Greetings in the Lord!
The memory passage for Romans 7 is vv 4-6
Romans 7:4-6
4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit.
The theme for this chapter Righteous Obedience in the Spirit.
This whole chapter is about the conflict between the believer's new regenerate nature and the lingering sinfulness that we can not escape while we live on this earth. The Law is with us all the days of our life and only stops when we die (vv 1-3).
The memory passage unites the argument. In our identification with Christ, we have died to the law and been raised with Him with a new nature and purpose; to bear fruit for God. While we lived in the old sinful nature, we served sin and bore fruit for death. But having died to the captivity of sin we now live the new life in Holy Spirit.
Verses 7-24 play out this conflict. The law brought sin to the forefront and identified it as sin for all to see. The law aroused sin by forbidding it and enticing the sinful nature with in us. But the Law is not sin or bad, it is holy and good and spiritual. For even though I do what I don't want to do and don't do what I want to do, I continue to be a servant of God and God alone. And through His power I wage war with the sinful nature; a war which He will win. Thanks be to God!!!
How does this affect my worship?
The first part of verse 25 is at the heart of any true worship; thanks to God through Jesus. Paul writes about it in Colossians 3:17, Ephesians 5:20 and elsewhere; give thanks and praise to God for everything in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Worship is from God, by God, and for God. Psalm 51:15 says "open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise". Hebrews 13:15 states "by Him let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise. That is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name". In the battle that rages in my life, my only true power to overcome is the strength of God. He leads me to worship and praise, and then stengthens me to stand fully assured in all of His will (Colossians 4:12).
How does this affect my discipleship?
Paul's description of the conflict in his life between sin and sanctification reminds me of an essential principle of warfare; it's always better to have someone to fight with. Discipleship is not just meeting for an hour a week to learn more about the Bible. It's coming alongside each other in prayer and warfare so that we can 'increase in the knowledge of God, walk in a manner worthy of Him, fully please Him, bear good fruit for Him, and know Him more' (Col 1:9-10). The battle cry comes later in that chapter; 'Him we proclaim. Warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom so as to present everyone mature in Christ' (Col 1:28).
May you walk in thanksgiving and serve in the new life of the Spirit!
Ethan
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Romans 6
Greetings in His name!
We continue on in this study through Romans. I was very tempted to have 4 verses for the memory passage again this week, but I resisted. So far, I have been able to find consecutive verses that contain elements of the overall theme of the chapters.
Romans 6:5-7
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
The Theme for this chapter is Righteousness Sets Us Free.
The first section of chapter 6 deals with the doctrine of Identification. We have been identified with Christ in His death and resurrection, and therefore we have died to sin but live in Christ.
And because we died with Him, we are set free from the rule of sin in our lives.
This is the core of the chapter and the memory passage; we are united with Him in death, and are united with Him in new life (on earth) and eternal life (in heaven).
Then Paul tells us to present our bodies to God in the service of righteousness (Rom 12:1). We can do this because in Christ we are no longer enslaved to the rule of sin. However, we must continue in obedience to God; in reality, become slaves of God through our obedience. For while we are free from the rule of sin, we are still able to obey sin. We are to obey God and walk in righteousness that leads to sanctification (v22).
Verse 23 is one of those that everyone should have memorized. It's short, but essential in understanding the doctrine of salvation. I'll include it here for that reason:
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How does this affect my worship?
The clear link between v13 here and Romans 12:1 give me a vivid picture of spirit-and-truth worship. In humility and submission, I am to offer my body (words and deeds) to God, as a living sacrifice of worship. He is glorified by the obedience and sacrifice of acceptable worship. How is worship acceptable? It must come from Him; "Through Him, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise" (Heb 13:15).
How does this affect my discipleship?
Verses 15-16 deal with the issue of obedience. "You are a slave of whom you obey". Because discipleship is what I am commanded to do, my obedience makes me a slave of God. And I would rather be a slave of God than free in sin. Through Christ I am set free from the mastery of sin and through the work of Holy Spirit I am sanctified by works of righteousness. Continuing in obedience to the call of discipleship is the fruit of the continuing sanctification by Holy Spirit.
