Grace and peace,
Continuing in this Chapter Memory Study in the Book of Romans, we come to chapter 10.
The memory passage for chapter 10 is:
Romans 10:8-10
8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
The outline theme is Righteous Word of Faith.
Paul begins this chapter in a similar way to how he started chapter 9; stating his burden for the nation of Israel to be saved. He professes that they have zeal (they were known as 'God-intoxicated' people), but it is based on ignorance not knowledge. By creating their own system of righteousness, they refused to submit to God's righteousness through Christ.
The memory passage begins with a question; 'But what does it say?'. The 'it' here is the word of faith (thanks to Paul's parenthesis). But to establish the word of faith, he quotes from Deuteronomy 30:14, "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart". The Deuteronomy passage shows us that the righteousness of faith was built into the law. It says to obey the Lord, love the Lord, walk with Him, keep His commandments...and you shall live and be blessed.
Verses 9 and 10 are stops on the Romans Road of track evangelism. It speaks of confession and belief in the word of faith. The first phrase mirrors the order from Deut 30 (mouth then heart) and the second phrase reverses the two. This does not ordain two separate paths to salvation, but simply highlights the core of faith; believe in your heart who Christ is and what He did, and then proclaim it (because you can't contain it).
But we must always remember that it is not our faith or words that seal our salvation. The power of salvation is in Who we believe in and the truth that we proclaim. He is the Rock, the foundation that our faith must be built upon.
Verse 13 contains a quote from Joel 2:32 that Paul applies to belief in this word of faith; "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved". To call on His name means to acknowledge and believe all that He is with all of your heart.
14-16 outline the process of coming to belief; some are sent to preach so that many would hear, believe, and call on His name. For 'faith comes from hearing' (17), but hearing must lead to obedience.
Israel has heard of the righteousness of faith but has rejected it. And as He promised in the Old Testament, those who are not 'the nation' will be blessed with the availability of saving faith.
How does this affect my worship?
Confession is an integral part of worship. There are two uses for the word confession, and they both come to bear on true heart-worship. The confessing (admit having done wrong) of our sin to God restores our relationship with Him so that our heart is cleansed and our worship is unhindered (1 John 1:9). Confessing (acknowledge something to be true) that He is Lord (v9, Phil 2:11) is an act of submission to His sovereign rule in our hearts. We do this because He is our Father, we are His children, and He is worthy of all our worship.
How does this affect my discipleship?
It is nice when you and your message are received with grace and enthusiasm. That may not always be the case. Some people will see your 'beautiful feet' and welcome you, while others just think you're messing up their rug with the sand from your sandals. The Great Commission includes commands to preach (proclaim) the Gospel and make disciples. These are not two separate jobs for two separate people with two separate gift-sets. As disciples of Christ we must faithfully proclaim the 'word of faith' AND make disciples of Christ.
May the Word of Faith be always in your mouth and in your heart,
Ethan
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Romans 9
Grace and peace,
We're back on track with the Chapter Memory Study through Romans. Continuing with chapter 9, the memory passage is Romans 9:6-8.
Romans 9:6-8
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
The theme for this chapter is "Righteous Sovereignty of God".
Paul begins this chapter with a graphic description of his burden for his countrymen, the Jews. While it is impossible for him to be 'accursed and cut off from Christ' for their sake, you can clearly feel his heavy heart for the nation of Israel that rejected Christ. After all, he says, they have been given adoption (as sons), glory (of God revealed), covenants (Abrahamic, Davidic, etc), the law (given by His hand), worship (service in the tabernacle/temple), promises (especially of the coming Messiah), and the patriarchs (line of promises). How can a nation so privileged by God be so blinded to their own Messiah? Paul's anguish is clear.
The memory passage outlines the whole chapter with correction and confirmation. The true children of God are 'counted as offspring' apart from descendants or heritage.
Verses 9-26 deal with the sovereignty of God. Jacob was loved over Esau 'before they had done...either good or bad'. Pharaoh's hardness was endured by God until the perfect time to show His power. The pot (us) has no right to judge the Potter (God) as to his ways or means. God has shown His patience with vessels of destruction so that His justice and wrath might be known. Bottom line: He is God, we are not.
The closing verses summarize the chapter. Israel has stumbled because they pursued righteousness by their works and not by faith in Christ, the Stone of stumbling.
