“…the likeness of His son…” Romans 8:29b

Theologians have often disagreed on the meaning and implications of this passage. The central message of the verses, though, that everyone does agree on is: God desires ALL fully devoted followers of Christ to resemble God’s Son, Jesus – to be conformed to His image.

Many find the words, “…those God foreknew He also predestined…” hard to understand. God is not limited by linear time; He is in the past, future and present all at the same time. How does this happen? We can only know that if God is truly omniscient and unlimited in His scope or power, then linear time is no hindrance to Him. God knows who will accept His truth of redemption, allowing His Spirit to work in the transformation process to look like Jesus.

There is, however, a more profound meaning in these five understandable words, for God called those He foreknew, and Paul used the Greek word, “kaleo” (kah-leh’-oh), for “called” (v.28), which may infer the action of inviting. We know God desires that none should perish, in hopes that all would come to the saving knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:9). In any case, God’s call is divine and may come in a variety of ways: for Paul, it was on the road to Damascus; for Peter, it was by the sea; for me, it was in a church service.

While God works to make all things work together for the good, it is always according to His purposes. It is not correct to think that God makes all things come out fine in the wash of time. God is working in the lives of His children to make things turn out in a good way that reflects His good character and the precepts of His Kingdom… personified in His Son, Jesus Christ. He wants Believers to reflect the “image” of His Son (v.29). The Greek word Paul used for “image” or “likeness” is “eikonos” (pronounced i-kahn’-nahs), and its translation goes beyond a simple mirror image, by reflecting the essence of someone or something; from it, we get the English word, “icon”. From the very beginning, God desired man to bear His image (Genesis 1:26). Sin entered the picture and man began to reproduce after his own image (Genesis 5:3), a confederate image which was far inferior to God’s plan and purpose for man.

This is how Paul described how one is to become transformed into the image of Christ:

“For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be The Firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; Those He justified, He also glorified.” (vv. 29 – 30)

 The transformation process begins with a calling. God knows us intimately – there’s nothing hidden from His purview, and He loves us anyway. God justifies the sinner by the work of redemption upon the cross. The fully devoted follower of Christ is glorified for entrance into Heaven… until then, the Believer is preparing for that moment – God shapes the heart and mind to become more detached from the world and more attached to God’s goodness and righteousness. It changes the way one thinks. But it’s not only about what one believes, it’s also about how one behaves. The process is all part of “the good” (v.28) God is working in one’s heart and mind.

Being conformed to the image of Christ leaves no room for approximation. It is not getting “close enough” or being somewhat like Him. To conform to a pattern, one cannot find short-cuts, or even omit one part of what the intended outcome is to be. We are to be conformed to Christ’s likeness… to be like clay in the hand of the potter. Many are like water, conformed to the shape it fills the easiest and quickest. However, a potter takes clay, forms it, leaves it alone to dry, paints it, leaves it alone to dry, glazes it, and fires it. None of the steps can be left out. Afterwards, the pottery becomes a usable ceramic piece. The potter/owner determines the function, the use, and the likeness of the ceramic piece. God is The Potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18). Paul used the Greek word, “prototokon” (pronounced, pro-to’-to-kahn), translated, “firstborn”, from which the word “prototype” is related. A prototype is the original, and every duplicate is just that… a duplicate in every way. We are to resemble Christ, the prototype, in every way… especially in delivering His grace and love to the world.

Christian, what is God shaping you to be? Where are you in the process of transformation? How close do you resemble Jesus? Do you feel like your being left alone for a spell? God is at work to bring you to the good He has in store for you.

Have a blessed day…

“…God works for the good…” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

God hears the groans of nature, God’s children… and even The Holy Spirit (vv. 22, 23, & 26), and is working to make all things work together for the good. Paul asserted that God brings good to those who have been called to fulfill His purposes, which are all good, honorable, and just.

