Mark 14:50-52 - The Fleeing Disciples

Mark 14:50-52
50 And they all left Him and fled. 51 A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they *seized him. 52 But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. 

Message: The Fleeing Disciples

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is now being held captive by the chief priests and scribes and elders of the Jewish council. He has been betrayed by Judas and Judas did it with a kiss (seemingly of affection) and calling him Rabbi (teacher). Jesus had been praying in the garden of Gethsemane, anticipating his death, not looking forward to it and even asking that this Cup pass from him. The disciples  were acting like they would always have his back, but when he asked them to watch while he prayed, they fell asleep. Jesus had said that one among them would betray Him, but everyone felt like it wasn't them. But, in fact he said that all would scatter, but at one point he would gather them together again.

And they all left Him and fled. Jesus is now alone. In some ways He has always been alone with the Father. No one stayed with Jesus instead they all went another way. Possibly, they feared their own life. None of them seemed to want this day to come. Every time Jesus spoke of His death, they didn't want to believe it and were at times angry that Jesus would be saying this. Now, as he is seized they flee. Jesus had predicted this in saying His sheep would scatter. Despite the disciples saying that they would always be by His side, in fact, they fled.

At this moment, they had been trying to trust Jesus, but they also did not now the entire story. They didn't know yet for sure about His resurrection, though He had told them it would happen. It is sad that they fled, but how often have a skirted away from sharing the truth of my relationship with God, thinking it wasn't the appropriate time or I too feared what people would think. There seemed to be a group of people not the elders and scribes that were with them to seize him or watch, so there seemed to be a crowd coming to see his demise but was there also a crowd there to come to his aid, it is not clear there was any or if they all fled. If I rely on my own strength then I will be one of those that runs away as well, but if I stop and trust in the Lord and stand firm in Him and look to Him for strength then I can be faithful.

Jesus has been captured. But Mark explains that there was someone else and as is often the case with Mark in his explanations he is not specific of who this young man was that was following Him (Jesus). But, Mark does state that he is a follower. In the process of seizing Jesus they seized him, this man, who some believe is Mark, the one who writes this narrative. This man was wearing a linen sheet over his naked body. But, as the leaders were seizing Jesus and then tried to seize this man he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. Mark makes mention of the man's clothes and his nakedness to possibly explain the fact that all that he wanted to do was get away. And being naked didn't matter as long as he was not going to be seized as well. In this moment, are we fine with Jesus being seized, but we really don't want anything to happen to our safe and secure life and so if necessary, we will get away, even it means embarrassing ourselves as long as we remain free. And yet what we call free is really a continued bondage to the world.

What would the story have looked like if others had been seized along with Jesus? It remains an amazement to me to hear of people being martyred for their faith. Recently, there was a pastor that was killed in Cameroon after only being there for 2 months after spending years raising support to be there long term. There are many others that out of their boldness remained a follower. If others had stayed with Jesus and perhaps been crucified along with Jesus as His follower, what an interesting picture that would be. But instead what we have is people running away.

Summary - Jesus has been arrested under the cover of night. Jesus makes a point that in darkness is when he is seized, when he has been avaiable many times in the day light. He is taken at Gethsemane while he was praying. The Jewish leaders have seized him, thanks to Judas who has betrayed Jesus. After he is taken, all that were with Him, including the disciples, fled. They didn't remain by His side. They left and even when there was an attempt to seize one of them he escaped, even though it meant him being running off naked.

Promise: As Tabletalk states - The temptation to flee our Christian profession is strong when there is a real cost to our obedience, and if we trust in ourselves, we will fail. We need to ask the Lord for strength and grace to persevere under trial.

Prayer: O Lord, on my own I do not surrender to You and I am not proud of how I conduct towards others. On my own, I only look out for myself and what I think is best for me. Lord, as I navigate through life, help me Lord to surrender to You always and look to you for strength and perseverance. I admit Lord, I am too conditioned often to want the approval of people I can see versus you that I cannot see. Yet, Lord, your word is true and I want to stand close to You and be known by You. I want to pledge my allegiance to you and truly follow You in easy times and hard times.

Proverbs 7:21-27 - The Gatekeeper of Death

Proverbs 7:21-27
With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him.
Suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as fetters to the discipline of a fool,
Until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it his life.

Now therefore, sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth.
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths.
For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.

Message:  The Gatekeeper of Death

Time: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Background
For me, the crux of the first 20 verses of Proverbs 7 is the pleading from a father to his son to treasure the commandments that he is passing along. Treasure the words of the sage, of the Father God. Stay close to them. Adhere to  them in your life, for only then will you be able to withstand the temptations that will be present in this life. And temptations will be many. But, the sexual temptations, or the carrying away of ourselves to abandon our principles will be the strongest. We can't even give them a moment. The door opens when we allow ourselves to be in a dangerous environment. For the young boy, it is walking down the road of the adulteress, where she lives. There are other ways to get to our destination, so we should not even go there. 

The Problem
These remaining verses catapult the encounter and we get to witness first hand what is in store for the person that gets pulled away. I must admit, as a man, these verses resonate with me because I am pulled away too easily, it would seem. The clothing manufacturers have continued to make clothing that simply show off too much of a woman. I struggle with my eyes and it is a struggle when people are bending over in front of you or wearing short dresses. I'm captivated by my wife, but would prefer it in the privacy of my own home. It's really a horrible thing for the man to live with for it is everywhere. And the phone makes it worse. It is too easily accessible. Thus, the title of this message: the gatekeeper of death.

Studying this passage
Verse 21 begins "with her many persuasions." Again, these to me are not just verbal, but they are visual persuasions. They could be a glance, an alluring look, but most likely they are the way a person carries oneself. 'Many persuasions' also speaks to the many different ways we are confronted with this. The temptation now shows itself in so many different ways. But also in these verses is the inference that the person is reluctant because "she entices" and "she seduces." Thus, even in these verses, one could apply I Corinthians 10:13 in that there is a way out when the temptation presents itself.

And then the striking words of verse 22 "suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to slaughter." The road to death is set. The man is walking it. He is captivated, and yet, his life will never be the same. The visual expression of an ox going to slaughter is such an assault; it is such a picture of what the sin does to us. It because a drug that overtakes all of our senses. The ox is obviously not realizing his destination. The ox is being led somewhere that it is thought will only yield good outcomes. The "slaughter" represents the end, not the journey. But "he does not know it is his life." He is consumed with the moment, not the end. The consequences or results of this act are not overtaken by the momentary high.

