Romans 9:14-16 - God's Sovereign Mercy

Romans 9:14-16 -14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.

Message: God's Sovereign Mercy

Time: Romulus founded ancient Rome about 753 BC. By 600 BC it had become a wealthy, flourishing city with a monarch. Around 500 BC, the monarch was overthrown. A republic resulted and after war, Rome became the only great power in the Mediterranean, succeeding the empire of Alexander the Great. Before and after the birth of Christ, Rome's dominion continued to expand to about two thirds the size of the continental US. At the time Paul wrote, Rome had a population of about 1,000,000. Most were slaves. It was a vast empire, but had many religions present. It is unknown how the church started in Rome, but Gentiles and Jews both were involved. Paul was writing to address a problem, but he wanted to be there and perhaps, make Rome his base for his missionary journey's

What the Lord is Saying:

Romans 9 begins with the question of can Jesus really be the Messiah when God's chosen people have rejected Him? Yet, Paul shows through two examples, Isaac and Ishmael, then Jacob and Esau, that God is the one that chooses. And his choice is not based upon man's works. God chooses based upon His good pleasure.

Verse 14 follows up then with a natural question. God does not treat people in an unfair manner, does he? Or is God unfair? And verse 15 and 16 further clarify and state that God does what He does based upon God being God. God's choice isn't based upon the performance of man.

I think these verse are so clear in that statement. And yet it is important I think to note what these verses are not saying. They are not focusing on man, but only on what man is not doing. All the focus is on God. And I think it is important that we still have a Bible that tells us to pray and share the good news and disciple and train for Godliness and obey commandments.

And I think this is very hard for many people to wrap their brains around. This verse assaults our pride. It makes us think that we are not of value, yet we are. It makes us think our actions are not needed, but they are.

I think the problem many people have with God is they define him based upon their own thinking and not on the Word of God. If we would just hold onto these truths and let them be our guide, I think life would be defined so much differently. I'm not saying that we wouldn't still have questions. There will still be mysteries and uncertainties, but we can always rest on God and His truth and believe and trust Him.

The problem many people have is rather than defining life by what God has done, they define life from what man has done and when they do that, they get angry and walk away. When a loved one dies a death at a young age, when someone kills another human being, when a person suffers tremendously without dying, when one person has much and another has little, in all these things people look and stare and assume God can't be real. They watch seemingly good lives lived and then assume good outcomes must result. It is difficult. No doubt. It is hard to know people, to learn from them, to spend time with them and then to naturally wonder of their eternal state. We do want so badly to remain with people. We don't want to believe that there is a hell. We don't want to believe there are tough outcomes for people. 

Promise: If grace is owed, it is not grace. God chooses. Grace is free. God is merciful and compassionate.

Romans 9:10-13 - God's Purpose of Election

Romans 9:10-13 - 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Message: God's Purpose of Election;

Time: Romulus founded ancient Rome about 753 BC. By 600 BC it had become a wealthy, flourishing city with a monarch. Around 500 BC, the monarch was overthrown. A republic resulted and after war, Rome became the only great power in the Mediterranean, succeeding the empire of Alexander the Great. Before and after the birth of Christ, Rome's dominion continued to expand to about two thirds the size of the continental US. At the time Paul wrote, Rome had a population of about 1,000,000. Most were slaves. It was a vast empire, but had many religions present. It is unknown how the church started in Rome, but Gentiles and Jews both were involved. Paul was writing to address a problem, but he wanted to be there and perhaps, make Rome his base for his missionary journey's

What the Lord is Saying:

Review
Paul begins Romans 9 with a question: How can this Jesus be the Messiah when the leaders of Israel don't believe in Him? How can the new covenant set aside the old covenant? How could God give a gospel that His own leaders would deny and consider to be a heresy or a blasphemy? If the Jews are God's people and yet they never have believed in the gospel, the new covenant, the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, that Jesus is the Messiah, then how can it all be true? It really just seems like Christianity is just another religion.

And so Paul, in these verses, 6 to 33 is going to state how God character has not changed. The unbelief of Israel is not inconsistent with God's person. The fact that Israel doesn't believe does not mean that God's promise has been violated.

This is a hard text. It is not just a hard text to understand based upon what it says. It is a hard text and message because it does infer a difficulty people have to believe in Jesus, and specifically here, the difficulty that Israel's people have, the Jews, to believe in Jesus. If they embrace the gospel, they are saying no to their heritage, their traditions, their families, their entire ways of life. That is a very difficult thing that I don't even understand or comprehend. I grew up in a family of faith and specifically a family of Christian faith and so me embracing the salvation of Jesus is not anything bewildering and it doesn't place me as an outsider.

But, I think of the missionaries we support in India and the message of the gospel they are presenting to Hindu's and Muslims and this message that flies as not just an opposite, but really as an opposition to the prevailing truth these people know and have been taught throughout the centuries. Those missionaries are discovering that the people they are ministering to, their current faith, pervades all areas of their life. They have celebrations and ritualistic times that affect their entire life.

One thing they are dealing with is that they don't want the message of the gospel to just be an addition to these people's faith. They don't want it to just be a cute story that they can add onto their faith. There is that tendency even if they embrace it. I really feel for those missionaries because they are facing every day a big battle. 

This is why I've noticed when talking to people about their beliefs and faith and it is harder for people that are older because they are more set in their ways and they have more that they are attached to and therefore, they have a harder time changing.

Verses 6-9
In these verses Paul declared that the word of God had not failed. And a true descendant of Israel is one who has embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ. And we can hold on to God's promises. They are true, but they are only true to those that have true faith in Him.

God's example of His calling
He previously stated that two sons were born from the same man, but two women. One from Hagar and one from Sarah. In that instance, he chose one and did not choose the other. In this case though Paul shows that two sons were born from the same union of one couple, Rebekah and Isaac and also in this situation one was chosen and one not. Paul seems to be making the point here in verse 10 and previously in verse 9, that God chooses based upon His own doing. He uses whatever circumstance to carry out his commission.

And then in verse 11, it is also mentioned that God's purpose in His choosing is based upon whom He calls and not based upon the works of the individuals. God doesn't wait to see how a person will perform to then count that person as worthy or not and then choose the one that is worthy and not choose the unworthy one. No, instead he chooses one. And then the crazy thing is this: the story of Isaac makes more sense to us because God chose Isaac born of the union of Abraham and Sarah. He gave a promise to Abraham and carried it out. Sarah gave her husband Hagar, but this wasn't God's timing. Ishmael resulted from that union.

But, in the instance of Jacob and Esau. Jacob is loved even though Esau comes out first. Rebekah has to sort of trick Isaac by getting the blessing of Isaac for Jacob. And yet Jacob is the chosen one. Jacob was loved. Esau was not. Jacob was chosen before the birth of either.

Verse 13 is a quote from Malachi 1:2,3 "2  “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob; 3  but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.”

It is easy to see why God did not choose Esau. Esau was godless, filled with pride, having sold his birthright for food. But, still, while that is clear, it is not clear why Jacob would be chosen instead. Esau was the first born.