How does this affect my worship?
True understanding and acceptance of God's sovereignty rests on trust. Who am I (the pot) to say to God (the Potter) that I have a better idea or plan? He is the Potter, and He is the Good Potter; wise, loving, holy, just, and sovereign. My response to His sovereignty must be trust that His Word is true, thankfulness that He loves me and wants the best for me, and constant worship of Him as an acceptable and living sacrifice.
How doest this affect my discipleship?
As we pursue righteousness together, we must always remember that it is by faith and not works. Discipleship should not be burdened with legalistic demands and guilt-driven expectations. Discipleship is walking together in the pursuit of righteousness by the power of Holy Spirit.
May you trust His sovereignty today,
Ethan
We're back on track with the Chapter Memory Study through Romans. Continuing with chapter 9, the memory passage is Romans 9:6-8.
Romans 9:6-8
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
The theme for this chapter is "Righteous Sovereignty of God".
Paul begins this chapter with a graphic description of his burden for his countrymen, the Jews. While it is impossible for him to be 'accursed and cut off from Christ' for their sake, you can clearly feel his heavy heart for the nation of Israel that rejected Christ. After all, he says, they have been given adoption (as sons), glory (of God revealed), covenants (Abrahamic, Davidic, etc), the law (given by His hand), worship (service in the tabernacle/temple), promises (especially of the coming Messiah), and the patriarchs (line of promises). How can a nation so privileged by God be so blinded to their own Messiah? Paul's anguish is clear.
The memory passage outlines the whole chapter with correction and confirmation. The true children of God are 'counted as offspring' apart from descendants or heritage.
Verses 9-26 deal with the sovereignty of God. Jacob was loved over Esau 'before they had done...either good or bad'. Pharaoh's hardness was endured by God until the perfect time to show His power. The pot (us) has no right to judge the Potter (God) as to his ways or means. God has shown His patience with vessels of destruction so that His justice and wrath might be known. Bottom line: He is God, we are not.
The closing verses summarize the chapter. Israel has stumbled because they pursued righteousness by their works and not by faith in Christ, the Stone of stumbling.
How does this affect my worship?
True understanding and acceptance of God's sovereignty rests on trust. Who am I (the pot) to say to God (the Potter) that I have a better idea or plan? He is the Potter, and He is the Good Potter; wise, loving, holy, just, and sovereign. My response to His sovereignty must be trust that His Word is true, thankfulness that He loves me and wants the best for me, and constant worship of Him as an acceptable and living sacrifice.
How doest this affect my discipleship?
As we pursue righteousness together, we must always remember that it is by faith and not works. Discipleship should not be burdened with legalistic demands and guilt-driven expectations. Discipleship is walking together in the pursuit of righteousness by the power of Holy Spirit.
May you trust His sovereignty today,
Ethan
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Acts 6:4
Greetings,
For the third of three side-studies on 'ministry verses' given by my pastor, we go to Acts 6:4.
Acts 6:4
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Again this week, reading the context is valuable (6:1-7). As the ministry of the Apostles grew, so did the physical, day-to-day needs of the people. So the twelve asked the disciples to pick 7 men to serve in the 'distribution'.
So this one verse nabbed out of the middle of this interaction is valuable in context and valuable on it's own. Service to the poor and the handling of resources is an essential part of any ministry, but not at the expense of the spiritual ministry; prayer and God's Word.
I am struck by the list of people chosen as 'deacons', specifically the first two. Stephen, full of faith and Holy Spirit (later martyred for his faith) and Philip (later to become an evangelist). These were not just 'grunts' chosen at random to do the dirty work. These are spiritually mature men of God who were committed to the ministry of the kingdom. It does not say this, but I would venture to say that even as they dished out food and cared for the poor, the Gospel of Christ was always on their lips.
The main point for them and for us; pray and minister God's Word. I can't say it any better, and won't attempt to.
How does this affect my worship?
Devotion has come up a lot in my study of worship. It hits me as a 'one-ness of mind and commitment'. We devote ourselves to our Father. We devote ourselves to His word. We devote ourselves to the relationship of prayer. And our devotion to Him leads us to service for Him.
How does this affect my discipleship?
