one of the most obscenely graphic passages that you will find in your Bible. Humanity finds itself, by any biblical perspective in quite the horrific state. All of us are plagued with some sin that as the Bible says “doth so easily beset us.” If it were not for the deepest ocean of God’s amazing grace, we would have no hope of becoming anything of earthly or eternal value. As Ephesians 2:8 says “For by grace are ye saved.” “Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”

God’s grace is not only a saving grace but also a sustaining grace. It is through receiving his grace that we are saved, but it is also his renewing grace that we are sustained. Ephesians 1:7 says “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace:’ which clearly states God’s grace in salvation. However, when Paul discusses the believer’s ongoing schizophrenic state of mind in Romans 7, he claims the Victory over sin is only found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise God for his saving and ongoing sustaining grace.

Paul also recognizes in verse 5 that his position of apostleship has also been received by Jesus. God has not only gifted us with grace, he has gifted us with purpose and position. It should always be remembered that my very participation in God’s plan and mission is allowed by Christ. We have not been called to build our own ministry but we have received our grace and place in his plan “for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.” God called us to accomplish his purpose and will which as Paul says is to be among all nations, clearly referring to the great commission as found in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts chapter 1. God saved us and issued marching orders. Just like the soldier in battle, our duty is to obey.

In verse 5 Paul broadens the scope of his address to the body of the church when he says “Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.” Paul understood that it was not just his job as an apostle to fulfill Gods purpose in the gospel but it was ours as well. This is clearly one of the masterful verses in the word of God that any believer in Jesus Christ can insert their name for effect. “Among whom ______________ is also called of Jesus Christ.” Paul’s purpose and my purpose is the same. To bring the relevance of this statement into our current age, it should be understood that  it is not just the Pastor’s job to accomplish God’s plan. All believers have an equal responsibility in this task. Let’s not drop the ball.

Paul then defines the specific location of his address “To all that be in Rome.” He also addresses the people in Rome that he is writing to, being the “beloved of God called to be saints.” He is clearly speaking directly to the believers in Rome. He will further define the origin of this group in the verses to follow which we shall reveal at a later time, but it should suffice to say that he is addressing Christians in Rome. His desire for these faithful believers is that they might receive grace and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ

.

His address in Romans 1 is slightly different than those of the other books that Paul writes. I think this significant in purpose. You will note that Paul address the letter “To all that be in Rome.” Before you jump ship and conclude that this book is not for you because you are not now, nor have you ever been, nor do you ever intend to travel to Rome, consider this. For the last two thousand plus years, the overwhelming world system was derived from that of the Roman Empire. Our very system of government is a direct result of Rome’s ancient influence. Although there have been various forms of government which have developed over the last two thousand years, we are still very much in the “Roman Age” as it applies to the modern world system. Not only do we find ourselves at the end of the Roman age governmentally,  we are also still very much in the middle of the Roman age religiously when considering the size and immenseness of the Roman Catholic world religious system. Regardless of the development of other religions in the last century, the Roman Catholic political system is still the most powerful religious system in the world today. It has always interested me that Martin Luther, the great reformer, stated that the book of Romans was his first love. He understood that he was in Rome. I would submit to you that we are still in Rome today and therefore this letter that was written so long ago applies directly to our time and age. Let us not neglect its study.

Jesus, Jesus how I trust him

How I’ve proved him O’er and O’er.

Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus

O for grace to trust him O’er

Devotion 3

Romans 1:3-4

Who it’s all about

Now that Paul has introduced himself as a servant selected and separated unto the gospel, and has established the Word of God as the authority in his life, it is time now for him to introduce us to the one who this thing is all about. Prior to the parenthesis in verse two, Paul had left off with the phrase “separated unto the gospel of God.” Therefore when he picks the ball back up in verse three and says “Concerning his Son”, the “his” that he is referring to is God’s. This may seem insignificant to some, but it is imperative to understand that we are not just dealing with some cheap imposter here.  Paul has written to proclaim the one that he serves. He is writing to declare the one by whom he is called. This is “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

Make no mistake; Paul knew who he was talking about. Unlike so many today that are so easily confused as to who Jesus is. He is speaking about the only begotten Son of God. The Jesus of whom Paul is speaking is not just another Jim Jones, David Koresh, Sergey Troop, Maurice Clemmons or some fake that has presented himself as Christ over the last century and beyond. There are several things that separate the Jesus that Paul speaks of from all the rest. Paul is going to point out three of them right here in the next two verses.