So Paul uses these two lessons to put forth the point that God's choosing of people is based upon God, not man. One could argue that Isaac was chosen because Abraham and Sarah were both Jewish and Hagar was not. But, Isaac and Rebekah were both Jewish. One Jew was chosen, one was not. God chooses based upon His decision. It's actually a tough truth. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, July 10, 2014: 'God chooses people for salvation according to His good pleasure and not because of anything in them. He chooses to save sinners in spite of their sin."

Romans 9:6-9 - Children of the Promise

Romans 9:6-9 - 6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “through Isaac your descendants will be named.” 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. 9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.”


Message: Children of the Promise; Paul continues to share Christ with his people

Time: Romulus founded ancient Rome about 753 BC. By 600 BC it had become a wealthy, flourishing city with a monarch. Around 500 BC, the monarch was overthrown. A republic resulted and after war, Rome became the only great power in the Mediterranean, succeeding the empire of Alexander the Great. Before and after the birth of Christ, Rome's dominion continued to expand to about two thirds the size of the continental US. At the time Paul wrote, Rome had a population of about 1,000,000. Most were slaves. It was a vast empire, but had many religions present. It is unknown how the church started in Rome, but Gentiles and Jews both were involved. Paul was writing to address a problem, but he wanted to be there and perhaps, make Rome his base for his missionary journey's

What the Lord is Saying:

Outline
Here is another outline I found on biblepilot.com.

1. 9:1-5 Anguish for Israel
1. 9:1-3 Paul’s deep love and grief (Exodus 32:32)
2. 9:4-5 Israel’s extraordinary heritage
2. 9:6-29 God’s sovereign election and mercy
1. 9:6-8 Children of the promise
2. 9:9-13 Election illustrated by Israel and Edom
3. 9:14-18 God’s purpose and mercy illustrated
1. 9:14-16 Mercy on Moses (Exodus 33:19)
2. 9:17-18 Hardened Pharaoh (Exodus 9:34 – 10:1)
4. 9:19-24 The sovereign potter’s preparation
5. 9:25-26 Inclusion of gentiles declared by Hosea
6. 9:27-29 Exclusion of Israel declared by Isaiah
3. 9:30-33 Pursuit of righteousness
1. 9:30-31 Success by faith. Failure by works.
2. 9:32-33 The stumbling stone

In my open Bible, 9:1 - 11:36 is called the vindication of the righteousness of God and it states -- It appears that God has rejected His people, Israel, but it is really Israel who has rejected her Messiah. God's rejection of Israel is only partial (there is a spiritual remnant that has trusted in Christ) and temporary (they will be grafted back, 11:23-27). Paul appropriately quotes from the Old Testament in this section, and he emphasizes that God will be faithful to His covenant promises and restore Israel. 

Thus far, in the first 5 verses, Paul has declared his great love for the people of Israel, his fellow kinsmen, the Jews. As I have seen, Paul is speaking to the church in Rome. He is speaking to gentiles there, but it seems this book is predominantly written to the Jewish Christians there. And though the Jewish Christian is new in Christ, thoughts and questions remain in their life. Throughout Romans, Paul poses and answers these questions that are probably coming from them. He desires to encourage them and help them to understand the questions that they are undoubtedly having. His love for them is great. And his sorrow for them is great as well. He desires them to live fulfilled lives in Christ. He desires them to embrace all of the gospel in their lives. He would rather separate himself from the love of Christ than to see his friends not embrace Christ.

What stands out to me is not just Paul's incredible compassion on people but his deep concern over those that don't express a belief in God. I'm continually amazed in my own life as to how I spend time with people, have conversations about various things in life, work, family, raising children, sports, and yet not bring up, that which I believe to be most important, and that is a new life in Christ.

This is why the message here in Romans is so important because Paul recognizes that the people he is writing to have friendships with those that are unconverted. And he wants to encourage them in their own understanding so that they can then share that with others.

And yet this is a message not just to Jews, but also to Gentiles. The truths are the same. People may be impacted by them differently, but they benefit everyone.

Re-teaching
Much of the message from Paul in Romans is to try to re-teach the Jewish Christian. They have been trained over the years in certain ideas regarding the Law, it's keeping, circumcision, understanding of sin, the Spirit of God, righteousness, and Paul shows them how they have been misinformed. I've always been struck by the principle of training. I often think of I Timothy 4:7-8 that says, "Discipline or train yourself for godliness." It just always reminds me of the importance of training in our lives and the need to train ourselves to be Godly. The reality is people's beliefs and convictions in life are deep. Everyone has been trained throughout life. The convictions that people hold are there because of years of training. We are constantly being trained in life. Habits are constantly being formed. Our perceptions of things are being defined. And we are becoming deeply engrossed in these ideas.

I see this in the life of my own family members. I watch my children daily get trained. And as their parent, it makes me nervous often to see a path they are going down. Yet, I'm confident in God and He can bring them down His path, as He did with me. But, still it is hard. I've had this conviction since mid-August to have a daily family devotional time in the evening. It started out occurring 4 or 5 times a week, then 3 times, then 2 times, then once and now, in the last week, not at all. It's such a struggle to develop a new habit because no one is accustomed to this in their lives and they already have their lives filled up with other stuff. Every time I initiate it, I feel like I'm disturbing them. Often, when we sit down and talk, the time is great. But, getting to that point is so difficult. Lately, I find myself even talking myself out of bringing it up. So, see, even in something so elementary to faith in this house, there is training that has occurred and it is hard to re-train.

Election
Paul wants so badly for people to understand. This new section, verses 6-29, I believe will begin to bring home the idea of election. Election is a difficult principle in Scripture. It clearly is taught, but it is still hard to unpack. Election is the act of God whereby in eternity past God chose those who will be saved. The definition is clear, but the accomplishment of this and the process of the accomplishment is hard to comprehend.

Back around 2000 or 2001 when we were attending First Baptist Church in Tijeras we saw this truth come full center. It was clear that this was a doctrine that had never really been discussed head on in that church. Our pastor at the time, Mark Waite, felt moved to discuss it, and as he did, their were many in the church that had a really hard time with it. Mark's delivery on all matters was one of authority and conviction and unashamedly convinced of the truths of scripture. Again, I don't think the doctrine was in question, but what that doctrine meant in regards to all of the other church disciplines that we knew to be important. For suddenly, the delivery of the gospel in the pulpit, the work of evangelists, the prayer of the saints, and eventually, the fellowship of those in Christ, really began to be threatened and questioned. It was a big subject and I'm not sure it was unpacked very well. I never believed that Mark was trying to change how we approached those different disciplines but in his dogmatic preaching of these concepts it clearly created a division. And when different ideas are presented, many times people really struggle to give those new ideas the time of day because once they hear a difference they stop listening. It eventually culminated in a church split with two clear sides. It was tragic. My wife and I struggled during this time and yet we believe God had called us to the church and this specific body of believers, so no matter what we thought of the situation, we did not sense God moving us. He moved others obviously and our rapidly growing church suddenly was not just cut in half but probably one-thirds left. There was intense pain that resulted from this. It was a little tragic to see the result of this. In some ways, I'm not sure if that church has ever really recovered.