My personal devotion to prayer and the Word of God must spill over into any discipleship I do. People that the Lord has put in my life to disciple must see the importance of prayer and His Word and be encouraged to reproduce it in their own lives. Whatever capacity or position someone has in the body of Christ, we all must be devoted to prayer and His Word.
May you continue in true devotion for Him,
Ethan
For the third of three side-studies on 'ministry verses' given by my pastor, we go to Acts 6:4.
Acts 6:4
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Again this week, reading the context is valuable (6:1-7). As the ministry of the Apostles grew, so did the physical, day-to-day needs of the people. So the twelve asked the disciples to pick 7 men to serve in the 'distribution'.
So this one verse nabbed out of the middle of this interaction is valuable in context and valuable on it's own. Service to the poor and the handling of resources is an essential part of any ministry, but not at the expense of the spiritual ministry; prayer and God's Word.
I am struck by the list of people chosen as 'deacons', specifically the first two. Stephen, full of faith and Holy Spirit (later martyred for his faith) and Philip (later to become an evangelist). These were not just 'grunts' chosen at random to do the dirty work. These are spiritually mature men of God who were committed to the ministry of the kingdom. It does not say this, but I would venture to say that even as they dished out food and cared for the poor, the Gospel of Christ was always on their lips.
The main point for them and for us; pray and minister God's Word. I can't say it any better, and won't attempt to.
How does this affect my worship?
Devotion has come up a lot in my study of worship. It hits me as a 'one-ness of mind and commitment'. We devote ourselves to our Father. We devote ourselves to His word. We devote ourselves to the relationship of prayer. And our devotion to Him leads us to service for Him.
How does this affect my discipleship?
My personal devotion to prayer and the Word of God must spill over into any discipleship I do. People that the Lord has put in my life to disciple must see the importance of prayer and His Word and be encouraged to reproduce it in their own lives. Whatever capacity or position someone has in the body of Christ, we all must be devoted to prayer and His Word.
May you continue in true devotion for Him,
Ethan
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Acts 20:28
Greetings again,
This entry is the second in the course of three studies on verses given to me by my pastor to meditate on.
Acts 20:28
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
This is Paul's address to the elders in the church at Ephesus as he was about to leave them. I would recommend reading vv 17-38 to get the full context of the speech even though v28 is the focus of this study.
Similar to the charge to Timothy in 1 Tim 4:16, Paul tells the elders to care for there own spiritual growth first and then to also care for the church. In 1 Timothy his charge is for the teaching, or sound doctrine; here Paul charges the elders with the care of the flock, being the church of God.
Paul warns that if the elders fail in their personal walks with Christ, the church would suffer because of it. This is not permission for them to be selfish and self-serving in their position, but to constantly be growing and learning as Holy Spirit sharpens them. Their fellowship with the Lord would directly affect their leadership of His church.
The next phrase rattled around in my head last night as I tended the yard; 'in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers'. The first thing that strikes me in this (ESV) and most versions is that it's 'in which' and not 'over which' or 'over whom'. Even though these believers were given the responsibility of eldership, they were still 'in' the flock, His flock. The HCSB translates this 'among whom'. A good reminder to not abuse or misuse the call of church leadership.
I also dwelt for some time on the fact that he says 'the Holy Spirit made you overseers'. Some take this to mean that elders or church leaders should not be elected, but identified as having been chosen by Holy Spirit. And yet in Acts 14, we see clearly that elders were appointed in the churches by Paul and Barnabas. So my conclusion of this thought is still a question; how does the church Biblically find leaders?
The calling of these leaders is to care for God's church, the body of Christ. The value of the church to God? So much that it cost Him His own Son. While this verse has caused debate amongst the biggest of brains, the GK can read 'by the blood of His own', that is His own Son. God is Spirit (John 4:24), but Christ came in the 'likeness of sinful flesh' (Rom 8:3) to condemn sin in the flesh by shedding His own blood.
The ESV uses 'obtained', while that word is also translated bought, purchased or acquired. I do not envy translators who try to find the 'right' word. To me, all of them work together to remind me of the price God paid. I can never repay Him, I can only obey Him.
How does this affect my worship?
I must pay careful attention to my worship. How am I worshiping? How am I praising? Does it resonate with what the Lord is doing in my heart? Is it real?