And so the chapter ends the way it begins. There are words from the wise one to the son, "Listen to me" and "pay attention." Here is the reason: "Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways" and "do not stray into her paths." In these words is the idea I think of 1 Corinthians 10:13 and it is "don't go there." Don't put yourself in a position that is hard to come back from. Once the ox is on the way to the slaughter, it is too late. I must think about this in my life. For instance, I just realized that when I am down on life, or angry, then it is not good to have my phone with me and so, like going to bed - don't bring it to bed. Leave it in the other room. 

At the end of this passage is more ammunition. It is the father building the case. He hopes that the son would simply listen to his words. He would hope that this is compelling enough. But, he also then shows the son the results of the sinful lifestyle. This paints the picture of any addiction in our lives.

For many are the victims she has cast down, 
and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, 
descending to the chambers of death.

The language is final. They are victims. They are numerous. This is a problem many have. They are slain - again death. Her house is on the trek to death. Her house is lower than any person really wants to go. It should be clear, but instead deception has taken over. 

Promise: The foolish young man who heeds the call of the adulteress will find nothing but destruction in her arms.

Prayer: Oh Lord, I need help in this. I am not strong. I am too easily lured away. Once the sin starts, it just continues to be a problem. I'm embarrassed as to what this sin has done to me over the years. To think that I can be so easily enticed. Lord, place a hedge around me. I need your protection. Give me strength. Give me rest today. Lord, I want to be free. I hate the feeling of being a slave to it. I want to follow you. Help me Lord. 

Jesus Calling: December 17

Come to Me with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in Me you are complete. As you rest quietly in My Presence, My Light within you grows brighter and brighter. Facing the emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with My fullness. Therefore, rejoice on those days when you drag yourself out of bed, feeling sluggish and inadequate. Tell yourself that this is a perfect day to depend on Me in childlike trust. If you persevere in this dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and Peace have become your companions. You may not realize at what point they joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beneficial effects of their presence. The perfect end to such a day is a doxology of gratitude. I am He from whom all blessings flow! 

2 Corinthians 4:6
English Standard Version
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
 
Matthew 5:3,6
English Standard Version
³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
 
Colossians 2:9-10
English Standard Version
⁹ For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Psalm 150:6
English Standard Version
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

My Prayer
Lord, you are my strength. May your will be done today. Let light shine out of darkness. May my day be about thirsting for righteousness. You are the great provider. You are the head of all. In You the whole fullness of deity dwells. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. I praise the Lord.

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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: November 29

Let Me infuse My Peace into your innermost being. As you sit quietly in the Light of My Presence, you can sense Peace growing within you. This is not something that you accomplish through self-discipline and willpower; it is opening yourself to receive My blessing.
     In this age of independence, people find it hard to acknowledge their neediness. However, I have taken you along a path that has highlighted your need for Me: placing you in situations where your strengths were irrelevant and your weaknesses were glaringly evident. Through the aridity of those desert marches, I have drawn you closer and closer to Myself. You have discovered flowers of Peace blossoming in the most desolate places. You have learned to thank Me for hard times and difficult journeys, trusting that through them I accomplish My best work. You have realized that needing Me is the key to knowing Me intimately, which is the gift above all gifts.

Isaiah 58:11
English Standard Version
And the Lord will guide you continually
    and satisfy your desire in scorched places
    and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
    like a spring of water,
    whose waters do not fail.

Isaiah 40:11
English Standard Version 
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
    he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead those that are with young.

My Prayer
You rescue me. You take me through adversities and prosperity. You know what is best. You will guide me continually and make m strong. I will be equipped in the process. You take care of your sheep. I can rest in You. Help me to discover your peace, trusting that you can accomplish in Me greater than I know. I need you Lord. I only exist with you as my anchor. I want to lean on you. Refresh me and strengthen me.


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.


Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: November 2

Grow strong in the Light of My Presence. Your weakness does not repel Me. On the contrary, it attracts My Power, which is always available to flow into a yielded heart. Do not condemn yourself for your constant need of help. Instead, come to Me with your gaping neediness; let the Light of My Love fill you.
     A yielded heart does not whine or rebel when the going gets rough. It masters the courage to thank Me even during hard times. It musters the courage to thank Me even during hard times. Yielding yourself to My will is ultimately an act of trust. In quietness and trust is your strength. 

Psalm 116:5-7
English Standard Version

⁵ Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
    our God is merciful.
⁶ The Lord preserves the simple;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.
⁷ Return, O my soul, to your rest;
    for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Ephesians 5:20
English Standard Version
giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Isaiah 30:15
English Standard Version
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
But you were unwilling

Prayer
Lord, on this day I want to do things Your way. Lord, train me to embrace your will during the hard times. Generally, I get mad, sad, then glad. Help me through those moments so that my trust shall be my strength. You are fair and you deal bountifully with me. I give thank always for everything.  

Prayer Update - 2021

Today my wife and I celebrate 30 years of being married. Lord, I am so thankful for my still beautiful and wonderful wife Pamela and the wonderful gift she has been to me. Thank you for her beautiful smile, her wonderful child-like approach to life, and the way she helps me see the joy of life and all that you have created. You are my refuge God and yet each day with her is also a refuge for the troubles of each day. You use her to remind me how much we need each other each day. Even as trials have hit us at various times, we go at it together. We are better together. You talk to me daily through your Words and I'm so thankful for this and I love to sit and talk with her. On this day I say once again Lord, thank you. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Psalm 72:1-11 - Praying for the King

Psalm 72:1-11

Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness and your afflicted with justice. Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him.

Message: Praying for the King

Time:  The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The idea in this passage, in relation to kings, was originally praying for a king who came from the line of David. Therefore, he was presumed to already have an association with Israel and then there was the expectation that the king would adhere to divine covenants. But, there is also conjecture that this is a Psalm meant for the Messiah and his reign.

So how would we apply this today? Our kings or presidents very often do not have any direct affiliation with God nor do they desire to be obedient to God's commands. And yet we still must pray for them. We could also think about our church leaders, that in a way mirror a king, and so we can pray for them with these words.

Leaders are to rule by God's ways
Give the king Your judgments, O God, A king is a maker of laws and the primary role of a king is to exert justice upon his kingdom. The king is to dispense right to all of his subjects.

and Your righteousness to the king’s son. The king's righteousness is not simply to be of his own doing, but a righteousness that mirror's God's righteousness. A king is to display God's righteousness. He is to mirror the laws of the Bible. And may this sort of administration and righteousness pass on from son king to son, so future reigns have the same focus.