While I have no problem accepting the doctrine of election, I continue to believe all the other disciplines in the Bible remain. I still pray. I still share the Good news with others. I still speak to others about truth. I guess what I think is election is real but my perspective is not God's. The fact that God chose His people doesn't change my service. 

Word of God has not failed
Paul states in verse 6, "But it is not as though the word of God has failed." See, I think he says this because so many Jews were not Christians. This is true today. So, really, how is it that God chooses a people and then those people don't respond? That's the argument or the question, perhaps, in the background, that is being stated. God set the Jews out to be the carriers of salvation. Yet, this didn't happen. Jewish Christians should have occurred, it would seem, but instead the Gentiles embraced the message and Jews tend to be playing catch up or continue to resist the message. So, how could this be right is the pervading question.

Defining Descendants
Paul points out that God's word has not failed because what we think of the only descendants of Israel are not in fact the only descendants of Israel. Again, as is Paul's continued custom in this book, in his writing, it is to expose the teachings that he know has been passed down over the generations, over the centuries, and retrain God's children. But, these words, had to have created problems in people's thinking. To put forth that the Jews are not the only descendants of Israel must have created some questions. Paul kind of already mentioned something like this back in chapter 2.

In chapter 2, verses 25-29 Paul addresses circumcision and what it really means. It is an outward sign of an inward decision and what Paul mentions is important here is the inward decision, and not necessarily the outward sign. In verse 26, he states, "So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?" That's really a bold statement.

However, Paul is not saying here that all believers in Christ are descendants of Israel. I don't think that is what he is referring to, but I'm sure this is an interpretation people could have from this text. Instead, I think what he is saying is being physically born a Jew does not mean you are spiritually God's chosen.

He continues this thought in verse 7 in saying, "nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants." Galatians 3:29 states, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise." Paul is focusing here not on physical descendants, but instead spiritual descendants. I remember Chapter 2, verse 13, when Paul communicated that the Jew does not somehow receive a free pass and will escape God's judgment just because they are born a Jew. He says in 2:13, "for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified." I don't think that most people who walk around in life really think they are saved by their good deeds, but I do think they believe that because of their affiliation with a church, a denomination, or what they have been born into, that they do think this gives them a free pass into the kingdom of God.

And yet, Paul is really taking the Jews here down a different sort of course. In the next phrase he states, "through Isaac your descendants will be named." This is a quote of Genesis 21:12, - But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. Here he is setting up that not all descendants of Abraham are part of the chosen line. Ishmael, born from Hagar and Abraham, is not part of the line. And not even all the descendants of Isaac.

Children of the Promise
In verse 8, Paul reiterates that, for each person, the focus is not on your affiliation, how you were born, the flesh that makes you a true descendant. I can see how this could be confusing. Paul mentioned in Romans 5:13-17 that being a descendant of Adam exposed all people to sin (and death) when Adam sinned. One sin resulted in sin to all. All men are condemned. But, not all are descendants here.

This idea of the promise is interwoven throughout scripture. I'm not sure I ever realized how much this word is used. The 1828 Webster definition of promise is, "In a general sense, a declaration, written or verbal made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it, either in honor, conscience or law, to do or forbear a certain act specified."

In scripture, promise refers to blessing. It is simply listening to God and what He says and then having the confidence that He will do it. And it will be carried out. The onus is not on the faithfulness of man, though, but all of the onus is on God. Once the promise is made, we can have the assurance that it will be carried out.

Verse 9 states the promise, "“At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.” The promise has been given. Now, will people listen? Sarah didn't listen and got Abraham to be intimate with Hagar in order to have a child. This is a quote of Genesis 18:10 that states,  He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. 

This is really, right here, the crux of our faith. Will I believe God? There are volumes of sermons that have been preached, books that have been written, and it all comes down to one easy question, "Will I believe God?"

Promise: Salvation comes to us only through faith, and it is only for those who believe in Christ.

Romans 9:4-5 - The Privileges of Israel

Romans 9:4-5 - 4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Message: The Privileges of Israel

Time: Romulus founded ancient Rome about 753 BC. By 600 BC it had become a wealthy, flourishing city with a monarch. Around 500 BC, the monarch was overthrown. A republic resulted and after war, Rome became the only great power in the Mediterranean, succeeding the empire of Alexander the Great. Before and after the birth of Christ, Rome's dominion continued to expand to about two thirds the size of the continental US. At the time Paul wrote, Rome had a population of about 1,000,000. Most were slaves. It was a vast empire, but had many religions present. It is unknown how the church started in Rome, but Gentiles and Jews both were involved. Paul was writing to address a problem, but he wanted to be there and perhaps, make Rome his base for his missionary journey's

What the Lord is Saying:

Verse 4

...who are Israelites – descendants of Abraham through Joseph. God changed their name, as recorded in Genesis 32:28, He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Paul identifies himself as an Israelite as well in Romans 11:1. - I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

to whom belongs the adoption as sons. –Adoption here is not a new term. Paul previously used this word in the last chapter, as an encouragement to believers in Christ, to affirm their place with God. They were regenerate, born again individuals. Romans 8:15 - For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” However, I don’t think this is how this word is being used here for Paul does not refer to the Jews as adopted Sons of God or children of God, but instead simply ‘sons.’ It is simply a statement that refers to God selecting the entire nation of Israel to receive His special calling, covenants, and blessings. Exodus 19:6 - and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” 

And so as sons, Paul lists what belongs to them:

• The Glory
• The Covenants
• The Giving of the Law
• The Temple Services
• The Promises 

1. The Glory of God expresses all that God is in His being, nature, character, power and acts. It repeatedly speaks of a presence of God that is unique. Exodus 24:17 - And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. And so it is the Israelites that have been given that glory.

2. And they have also received covenants. Covenants were made with Israel because they were to be the channel used by God to bring about salvation to the human race. The thing about the Jewish people that has always surprised me is they seem to be this secret club and they often have this persona of "just leave us alone and let us be." Maybe that is because they have been the butt of so many people's joke and assaults over the years, but there doesn't seem to be any desire on their part to convert society. But, the covenant was meant to be an agreement between God and man. And what God did here was based upon His character not on the individual receiving the covenant promise.

3. And the giving of the law that Paul has already expressed so many times in this book. The law is expressed so many times in the chapter 2 and 3, but always in the context of it not being a means to salvation. And yet later on in chapter 7 the idea is conveyed that we are to fulfill the Law. The bottom line is that the Jews "were entrusted with the oracles of God (Romans 3:2)." And Nehemiah 9:13,14, "13  “Then You came down on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven; You gave them just ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments. “So You made known to them Your holy sabbath, and laid down for them commandments, statutes and law, through Your servant Moses."