This was a bold statement to make, considering Rome was crucifying Christians – seen as a threat to Caesar’s authority (Christians recognized Christ as King). It was the eternal perspective which empowered the faith of the first century Christian, as well as for Believer’s today. Even if one’s circumstances make things seem bad, the one who walks by faith sees beyond this life into the next, and is confident of the good awaiting her/him in the eternal joy of Heaven.

Today, look past your pain, your suffering, and your circumstances. Know that God is working things together for your good. Keep your eyes on your purpose: being the only Jesus some will ever see. Let Him love others through your life. Be confident that God works for the good to all who love Him and are living to bring His Kingdom to earth.

Have a blessed day…

“…groans that words cannot express…” Romans 8:26d

In the last two passages, we have discovered that nature groans as if in the pains of a woman’s labor (v.22), while Christ followers groan inwardly (v.23) – both awaiting the glorious return of Jesus Christ (vv.21&23c). As that hope empowers Believers to wait patiently (v.25b), The Holy Spirit waits patiently to help those who walk by faith, interceding for them with groans that words cannot express (v.26).

There are moments when one simply does not know what to pray… the burden is too heavy… the loss is too great. In those moments, the Christian has an ally Who approaches Heaven’s throne in proxy for the downtrodden heart. And He accomplishes that function better than the Believer – even if the Believer was able to find the words to construct a prayer, for The Spirit intercedes in accordance to God’s will (v.27). Face it, sometimes we who claim to walk by faith pray very selfish prayers. Other times, we may pray wrongly, without a clue of what God’s will is for a given situation.

If you are facing a crisis and don’t have the words to express the depth of your burden, ask The Spirit to intercede for you – admitting you just don’t know what to say. He Who searches our hearts (I almost used those five words for today’s vignette) knows the mind of The Spirit – they are on a first name basis with each other! The Spirit will speak in a language only God understands. It may be The Spirit’s groaning, but believe me, it is being clearly expressed to The Father for you while sympathizing for your desperate situation.

While both Believers and nature groan in the hope of being delivered from decay, The Spirit groans to make a difference in the lives of Faith-walkers to lighten the burden of life in this fallen world.

Have a blessed day…

“…we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:25b

We’ve discovered how all of creation is groaning in anticipation of Christ’s return. In verses 22-25, Paul compares Believers similarly – followers of Christ are also groaning for that wonderful day. The only difference in Paul’s description between creation and Believers is how Believers groan inwardly (v.23) while waiting patiently (v.25).

Paul described nature’s groaning as similar to the groans of a woman in labor (v.22), still occurring in our time. When my wife was in labor, the labor pains became increasingly more frequent and more painful. In the same way, nature may provide evidence of Christ’s soon return by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storms, etc. Their frequency and severity may increase, just as a woman in labor.

Just as the creation waits in eager expectation (v.19), so Believers wait eagerly (v.23b) for two things:

1.     For adoption as children (v.23c): the moment when Christians are welcomed into Heaven, experiencing all the privileges as God’s adoptive son or daughter. We are created differently than the spiritual beings of cherubim, seraphim, and angels. God renovated Heaven to accommodate His children. Jesus describe how He is preparing a place for those who follow Him with all their heart (John 14:1-3).

2.     For the redemption of earthly bodies (v.23d): the fulfillment of taking Christ at His word when He said, “…he who believes in me though he were dead, yet shall he live.”  In fact, Jesus declared His power over death and decay by being The Resurrection. (John 11:21-24) The resurrection is not some dynamic or process – it is Jesus Himself! Jesus provided this explanation to Martha at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. Martha chastised Jesus by telling Him her brother would not have died if He had been there (John 11:21). Jesus assured her that her brother would rise again; to which she replied her confidence in such at the “last day” (the end of time, when all things will be made new; John 11:23-24). Jesus’ declaration revealed Him to be Lord over time and death! Email me if you don’t know the rest of the story… because it has a great ending! (steve@5understandablewords.com)

Just as creation anticipates being “liberated from its bondage to decay” (v.21), so the Believer waits eagerly for the redemption of her/his body (v.23d)! Paul stated that is was in this very hope that we are saved. Salvation not only gives us right-standing with God, it guarantees our inheritance of eternal life! That guarantee yields a blessed hope for the moment we will enter heaven and see our risen Lord face to face… as well as those who will meet us there! It is the joy of that hope that empowers one’s patience.