First of all my Jesus is the Son of God. He had no earthly father. God was his father. He was conceived through the Holy Ghost by the Virgin Mary. (Matthew 1:18-20). In 1987, Hogen Fukunaga claimed to be Jesus after being enlightened following a foot reading event. You had a dad Hogen so put your shoes back on your feet stink.  You are not “The Man Christ Jesus.”

As a side note, I enjoy the fact that Paul adds the “our Lord” in the mix. What a joy to be able to claim the Only Begotten of the Father as my Lord. Praise be to God’s grace for that. By adding the “our Lord” in the title, Paul is also placing Jesus in his proper place. Not only is he God’s Son but he is our Lord as well. Those of us that are saved, born again believers must become such by first recognizing Jesus as Lord. Paul will point this out later in the book. Paul being a prime example can be found recognizing Jesus as Lord upon first encountering him in Acts 9:4.

Being the Son of God was not enough for Paul however as he identifies another difference between the true Jesus and the frauds. He was “made of the seed of David according to the flesh.” This is also significant in that Jesus had to meet the Messianic criteria to be the King of Israel. Therefore in Matthew 1:1 he identifies Christ as the Son of David. The scripture then goes back to Abraham, the father of Gods people and lays out the lineage all the way to Joseph. He had to be part of the kingly line in order to fulfill the prophetic promise of being the King.

 Now let’s get to the real meat of the matter, the gold behind the green, the vanilla in your latte, the proof in the pudding, the rum in the cider. I digress. In Romans 3:4 Paul said that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Not only was Jesus declared to be the Son of God but it was confirmed by the power of the resurrection. There is another one that has not been done since. “Up from the grave he arose with a mighty triumph ore his foes….” You can read the accounts in Matthew 28, Mark 20 and John 16. Paul brings it up later in Romans as a primary part of our salvation when he says in Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” There are many that have claimed the name of Jesus, but only one has come back from the dead to prove it.

Arnold Potter claimed that the spirit of Jesus Christ entered into his body and he became “Potter Christ” Son of the living God. At one point while living in California in the mid 1800’s Potter actually wrote “Potter Christ” on his forehead and attempted to gain converts by preaching himself as Christ on the streets. Surprisingly enough some followed. In 1872, Potter told his parishioners that God had revealed that it was time for him to ascend into heaven. Followed by his disciples, Potter rode upon the back of a donkey to the top of a bluff, from which, in an effort to ascend into heaven, he proceeded to jump off. Not off the donkey but off the cliff. Fortunately for the donkey he dismounted first and thereby spared the poor animals life. What remained of Potter’s body was later collected by his followers and buried.

So let’s put old “Potter Christ” to the test.

• ·         Potter had physical parents (Strike One)
• ·         Potter was not part of the line of David (Strike Two)
• ·         Potter is still dead (Strike Three)

Paul understood who Jesus was and Potter was not him. We should not be surprised that there are many that claim his name. I John 4:1 clearly says “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of god: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” We have the privilege of serving the Resurrected Son of God. Jesus is the one and only, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I serve a risen savior who is in the world today

 I know that he is with me whatever men may say

 I see his hand of mercy I hear his voice of cheer

 And just the time I need him he’s always near

He lives, He lives Christ Jesus lives today

He walks with me and he talks with me

Along life’s narrow way

He lives He lives salvation to impart

You ask me how I know he lives

He lives within my heart

And that my friend is who it is all about.

Devotion 2

Romans 1:2

Is Your Case In Order

Having been in the courtroom numerous times over the last few years, I could not help but notice the legal format of the first chapter of the book of Romans. Paul was clearly drawing upon his vast experience in the legal realm to open his case for Christ. The first six verses of chapter one comprise one of the best opening statements I have ever heard. After declaring his status as a Servant Selected and Separated to the gospel, he then provides his first piece of evidence to the court. 

"Your Honor, I would like to submit item number one as the first piece of evidence for future reference in this case."

"Please approach the bench." the Judge would say.

"Your Honor, as I aforementioned, I have been separated unto the gospel. This gospel of which I speak and shall declare in this case has been supported and referred to by these written statements which I present to you this day. On these parchments, I present the testimonies of Moses, Isaiah, Samuel, David, Daniel, Hosea, Jeremiah, malachi, Zechariah, and several others. Please note the highlighted paragraphs which all refer to the coming Messiah and/or a new covenant."

"Objection Your Honor." The devilish defense attorney would seathe. "These documents have not been authenticated and therefore cannot be taken as factual or literal."

"Overruled. These appear to be from the Authorized Version of the texts and therefore are perfectly preserved and shall be admitted." The Judge would reply.