4. And they were given the privilege of temple service, however, the word temple is not in the original Greek. So, it is really to perform service. But, Paul is referring to the service as seen in the tabernacles, offerings and priesthood.

5. And promises. Promises were made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Verse 5
Obviously, much has been written about the translation of verse 5 since it brings together the idea that Jesus is God. Many have played around with the punctuation in this verse.

The conclusion of these two verses is really to express that the Jews have been given special privileges. Paul is clearly wanting to show that they are special. The Lord has granted great blessings to Israel.

Promise: From Tabletalk, July 8, 2014, "If we have faith in Jesus, the blessings of adoption, glory, covenants, the law, worship, promises, patriarchs and Christ are all ours as well." 

Romans 9:1-3 - Paul's Love for his Kinsmen

Romans 9:1-3 1 I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Message: Paul's Love for the Jews, his kinsmen

Time: Romulus founded ancient Rome about 753 BC. By 600 BC it had become a wealthy, flourishing city with a monarch. Around 500 BC, the monarch was overthrown. A republic resulted and after war, Rome became the only great power in the Mediterranean, succeeding the empire of Alexander the Great. Before and after the birth of Christ, Rome's dominion continued to expand to about two thirds the size of the continental US. At the time Paul wrote, Rome had a population of about 1,000,000. Most were slaves. It was a vast empire, but had many religions present. It is unknown how the church started in Rome, but Gentiles and Jews both were involved. Paul was writing to address a problem, but he wanted to be there and perhaps, make Rome his base for his missionary journey's

What the Lord is Saying:

Chapter 9, ball most definitely turns a corner and begins to express to the Jews, who he is primarily writing, God's righteousness. He wants to be clear and be honest. He even starts with a threefold expression of honesty in verse 1: I am telling the truth; I am not lying; my conscience testifies.  It is interesting that he ended chapter 8 with the relational part of sanctification, the encouragement that throughout all of life's struggles the love of God, because of our union in Christ, God is always there. He has given promises to these Christians that God will always be there and now in these verses he expresses the great sorrow and compassion that he has for them and what they are undoubtedly experiencing.

He has sorrow for the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. He understands them better than others, but he also sees that they are not embracing God as their Savior and Lord. 

In verse three he states a heartfelt burden for these people by expressing that he could wish that he was not in Christ...and they were instead. This is his great love for them. I remember chapter 1 when Paul stated that he was under obligation both to the wise and the foolish.

If there is one thing that Paul has is a burden or great desire to not only preach the gospel, but to see lives changed. Chapter 1 expresses this and starts the message that this is his number one goal in writing. He wants to see lives changed. And his love for people is so great, he'd rather see his life separated from God that to see them not know God.

Promise: July 7, 2014 Tabletalk, "Paul's love for the Jews models the love of Christ for us, in that He was willing to be rejected Himself so that His people could be saved. "

Romans 8:38-39 - No Separation from God's Love

Romans 8:38-39 - 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Message: Nothing can separate us from the love of God

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:

Today's passage is really a continuation of yesterday, continuing to describe the relational aspect of the promise of God, And the encouragement we have when we face obstacles; there was a list of many types of adverse situations that can occur in the life of a Christian. And through them all is the confidence that Christ and his love is with us.

Verse 39 offers the reason why we have this hope. It is because the love of God reigns in us because of Jesus Christ. When we make him Lord, we usher in an acceptance and approval from God no matter the circumstance.

• Death - physical separation from the soul (spiritual part) to the body (material part).  
• Life - a vital and functioning being, living, with trials, as aliens and strangers, amongst all the forces that oppose us as believers,
• Angels - messengers, those who are sent in place of one who has sent them; but this could be in reference to fallen angels or angel worship 
• Principalities - speaks of those first in leadership, but here it also refers to those demonic forces that assist Satan in his warfare against God and His children. 
• Things present - present circumstances that believers encounter; the sense of troubles present
• Things to come -  what is about to be; the fear of troubles to come
• Powers - has reference evidently to those uncanny and horrible workings of Satan and his host seen in spiritism, theosophy, and all kinds of magic
• Height - something that is lifted high or elevated; 
• Depth - Wherever they were, or whatever other power might inhabit heaven above, or hell beneath, if either a part of them, or the whole in combination, were to assail those whom Jesus loves, it would be of no avail.
• Any other created being - Paul wants us to know that if he has missed anything, anything that may be construed as beyond what he has already mentioned; it is reasonable because the human heart can conjure up other possible trouble and disaster. 

In all of these aspects, the child of God is more than a conqueror. Time will not separate us from the love of God, nor will the future. No dimensions of any kind can separate us from the love of God.

Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Promise: RC Sproul, "We may feel at times that God has departed from us, but that is when we have to believe his Word rather than our feelings."

Romans 8:35-37 - More Than Conquerors

Romans 8:35-37 - 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Message: The Love of Christ sets us apart and we are more than conquerors in Christ

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:


In chapter 3, Paul started asking questions and this is continued throughout the book. The questions are meant to possibly come from an imaginary person or maybe an individual that could possibly raise a question as Paul is speaking.

Paul continues in these verses to offer encouragement to the Christian as a face trials in their life, once again while they are in Christ. The Christian is saved at the end of chapter 3, the imputation of righteousness is confirmed by our father Abraham in chapter 4, and the believers death to sin is declared in chapter 5. In 6, 7 and 8, the believers life of sanctification is described. And through this process of being made holy by the Spirit of God a Christian will undoubtedly have questions, and come under attack and have trials. Paul wants to assure the believer that nothing can come against them. Yesterday, we had the reminder that no charge can come against us. There is nothing that can condemn us.

The love of God
Now in verse 35, Paul shows us how the love of Christ will never cease. [I wonder why love is mentioned here and not earlier. Paul has talked about the Lord being with us in prayer, that no charge can come against us, that God is there for those He chooses, and now, he culminates this with talk of the Love of Christ. Just interesting. It could just be a shift from the legal relationship we have in Christ, versus now in these verses the relational aspect of that relationship in Christ.]

Nothing

It is interesting then the list that Paul gives us of struggles to face. He had mentioned tribulation in chapter 5 reminding us that we can exult in our tribulations for they produce hope. Yet in this verse tribulations is the beginning point of struggles in our lives. Tribulations are something that we experience every day in some form or another. They can be small and they can be large.

Distress can occur because of a loss, like a job or a close friend or family member dying to soon.

Famine is something I rarely experience. I don't even know if I can say I have ever experienced famine. Can I say that I've had to go without food for a long period of time? Maybe, but it was probably my own choice.

Nakedness is also something that I've only experienced in a dream. And even in that dream it was humiliating and stressful, but in real life I never have. I guess it could also mean to be exposed or to be humiliated.I have been embarrassed many times but I'm not sure if I've ever really been humiliated.

In peril, I think that would be if I was scared of my life. I think I have experienced this a couple of times, But it has only been momentary, driving in the car, narrow narrowly missing a crash, on my bike, but never anything that lasted longer than a few moments.