Those in need be delivered
May he judge your people with righteousness and your afflicted with justice. May your judgments be free from sin and have abundance of fairness.  Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. As I read this I am thinking not just about me and where I am, in a big city metropolis, but also all people in all walks of life -- those at school, living in rural areas, primitive situations, poor monetary environments, in all of these we are to think about the idea that the mountains are meant to be peaceful. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Instead of mountains it could say tall buildings; it could say a large barn or a tree. Let these surroundings be pleasing to us. Righteousness is to be free from sin. To have peace and freedom from sin is not necessarily an easy life free of problems. 

May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. May he deal with those that do not seek peace. A leader needs to deal with evil. We are in an election time right now and the issues are not necessarily along these lines. The injustices of our life are often more about our comfort, education, and keeping our land free from others. We are now trying to defend all people's rights and yet not everyone can have the same rights and we are redefining right and wrong. We do not seem to focus on taking care of the poor and needy. Those are not the big issues.

An All Encompassing movement of God
Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. 

Men everywhere are to fear you, no matter what; keep the empire of the Messiah present; don't let there be any different sort of reign. May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. God, your influence should always be present. Even if the ground is eaten up and the land has been devoured, descend on us like a rain, and shower us with what we need. In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. May it be that righteous ones flourish. May God fearing people and God praising people multiply and fill the earth. And may the things which produce peace not be few, but numerous. May they be found in towns and village, and private dwellings; in the calm and just administration of the affairs of the State; in abundant harvests; in intelligence, in education, in industry; to the rights of all -- until the moon ceases to shine upon the earth. May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. And Lord, may your dominion be far reaching, and cover throughout the universe. Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. And let those that are unreached or unknown, or live in the outskirts or desolate places -- may they all bow before him; and may his enemies bow in submission licking the dust of the ground. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him. May your dominion be far reaching. 

My Words:
O God, give kings and leaders justice over their kingdom and people so their ways are right. May the source of his/her justice be righteousness according to your laws and standards. May this be present for future generations as well. Make our leaders order with your righteousness and rule fair; may those who are afflicted be treated equitably; make our leaders live and act free from any taint or form of sin. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Make peace in the big structures of life, the tall buildings, airports, stadiums, theaters, subways, trains and everywhere many people gather. May those that are receiving wrong and experience afflictions be cleared of any wrong doing; God, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor; protect children and for those that are doing wrong to children, may they get unwelcome outcomes. Deal with those that are creating conflict instead of making peace. Men everywhere are to fear you, no matter what; keep the empire of the Messiah present; don't let there be any different sort of reign. Even if the ground is eaten up and the land has been devoured, descend on us like a rain, and shower us with what we need. May it be that righteous ones flourish. May God fearing people and God praising people multiply and fill the earth. And may the things which produce peace not be few, but numerous. May they be found in towns and village, and private dwellings; in the calm and just administration of the affairs of the State; in abundant harvests; in intelligence, in education, in industry; to the rights of all -- until the moon ceases to shine upon the earth. And Lord, may your dominion be far reaching, and cover throughout the universe. And let those that are unreached or unknown, or live in the outskirts or desolate places -- may they all bow before him; and may his enemies bow in submission licking the dust of the ground. May your dominion be far reaching.

Promise: Leaders are to rule by God's ways. Those in need will be delivered. And there will be an all encompassing movement of God throughout the earth.

Romans 15:1-3 - Bearing with the Weak

Romans 15:1-3 - ¹We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ² Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ³ For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

Message: Pleasing my neighbor

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

It's funny. In my post on the previous verse, from Chapter 14, I made mention that Paul chose to close that chapter not with verse 22, but with verse 23, and yet, reading this first verse reminds me that Paul was just writing, verse divisions and chapter divisions came much later. 

So here I am looking at a new set of verses, even though, I will call it a new chapter. What was said in the previous verses: 

• Remember the weak in faith and do not quarrel over opinions. 
• People have different convictions. Respect those differences. Let God be the judge. 
• If you have a conviction, be fully convinced. 
• If you have a conviction, honor the Lord and give thanks to Him. 
• Make sure your acts in response to your conviction don't cause other brothers to stumble or hinder their walk. 
• Don't let what you call as good be called evil by someone else.
• The goal in all of this is peace. 
• Everything is clean, but that doesn't mean partaking of everything is correct. Look at your motives. 
• Be careful, what is good may in fact be sin if it is done with the wrong motives. 

This is quite interesting, Paul goes from don't quarrel to don't judge to honor the Lord to not causing your brother to stumble to spreading peace to right motives. The bottom line is a message that I see throughout scripture and that is, be careful.  

Thus, verse 1 of chapter 15, looks for like a conclusion. This is something Paul does often. He restates something he has said earlier. Yet, he is a little clearer here. It is those that are strong that must be sensitive to those who are weak. I think he is talking about maturity levels and young versus more mature Christians. 

At time, the young Christian has the freedom of Christ and so thinks that this freedom allows them to do what they want. The last thing that young Christian wants to see is their new faith be a long list of do's and do not's. And yet this is often what they see and in seeing that, they often turn away. The mature Christian needs to be careful in how he approaches the weaker one. Verse 1 says it great, "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." The goal isn't self-gratification for the Christian. It isn't supposed to be about me. I am my brother's keeper. 

Further, verse 2, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." The reason we don't get baptized and go down and never get raised is because my life is about not me, but my brother. We are selfish creatures. We go to church thinking it is about us and getting our needs met. It is about the other person. That doesn't mean that every message is for someone else, because I can take personal application, but the music, preaching, church government, it's not about me. I am to please my neighbor. 

And what better example do we have than Christ? Verse 3, "For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”" Christ took on the sins of all. All the sins of mankind fell on him. He is our royal ambassador that my walk is about other people. 

I need this reminder daily. Selfishness and pleasing yourself is slammed into us day after day.  

Promise: I can hold onto the promise that I am serving God and my goal is to please Him and not myself, so I can look past my personal comfort and instead, focus on my brother or sister in Christ.  

Romans 14:20-21 - Protecting the Work of God

Romans 14:20-21 - ²⁰ Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. ²¹ It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

Message: Protecting the Work of God

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

It is amazing how much the issue of food has overridden this chapter. 