So, on the one hand, Believers groan with all nature in eager expectation for The Lord’s return. On the other hand, we wait patiently for the moment when we will be seen as adopted sons and daughters with a new glorified body. O, the hope of Heaven’s joy! Though we cannot see it, we hope all the more… and we wait for it patiently.

“…creation waits in eager expectation…” Romans 8:19

Paul compared martyrdom and persecution with the groaning of creation (vv. 18 – 23). He drew a conclusion that both the Christian and all Creation are looking for Christ’s second appearance upon the world scene, when all things will be made new… until then, there is groaning. His words were both prophetic and poetic: “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.”  (v.19) Think about it: ALL CREATION is longing for that moment.

The earth remembers its formation… the perfection… the celebration of life. That memory produces a certain amount of angst in our world. Paul expressed it this way: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (vv. 20 – 21) When God spoke everything into existence, He saw that it was good (Genesis 1:31). Unfortunately, what was originally good was polluted by man’s sin. It wasn’t Creation’s choice to be subject to the frustration man brought into the world. Everything was affected by man’s rebellion and Creation has been groaning ever since.

The groans have only been exacerbated when mankind abandons the duty to steward the earth and its resources. Dr. Stuart Briscoe stated, “Environmentalists have documented countless examples of man’s irresponsible actions that have precipitated innumerable crises in every area of the created order. Indeed, there is no doubt that man’s fallenness has done much to subject creation to all manner of disorder, imbalance, abuse, and extermination.” (The Communicator’s Commentary, New Testament, Vol. 6, p.170, pp.3, ll.2-6)

Paul pointed to the day of Christ’s return as the day that will change Creation’s groaning into glory. We may have days that hint at that wonderful day: mornings with a beautiful sunrise or evenings boasting a spectacular sunset; quiet moments by the sea; a peaceful nap during a summer rain; or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop. Yes, they all hint of the day when the earth will rest from her groaning and be liberated from the bondage of decay as it celebrates the Heavenly Coronation of The Lord of Lords, Who will proclaim freedom to the children of God!

When Christ returns, the natural order we know will be radically different: the wolf will dwell peaceably with the lamb; the leopard will lie down with the kid (goat); the calf will not fear the lion; and a small child will lead them all… like herding domesticated animals (Isaiah 11:6); meat-eating animals will become grazers and will pose no threat to humans (Isaiah 65:25). Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Remember, what seems impossible to us is possible with God (Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 17:20; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; 18:27). Jesus’ second coming will fulfill Creation’s hope of being liberated from its current bondage of decay (v.21).

Do you look for that day with the same eagerness as Creation?

Have a blessed day…

“…brothers, we have an obligation…” Romans 8:12

IF Christ’s Spirit lives in you, then you – along with every Believer – have an obligation to:

• Put to death the deeds of the flesh (v.13);

• Live according to The Spirit (vv. 13b - 14).

In this passage, Paul presents five ‘proofs’ of those whose hearts have welcomed Jesus:

1.     The Believer is led by The Spirit (v.14);

2.      Free access to God, The Father – like a child calling, “Daddy” (Abba Father, v.15);

3.     The Spirit’s testimony of The Believer being God’s child (v.16);

4.     Sharing in Christ’s sufferings – the world will hate you (v.17; John 15:18-25);

5.     Sharing in Christ’s glory (v.17a,b,&d).

(These five proofs are from a sermon by Rev. Tom Holliday on June 23, 2019)

Paul asserted that when one is led by the power of sin, one is controlled by a spirit of fear (v.15a). Why fear? What makes one fearful about sin? Here are some possibilities:

• Being discovered after trying to hide it (Numbers 32:23);

• Painful consequences (Psalm 38:3; Ezekiel 28:18; Galatians 6:7-8);

• Being ensnared in the sin (addiction, obsessive/compulsive behaviors; Proverbs 5:22);

• Unheard prayers (Psalm 66:17-19; Isaiah 59:2; Mark 11:25-26; James 4:2-3; 1 Peter 3:7);

• Judgment (Matthew 25:41-46; John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 2:1-25; Revelation 21:8).