May you walk with the Lord as freed from sin, but slaves to Him,
Ethan
We continue on in this study through Romans. I was very tempted to have 4 verses for the memory passage again this week, but I resisted. So far, I have been able to find consecutive verses that contain elements of the overall theme of the chapters.
Romans 6:5-7
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
The Theme for this chapter is Righteousness Sets Us Free.
The first section of chapter 6 deals with the doctrine of Identification. We have been identified with Christ in His death and resurrection, and therefore we have died to sin but live in Christ.
And because we died with Him, we are set free from the rule of sin in our lives.
This is the core of the chapter and the memory passage; we are united with Him in death, and are united with Him in new life (on earth) and eternal life (in heaven).
Then Paul tells us to present our bodies to God in the service of righteousness (Rom 12:1). We can do this because in Christ we are no longer enslaved to the rule of sin. However, we must continue in obedience to God; in reality, become slaves of God through our obedience. For while we are free from the rule of sin, we are still able to obey sin. We are to obey God and walk in righteousness that leads to sanctification (v22).
Verse 23 is one of those that everyone should have memorized. It's short, but essential in understanding the doctrine of salvation. I'll include it here for that reason:
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How does this affect my worship?
The clear link between v13 here and Romans 12:1 give me a vivid picture of spirit-and-truth worship. In humility and submission, I am to offer my body (words and deeds) to God, as a living sacrifice of worship. He is glorified by the obedience and sacrifice of acceptable worship. How is worship acceptable? It must come from Him; "Through Him, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise" (Heb 13:15).
How does this affect my discipleship?
Verses 15-16 deal with the issue of obedience. "You are a slave of whom you obey". Because discipleship is what I am commanded to do, my obedience makes me a slave of God. And I would rather be a slave of God than free in sin. Through Christ I am set free from the mastery of sin and through the work of Holy Spirit I am sanctified by works of righteousness. Continuing in obedience to the call of discipleship is the fruit of the continuing sanctification by Holy Spirit.
May you walk with the Lord as freed from sin, but slaves to Him,
Ethan
Friday, May 19, 2006
Romans 5
Hello again!
The memory passage for chapter 5 is:
Romans 5:15-16
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.
The theme is Righteousness as a Free Gift.
As always, when Paul writes a 'therefore', we should pay attention to what it's there for. Because we have been justified by faith (as he has outlined in previous chapters), we now have peace with God through Jesus Christ and access to the grace of God through our faith in Him.
Then Paul gets very challenging:
Hope in God leads to rejoicing.
We also rejoice in suffering.
Suffering produces endurance.
Endurance produces character.
Character produces hope.
This 'circle' that begins and ends with hope. 'Rejoice' in the GK is the same word; used with hope and suffering. Character in the GK is 'proven character', or a character that is tried and true. Our hope is secure because Holy Spirit has been poured into our hearts as a guarantee ( 2 Corinthians 1:21-22) .
Verse 9 is a very important doctrinal nugget. Our justification through the blood of Christ gives us salvation from the wrath of God. We are not saved from sin, or Satan, or hell; we are saved from the righteous and holy judgment of God.
Verse 11 raises another critical doctrine. Through the work of Christ we are reconciled to God. Reconciliation is the removal of enmity and the restoration of relationship between people and God.
Then in vv 12-21 Paul contrasts the work of 'the one man' (Adam) with the work of Christ. He often refers to the 'free gift' of grace from Christ and the 'trespass' of Adam.
Throughout this section, Paul illustrates 6 contrasts:
1. Physical death--eternal life
2. Condemnation--Justification
3. Death reigns--Life reigns
4. Condemnation for all--Justification available for all
5. Disobedience--Obedience
6. Sin reigns to death--Grace reigns to eternal life
This section is where the memory passage is from. It is the first two contrasts between Adam's trespass and Christ's gift of grace.
Application
1. How does this affect my worship?
The call to rejoice in the glory of God and to rejoice through times of trial and suffering is a challenge to my heart of worship. The first is easy, the second seems unattainable. And yet it reminds me that my worship does not, should not, can not depend on anything other than the worth of God. And that never changes. No matter what my current mood or condition is, He is the always the same; holy, just, loving, faithful, worthy.