And finally death or a sword. Definitely not on that one.

I think what this all is trying to say is that no matter how difficult the situation, even if it might end up in death, the love of God is not absent and remains with us, with me.

In verse 36, Paul quotes from Psalm 44 where the psalmist cries out to God for the alleviation of the suffering he endures for the sake of his faithfulness to the Lord. It is a stark reminder that suffering is not something that will be avoided or not present in the life of the believer in Christ. It should not take us by surprise. It is real and it will occur. And it has the potential of occurring in many forms, but no matter how or when or why, we can rest assure that the love of Christ remains with us. 

Not simply withstanding, but conquering
Verse 37 expresses that we don't simply put up with these difficulties in life, but we overcome them and work through them and eventually conquered them. The strongest sentiment here is that we conquer death.

Promise:  From Tabletalk, July 3, 2014, "Let our enemies do their worst---they cannot overpower our living and loving God."

Romans 8:33-34 - None Can Condemn

Romans 8:33-34 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Message: Encouragement, no one can really charge anything against when we are in Christ

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
Starting in verse 26, Paul seems to be offering an encouragement to me and other Christians. Through these verses he is confirming who I am in Christ so that I can rest on these objective (not subjective) promises.

When I struggle in prayer, as I do often, I can be reminded that God is there, providing his Spirit to intercede on my behalf for me. So God is my help in prayer. And even more so I can have the assurance, in verse 28, that He is working everything out in my life for good. He is using everything and working it all together for good.

Why would He do this? Because He chose me, as it says in verse 28, "that I am called according to his purposes." My life therefore is lived for His purposes. He knew me before there was me. He has a purpose in my life and that is to conform me to the image of His son. It is like the Degarmo & Key song, "Perfect Reflection."

Like a perfect reflection of You
In the heart of me
A perfect reflection of You
Is what I want to be

Make my life a portrait like a work of art
A living revelation of Your Heart

He is growing me and working things together in my life so that I will reflect Jesus in a perfect way on this earth and for all time.

When He justified me, He glorified me. So naturally through sanctification, He will make me holy.

I can't help but think that the audience that he is speaking to, these Roman Christians, though they are knee-deep in preaching the gospel, they are also knee-deep in struggles and trials and difficult times because Paul in these words of Romans 8, now specifically, continues to re-affirm that God is on their side. The Spirit is with them. They are chosen. God is for them. Paul speaks to them in many different ways, repeatedly reminding them that God is there, He cares.

No charge against us
Though it feels at times people or events are leveling blows at me, I can rest assure that there is no lasting charge (verse 33) that can be made against me because I am God's elect. This should produce in me all kinds of comfort.

In life, I am so well trained in responding to difficult situations or attacks or charges in an unwholesome manner. I am so quick to react rather than to respond. I want could be slow to anger or slow to react.

Only God condemns
In verse 34, it is God who justifies or it is God who is the one that makes people right and acceptable and true and worthy to receive honor and blessing.then also he is the one who condemns, so please be reminded and hear this, Christian, no one can bring a charge against you.

A God who intercedes for us
It seems that in these last few verses of Romans 8,we have a Father that intercedes for us, Jesus who intercedes for us, the Spirit intercedes for us. We have God in three persons interceding for us. God is once again on our side. We don't need to fret with the struggles that we are experiencing.

Promise For those in Christ, the verdict of righteousness is already occurred and nothing can hurt us.

Romans 8:31-32 - Sparing Not His Son

Romans 8:31-32 - 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

Message: Sparing Not His Son; God is for us.

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
Returning briefly to the outline I started looking at for the Romans 8:18 entry.
  
8:31-39 God makes Christians victorious

1. 8:31-33 God is on our side
2. 8:34-36 Christ intercedes for us
3. 8:37-39 We are more than conquerors

It seems, thus far, that in Romans 8 the message that 'God is in charge' seems to be communicated.  Paul lets us know that the Spirit is with us, indwelled in us, and giving us life. No matter what sins we may experience or the war that we often have with our flesh, the Spirit is there giving us strength and ministering to us. We also are confirmed as children of God, part of God's family. Once again, because of our connection with God, the Spirit is always with us, giving us life and moving us to holiness. And I have the comfort of knowing that, though I suffer now, it in no way compares with the glory I will experience in the future.

And then I have the assurance that everything in my life will work together for good. But that good is defined by God, not me and I can be confident that He is in control. I am not a mistake but my fellowship with Him He foreknew.

God is for us
So God gives me a special promise in verse 31 and confirmation that, no matter what, God is for me. Whether it is my flesh waging war against me or weakness is praying, God is there and for me. I should rest on that promise and be comforted by that. How I wish I could take that promise with me everywhere I went. How I should not get focused on my suffering.

A Son offering
Verse 32 mentions that God did not spare even His Son for His people, His called ones. I understand this, but I must admit, personally, this has always been a hard thing for me to comprehend since Jesus is God. But, he lived in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3). But maybe, the focus is really more on God and what He would sacrifice as a father of a son. The father would have to watch his son suffer. Just as in Abraham who made the decision to not even spare his own son. The focus then is how great a love or rather, how great a devotion one has to a people that the father would do anything for His God or with God, for us.

Delivered Him up for us all
This phrase in verse 32 has the idea of delivering someone over to the police. The other night in our home group the husband and wife mentioned they had to kick their daughter out of the house because she no longer chose to abide by their rules. It was the hardest thing they had ever done. It is turning your child out to society. In a way, the idea is this here, to deliver someone over to the police. Jesus was delivered over to His accusers and the Father had to wait to see what would be done to Jesus and what was done was unimaginable.

He freely gives us all things
We are the benefactor of all that God has given up. Freely gives is the Greek word charizomai. In the New American Standard, this is how the word charizomai is translated: bestowed(1), forgave(2), forgive(3), forgiven(4), forgiving(2), freely give(1), given(1),graciously forgave(1), granted(5), hand(2), things freely given(1).

He forgives us all things. He is gracious to us. He has grace on us. He gives us something we don't deserve. Jesus is the ransom, we are the benefactor. Could it be that God forgives everything? We already have the promise that all things work together for good (v. 28) so it is fitting that God forgives everything we do because we already know there is no condemnation (v. 1) for the things we do that aren't in sync with our new life in Christ (7:14-25).

Promise: From Tabletalk, July 1, 2014, "What looks like our loss and the victory of our enemies over us is only temporary, for the final victory is assuredly ours in Christ."

Romans 8:29-30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation

Romans 8:29-30 - 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Message: The Golden Chain of Salvation

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:

On the heels of verse 28, where God works all things together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purposes, Paul now explains further how verse 28 is possible for God. Verse 28 is a promise.


I believe these are two verses that have caused some of the most controversy among Christians than any other two verses in the Bible. There are verses of controversy among Christians and non-Christians alike. Different verses are applied differently, like "do not judge, lest you be judged" or even the book of Romans and its message of grace versus the message people infer from Jesus to practice the following of God's commands. But, those themes and those verses seem to be a controversy among people of different faiths, that often divide one entire belief system from another.