Verse 2 - eats all things versus vegetables only; the focus here was comparing the weak in faith to those with faith (mature) -- we are to accept one another irregardless, not regard with contempt or judge a person God has accepted (verse 3). 
Verse 6 - a person eats or does not eat does so for the Lord, giving thanks to the Lord. 
Verse 14 - in the Lord Jesus nothing is unclean, but if something thinks something is unclean, then it is to him. So be it. 
Verse 17 - the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking; that is not the goal; do not make a minor thing a major thing. 

In verse 19, it is clear that my purpose toward my brother is to pursue peace and it is to build that brother up. It is to be concerned about his growth in Christ. My focus is on him, not on myself. I am not living life in order to make myself happy or please myself, but for the purpose of my brother and building him up. 

I spoke to a man at the mall last night and he mentioned that he was happy with his life because he had a girl in his life that made him happy. There isn't anything wrong with that, but even that focus and our words are subtle, in that, life is thought to be good because, "I am happy." And yet what Paul is showing us here in these verses is the focus of our lives is not on ourselves, but on others. Even in Romans 12, verse 1 and 2, that began this treatise on living righteousness, our focus is presenting our bodies living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God. It is about renewing my mind. 12:3 says, "not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think" and in verse 10, "be devoted to one another in brotherly love." 

This is a hard message because I am a selfish creature. I tend to do things in life that are best for me. 

Tearing down the work of God
And so, now in verse 20, Paul repeats an idea that he mentioned in verse 17. He says, "do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food." In verse 17 it was, "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking." Don't nullify God working in a persons life because of the food he is eating or not eating. 

I was talking to a friend last night, sharing a book I was reading, and in that book, it mentions speaking in tongues. In Christianity today there are people that believe that gift is still relevant and those that believe it is not a gift that is still in practice today. There are differences. I think what Paul is saying here is don't make those issues larger than life. We can have those differences but don't divide with your brother because of them. I need to make sure my brother believes in the complete substitution of Christ for man by dying and being resurrected, imputing His righteousness to man, believing that one is saved by grace, not works and it is Christ that is working through us to sanctify us. Those are foundational, so why are we dividing then over an issue of speaking in tongues? I think that is what this verse may be saying that I do not want to "tear down the work of God" over food or over tongues. 

It is true that all things (food) is unclean. But or however, they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. My friend said something interesting last night. He said that people have a thirst to be right. That is true. But, we must be careful that in that thirst we are not hurting the faith of another. 

Do not do anything to make your brother to stumble
In order to not tear down the work of God in a person's life, we therefore do not do anything to make our brother stumble. It is like I think we need to agree that before we discuss an issue of disagreement that there is agreement that we are not going to divide over this issue. Can we agree that we can discuss and have differences and still be brother and sister in Christ? 

The problem people often have is taking indifferent matters and making it the standard for all people.

Promise: Respect people's difference. Don't make them bigger than they are. Focus not on the difference, but Christ working in the person's life.

Romans 14:15-16 - Preserving Christ's Sheep

Romans 14:15-16 -  ¹⁵ For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil.

Message: Showing Love to Your brother though your choices

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

I am right in the middle of a discussion on a Christians behavior towards another person (namely a Christian brother) over matters of disagreement. Paul isn't speaking of all disagreements, but those that involve information that is not explicitly understood through the reading of scripture.

He started off the chapter by talking about a person "weak in faith" or not as strong as the person seeing the other person. The big issue I saw was a respect towards people and their different convictions. (That said, I have said it earlier and I continue to think it is important to mention that there are many subjects that one person might view as negotiable and another non-negotiable. This is especially true in matters spoken of in the Old Testament as doctrine, but then not spoken of in the New Testament and the belief that their is in fact a new covenant and so the stuff in the Old Testament isn't needed to be upheld.) So, I think the principle of these verses is easy to read but the application of them is hard to define.

From verse 3 on, there is back and forth mentioning of food and days. Obviously, in that day and time, these were matters of big concern. And more specifically, the parties Paul is discussing throughout the book of Romans are Jews and Gentiles. To me, this started in chapter 2 when Paul began to speak about the customs of the Jews that tended to then regard the Jew as saved, notably circumcision, keeping the Law, and judging the Law. And probably, here in these verses, is once again looking at the customs of the Jew and now the life of the saved person and the Gentile. And the church of Rome was made up of Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. There were customs, traditions, that the Jewish Christians continued to keep that the Gentile probably did not seem necessary.

And so now looking at verse 15, I see Paul's words to the Gentile: "If because of food your brother is hurt." The Gentile believed that any food was able to be eaten. The Jew held probably to vegetables only, but the Gentile ate whatever. This is somewhat of a confusing verse. A person may even get defensive reading it, sensing that he is begin instructed to give up something he enjoys. The key phrase I see in verse 14 is "walking according to love."

The evaluation tool that I should use is, am I showing love to my brother. I think of a couple of scenario's:

1. I am having a party, inviting several friends, and at the party I plan to serve alcohol. One of my Christian brothers is a recovering alcoholic and recently took a vow to not drink again. Because of this, I need to not serve alcohol. Serving alcohol is something I do not have a problem doing, but I need to be sensitive to my brother and I don't want him to be given an opportunity to stumble. Here I am having charity, that is sacrificing my own comfort in order to not hurt the happiness of another.
2. Same scenario as above, but this time one of my friends does not like to drink alcohol. I do not have to not serve alcohol. They don't like drinking alcohol so they won't, but that doesn't mean that other shouldn't. This is the respect that I believer Chapter 14 is referring to.

In verse 15, it has a couple of thoughts to it. One, in the same thought of verse 14, we need to make sure that what I think is good, but someone else thinks is wrong, doesn't because then something that people look at me and see as evil. This is kind of tough. So, with my above scenario, is it okay to have drinking in a house with someone that doesn't like drinking. I think it depends on the person and whether or not they can respect your different views.

I think also in this verse is a little bit of the idea that I must be very careful of my actions as a Christian. If my actions cause someone else to sin then how am I acting as a Christian? Paul has spoken of this many times. Verse 1 of chapter 2 says the Christan condemns himself when he judges. But even more clearly is verse 24, regarding the Jew, "The name of God is blasphemed because of you." The Jew upheld the law, but then broke it behind people's backs. Is it any wonder that the world loves to bring to light those pastors or ministers or broadcast Christians that have sinned in a manner that the world knows Christians despise? I think of many times when a pastor has been found cheating on his wife or even being caught in a homosexual relationship. How unfortunate this is because it gives the name of God a bad name.