Please excuse my artistic liberties. It does however, make me consider my own case for Christ. Paul clearly had his case in order when he was called upon to present it. 

This is not the last time that Paul will rely upon his knowledge of the scriptures to support his case in the book of Romans. This makes perfectly good sense when you consider Paul's background as a Pharisee. He was a devout student of the law and its interpretation. He understood the importance of scripture. I am sure that Paul's list of testimonials looked something like this:

Genesis 3:15

Genesis 12:3

Genesis 49:10 (The Promise)

Exodus 12:40-50 (The Passover Lamb)

Numbers 24:17 (The Scepter)

Deuteronomy 18:17-19 (The Coming Prophet)

Job 19:15-27 (The Resurrection)

Psalms 8:1-9 (Brought Low for the Suffering of Death)

Psalms 6:7-11 (Will Not See Decay)

Psalms 22:1-31 (The Crucifixion Foretold)

Psalms 45:1-9 (The King and His Bride)

Psalms 110:1-7 (The Coming Priest)

Proverbs 30:4 (The Son)

Isaiah 7:14 (To Be Born of a Virgin)

Isaiah 9:6-7 (The Man Who is God)

Isaiah 11:1-5 (The Righteous Judge)

Isaiah 42:1-9 (The Light of the Gentiles)

Isaiah 52:13-15 (The Suffering Servant)

Isaiah 53:1-12 (The Lamb of God Raised From the Dead)

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (The New Covenant)

Daniel 7:13-14 (His Kingdom is Forever)

Daniel 9:26 (He is to be Cut Off)

Amos 8:9-10 (Sun to go Down at Noon)

Micah 5:2 (The Christ to be Born in Bethlehem)

Zechariah 9:9 (The King to Enter Jerusalem Riding a Donkey)

Zechariah 11:10-13 (he is to be Sold for 30 Pieces of Silver)

Zechariah 12:9-10 (The Repentance of the Jews)

Zechariah 14:1-9 (The Second Coming)

Malachi 3:1-5 (The Messenger Prepares the Way).

It is important to see Paul's priority on the word of God as the basis of his faith. In fact when you study Paul's writings, you will find that he mentions the word scripture fifteen times. He mentions the word "law" one hundred and eight times throughout his letters. He mentions Moses by name twenty one times and Abraham twenty nine times. In the book of Romans alone, Paul quotes from the Old Testament some fifty times. In most Bibles, if you were to peruse through the center reference column in the Book of Romans, you would find the following Old Testament references from which Paul quoted as he wrote this wonderful book:

Chapter 1

• Hab 2:4

Chapter 2

• Isa 52:5

Chapter 3

• Ps 51:4
• Ps 14:1-3, 53:1-3
• Ps 5:9
• Ps 140:3
• Ps 10:7
• Prov 1:16, 3:15-17, Isa 59:7-8
• Ps 36:1

Chapter 4

• Gen 15:6
• Ps 32:1-2
• Gen 15:5

Chapter 7

• Ex 20:17; Deut 5:21

Chapter 8

• Ps 44:22

Chapter 9

• Gen 25:23
• Mal 1:2-3
• Ex 33:19
• Ex 9:16
• Hos 2:23
• Hos 1:10
• Isa 10:22-23
• Isa 1:9
• Isa 28:16

Chapter 10

• Deut 30:14
• Joel 2:32
• Isa 52:7
• Isa 53:1
• Ps 19:4
• Deut 32:21
• Isa 65:1
• Isa 65:2

Chapter 11

• I Kings 19:10,14
• I Kings 19:18
• Ps 69:22-23
• Isa 59:20,21

Chapter 12

• Deut 32:35
• Prov 25:21-22

Chapter 13

• Ex 20:13-17; Deut 5:17-21
• Lev 19:18

Chapter 14

• Isa 45:23

Chapter 15

• Ps 69:9
• II Sam 22:5; Ps 18:49
• Deut 32:43
• Ps 117:1
• Isa 11:10
• Isa 52:15

It is not my goal to overwhelm you with verses for the sake of puffing up my head or yours. There are plenty of references out there that you can purchase or view for free on line that will provide you with the same information that I have plagiarized here. Nor am I attempting to fill space within this writing. The point that we must be drawn back to is simply this: Paul knew the book. I would warrant to say that he knew it so well that he literally thought and drew from it naturally as is seen in his writings. The Word of God was so ingrained in Paul's mind that he freely spoke of it and it spoke through him. 