I guess I could say that a person's understanding of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit would be another controversial set of verses among Christians for some believe it to be a separate act of receiving the Holy Spirit or be indwelled by the Spirit.

I guess I myself have witnessed the controversy of verse 29 and 30 because I have seen it divide a church that I was involved in. Verse 29 and 30 seem to set up the 5 points of Calvinism that then begin a discussion between Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism which basically states God chooses and elects people for salvation, and people don't have a choice but to respond to Christ. None of those called will fall away. The Arminianism belief has similar parts to Calvinism but basically believes that since man has free will man has a choice in whether he is saved.

Personally, I tend to see a little combo of the two, however, my thought is I trust God's commands to evangelize, make disciples, pray, trust Him through life's circumstances. And I believe we are to follow these commands and let God take care of the results. I am to trust God and His word and be obedient to His commands, believing that everything I do for God is for His glory (I Cor 15:58). So, neither belief changes the way I act. God will take care of showing me the truth after I die but for right now I don't need to know and my knowledge won't change how I live.

It is interesting, though, because people generally have no problem believing verse 28, but struggle sometimes in the understanding of verses 29 and 30.

Breaking apart these verses

1. God works all things together for good for those called according to His purposes
2. He foreknew His people
3. He predetermined that His people would be conformed to the image of His Son
4. [He would be the firstborn among many brethren]
5. Those that He predestined, He called
6. Those that He called, He justified
7. Those that He justified, He glorified

The common theme in these verses is God knew in advance His own people and knew that they would be called, justified, glorified, and conformed to His image. He had the knowledge that this would happen to His people. And he called them. 

Promise: He knows. I don't.

Romans 8:28 - God's Work for Our Good

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Message: All things in the in-between work together for good

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:

I really struggle in life at things that get over-used. I've always struggled with songs that get overplayed. There are times when those songs are great. I rarely like the sports teams that everyone seems to like, all the time. I struggle at times with which people use verses over and over for any and every circumstance. This is one of those verses that I tend to be somewhat cautious in using. I formerly used it all the times. But, I often notice how often it is used now by people when they are praying and I just wonder if it is really meant to be used for any and all circumstances.

In looking at what Paul is speaking about in Romans 8, he really seems to be focusing on our future position in Christ and a focus on the future based upon our current circumstances. He wants me to see that I have been adopted into the family of God and so I'm a part of God's family. And he wants me to see that though I live in a world often with a message of futility I have assurance of the future and the hope of my future position with God for all eternity.

In the past two verses, Paul began to show me that Roman Christians had a weakness in praying. And so Paul lets them know that because they have the indwelling of the Spirit that the Spirit will carry them through their prayers and speak to them in ways that are hard to verbalize. So, the Spirit is there with them. And then he reminds them also that the Father is praying for them and praying in accordance with the purposes of the Holy Spirit.

God works it all out
And then in verse 28 is really a continued thought from verse 27 that says, "He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is." We know that God has taken care of our salvation. And he is guiding us and strengthening us with His Spirit in our sanctification. So, if we are resting on God as our anchor through all of this then verse 28 doesn't seem unusual at all. God will work it all out for our good. He will work all things will work together for good.

I think the danger sometimes is that we as humans are decided what are the "all things" and then we are also defining what is meant by "good." I think I need to be careful taking two bad things and then praying this verse and thinking those two bad things will result in 1 good thing.

In addition, this is a promise for those in Christ. It is for those who have the indwelling of the Spirit.

Promise: I don't want to take away from this verse because it has a wonderful promise that every circumstance of life, every success or failure work together for our final good. From Tabletalk, June 2014, "Nothing can thwart the Lord's intent to benefit His people. 

This prayer was read in church last Sunday. I love what it says and how it ends. We begin each day in joy, in hope, and in deep gladness.  

At the dawn

By Walter Brueggemann
Our first glimpse of reality this day -- everyday -- is your fidelity.
We are dazzled by the ways you remain constant among us,
        in season, out of season,
        for better, for worse,
        in sickness and in health.
You are there in watchfulness as we fall asleep;
You are there in alertness when we awaken ... and we are glad.
    Before the day ends, we will have occasion
            to flag your absence in indifference...
            but not now, not at the dawn.
    Before the day ends, we will think more than once
            that we need a better deal from you...
            but not now, not at the dawn.
    Before the day ends, we will look away from you and
            relish our own fidelity and our virtue in mercy...
            but not now, not at the dawn.
Now, at the dawn, our eyes are fixed on you in gladness.
    We ask only that your faithfulness
            permeate every troubled place we are able to name,
            that your mercy
            move against the hurts to make new,
            that your steadfastness
            hold firmly what is too fragile on its own.
And we begin the day in joy, in hope, and in deep gladness. Amen.

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 8:23-25 - Our Longing for Bodily Redemption

Romans 8:23-25 - 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Message:Hope sustains

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:

Set up
"And not only this," - that has to be best statement so far in the book of Romans. No wait, there is more. The chairman of detail and explanations, Paul, tells us to hold onto our hats and get ready for more.

In this section of Romans Paul continues to remind us that our current suffering is nothing compared to our future glory. And all of creation wants this future glory. But, for now man lives in the pains and groaning of this present life (even though we try so hard to make out that nothing is wrong). 

In verse 22 was the proclamation that whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth. Every one. No one is exempt. The pain that a woman experiences in childbirth sure does look excruciating. I don't like pain. I don't like being uncomfortable and that pain looks very uncomfortable. And glory awaits at the end of the pain so I guess what is remembered is not so much the pain but the aftermath of the pain. Paul I think there is also wanting people to see that that utter pain and discomfort is what mankind is experiencing through time. But, deliverance awaits man if man will take it. And Christ followers possess the answer. We must share it with others. We must at least try.

First fruits
Verse 23 shifts to the Christian. Verse 22 was all of creation. Verse 23 is the follower or those in Christ, having been justified or made right with God. And in this verse, the calling card of the Christian is they have "the first fruits of the Spirit." This is a key phrase and in this verse, Paul obviously chose His words carefully. He could have said anything, so why did he say this?

First fruits represent the beginning of the harvest for the Israelites that is often offered as a sacrifice. God only wanted what was best. Even in our tithing to the Lord, I need to get paid and immediately give. He should get what is first out of my pocketbook. He is the priority.

Exodus 23:19 - “You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God.

Leviticus 23:10 - “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest.

Deuteronomy 18:4 “You shall give him the first fruits of your grain, your new wine, and your oil, and the first shearing of your sheep.

Deuteronomy 26:1-4 - “Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, and you possess it and live in it, that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you bring in from your land that the Lord your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time and say to him, ‘I declare this day to the Lord my God that I have entered the land which the Lord swore to our fathers to give us.’ Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the Lord your God.