2. How does this affect my discipleship?
The grace of God through Jesus Christ is a free gift. There is nothing I or anyone else can do to earn it or deserve it. Contrast #5 rings in my heart; disobedience versus obedience. Because of Adam's disobedience, we all inherit sin. But because of Jesus' obedience, we can inherit eternal life as adopted children of God. My obedience is to make disciples. Not disciples of Ethan, but disciples of Christ. It's what I am commanded to do.
May you embrace the free gift and the true hope that it brings,
Ethan
The memory passage for chapter 5 is:
Romans 5:15-16
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.
The theme is Righteousness as a Free Gift.
As always, when Paul writes a 'therefore', we should pay attention to what it's there for. Because we have been justified by faith (as he has outlined in previous chapters), we now have peace with God through Jesus Christ and access to the grace of God through our faith in Him.
Then Paul gets very challenging:
Hope in God leads to rejoicing.
We also rejoice in suffering.
Suffering produces endurance.
Endurance produces character.
Character produces hope.
This 'circle' that begins and ends with hope. 'Rejoice' in the GK is the same word; used with hope and suffering. Character in the GK is 'proven character', or a character that is tried and true. Our hope is secure because Holy Spirit has been poured into our hearts as a guarantee ( 2 Corinthians 1:21-22) .
Verse 9 is a very important doctrinal nugget. Our justification through the blood of Christ gives us salvation from the wrath of God. We are not saved from sin, or Satan, or hell; we are saved from the righteous and holy judgment of God.
Verse 11 raises another critical doctrine. Through the work of Christ we are reconciled to God. Reconciliation is the removal of enmity and the restoration of relationship between people and God.
Then in vv 12-21 Paul contrasts the work of 'the one man' (Adam) with the work of Christ. He often refers to the 'free gift' of grace from Christ and the 'trespass' of Adam.
Throughout this section, Paul illustrates 6 contrasts:
1. Physical death--eternal life
2. Condemnation--Justification
3. Death reigns--Life reigns
4. Condemnation for all--Justification available for all
5. Disobedience--Obedience
6. Sin reigns to death--Grace reigns to eternal life
This section is where the memory passage is from. It is the first two contrasts between Adam's trespass and Christ's gift of grace.
Application
1. How does this affect my worship?
The call to rejoice in the glory of God and to rejoice through times of trial and suffering is a challenge to my heart of worship. The first is easy, the second seems unattainable. And yet it reminds me that my worship does not, should not, can not depend on anything other than the worth of God. And that never changes. No matter what my current mood or condition is, He is the always the same; holy, just, loving, faithful, worthy.
2. How does this affect my discipleship?
The grace of God through Jesus Christ is a free gift. There is nothing I or anyone else can do to earn it or deserve it. Contrast #5 rings in my heart; disobedience versus obedience. Because of Adam's disobedience, we all inherit sin. But because of Jesus' obedience, we can inherit eternal life as adopted children of God. My obedience is to make disciples. Not disciples of Ethan, but disciples of Christ. It's what I am commanded to do.
May you embrace the free gift and the true hope that it brings,
Ethan
Monday, May 15, 2006
Romans 4 (and progress report)
Greetings in the Lord!
With this entry, I am officially caught up. I have found this study very challenging in many ways. It seemed that each week the memory verse section got longer. I struggle trying to select the 'best verses' to memorize when I could easily justify memorizing the whole thing. There is no legalistic rule to the amount of verses in each memeory passage, and if you're following along, please hide the Word the He puts on your heart. I simply try to capture the main theme of the chapter in 1-3 verses. So I took some time to recommit my goal for this study; not to memorize the enire Bible, but to memorize key passages in each of the chapters in the New Testament. The purpose:
1. Hide it (His Word)
2. Guard it (my heart)
3. Do it (not just keep it)
I want to fill my mind and heart with the Word of God so that I know Him, hear Him, and obey Him.
Taking a lesson from my childhood (thanks G.I. Joe) "Knowing is half the battle". The other half of the battle is THE battle; the one for my soul. The Enemy would rather fill my mind and heart with filthiness, wickedness, randomness, or even idleness.