Receiving “the spirit of Sonship” empowers one to approach God without fear or reproach. We have unhindered access to The Creator, The Lord, The Risen Savior! It starts by agreeing with Him about your sin. Cry out to God for mercy and receive Jesus as your Savior today.

It will be a blessed day!

“…if Christ is in you…” Romans 8:10

After exposing the mind of sinful man leading to death (v.6), Paul reminded the Roman Christians that they no longer need to be controlled by their past sinful nature (v.9a). The guiding force for them, as well as for us today, is The Spirit of God living in each person who has come to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is The Spirit Who teaches, comforts, and guides. Those without the Spirit do not belong to Christ (v.9b).

When Christ resides in one’s heart, the body is reckoned as dead to sin, because The Believer died with Christ through baptism (vv.10a; 6:2-4). The Spirit within each Believer is alive because of righteousness having been born within her/his heart (v.10b). With righteousness welling-up in one’s heart comes the power for volitional living – actually being empowered to break the pattern of evil, allowing a new pattern of right living to emerge.

Paul articulated what I’ve been telling people for years – the same power that raised Jesus from the dead has been bestowed to every child of God for abundant, victorious living:

“And if The Spirit of Him Who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He Who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, Who lives in you.” (v.11)

It took me many years to understand and embrace this spiritual precept. This is the key to victorious living… it is the remedy for a life wrecked by sin. Many who have been held captive in a sin have played-out the scene so many times that they feel hopeless to break free from sin’s bondage. When one accepts fully the power of Christ to save and His resurrection power, one is able to be free from the demands of sin and the law, and actually decide – fully empowered – to live free from that sin.

The word “if” is used four times in these three verses (vv. 9 – 11). Paul challenged the reader(s) to have a self-inspection for reviewing one’s pattern of living. If the pattern was the same as before, then resurrection power had not been tapped for victorious living. Once salvation rescues the lost soul, one wants to know and experience that power to change the direction for her/his life. The pattern of living takes a completely opposite direction.

This is not to say we live out the rest of our days completely perfect – incapable of sinning. Otherwise, why would God have inspired John to write, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The roadmap of one’s life is shown to have less sin (back-tracking) as one moves toward the prize of eternal life (1 Corinthians 9:24)… running toward it with the determination to win! IF CHRIST IS IN YOU… then run toward your eternal reward, your Heavenly prize!

Have a blessed and safe weekend…

“The mind of sinful man…” Romans 8:6

Having articulated the guarantee of absolution to those who have been born again by faith in Christ (vv. 1 – 4), Paul depicted the evidence of those whose lives are ruled by The Spirit vs. those who are ruled by the power of sin. The Holy Spirit is mentioned eighteen times in chapter eight, making this portion of scripture a short-course in the person and function of The Holy Spirit.

Paul described how those whose lives are patterned after the sinful nature (the natural man – man’s default after the fall in The Garden of Eden) have their minds “set” on those desires (v.5a). Sin is programmed in each of us… to rebel against God’s law and Kingdom (v.7). Paul contrasted those whose minds are set on their sinful nature to those whose minds have been renewed and are now set on following the guidance of God’s Spirit – leading to joy and peace by living lives which are good and just (v.5b) After contrasting the two life patterns, Paul then articulated the end-result of each: “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by The Spirit is life and peace…” (v.6).

We see, then, that those who have rejected Christ and the salvation He offers continue in sin’s destructive cycle, eventually leading to death. They live to satisfy the demands of the flesh. They are helpless to save themselves – caught in the bondage of a repetitive pattern upon which their minds feed. The only power that can break them out of this mindset is the power of God’s love.