So Paul takes this idea of first fruits and basically turns it around to express to me what I have received by way of my faith in believing in Jesus and what he did for me that I could not do. Just as God received the first fruits, I have basically received the first fruits. So I have what is most important in regards to my belief in Christ.  Are there future glories? Yes indeed, but what I have now is the best. Once again that should be a reminder to the Christian that nothing can separate us from God once we have placed our trust in Him.

Of the Spirit
But it is not just the first fruits by themselves but it is the first fruits of the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.

I have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Just from Paul's words I know that I have something pretty amazing in having the Holy Spirit. Again, I have what I need to now live in peace beyond the pains and groans of childbirth. The Holy Spirit has been pledged or given to me. I have it and it is the promise that I have being sealed in God. God is with me.

We wait eagerly
The Christian waits eagerly, just as the non-Christan wants to see the true Christians in verse 21. The Christian is waiting eagerly for his full adoption as sons of God that will come upon his glorification. This is not to be confused with us being declared as adopted in verse 15. That was in the present tense when it spoke of our adoption at our justification.

We hope
In verses 24 and 25 the word "hope" is mentioned 5 times. The opposite of futility seems to be hope. And Paul wants to make it clear to us that our lives are about hope. We have been saved in hope. But, hope isn't what we see. It is in the unseen. That needs to be clearly understood that our focus is on the unseen, but the surety of it.


Promise: Tabletalk, June 25, 2014, "Since we know that we will be glorified, we can endure all of our shortcomings in the present, repenting over them as we look forward to what is to come."

Romans 8:19-22 - Cosmic Redemption

Romans 8:19-22 - 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.

Message: Redemption from Chasing after wind

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:

In keeping with the theme from the previous verse, Paul is speaking or having me focus on the fact that my future glory eclipses or has nothing to do with my current suffering. I don't think Paul is saying a Christian must suffer to be counted worthy or in order to be accepted by God, but suffering is a part of being a Christian and as Christ suffered (5:17) then we can expect to suffer as well.


Just yesterday a close friend of mine sent me a text that said, "My wife and I are really hurting." They are really suffering. Their oldest son last year set out for college after his high school graduation. Much to their liking, he ended up attending his parents alma mater.  During the summer he spent time taking classes at the community college so as to be able to enter college practically as a sophomore. He also had taken college level classes in high school to get ready for college. He had been an avid fan of his parents alma mater, going with his father many times to basketball games or college football games or bowl games his dad had gotten tickets for. My son, Tyson, and I had seen my friend, and his son at a game we attended last fall. By all signs he was loving his time at school and was engaged with college life and on his way.

I saw my friend and his son on their way to the Fiesta Bowl, a New Years Day bowl game in Phoenix they had gotten tickets for, in Albuquerque around New Years Eve. My sons friend and I had even started connecting on Twitter. Well, I got disconnected from my friend for most of 2014 and it wasn't until he was due to come into town a couple of weeks ago for an annual golf tournament for one of his insurance clients (which he asked me to join him playing in as I had played last year, but this year didn't because Tyson was coming home from Alaska the same day). But my friend called and mentioned his wife would be in town as well with them so we (my wife and I) and my friend and his wife grabbed a dessert at Flying Star one Wednesday evening. During this time, they let us know some surprising news. Unbeknownst to either of them, toward the end of last fall, their son, in his 1st semester (Fall) at college, at the end of November, stopped attending his classes and determined that college life was not for him. He didn't finish out the year and ended up getting no credit for his classes. He would not be returning to that school in the Spring. He didn't feel like he fit at that school, though his father was able to enroll him in a community college where his father had grown up and even get a full ride scholarship to this community college as well. His son also secured a job. 

Well, then, they learned something they didn't know previously. Their son had been visiting the casino's frequently and had a consistent gambling problem. He eventually dropped out of the community college as well and returned home. He would get another job, get laid off from that one. And continue going to the casino's. He also had a girlfriend, a year younger from him, that was attending another university now. He would see her often. He would come and go at his house and his parents would often not know where he was at for days. He enrolled himself in an online university, paying for it himself. He got another job, but my friend just let me know he just got fired from that job as well this past Tuesday, on the day of my friend's birthday.

Now, my friend is suffering. I really feel for him and am actively praying for him and his wife and their son. It breaks my heart to hear about it. I shared Romans 8:18 with him, even saying that he is experiencing suffering. I encouraged him to keep talking to God. My friend has been a deacon in his church and he and his wife have always been real involved, with his wife leading a bible study for women for many years.

And now I think of these verses today, on the heal of verse 18 and its thought that future glory doesn't compare with present suffering.

All of creation waits
Verse 19 is interesting because it mentions that creation waits. All people wait. Not just Christians, to which Paul has been addressing predominantly in this letter to Rome. People are waiting eagerly for an answer. Every one wants an answer. People choose answers to life they are often comfortable with. People are affected by the environments they grow up in, by the families they come into, by their peer groups.

And Paul specifically says that people wait for the "sons of God." Paul mentioned this in verse 14 to address those individuals who are being led by the Spirit as sons of God. And then this led into a conversation of being in the family of God, of being adopted and how man can now call God father. So Paul is saying that all of creation longs for this level of community or familiarity with the creator. There is passion in faith. This is clearly evident. People have a longing for truth. I see this everywhere. I hear of our missionaries in India that are around Hindu's that get so passionate throughout the year and engaged in their worship of different gods. There are regular Islamic people of faith and then there are radical people exerting out pain in others. Everywhere there is this passion. There is even a longing and passion and fervor of those that say there is no faith. They so badly want people to embrace their thinking. So Paul speaks the truth that there is an anxious longing in creation.

The Sons of God are not the sons of Adam which are the sons of disobedience or the sons of the father of lies in the world. People don't long to be wrong or to be in sin and to be distant from the answer. It is true many people are in this predicament or way of life, but what people long for is truth and to be aligned with truth. 

The other thing that is compelling about this verse is people are looking for sons of God that are of substance. People are God's representatives on this earth and other people are looking at the kind of lives the children of God are living. It is always amazing the admiration that is placed on the lives of Mormon's. Why is this? Because they so clearly stand out in the crowd. They have high morals and good works. They model their faith very well. They have great families. They are very appealing. The problem with many Christians is how much they look like the world. It seems at times that the way we act is no different from anyone else. We don't look any different or act any different. There should be a difference if we are truly sons of God.

Futility
In verse 20, it states, "For the creation was subjected to futility." Solomon often recorded these thoughts, that there is nothing new under the sun. All life is a repeat. Life at times does feel like a progressive act of futility or chasing after the wind.

When I see futility, I wonder why, but Paul clearly sets us straight and states that this is God's doing. We are meant to be dissatisfied with life. What does the Law do again? It exposes our sin and illuminates our sin. It shows us the need we have for a Savior. And all of life is constantly pointing us to that need for something greater. The problem with man is he tries so hard to find his fulfillment in himself or in his fellow man. But, at some point, he discovers this emptiness.