This brings a new perspective to II Timothy 2:15 that says "Study to show thyself approved..." With this being said, we live in a day and age where the vast majority of Christians that routinely attend churches throughout our nation would be hard pressed to randomly present a Biblical pathway to salvation. Much less find a passage that they could share with their co-worker in order to enlighten them as to the reason for baptism or any other biblical doctrine. Paul did not hang his case for Christ on hearsay, emotion, or his own personal experiences, emotions, or feelings. He based his case on the Word of God. Romans 1:2 "(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)." I am again reminded of another childrens song that I used to sing. "The B.I.B.L.E, that's the book for me, I stand alone on the word of God, the B.I.B.L.E."

Good morning everyone. I hope you are finding yourself blessed and ready for another new day in the fellowship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have recently begun a study/review of the book of Romans. I shall herewith share my comments and considerations as I journey through this wonderful document which so clearly presents the case for Christ. Please feel free to use these notes in any way that might assist you in your own study of the book. It is my desire to edify the believer as well as present the gospel to those who have yet to encounter the joys of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do enjoy, I know I will. 

Romans

Devotion 1

Chapter 1:1-2

A Servant Selected and Separated to the Gospel

I shall present my thoughts this morning as guided by Romans 1:1-2. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures,). It occurred to me that Paul is trying to convey to us a certain lifestyle in these simple verses. First Paul understood that he was a servant of jesus Christ. In order of priority, it is necessary that first start as a servant. To serve is to surrender our will to the will of our Savior. Paul had clearly done this with reckless abandon. From the moment that he met Christ on the road to Damascus in Acts chapter nine, he understood, recognized and surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. 

Paul however was not only a servant of Jesus Christ, he was also called to be an Apostle. He had personal contact and communication with Jesus. He was chosen to accomplish a mission. He was selected by God for a purpose. I always find it interesting to speak with young people today. Many college age students have expressed to me how difficult it is for young people to determine what it is that they want to do or be as he pursue their education. Many are stumped in finding a purpose in a future career. They have come to realize that no matter what career you choose, it will have little value in life other than to bog you down and prevent you from doing the things that you would really like to do. In a way they are right. A career is simply a means to assist in accomplishing a purpose. Without a defined purpose the things that we commit ourselves to become monotonous chains in the end. Paul however suggests a greater purpose. He concludes that he was called to be something. He was not just called to do something but he was called to be an Apostle. 

Being called to be an Apostle was a special calling. Details of this calling are described in Hebrews 2:3-4. It entailed having direct communication with Jesus. An Apostles revelation was also confirmed by signs and wonders. You will also find in your study of the Apostles that they had certain gifts that were appointed to them. For your study you can find some of these gifts listed in Mark 16:17-18, Acts 2:4-8, Acts 3:8, Acts 5:15, Acts 28:3-6 and many other places. It is not my goal to rabit trail down the road of defining what an Apostle was however. In sticking with our text in Romans chapter one, it should suffice to say that Paul was called to this purpose. This is significant because as believers in Jesus Christ, we have also been called to a purpose. This purpose is that of a lifestyle. According to Ephesians 1:4 we have been chosen to be holy and without blame before him in love. 

I Corinthians 1:9 says that we were called in to the fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord. We now have purpose in a relationship with Jesus. Ephesians 4:1-6, we are called to a vocation. God has gifted us with the purpose of a spiritual job. It is in the fulfillment of our spiritual vocation and calling that we can fine fulfillment in the other areas or our lives. 

Not only was Paula called to be an Apostle, but he was also separated unto the gospel. Paul knew what his purpose was in life. It was the furtherance of the gospel. II Corinthians 5:19-20 makes it clear that we have the same purpose. We are ambassadors for Christ to spread the good news of reconciliation. We have the message that man needs to develop a relationship with a living God. I Thessalonians 2:4 says that we were put in trust with the gospel. God has trusted us with the gospel and has separated us unto its furtherance. What a great responsibility to have. 

Paul also recognized the authority by which the gospel was built. the Holy Scriptures. Paul had a thorough knowledge and understanding of the scriptures as they existed in that day. He did not just rely on his personal relationship with God to prove his case for Christ he relied upon the Word of God. It is therefore important that we have a working knowledge of scripture. The very foundation of our belief in Christ is built around faith. Pauls faith was not established by his emotions or personal experience. It was as he said in Romans 10:17, established by the Word of God. 

In effect, Paul was a Servant, selected and separated unto the gospel as confirmed by the scriptures. I am reminded of an old children's song. Hide it under a bushel no, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine let it shine. Lets not let another day go by without fulfilling our Lord's most high calling.