Paul is stating that the proof is in the pudding: one’s life – the pattern of their living – is the proof of Christ’s transforming power. The same power that brought Christ from the dead is available to all who call out to Him for a new life, a second chance… breaking the pattern of sin and evil. Have you cried out to Him? Are you tired of living in the grip of sin? Do you want to live victorious over that one sin which holds you captive year after year? He is as close as the mention of His name… the name above every name, Jesus. Call out to Him, receive His Spirit and be free from sin, for “Where The Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Have a blessed day…

“…there is now no condemnation…” Romans 8:1

These five simple words are the declaration of emancipation from sin for every Christian. The Believer is given a second chance to live apart from the bondage of sin – the destructive cycle from one’s own decisions and lusts. The eighth chapter of Romans describes the things from which every Faith-walker is free (from Warren Wiersbe’s New Testament Bible Commentary):

• Judgment (vv. 1 – 4)

• Defeat (vv. 5 – 17)

• Discouragement (vv. 18 – 30)

• Fear (vv. 31 – 39)

Paul’s statement stands in contrast to the conclusive statement he made about condemnation in chapter three (3:20) – that NO ONE will be declared righteous in God’s sight by simply following His law. The law was meant to expose sin and point one to faith in God for His favor. While 3:20 was the “therefore” of condemnation, 8:1 is the “therefore” of NO condemnation. The qualifier God breathed into Paul is found in the words: “for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

In a courtroom, there comes a time when the defendant is pronounced either guilty or innocent. Today’s five understandable words declare the one who has died to self and sin and raised to a new life of faith in Christ as innocent before God. Jesus became our heavenly defense attorney while the law declared us guilty. Jesus Himself paid the fine or penalty for our wrongdoing, and became our heavenly defense attorney Who was able to also act as our witness that the punishment had been met, that we might stand before God as a non-offender (vv. 1 – 4). So, there is now no condemnation!

This is not to say we do not face the consequences for our actions here on earth. Each one should face one’s own offences toward others and seek reconciliation and, if necessary, restitution. By so doing, one demonstrates the authenticity of the change within. Whenever others arise to remind you of past failures or poor decisions, be gracious and allow this phrase from God’s Word to echo in your mind and heart. Own up to your own faults, disappointments, and failures while understanding that God is the God of a second chance.

If we are free in Christ, we are free indeed. Allow that freedom to release in you a spirit of reconciliation toward others and use that freedom to connect the hearts of others to the heart of God.

Have a blessed day!

“…I delight in God’s law…” Romans 7:22

In concluding his teaching on the inner struggle between good and evil, God breathed into Paul to write on the reality of this quandary – personal to everyone – each experiencing in one’s own way. Here’s how Paul described it:

“So, I find this law at work: when I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (vv. 21 – 24)

While delighting in God’s law, many still struggle with temptation in its many forms… all stemming from covetousness (v.8). Some struggle with greed, others with control or power; still others with envy, and others with lusts of the flesh, just to name a few. Having conquered the temptation once, why should we have to face it again… and again… and again.

Seems a bit hopeless, doesn’t it? Yesterday, I struggled with the words, “nothing good lives in me”. I rewrote it three times as I was trying to remain true to the text – without giving away today’s good news. While Paul recognized the wretchedness of his own sin, he was articulating the question everyone poses when confronted with one’s own sin, “Who will deliver me?” In other words, we are unable to change ourselves and we need a Redeemer – a Savior, Who will rescue us from ourselves.

The Roman Christians who lived in a quagmire of licentiousness and immorality were under the constant challenge to deny society’s expectations and their own lusts. Paul was simply agreeing with them about the life they faced daily, while agreeing with God’s answer to mankind’s problem – The Savior, Jesus Christ (v.25). Thank God for His provision of a Savior!