I remember when I was 21 and worked at a golf course during the summer while doing beach ministry and my head foreman heard me cuss. He glared at me and thought I was in trouble. How could I do such a thing? It was fine for him to do it, but not me. (I notice this when I walk in a room and people are cursing and they immediately turn to me and say, "Sorry Chris" like they have offended me.)

As a Christian I must be very careful and I must be quick to apologize.

Promise: A mature believer is to be a strong believer.

 

Romans 14:2-4 - Partaking and Abstaining

Romans 14:2-4 - ² One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. ³ The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. ⁴ Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Message: Disagreements in the Body

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

Romans 12 and 13 dealt with man's responsibility and now in Romans 14 I begin talk on Christian Liberty or how I am to conduct ourselves on matters that the Bible s not clear on. Yesterday, I looked at the differences that normally arise from people at different maturity levels in their faith and the disagreements that can arise. 

Disagreements are normal and it is interesting that Paul when talking about principles speaks of disagreements or differences in conviction that arise among people in the Body. I think this a very hard lesson in the Church today because I see that there are different denominations or many different non-denominations that have differences in points of emphasis. Many churches are looking at the same Bible and have the same basic view of salvation and yet conduct their churches in different manners. I think the big danger in a church is the belief that they are better than other churches and to be a true Christian then people must worship or do church in the way that they see it should be done. Obviously, I think people need to be sensitive to falsehood, but it is amazing that this often results in separation.  

I think we really must be careful in this because people can alienate non-believers with their disagreements. I can do this often. I think I just need to be careful in this, that I don't make a new believer think that there is only one church they should attend -- my church. 

Today's passage is a prime example as it deals with people with 2 different convictions - meat eaters and vegetable only eaters. The concern that erupts is not just that people have these differences, but that God only accepts people that have the right application to the right conviction. I think what concerns God is our heart attitude.

Promise:  From TableTalk, - taking time to understand one another can go a long way in helping to not judge one another inappropriately. 

Romans 14:1 - The Weak in Faith

Romans 14:1 - As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

Message: Accepting those weak in Faith

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

My Open Bible states that Chapter 14 is on the Principles of Christian Liberty and then Chapter 15 through verse 13 is the practice of Christian Liberty. I found this definition of Christian Liberty: "The freedom from God to do whatever you wish in any matter the Bible does not address, without fear of persecution by the church or saints!" John MacArthur states, "Christian liberty then is to take all that Christ provides, be free from having to fulfill a legal code to please God, being free from the frustration that says I can't make it. Being free from an external set of legal rules that I have to keep. Free to just function in the overflow of the work of the Spirit inside. Sinclair Ferguson called it "finding freedom from the Law without being a stumbling block to Jewish people."

I continue to explore practical Christianity as Romans 12 and 13 focused on Responsibilities toward God, others, government, and my neighbor. But, now the shift is how to conduct myself when the application does not have a specific word in the Bible. It is OK for Christians to watch television or movies? Is it okay to dance or play cards? What about eating meat left over from animals sacrificed to pagan gods? Is there a clear right and wrong?

This first verse of Chapter 14 seems to begin the discussion and first thing that is mentioned is the person that is weak in faith. I think we must be careful to not divide on issues that Scripture does not specifically address. Then, there is also the recognition that some people are weak in faith and others strong in faith and the weak may see ambiguous situations as not being wrong. Paul's big point is: do not quarrel over opinions.


Promise: From TableTalk - Mature Christians are to be extraordinarily patient with immature believers, putting up with their misunderstandings and other growing pains as they aim for maturity in the Lord.

 

Jesus Calling: May 14

     I am a mighty God. Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day's demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation.
     I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength. 

Luke 1:37
English Standard Version

For nothing will be impossible with God. 

Verse Thoughts - This is towards Mary in response to Elizabeth having a child at an old age.  

2 Corinthians 12:9
English Standard Version

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: April 30

     When some basic need is lacking--time, energy, money--consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live--in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.
     The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness. 

James 1:2
English Standard Version
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

2 Corinthians 12:9
New American Standard
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

My Prayer
Lord, You know me. You know me better than I know myself. And what you know about me would greatly embarrass me before others. You know my failures, my secret thoughts, everything about me. You know how hard I work many times to present myself before others as this person who looks good and plays the part and is highly esteemed and yet You know the real me. And that is the person that you love. I align myself so often with those that are strong or who exhibit strength and you accept me in my weakness. And in that weakness you make me strong. And what I need to be is that real person. I don't deserve you God. Your grace amazes me. I could never repay you and you don't even want me to try. Thank You for dwelling in me, for taking up residence in me. O God I thank you.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.     

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: March 16

    It is good that you recognize your weakness. That keeps you looking to Me, your Strength. Abundant life is not necessarily health and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me. Instead of trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the lookout for what I am doing. This mind-set will free you to enjoy Me and to find what I have planned for you to do. This is far better than trying to make things go according to your own plan.

    Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with Me. You have Me on your side, so what are you worried about? I can equip you to do absolutely anything, as long as it is My will. The more difficult your day, the more I yearn to help you. Anxiety wraps you up in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts. When you look to Me and whisper My Name, you break free and receive My Help. Focus on Me, and you will find Peace in My Presence. 

Philippians 4:13
Amplified Bible
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Proverbs 17:22
English Standard Version
A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

My Prayer

Lord, you remind me that it is in my weakness You are strong. Living in the world, I tend to define a great life by being healthy and/or being wealthy, but rather it is being In Christ and living my life depending on You Lord. It is in my weakness Lord that you are more clearly seen. Help me to not think that I should flee from things that make me uncomfortable. Lord, I don't want to live in fear, so impress on Me the victory I have in You. Lord, I can accept any situation and be content in it, not because I am special or have great peace of mind, but because You give me strength. 

Lord, help me to laugh more and not to take each moment so serious. There is joy in you. You tell me not to worry about anything, but rejoice always. Help me to get my focus on You and not on my circumstances. You are a great God and I can find Peace in Your Presence. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit's Intercession

Romans 8:26-27 - 26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Message: Prayer as it should be

Time: This book was probably written between 56 and 57 B.C. Paul was in Greece, probably Corinth when he wrote. It was sent to Gentile believers, but also believers with a strong Jewish element.

What the Lord is Saying:

Review
It never gets old to review where I've come from so far in this study of Romans. I definitely am loving this study. I've studied Romans before but I don't think I've ever gotten this far into it. I tend to be a starter and not a finisher, so I still have a goal to finish.