This directly affects the flock. We are to regularly meet together, and an element of that meeting is corporate worship. The lead-worshiper, worship team, and all church leaders need to mind their own worship as part of the healthy functioning of the church. This, to me, is part of caring for the church of God; by leading them in a worship encounter that is genuine, costly, and acceptable to God.
How does this affect my discipleship?
Just because a person is in a leadership position in a church does not absolve them from the mission of personal discipleship. While there may be specific ways that they 'care for the church', they are still called to develop fully committed followers of Christ by obeying His command to make disciples. And as always, remembering the price He paid for me reminds me that no cost or suffering compares 'with the glory that is to be revealed to us' (Rom 8:18); spending eternity with He who 'loved me and gave His life for me' (Gal 2:20).
Paying close attention to myself and the flock,
Ethan
This entry is the second in the course of three studies on verses given to me by my pastor to meditate on.
Acts 20:28
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
This is Paul's address to the elders in the church at Ephesus as he was about to leave them. I would recommend reading vv 17-38 to get the full context of the speech even though v28 is the focus of this study.
Similar to the charge to Timothy in 1 Tim 4:16, Paul tells the elders to care for there own spiritual growth first and then to also care for the church. In 1 Timothy his charge is for the teaching, or sound doctrine; here Paul charges the elders with the care of the flock, being the church of God.
Paul warns that if the elders fail in their personal walks with Christ, the church would suffer because of it. This is not permission for them to be selfish and self-serving in their position, but to constantly be growing and learning as Holy Spirit sharpens them. Their fellowship with the Lord would directly affect their leadership of His church.
The next phrase rattled around in my head last night as I tended the yard; 'in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers'. The first thing that strikes me in this (ESV) and most versions is that it's 'in which' and not 'over which' or 'over whom'. Even though these believers were given the responsibility of eldership, they were still 'in' the flock, His flock. The HCSB translates this 'among whom'. A good reminder to not abuse or misuse the call of church leadership.
I also dwelt for some time on the fact that he says 'the Holy Spirit made you overseers'. Some take this to mean that elders or church leaders should not be elected, but identified as having been chosen by Holy Spirit. And yet in Acts 14, we see clearly that elders were appointed in the churches by Paul and Barnabas. So my conclusion of this thought is still a question; how does the church Biblically find leaders?
The calling of these leaders is to care for God's church, the body of Christ. The value of the church to God? So much that it cost Him His own Son. While this verse has caused debate amongst the biggest of brains, the GK can read 'by the blood of His own', that is His own Son. God is Spirit (John 4:24), but Christ came in the 'likeness of sinful flesh' (Rom 8:3) to condemn sin in the flesh by shedding His own blood.
The ESV uses 'obtained', while that word is also translated bought, purchased or acquired. I do not envy translators who try to find the 'right' word. To me, all of them work together to remind me of the price God paid. I can never repay Him, I can only obey Him.
How does this affect my worship?
I must pay careful attention to my worship. How am I worshiping? How am I praising? Does it resonate with what the Lord is doing in my heart? Is it real?
This directly affects the flock. We are to regularly meet together, and an element of that meeting is corporate worship. The lead-worshiper, worship team, and all church leaders need to mind their own worship as part of the healthy functioning of the church. This, to me, is part of caring for the church of God; by leading them in a worship encounter that is genuine, costly, and acceptable to God.
How does this affect my discipleship?
Just because a person is in a leadership position in a church does not absolve them from the mission of personal discipleship. While there may be specific ways that they 'care for the church', they are still called to develop fully committed followers of Christ by obeying His command to make disciples. And as always, remembering the price He paid for me reminds me that no cost or suffering compares 'with the glory that is to be revealed to us' (Rom 8:18); spending eternity with He who 'loved me and gave His life for me' (Gal 2:20).
Paying close attention to myself and the flock,
Ethan
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
1 Timothy 4:16
Friends,
This is an obvious departure from my systematic study through Romans, but a number of factors have drawn me to do three short memory studies over the next three days. My pastor has challenged us to meditate on these verses in preparation for an upcoming meeting. Because my normal schedule was disrupted last week and I didn't get Romans 8 done on time, it is the perfect time to take a week on something else.
So, the first verse in this three-part memory study is 1 Timothy 4:16.