Paul recognized that the struggle will always be with us while we live on this earth: “So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” The natural man/woman will always strive against the spiritual man/woman, and we have a warrior Who comes to live in the domain of the heart and mind to fight our battles for us as we die to sin daily.

In this passage we discover only Jesus can set us free; neither God’s law or one’s own strength is able to set one free from the law of sin. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:56) Paul’s inspired letter was organized in a way to present a systematic theology, and this passage leads the reader into the light of intentional living which Paul wrote about in chapter eight.

Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ, He will deliver me – making for a very blessed day!

“…nothing good lives in me…” Romans 7:18

These five words are used in Paul’s restatement of one’s slavery to sin, describing how he was “sold as a slave to sin.” (v.14) Even after one is given power to slay the sinful nature, there is an inward struggle each Believer experiences. Paul used the same words many articulate about their lives:

“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do; but what I hate, I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing. Now, if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” (vv. 14 – 20)

In this passage, Paul described the law as spiritual and good, as well as holy and just in verse twelve. The law reflects God’s perfect holiness and righteousness. Paul had already articulated how the law defines and exposes sin. In the section of scripture above, we discover the weakness of The Law – the law’s inability to change man’s sinful nature. All people inherit Adam’s sinful nature. Though the law is spiritual (working in the inner man – the conscience), it cannot transform one who tries to live by it. In fact, The Law will only activate the carnal nature within. One theologian described it this way: “The old nature knows no law, the new nature needs no law.” In other words, the natural man cannot be restrained by rules, the spiritual man or woman will reflect the goodness and love of Christ, Who is living in and through the one who has been born again.

When Moses received the law recorded in Exodus, the obvious purpose was for educating Israel on God’s expectation for living – an outward focus. In Deuteronomy, the spiritual side of the law was presented – an inward focus on how one’s heart is to be impacted by the law (the creation of one’s conscience, able to distinguish between what is good and evil). The spiritual focus is clearly given in Deuteronomy 10:12-13:

“And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”

The words: love, heart, and soul show a deeper context of how the law is to work within, and that is how the law is spiritual. However, since the fall of Adam in The Garden, the nature of man is carnal or from the flesh. Paul stated three times in Romans 7:14-20 that sin dwells in each of us, referring to the old nature – the natural man (vv. 14, 18, & 20). The passage, however, is not speaking of the problem presented in Romans 6 (How can I stop sinning?). The new problem for the born-again Believer is: How can I ever do anything good when sin is ever present in me? Paul exposed the dilemma every Faith-walker faces – the internal struggle against temptation and the desire to allow Christ to live in and through one’s life.

Paul was not describing himself as some mentally imbalanced psycho with a split personality. He was showing to the Roman Christians that he even struggles with the decision to compromise. There is always the battle within - between one’s nature to sin or to do good. Even when one lives a “good” life, sin or evil is always lurking. While salvation makes one whole, the problem of being controlled by one of the two natures is always present, which is why the Believer is to take one’s cross daily and be a fully devoted follower of Christ – dying daily to the power of sin.

Living to Christ makes the decision to die to sin much more intentional. Though the struggle may continue, the victory over sin becomes greater the closer one draws to Christ.

Have a blessed day

“…I would not have known…” Romans 7:7b&c NIV

Through these five simple words, we find the holiness and goodness of God’s law. Without the law we would not have known what sin was, the power of it to deceive, or how despicable it is in God’s eyes (vv. 7 – 13). Paul cited the last commandment found in the Decalogue: “You shall not covet.” (v.7c; Exodus 20:17) Covetousness differs from the other commandments: murder, larceny, adultery, etc., in that it is committed inwardly in one’s mind and heart and becomes the catalyst to committing the other prohibited acts.

Paul observed that sin (the pattern of rebellion found in man since the fall in Eden) seizes an opportunity through The Law: first through one dying to goodness in the discovery of wickedness (v.9); secondly, by covetousness leading to other acts of evil (v.10); thirdly, by deceiving the sinner into ignoring the guilt and remorse of sin (v.11a), thereby being as good as dead (not responding to any stimulus of goodness or rightness; v.11b).