Romans 1 continues to be my favorite in all of scripture. I love the introduction Paul makes of this letter in the first 17 verses, proclaiming that it is all about the gospel, not just the letter, but really his life is all about the gospel and proclaiming it. He longs to see the people in Rome. Why? Because they are all about the gospel and making it known.


But then the rest of Romans 1 gives us a heavy dose on the reality of our culture. The reality is our culture has replaced God with, well, basically anything else. And the scariest thing is, "God has given them over" to it. It reminds me of Moses and Pharaoh. God sent Moses to Pharaoh and Pharaoh's heart was hardened. In the first half mentions of the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, it was Pharaoh admitting a hardened heart, but in the last half it was that God had hardened his heart. Same thing in Romans 1. It starts out with people knowing God, but not honoring, not giving thanks, but exchanged God for something else and then it moves to God giving them over to their degrading passions.


So, in my opinion the only way they can come back is if God draws them and this often the result of our fervent praying.


The last half of Romans 1 is really directed toward the guilt of the Gentile, so Paul takes the time to speak of the guilt of the Jew in chapter 2 and 3 through verse 20.  It is clear the Law won't save the Jew and the act of circumcision won't save the Jew. No one gets a free pass before God. Paul clearly shows that there is nothing of man's doing that can make him right with God. That is a very hard truth for people to accept.


At the end of chapter 3 is really perhaps a small Gospel presentation which is really kind of fitting. The Gospel is simple. God will make me righteous. Without God interceding I am unrighteous. God intercedes by sending His Son as our redeemer. I receive righteousness by faith apart from any works I may do. It's actually very simple.


Paul then confirms that this is nothing new and Abraham had the same thing happen to him whereby God  declared Him righteous and Paul explains this in chapter 4.


What does it mean to be justified? Chapter 5 tells us the benefits. The first one is well understood and received, it is peace. But, the 2nd one is rarely celebrated. We have joy in tribulation. It is out of our sin, our mistakes, our goof-ups and then our trials and tribulations that God is glorified and in our trials as redeemed people our faith is confirmed, validated, and brings us hope in the day of Glory. and the 3rd benefit is I am saved from God's wrath. In Adam, sin spread to all men resulting in death to all. In Christ, redemption is available to all, resulting in eternal life with God.


Chapter 6, 7, and 8 then pose the question, "What then?" Between this justification and glorification resides my sanctification. As I heard a pastor say, when a person is baptized, they are not held under and sent to glory, they are raised up to walk new in life. The Life of a regenerate Christian should be all about growing in holiness. Chapter 6 tells me sin is dead in me, so flee from it. And then in Chapter 7 don't continue in my old life of being obedient to the Law on my own strength, I must always remember the Law is not capable of making me righteous. But God working through me can fulfill the Law. But, I must always keep in mind the weakness of my own flesh (this is why I personally think accountability is of utmost importance to all believers in Christ per Hebrews 10:24-25). And Paul then shows me really the crown of my life now in Christ and that is the Spirit of God is in me. The Spirit will deliver me from the power of my flesh, will confirm me as a son (child) of God. and will focus me in life on my future glory. I love how Solomon records it in Ecclesiastes 3:11. "He has made everything beautiful (appropriate) in its own time. He has also set eternity in the human heart. Yet so that man (no one) can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." The key in that verse is God takes cares of the details. God tells us the beginning and focuses on the end and I must let him take care of and trust Him with the in between. Easier said than done.


So, once again, in Chapter 8 the Holy Spirit is confirming and focusing me on the future. On one hand I can rejoice now because I am part of the family of God. Life is futile. No doubt. But, I have hope. Again, rely on eternity.


Current context
What is so important about verse 26 and 27 is their leading up verse to verse 28. Verse 28 is one of those often name it, claim it verses. Like so many verses pulled out and used in the Bible, I think we and I must be careful of its use. And verse 26 and 27 are so important in its understanding as well as the meaning of these verses going back to verse 18.


According to my Bible, 18-25 is one paragraph. And 26-30 is another paragraph.


Weakness in praying
Very clearly these two verses, 26 and 27 are speaking of prayer (28-30 as well in my opinion). The Spirit clearly as spoken of in verses 18-25 and going back to verse 1 of chapter 8 is there with us in life. He is there for the in-between -- the time between the beginning and end and more specifically in life of the justified, the time between justification and glorification. So, the Spirit is with us in life. Well, the Spirit is also with us in our weakness. Could it be Paul is letting us know that a weakness is prayer?


"In the same way" that hope helps us while we live in the midst of futility, the Spirit helps our weakness. And so obviously, what Paul is saying we (or more specifically the church in Rome)


I can identify with this. Prayer is a weak thing in my life. I can sense the Spirit prompting many times to pray. Some times I listen, many times I don't. I often listen to the lie that prayer doesn't make sense. Why would a sovereign God ask me to pray?  But I think that's a question I don't need to ask. My tendency is to ask why, but as scripture tells me the clay doesn't ask the potter why did you make me this way so I don't ask why, I am to do because the command to pray is clear.


I notice Paul doesn't tell people to pray. Prayer is assumed. It is assumed the Christians in Rome are praying. Pray is assumed to be a part of our lives. Has Paul assumed anything in Romans? That is almost a comical question because the man who has presented such a thorough presentation of condemnation, justification and sanctification thus far has clearly assumed nothing in those concepts. And yet, here, prayer is assumed to occur and also prayer is clearly a weakness.


Good news about prayer
Paul offers to me good news about prayer. The Spirit is with me. The Spirit comes alongside me. I know the Spirit prompts me to pray, though these verses don't convey that thought. But, the Spirit, just as He is gives me hope in the midst of futility, is also there to help me with my praying.


The word "groanings" is used here. It has been used before. In verse 22, the creation groans in regards to the reality of life being about nothing and the creation experiences the pain of life. And in verse 23, groaning even occurs for those in Christ in regards to a new position in Christ, including as adopted sons) and that our body is redeemed. To me groanings is non-verbal. It's something that occurs within us that is there, but not able to be articulated or voiced. It is something that is happening, but can't readily be described. It doesn't mean that we don't often try to describe it for we habitually feel a need to answer all of the "why" questions in life. But, I really think Paul is saying to me basically that, "yes, you know you are to be a praying man, and the Spirit is there helping you in ways that really can't be described."


I don't think this is too hard to comprehend. When I do think about how big God is and what it means that everything I see He authored and I see this world in all of its intricacies and continuous movement and long-term time and timeline is all being sustained by Him, it just seems easy to realize that God speaks and works through me in ways that aren't describable.