1 Timothy 4:16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
As I study various commentaries, one thing jumps out to me and most of them; notice the order of things in this verse. Paul is telling Timothy to 'keep a close watch' on himself ('take heed', 'watch your life', 'be conscientious', and 'pay close attention' in other translations) before he says anything about 'the teaching' (or 'good doctrine' from 4:6). John Calvin writes that 'his teaching will be of no avail unless his own life accord with it; and his own purity of life is not enough unless he be diligent in teaching'.
Pastors and teachers who have neglected to 'keep a close watch' on themselves and their families have fallen into moral problems, divorce, pornography, and many other kinds of shameful behavior. We must make sure that God is working IN us before He can work THROUGH us.
I do not believe that there is any 'isolationistic' tone to this teaching, as if to say "you're on your own to take care of yourself". In fact, when pastors, or anyone, separate themselves from the body of Christ they set themselves up for spiritual attack. The opportunity for sin and moral failure increase dramatically the farther away one separates himself.
I've been to Africa once, and I've seen a herd of wildebeest. I've also seen my share of National Geographic specials. Which animal does the hungry lion go after first? Jumping into a herd of angry, scared, healthy and hoofed wildebeest would be suicide. But ganging up on the straggler with a gimp leg would be much easier. I am no expert on spiritual warfare, but I do know that when God's people join together in worship, prayer, reading His Word, and watching out for each other, there is power. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, put on His love the binds us in unity, and let the Word of Christ dwell in us (Col 3:12-16). Don't walk alone.
I don't want it to seem like I'm down-playing sound doctrine and faithful study. If your life is wrong, your teaching will not stand. If your teaching is wrong, your life does not matter. One without the other is incomplete.
Paul finishes by saying that attention to your life and your teaching will 'save yourself and your hearers'. This is not referring to the salvation of the soul. Paul began this chapter writing about false teachers who were causing havoc and confusion with lies and deceit. By keeping a close watch on yourself and your teaching, you will save yourself and your hearers from the errors of false doctrine and the path of deception and destruction.
Warren Wiersbe writes; "As good ministers, we preach the Word; as godly ministers, we practice the Word; as growing ministers, we progress in the Word."
How does this affect my worship?
There is a quote from A.W. Pink (initials means that he's got a big brain); "Service becomes a snare and an evil if it be allowed to crowd out worship and the cultivation of one's own spiritual life". My study must never become merely academic. Hiding God's Word in my heart is not to just make me smarter, more pious, or more 'pastoral'. I must DO His Word, not just know it. It must flow out of everything I am. My worship should be drenched in the language of His Word. My prayer should be immersed in the inspired Words He has given us. My worship must be in Spirit and Truth.
How does this affect my discipleship?
In Paul's ongoing discipleship of Timothy, he passes on this most critical point; don't disqualify yourself from discipleship. In 1 Cor 9:27 Paul focuses on discipline and control of his body so that he would not be disqualified from preaching. Here, Paul is warning Timothy not to let his life or his teaching be disqualified by letting one or the other go astray. And that is at the core of discipleship; paying close attention to each other and to sound doctrine.
Watch yourselves, watch each other, watch your teaching, and watch Him,
Ethan
This is an obvious departure from my systematic study through Romans, but a number of factors have drawn me to do three short memory studies over the next three days. My pastor has challenged us to meditate on these verses in preparation for an upcoming meeting. Because my normal schedule was disrupted last week and I didn't get Romans 8 done on time, it is the perfect time to take a week on something else.
So, the first verse in this three-part memory study is 1 Timothy 4:16.
1 Timothy 4:16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
As I study various commentaries, one thing jumps out to me and most of them; notice the order of things in this verse. Paul is telling Timothy to 'keep a close watch' on himself ('take heed', 'watch your life', 'be conscientious', and 'pay close attention' in other translations) before he says anything about 'the teaching' (or 'good doctrine' from 4:6). John Calvin writes that 'his teaching will be of no avail unless his own life accord with it; and his own purity of life is not enough unless he be diligent in teaching'.
Pastors and teachers who have neglected to 'keep a close watch' on themselves and their families have fallen into moral problems, divorce, pornography, and many other kinds of shameful behavior. We must make sure that God is working IN us before He can work THROUGH us.