So, to what end? Hope.
We are being moved toward hope. I remember chapter 5 and Paul reminding us as new creatures, upon being justified, that we can now exult in our tribulations. And through that tribulation it produces hope. Verse 21 states, "in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God." It is futile and slavery is a corrupted way of life. Wow, I wish people could see this and discover this.

My atheist friend, Derek, that I speak to, that lives in London. He so badly wants to show me that God is not real. He has that passion for truth. And yet he cannot see the futility. And the hook life has on him, taking him down the road of corruption. His pride is exalted. He thinks I am burdened. I want him so badly to understand the freedom in Christ I have. I have the hope and freedom of the glory (of God).

But life is painful
In verse 22, Paul reiterates (as is his custom) "For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now." The Fall came in the garden. As Paul so clearly pointed out in Chapter 5, verses 12-21, in Adam man sinned and death spread to all. The Fall produced pain in childbirth. It's incomprehensible to think that bearing children possibly would not have produced pain. But, the whole world groans and suffers.

I'm constantly amazed at how often the question is asked, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" I think of a different question: "Why do good thinks happen to bad people?" We are all basically bad, darkened by sin, and none of deserve anything good. It's only by God's grace and mercy that good enters our life. This world groans and suffers, so why are we surprised when it happens to us?

Promise: Tabletalk, June 24, 2014, "One day, the suffering will be over, and this is a day for which even the earth hopes."

Romans 8:18 - The Glory to be Revealed

Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Message: Welcome to the future

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:


I was looking for a somewhat simple outline of Romans 8. I found this on biblepilot.com.

Romans 8 Outline

1. 8:1-11 Life in the Spirit
1. 8:1-4 Freedom from condemnation
2. 8:5-8 Spiritual vs. fleshly thinking
3. 8:9-11 Indwelling Spirit gives life
2. 8:12-17 We are children of God
1. 8:12-13 Live according to the Spirit
2. 8:14-17 Adopted heirs of God
3. 8:18-30 Future glory eclipses present suffering
1. 8:18-23 Creation subjected to futility. (Gen 3:17-19)
2. 8:24-25 Hope sustains us
3. 8:26-27 Holy Spirit intercedes for us
4. 8:28-30 God’s purpose
4. 8:31-39 God makes Christians victorious
1. 8:31-33 God is on our side
2. 8:34-36 Christ intercedes for us
3. 8:37-39 We are more than conquerors

As I learned previously, the Holy Spirit is mentioned 20 times in this chapter. So, interwoven in this chapter is Sanctification with the Spirit. Chapter 6, to me, was about Sanctification, beyond sin. Chapter 7 was about Sanctification, beyond the Law. How am I to live now that I am in Christ? As I march forward it is always important to not forget what has occurred. I have been justified, righteousness imputed to me, by believing through faith, in accordance with grace. The faith I have is the same faith that all have had throughout the centuries. It is the same faith Abraham had. And going forward it will be the same. God does not change. There are different challenges and circumstance for me here in the 21st century now, but the ways of God are no different.

Verse 1 of chapter 8 continues to be a pivotal verse to me. Despite the fact that I have sinful tendencies as explained at the end of chapter 7, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. For I have been set free by Christ. And the Law and all it requires has been fulfilled in me, made possible by Christ, walking according to the Spirit (verse 4). So, on this earth I live life in the Spirit. That is the promise and the principle, not always the reality, but the intent and the way.

And verses 5-8 are a reminder that there are two classes of people in the world, those who walk according to the flesh and those who walk according to the Spirit. I must remember this as I walk throughout this world. I am exposed to people walking according to the flesh. In fact, the majority of what I experience are being with these flesh-walkers. And so I'm daily exposed to this. I think, for the Christian, there is a tendency to sequester ourselves from these folks. I'm very proud of my children for being in public school. Has it been hard? Yes. Has it been a challenge? Definitely. But, I believe each one has made a decision to follow Christ. Yet, each one is being challenged each day because they are surrounded by flesh-walkers. But, it is clear the Spirit is with them and there, but the tennis match they are experiencing is also clear. I need to model spirit-walking. They need to see a difference. That is how I am to live throughout life. People need to see that there is a difference between flesh-walking and spirit-walking.

But as I live, please remember, as spoken in verses 9-11, it is the Spirit in me working. The Spirit gives life to those that have the indwelling of the Him.

In verses 12-17, Paul wants me to realize something, I believe, as I think about the life I am now living in the Spirit, not in the flesh. I have the principles and I know the Spirit is the one doing the work through me, but I'm also to know I'm not simple a person in life with the Spirit, but I'm a child; I'm a family member; I have been adopted. I belong with Him. I am a fellow heir. I am included with God. I am close to Him. I am not alone. I am so thankful for the family God has given me because it shows me everyday that I am not alone, but God wants me to know that beyond those relationships, my sonship is with Him. There is a bigger family that I am a member of. On one hand, God helps me see that I am His only child, but on the other hand I know that I have many brothers and sisters. In life, I have an earthly mother and father, wife, child, friend, co-worker. In Christ, we are all brothers and sisters in the family of God. I don't know if I completely comprehend that. But, I want to.

Suffering included
As I come out of this topic of being a child of God, I am reminded that in Christ there is suffering. yes, I am a family member of God. I am a fellow heir. And God's children experience suffering.

I think of the preface to a presentation of the gospel with the words, "God has a wonderful plan for your life." We could also add "suffering" to that and say, "And God has suffering for you." Sounds kind of funny. But, it is true.

Suffering doesn't compare with Glory
And here is an amazing truth. The suffering that I may experience will have nothing to do with the glory that I experience. So, how I may suffer in this present time and the extent of my suffering or degree of my suffering can not even put up next to or compared with the glory that is to come.

I am to remember this. Again, I have been justified and made right with God through Jesus and His death and resurrection. I am right with God. I am justified. I will reside in glorification. In between those moments, God is sanctifying me and making me more holy. Along the way, I will suffer. And that suffering may feel great, but don't for a moment think it is greater or even can compare with the glory that will come and be revealed to me.

Again, I don't comprehend that.

I talk to many people online through the global media outreach ministry and many of them are living in very tough circumstances. They are experiencing many trials and suffering. They are begging and screaming and hoping to be far removed from those circumstances. I guess that is normal. And yet, through those moments, they should be reminded that glory in the future with God will occur and the extent or severity will not even be able to be compared to the extent or severity of the glory they will receive.

I don't know even if I suffer. I live in a safe world. I actually write my life in such a way to avoid any and all suffering. I have all the creature comforts, food on the table, easy access to it, a good job, a healthy family, an active life. Yes, I have some broken things at home. Yes, we just discovered a major leak in a shower. A leak. That is my suffering? It is true, I don't need suffering in order to understand future glory. But, still, I must guard against this safe and comfortable life I live. And yet I fear suffering and I shouldn't.

I don't get it.

Promise: From Tabletalk, June 23, 2014: "It is not that our suffering is on one end of a spectrum and glory is on the other. There is no comparison between the two. The glory to come will far surpass even the best that we can imagine."