Good news in praying
Verse 26 is the principle. Verse 26 describes the principle. Paul continuously in Romans offers me a principle first and then the application or the specifics or further explains what this means to my daily life and the practical part of the principle.

"God searches our hearts." Prayer is a time often about Psalm 139 time where God is searching me to see if there is anything offensive in me (verse 24). I think this is an application for the Christian and Non-Christian. It is God who is at first is helping man see where they have been a sinner. It is God that draws people to Himself. He searches our hearts to help us see our offense.

But here further what God is doing is searching our hearts to help us see our sin, see where our flesh has corrupted us, as is spoken of at the end of Romans 7. Our heart is being searched to align ourselves with the indwelling Spirit in us ("He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is"). We are meant to be better aligned in prayer.

God intercedes for us
And in praying we realize that God is interceding for us. My Bible adds words to this text and those are in italics. So, the rest of the verse says, "He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." If I remove the italics, it reads, "He intercedes for the saints according to God." God prays for me according to Himself. So, God is praying that I would be about Him and His ways.

We work so hard to pray. We bring God big lists. We often pray, "if it's according to your will God" Prayer has become more about what people are struggling with at any given time that about exposing our own selves in prayer.

One of the things that I really enjoy about the new church we are attending (over the last 6 or 7 weeks) is that, in the service, they have a time of confession. They have an intentional time set aside to confess ones sins. One week, one of the pastors mentioned that many times that time needs to be about Psalm 139 because often we come into prayer having no idea what our sin is. And then other times we should be about Psalm 51 and confessing those sins. There is no problem with mentioning the hurts that people are experiencing, the trials and tribulations, but I must not forget that first and foremost prayer is about exposing me. And then aligning me with God and His ways.

As I learn through scripture, I need to be careful. And I think I need to be careful as I pray. Ultimately, the Spirit is there, and God is praying for me. I need to pray for others and the things that matter most in their lives, namely their salvation and God rescuing them from their habitual life of sin without regret or remorse towards God. And I need to be careful about making prayer just a time to focus what I feel like is a problem for me (getting out of a trial).

One last note
It is clear that we don't pray correctly. I think we tend to think that any prayer is a good and right prayer. But, I think I can see through these verses that some prayers need not be prayed. 

Promise: I am limited in my understanding of myself and my circumstances. The Holy Spirit takes my prayers and makes them perfect. God prays perfectly in accordance to the way of the Holy Spirit and His requests are always granted. - My conclusion from June 26, 2014 Tabletalk

Romans 6:16-19 - Slaves to Righteousness

Romans 6:16-19 - 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Message: It should be that we can't help it, as a follower of Christ, to be a slave of righteousness and in turn reach sanctification.

Time: Paul wrote Romans from Corinth as he prepared to leave for Palestine. Phoebe (16:1,2) was given the great responsibility of delivering the letter to the Romans believers. At this time, Rome had a population of 1 million, many of whom were slaves. The Romans church was doctrinally sound, but it still needed rich doctrine and practical application. Rome had massive buildings but also slums.

What the Lord is Saying:

Background
From 6, verse 15-23, is the Believer's Death to Sin in Practice. Yesterday, the question was asked, now that a person is under law, can they ever sin, even if it is just once or twice. Earlier in chapter 6, it was clearly stated that sin is dead from the perspective of God through Christ and I am made alive in Christ. And so the person in Christ needs to realize that we are complete in Christ and our biggest obstacle in life is when we live outside of this condition.

No matter whom you serve, you are a slave
Whether we serve sin or serve obedience, we are a slave (verse 16). I can be a slave of sin or of obedience. At times, in my life, specifically when I was growing up, I struggled with those people that were, so-called goody too shoes. Maybe what I disliked is the confidence they had in doing things well, like school work. They seemed to take great pride in its accomplishment and were good at it. And I struggled because I was not good at it. So, I found myself poking fun at their studious behavior. I remember one summer when the quest was to read books. I had read like 3 books that summer and felt very accomplished only to found out the boy across the street had read an unbelievable amount. I thought it was somewhere in the 70's or even 100. My jaw dropped and I just assumed it was a ruse. Yet, he was good at being a slave of education and learning. 

Thanks to God, we are slaves of obedience
Something interesting has happened as I make a commitment to follow Christ. I become a slave of righteousness. The questions that are asked in this chapter, verse 1 and verse 15, are in essence completely contrary to what a Christian or Christ follower or regenerate sinner would ask. Why? Because in Christ (verse 17 and 18)we have been freed from sin and have become slaves of righteousness.

This is something I struggle with at times. I see Christians or proclaimed Christians in my life that don't seem to have a complete life change. There are changes in principle but not always in practice. They still retain their old life in some shape or form. Perhaps it is a foul mouth. Or perhaps there is no desire for corporate worship or church. Perhaps there is a thirst for alcohol (which in our country equates to a lifestyle contrary to the cross). Or there is little thirst for Bible reading, but more interest in just self-improvement. Yet, here in these verses, it is clear. I have been freed from sin. I became a slave to righteousness. This doesn't mean I always am righteous but I am in turmoil when I'm not living in a righteous manner. I think this is the Christian. The follower or true worshiper really has a tension with sin. And not just because it reaps poor dividends in life. The true worshiper doesn't want to displease God any longer.

There is a goal: sanctification
Verse 19 reminds us that these aren't just things we do, righteous living or sin living. But, they are resulting in a transformed life. If we are a slave to the flesh, then impurity and lawlessness will result. The purpose of the Christian is to follow Christ all the days of his or her life and thus move towards Christ likeness. This is who we are in Christ.

Promise: By being in Christ, God frees us from sin and we become slaves of righteousness.

Romans 4:18-21 - Persevering, Strengthening Faith

Romans 4:18-21 - 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

Message: Faith continues; sustains

Time: The date of the book is probably 60 A.D. written from Corinth on Paul's third missionary journey. The church in Rome seems to be established and Romans does not speak of any one error in the church that he is addressing. The church had a large Jewish element, but also filled with Gentile converts from paganism, both free as well as slaves. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

At the end of verse 17 it states that God gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. Yesterday, I wasn't sure what that meant, but now reading these verses (19) it does show that what he was talking about is God giving life to something that, from all appearances, was dead. 