I do not believe that there is any 'isolationistic' tone to this teaching, as if to say "you're on your own to take care of yourself". In fact, when pastors, or anyone, separate themselves from the body of Christ they set themselves up for spiritual attack. The opportunity for sin and moral failure increase dramatically the farther away one separates himself.
I've been to Africa once, and I've seen a herd of wildebeest. I've also seen my share of National Geographic specials. Which animal does the hungry lion go after first? Jumping into a herd of angry, scared, healthy and hoofed wildebeest would be suicide. But ganging up on the straggler with a gimp leg would be much easier. I am no expert on spiritual warfare, but I do know that when God's people join together in worship, prayer, reading His Word, and watching out for each other, there is power. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, put on His love the binds us in unity, and let the Word of Christ dwell in us (Col 3:12-16). Don't walk alone.
I don't want it to seem like I'm down-playing sound doctrine and faithful study. If your life is wrong, your teaching will not stand. If your teaching is wrong, your life does not matter. One without the other is incomplete.
Paul finishes by saying that attention to your life and your teaching will 'save yourself and your hearers'. This is not referring to the salvation of the soul. Paul began this chapter writing about false teachers who were causing havoc and confusion with lies and deceit. By keeping a close watch on yourself and your teaching, you will save yourself and your hearers from the errors of false doctrine and the path of deception and destruction.
Warren Wiersbe writes; "As good ministers, we preach the Word; as godly ministers, we practice the Word; as growing ministers, we progress in the Word."
How does this affect my worship?
There is a quote from A.W. Pink (initials means that he's got a big brain); "Service becomes a snare and an evil if it be allowed to crowd out worship and the cultivation of one's own spiritual life". My study must never become merely academic. Hiding God's Word in my heart is not to just make me smarter, more pious, or more 'pastoral'. I must DO His Word, not just know it. It must flow out of everything I am. My worship should be drenched in the language of His Word. My prayer should be immersed in the inspired Words He has given us. My worship must be in Spirit and Truth.
How does this affect my discipleship?
In Paul's ongoing discipleship of Timothy, he passes on this most critical point; don't disqualify yourself from discipleship. In 1 Cor 9:27 Paul focuses on discipline and control of his body so that he would not be disqualified from preaching. Here, Paul is warning Timothy not to let his life or his teaching be disqualified by letting one or the other go astray. And that is at the core of discipleship; paying close attention to each other and to sound doctrine.
Watch yourselves, watch each other, watch your teaching, and watch Him,
Ethan
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Romans 8
I am weak.
I am a weak, weak man.
Mere days after my 're-commitment' to keeping the memory passage to 2-3 verses, here we are.
The memory passage for Romans 8 is:
Romans 8:1-4
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
The theme is Righteous Walk in the Spirit.
There are three main themes in this chapter; all centered around the work of Holy Spirit. Life in the Spirit takes on the law, the flesh, and human suffering.
The memory passage includes all three themes; the law of the Spirit frees us from the law of sin and death, walking in the Spirit fulfills the righteousness of the law and defeats the flesh, and by condemning sin in the flesh He gives us victory over temporary suffering.
8:1 is one of the great battle cries of believers; 'there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus'. One key to victorious Christian living is faith that the work of Christ has allowed God to declare us righteous and redeemed.
5-18 describes the conflict between life in the Spirit and life in the flesh. Having a 'mind of flesh' is contrasted with setting your mind 'on the Spirit'. The results of each are clearly stated in v13; the flesh leads to death, the Spirit leads to life. 15-18 outline the beautiful doctrine of adoption. We are not received by God in a spirit of slavery or oppression, but are adopted as sons and children. Literally, we are 'placed as sons' (having responsibility in the family) and accepted as children who share in the inheritance. According to verse 17 we are 'co-heirs' with Christ in the sense that we identify with His suffering while we are on earth but will be in His glory for eternity. And just to be clear, 'sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory' to come (verse 18).
In 19-27 we see 3 different 'groanings'; creation groans under the curse of decay, believers groan in anticipation of eternity with God, and Holy Spirit groans in intercession for us.
28-30 explains the calling of believers for 'His purpose'. The three steps are called, justified, and glorified. We are called according to His purpose to be conformed to the image of Christ; through the work of Christ we are justified in His sight; and with justification comes the promise of glorification with Him for eternity.