"Therefore, put away all fillthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your soul." (James 1:21)
With that, the entry for Romans 4.
The memory passage for this section is:
(I promise it will be shorter next week)
Romans 4:13-16
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
The theme for this chapter is Rigtheous Faith of Abraham.
Paul solifies his case for salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ by going to the heart of Jewish heritage; Abraham. This chapter is full of rhetorical questions: 'What did Abraham do on his own?', 'Was Abraham circumcised or not when he received the promise?', 'Is the blessing then for just Jews or for all?'.
Then in 13-16 he nails it home. The law came after Abraham, and he was 'credited' righteousness through faith, apart fromt the law, and so can we. "That is why it depends on faith in order that the promise may rest on grace".
Verses 23-24 brilliantly conclude this thought:
23 But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
A new feature in "His Word, my heart" is the inclusion of two thoughts for application:
1. How does this affect my worship?
2. How does this affect my discipleship?
This covers the thing I am created to do and the thing I am commanded to do.
So, how does this affect my worship?
Other than giving fresh meaning to the song "Father Abraham", I'm struck by the phrase in v16, 'rest on grace'. The Christian life is tireless and un-ending. We are gaurenteed trial and persecution while our true reward awaits us in heaven. And yet, while we 'toil and struggle' (Col 1:29) we can always rest on His grace. Not heritage nor position nor any work of my hands; only grace. Hallelujah!
How does this affect my discipleship?
One thing I have faced over and over again in discipleship is self-reliance. If I only try harder I can make myself sin less, make better choices and earn points with God. The Truth is that I can only trust in 'credited righteusness', as a gift from God. If I start there, then my 'obedience of faith' leads to a walk that honors Him and bears good fruit for Him.
May you rest in His grace as you walk with Him,
Ethan
With this entry, I am officially caught up. I have found this study very challenging in many ways. It seemed that each week the memory verse section got longer. I struggle trying to select the 'best verses' to memorize when I could easily justify memorizing the whole thing. There is no legalistic rule to the amount of verses in each memeory passage, and if you're following along, please hide the Word the He puts on your heart. I simply try to capture the main theme of the chapter in 1-3 verses. So I took some time to recommit my goal for this study; not to memorize the enire Bible, but to memorize key passages in each of the chapters in the New Testament. The purpose:
1. Hide it (His Word)
2. Guard it (my heart)
3. Do it (not just keep it)
I want to fill my mind and heart with the Word of God so that I know Him, hear Him, and obey Him.
Taking a lesson from my childhood (thanks G.I. Joe) "Knowing is half the battle". The other half of the battle is THE battle; the one for my soul. The Enemy would rather fill my mind and heart with filthiness, wickedness, randomness, or even idleness.
"Therefore, put away all fillthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your soul." (James 1:21)
With that, the entry for Romans 4.
The memory passage for this section is:
(I promise it will be shorter next week)
Romans 4:13-16
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
The theme for this chapter is Rigtheous Faith of Abraham.
Paul solifies his case for salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ by going to the heart of Jewish heritage; Abraham. This chapter is full of rhetorical questions: 'What did Abraham do on his own?', 'Was Abraham circumcised or not when he received the promise?', 'Is the blessing then for just Jews or for all?'.
Then in 13-16 he nails it home. The law came after Abraham, and he was 'credited' righteousness through faith, apart fromt the law, and so can we. "That is why it depends on faith in order that the promise may rest on grace".
Verses 23-24 brilliantly conclude this thought:
23 But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
A new feature in "His Word, my heart" is the inclusion of two thoughts for application:
1. How does this affect my worship?
2. How does this affect my discipleship?
This covers the thing I am created to do and the thing I am commanded to do.
So, how does this affect my worship?
Other than giving fresh meaning to the song "Father Abraham", I'm struck by the phrase in v16, 'rest on grace'. The Christian life is tireless and un-ending. We are gaurenteed trial and persecution while our true reward awaits us in heaven. And yet, while we 'toil and struggle' (Col 1:29) we can always rest on His grace. Not heritage nor position nor any work of my hands; only grace. Hallelujah!