Romans 4 continues to be re-delivering the message of the Old Testament, and specifically Abraham, the father of the Jews, but even more notably the father of us all. God made Abraham a promise and this promise was not momentary, but a blessing for all time for him to be the father of many nations. But, why is Abraham important? He is clearly important to the Jew, but why is he important to me? I think, he is one example, God used of a man who was declared righteous by his faith, not by works. So, Abraham is an example to me.


Verse 18 - Abraham had hope and believed in the impossible
The reading today begins "in hope against hope he believed." What Paul now shows and continues to show is that this act of crediting a person with righteousness and declaring a person alive is supremely an divine act. It is not human effort. Hope is complete assurance of a future good. But, it is also clear that what Christ does seems impossible to man. And thus the reason for the word "believe" to continually be repeated. Romans has 20 references to the word believe. And that I think is the meaning of the phrase "in hope against hope." It is an oxymoron statement, but against all of the hope of believing, in hope Abraham believed. Hope is the desire for something to happen. Faith is the confidence that is will happen. 

It was 25 years from the time Abraham received the promise that he would have a son and when he actually had a son. 25 years. I struggle waiting 25 minutes or even 25 days. 

The rest of verse 18 is a repeat of the fact that Abraham held tightly to the promise God had given him, that he would be the father of many nations. Abraham's offspring would be a result for future generations. 

Verse 19 - Despite what he saw and knew, Abraham did not become weak in faith
Abraham did not get weak in his faith. 25 years of waiting and Abraham did not become weak in faith. I have teenagers in the house who are often not in the house, but off, doing things. Life is changing. The kids are no longer in the house, by our side, in the other room playing why I am in one room, outside in the neighborhood, with us. More and more there time is spent not near us. Pamela and I have longed for the day in the past of being alone and now we are and we wish we weren't. My wife and I are secure in our marriage, but we miss having our kids nearby. When they are near, I know what they are doing. As they leave, I don't know. And yet, I just want to know all is okay. The boys don't seem to have a problem communicating where they are at, but my daughter is a different story. She doesn't want to have to tell us, but just wants us to trust her. And it is hard. It is hard to not know. It's easy to her because she knows herself. We know her but she is also changing and we also remember what life was like at that age. Life is so fragile as well. It can be gone in an instant, and yet, our hope (desire) and faith (certainty) must be in the Lord. 

Without becoming weak Abraham looked at himself and Sarah. Abraham was 100 years old. Sarah's womb was dead. And yet Abraham did not become weak in his faith. The evidence before him was not strong that anything would happen as far as fulfilling the promise God had given him. But, with Abraham, he did not become weak. 

Verse 20 - Abraham's faith grew
In the face of all that Abraham saw in himself, he not only did not get weak in his faith, but his faith grew? I can't help but put a question mark after the statement that this faith grew. What in the world? His faith grew? The evidence showed him that nothing would happen, but for Abraham, his faith grew? It grew because of 1 thing: He believed. He believed God. 

Right now, with teenagers, will my faith grow? Will my thirst for knowing where they are at cause me to shrink in faith or will my faith remain or will my faith grow? 

And growing faith means we glory in God. I always go back and remember Romans 1:21 that "even though they knew God, they did not honor God or give thanks." The first thing that happens when we begin to flee God is not giving thanks. Knowing God is honoring God and thanking Him, giving glory to God. Glory gives a proper opinion of who God is. To glorify God is to state with my life that God is real. That God is complete and can handle anything. And that understanding can cause my faith to grow because I then don't doubt. 

Verse 21 - Abraham's definition of faith
Why don't I doubt? Because I am fully convinced in God and what He will do. This is a more complete definition of faith: "being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform." Abraham is not saying that he knew how God would perform his promises. Old in age, as he prayed, he was confident in God, but that didn't mean he understood how God will do something. I don't need to understand completely, my faith tells me that God will do it. He is able.

Promise: Faith doesn't mean that we know all the answers, but faith does mean that God knows all the answers.

Jesus Calling: April 5

    Let Me fill you with My Love, Joy, and Peace. There are Glory-gifts, flowing from my living Presence. Though you are an earthen vessel, I designed you to be filled with heavenly contents. Your weakness is not a deterrent to being filled with My Spirit; on the contrary, it provides an opportunity for My Power to shine forth more brightly.
    As you go through this day, trust Me to provide the strength that you need moment by moment. Don't waste energy wondering whether you are adequate for today's journey. My Spirit within you is more than sufficient to handle whatever this day may bring. That is the basis for your confidence! In quietness (spending time alone with Me) and confident trust (relying on My sufficiency) is your strength. 

2 Corinthians 4:7
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

Verse Thoughts
We have the gospel and it is here described as a treasure, meaning it is of inestimable worth. And yet the possessors of that gospel are earthen vessels--weak, feeble, liable to various accidents, fragile, basically unworthy to hold such a valuable treasure. And yet, we have the ability to do great things, not because we are great, but because of the great Power of God at work in us.

Isaiah 30:15
English Standard Version (ESV)
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
But you were unwilling,

Verse Thoughts
According to Albert Barnes, the design of this verse is to give a reason for the destruction that should come upon them. That reason was, that God had indicated to them the path of truth and safety, but they chose not to follow it, and refused to put confidence in him. In returning to God; that is, if you are converted and surrendered to him, resting on God for assistance, and not seeking the alliance of Egypt (people that want nothing of God), in a collected, quiet state of mind, by putting simple trust in God, you shall be safe; your enemies shall not be able to overcome and subdue you. That's the plan, but you were unwilling.

My Prayer
Lord, I open the door of my life to You and welcome You in. Lord, I want to filled with You. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live in me and be the presence of You in me. Keep me connected to You and Your word. I want to be content and have a quiet state of mind, daily putting my trust in You. 


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: March 21

    Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. Think what it means to have Me as your Strength. I spoke the universe into existence; My power is absolutely unlimited! Human weakness, consecrated to Me, is like a magnet, drawing My Power into your neediness. However, fear can block the flow of My Strength into you. Instead of trying to fight your fears, concentrate on trusting Me. When you relate to Me in confident trust, there is no limit to how much I can strengthen you.

    Remember that I am also your Song. I want you to share My Joy, living in conscious awareness of My Presence. Rejoice as we journey together toward heaven; join Me in singing My Song.

Isaiah 12:2-3

English Standard Version
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Psalm 21:6

English Standard Version
For you make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
My Prayer
In my weakness Lord, you are Strong. You are my strength. You carry me. You created everything I see so you are definitely capable of caring for my life. Help me Lord to trust You each day and not grade your hand of providence in my life. Put a new song in my mouth, so that I can sing praises to Your Name.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.