Paul ends this chapter with seven questions that solidify the standing of believers in Christ Jesus. In Him we are victorious (31), justified (33), free of condemnation (34), inseparable from Him (35), and conquerors (37).
How does this affect my worship?
I was struck by the 'groaning' passages in the middle of chapter 8. Psalm 96 describes the 'song of the earth' in worship of the Lord;
Psalms 96:11-12
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
All of God's creation eagerly anticipates the return of Christ and the revealing of the sons of God. His coming promises a new heaven and earth, with which we also look forward to the redemption of our bodies. So I'll join with the earth in its groaning, yearning, and longing for that day while I watch the sky, but at the same time I'll sing with joy and proclaim the mighty name of the Most High while I run the earth.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I have been called by God to be conformed to the image of His Son; to be more like Christ. This is not only His 'good purpose', but His mission for my life. Paul says in Colossians 1:28-29 that his mission is to proclaim Him, to teach and admonish in wisdom, and to present everyone mature in Christ. My journey of Christ-likeness must include the discipling of others called to Christ-likeness. So that as fellow 'called and justified' believers we can grow toward the image of Christ until we are glorified with Him forever.
May you walk in the Spirit with Him who will never let you go,
Ethan
I am a weak, weak man.
Mere days after my 're-commitment' to keeping the memory passage to 2-3 verses, here we are.
The memory passage for Romans 8 is:
Romans 8:1-4
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
The theme is Righteous Walk in the Spirit.
There are three main themes in this chapter; all centered around the work of Holy Spirit. Life in the Spirit takes on the law, the flesh, and human suffering.
The memory passage includes all three themes; the law of the Spirit frees us from the law of sin and death, walking in the Spirit fulfills the righteousness of the law and defeats the flesh, and by condemning sin in the flesh He gives us victory over temporary suffering.
8:1 is one of the great battle cries of believers; 'there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus'. One key to victorious Christian living is faith that the work of Christ has allowed God to declare us righteous and redeemed.
5-18 describes the conflict between life in the Spirit and life in the flesh. Having a 'mind of flesh' is contrasted with setting your mind 'on the Spirit'. The results of each are clearly stated in v13; the flesh leads to death, the Spirit leads to life. 15-18 outline the beautiful doctrine of adoption. We are not received by God in a spirit of slavery or oppression, but are adopted as sons and children. Literally, we are 'placed as sons' (having responsibility in the family) and accepted as children who share in the inheritance. According to verse 17 we are 'co-heirs' with Christ in the sense that we identify with His suffering while we are on earth but will be in His glory for eternity. And just to be clear, 'sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory' to come (verse 18).
In 19-27 we see 3 different 'groanings'; creation groans under the curse of decay, believers groan in anticipation of eternity with God, and Holy Spirit groans in intercession for us.
28-30 explains the calling of believers for 'His purpose'. The three steps are called, justified, and glorified. We are called according to His purpose to be conformed to the image of Christ; through the work of Christ we are justified in His sight; and with justification comes the promise of glorification with Him for eternity.
Paul ends this chapter with seven questions that solidify the standing of believers in Christ Jesus. In Him we are victorious (31), justified (33), free of condemnation (34), inseparable from Him (35), and conquerors (37).
How does this affect my worship?
I was struck by the 'groaning' passages in the middle of chapter 8. Psalm 96 describes the 'song of the earth' in worship of the Lord;
Psalms 96:11-12
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
All of God's creation eagerly anticipates the return of Christ and the revealing of the sons of God. His coming promises a new heaven and earth, with which we also look forward to the redemption of our bodies. So I'll join with the earth in its groaning, yearning, and longing for that day while I watch the sky, but at the same time I'll sing with joy and proclaim the mighty name of the Most High while I run the earth.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I have been called by God to be conformed to the image of His Son; to be more like Christ. This is not only His 'good purpose', but His mission for my life. Paul says in Colossians 1:28-29 that his mission is to proclaim Him, to teach and admonish in wisdom, and to present everyone mature in Christ. My journey of Christ-likeness must include the discipling of others called to Christ-likeness. So that as fellow 'called and justified' believers we can grow toward the image of Christ until we are glorified with Him forever.
May you walk in the Spirit with Him who will never let you go,
Ethan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