How does this affect my discipleship?
One thing I have faced over and over again in discipleship is self-reliance. If I only try harder I can make myself sin less, make better choices and earn points with God. The Truth is that I can only trust in 'credited righteusness', as a gift from God. If I start there, then my 'obedience of faith' leads to a walk that honors Him and bears good fruit for Him.
May you rest in His grace as you walk with Him,
Ethan
Friday, May 12, 2006
Romans 3
Greetings again!
The memory verse for Romans 3 includes a verse that many people have had memorized since childhood:
Romans 3:20-24
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
This passage is longer, but I couldn't find a good place to stop before v24. I usually try to keep the memory passage from 1 to 3 verses, but there will be exceptions.
The theme for chapter 3 is Righteous Justification by Grace.
Paul continues arguing the contrast between Jew/Gentile, Law/Faith, Earn/Gift. Apparently some were teaching that by our sin, God is glorified; so the more we sin the more God is glorified. Paul rejects this teaching. God's righteousness is. Our unrighteousness does not increase His righteousness, but it reveals the casm between the two.
Paul then quotes from Psalm 14 and others to drive home this point: on our own, we don't seek God. Which leads to the memory passage. Nothing we can do will justify us to God, but He justifies us through His grace, as a gift, through the work of Christ.
And verse 27 gives us our theme: "Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. "
May you rest in His grace and live by the law of faith,
Ethan
The memory verse for Romans 3 includes a verse that many people have had memorized since childhood:
Romans 3:20-24
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
This passage is longer, but I couldn't find a good place to stop before v24. I usually try to keep the memory passage from 1 to 3 verses, but there will be exceptions.
The theme for chapter 3 is Righteous Justification by Grace.
Paul continues arguing the contrast between Jew/Gentile, Law/Faith, Earn/Gift. Apparently some were teaching that by our sin, God is glorified; so the more we sin the more God is glorified. Paul rejects this teaching. God's righteousness is. Our unrighteousness does not increase His righteousness, but it reveals the casm between the two.
Paul then quotes from Psalm 14 and others to drive home this point: on our own, we don't seek God. Which leads to the memory passage. Nothing we can do will justify us to God, but He justifies us through His grace, as a gift, through the work of Christ.
And verse 27 gives us our theme: "Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. "
May you rest in His grace and live by the law of faith,
Ethan
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Romans 2
Grace and peace,
The memory verse for Romans 2 is:
Romans 2:6-8
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
The them of this chapter is the Righteous judgment of God.
In the first section, Paul condemns any judgment apart from God's righteous judgment. Any person who judges does so falsely because we ourselves are subject to judgment. Even God's mercy and kindness does not give us authority to judge, but is given 'to lead us to repentance'.
The memory verse for this chapter, vv 6-8, speak directly to the actions and works of believers. Our 'rewards' will be based on faithful good works done for the glory of God. This is NOT a passage that teaches salvation by works. It is addressed to believers in Christ Jesus.
The rest of chapter 2 is a lengthy teaching on the nature and purpose of the law. He concludes the argument in v 29 with a tremendous statement; "But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God."
Paul reminds us again that God requires much more than outward observance; He wants our heart.
May the Lord bless you, and may His kindness leads us to repentance,
Ethan
The memory verse for Romans 2 is:
Romans 2:6-8
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
The them of this chapter is the Righteous judgment of God.
In the first section, Paul condemns any judgment apart from God's righteous judgment. Any person who judges does so falsely because we ourselves are subject to judgment. Even God's mercy and kindness does not give us authority to judge, but is given 'to lead us to repentance'.
The memory verse for this chapter, vv 6-8, speak directly to the actions and works of believers. Our 'rewards' will be based on faithful good works done for the glory of God. This is NOT a passage that teaches salvation by works. It is addressed to believers in Christ Jesus.
The rest of chapter 2 is a lengthy teaching on the nature and purpose of the law. He concludes the argument in v 29 with a tremendous statement; "But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God."
Paul reminds us again that God requires much more than outward observance; He wants our heart.
May the Lord bless you, and may His kindness leads us to repentance,
Ethan
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Romans 1
Greetings,
I have already begun the study, so the first few days will be catching up.
The memory passage for Chapter 1 is:
Romans 1:16-18
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
(Scriptures quoted will be from the ESV unless otherwise stated)
The outline theme of this chapter is Righteousness in the Gospel.
Paul begins Chapter 1 with a re-statement of his calling as 'an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.' An interesting phrase in this first section is at the end of v5, "to bring about the obedience of faith". Paul would never allow faith to just be belief or opinion; it must be worked out in obedience 'for His name sake'.
The second section focuses on God's righteousness versus man's unrighteousness. Three times Paul describes how people exchange God's righteousness for their own immorality.
1. They exchanged the glory of God for idols.
2. They exchanged normal sexual relations for dishonorable passions.
3. They exchanged righteousness with willful disobedience and unrighteousness.
In each case, God's response was to 'give them up' (GK abandoned) to their evilness.
This chapter concludes with a reminder that willful disobedience to the Word of God AND approval of those who disobey are guilty
Thank the Lord that He has given us true hope through His Gospel, and that He has revealed His righteousness to us.
May your walk be worthy of Him,
Ethan
I have already begun the study, so the first few days will be catching up.
The memory passage for Chapter 1 is:
Romans 1:16-18
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
(Scriptures quoted will be from the ESV unless otherwise stated)
The outline theme of this chapter is Righteousness in the Gospel.
Paul begins Chapter 1 with a re-statement of his calling as 'an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.' An interesting phrase in this first section is at the end of v5, "to bring about the obedience of faith". Paul would never allow faith to just be belief or opinion; it must be worked out in obedience 'for His name sake'.
The second section focuses on God's righteousness versus man's unrighteousness. Three times Paul describes how people exchange God's righteousness for their own immorality.
1. They exchanged the glory of God for idols.
2. They exchanged normal sexual relations for dishonorable passions.
3. They exchanged righteousness with willful disobedience and unrighteousness.
In each case, God's response was to 'give them up' (GK abandoned) to their evilness.
This chapter concludes with a reminder that willful disobedience to the Word of God AND approval of those who disobey are guilty
Thank the Lord that He has given us true hope through His Gospel, and that He has revealed His righteousness to us.
May your walk be worthy of Him,
Ethan
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Introduction
Greetings in His Name!
This blog is simply my study and summary of individual chapters of Scripture along with a selected verse or passage from that chapter intended for memory. My goal is to find memory passages that contain the main thematic element of each chapter.
The mission is to hide His Word in my heart (ps 119:11). James says to 'receive with meekness the implanted Word' (James 1:21), and be 'doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22).
So, for application, each entry will end with two questions dealing with what we are created to do (worship) and what we are commanded to do (discipleship).
How does this affect my worship?
How does this affect my discipleship?
I am approaching it systematically because that's how my mind works. 1 chapter, 1 week, 1 passage.....and so on.
I started with Romans and plan on continuing through the epistles. Then the plan would be to return to the Gospels and Acts, followed by Revelation.
The color code so far is:
Green = Memory Passage (His Word is living and active, implanted in us...you get the idea).
Blue = Theme (No spiritual reason; just needed a different color).
Grace and peace,
Ethan
This blog is simply my study and summary of individual chapters of Scripture along with a selected verse or passage from that chapter intended for memory. My goal is to find memory passages that contain the main thematic element of each chapter.
The mission is to hide His Word in my heart (ps 119:11). James says to 'receive with meekness the implanted Word' (James 1:21), and be 'doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22).
So, for application, each entry will end with two questions dealing with what we are created to do (worship) and what we are commanded to do (discipleship).
How does this affect my worship?
How does this affect my discipleship?
I am approaching it systematically because that's how my mind works. 1 chapter, 1 week, 1 passage.....and so on.
I started with Romans and plan on continuing through the epistles. Then the plan would be to return to the Gospels and Acts, followed by Revelation.
The color code so far is:
Green = Memory Passage (His Word is living and active, implanted in us...you get the idea).
Blue = Theme (No spiritual reason; just needed a different color).
Grace and peace,
Ethan
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