Paul’s observations on sin are easily seen in the nature of man. For instance, a child will deliberately disobey his parents after being told not to do something, like eat a cookie or touch a hot iron. Children do not understand the love behind the restraints given. Teenager seek to push the limits of restraint. Why? Because it’s in their nature to do so. And adults will even disregard speeding or parking laws. Why? Because it’s in their nature to consider themselves more important than the law, more important than others, and to reject imposed limits. We all have a little (or a lot) of that nature in us.

Those who have not been awakened to righteousness know that sin exists without realizing how despicable it really is… the sinfulness of sin, as Warren Wiersby calls it (The Wiersby Bible Commentary, p.427, c.2, pp.5, l.3). Wiersby asserts: “Many Christians do not realize the true nature of sin. We excuse our sins with words like “mistakes” or “weaknesses,” but God condemns our sins and tries to get us to see that they are ‘exceeding sinful.’ Until we realize how wicked sin really is, we will never want to oppose it and live in victory.”

So, the truths Paul exposes in this passage are:

1.     The law is holy, righteous or just, and good (v.12);

2.     It is not the law that is sinful, it is the sinner (vv. 7 – 8);

3.     The law reveals sin, which in turn arouses further sin, leading to the death of the conscience (vv. 9 – 11).

Can we understand just how terrible sin really is, using God’s holy and good law to bring about such an awful end result? It is “utterly sinful” (v.13), its essence is evil, and its effect upon people is wholly destructive. The law is not the problem… it’s the sinful nature of man. Thank God with me that through the law our consciences were pricked by the scalpel of righteousness, leading us to Christ – The Living Word – and to His abundant life. Without someone sharing The Word and The Law with me I WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN of my pitiful state or of God’s wonderful redemption through Christ.

“…that we might bear fruit…” Romans 7:4d

I live just six miles south from our nation’s capital. There are more lawyers per square mile in and around DC than in any other location of the country. Every department, agency, and government contractor is fully staffed with lawyers who bring their specialties to the work table for developing, defining, and following policies, while offering litigation support. Rome was very similar in Paul’s day.

Paul understood the mind of a lawyer: they understand the letter of the law, how to meet the requirements of the law,  and know every conceivable way to find any and all loop-holes for avoiding penalty when the law has been broken. Perhaps we can now understand why Paul spent the first six chapters developing a relatable platform to “…men who know the law…” (v.7:1a), for dialogue with these Faith-walkers who had followed a broken religious system all their lives.

Seeking to find common ground with as many as possible, Paul provided yet another illustration to show the law’s limits being only for those who are alive (v.1b). He used marriage as an example, describing the illegality of one having more than one spouse. The law only allows marriage to another spouse after the death of the first (vv. 2 – 3). Drawing from that example, Paul likened new life in Christ as dying to the law (Levitical Law) through the death of Christ on the cross, allowing a soul to belong to “…Him Who was raised from the dead…” (v.4a-b).

How do we tell if a plant is alive or dead? Unless it’s an evergreen, the best time to tell is in the Spring, when the plant flowers and bears fruit. Paul described how one’s old nature was one that was controlled by sinful passions, bearing the fruit of death (v.5). When one dies to that old nature to belong to Christ, one bears the fruit of God’s righteousness, serving Him, empowered by The Spirit (vv. 4 – 5). Paul offered these words to summarize this section of his letter:

“But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” (v.6)

The Christian is one who reckons him/herself dead to sin’s power, recognizes the soul as owned by God, enjoys the privilege of being God’s child through adoption, and experiences the intimacy with God as The Bride of Christ. It’s not as complex as it sounds, for all these descriptions and metaphors simply reflect God’s love for us, and the second chance He gives to all who call upon His name.

Are you experiencing a life of fruitful living? Just as a plant is known by its fruit, so we are known by the fruit of our lives. Who are we pointing to Christ? How does our spirit, our countenance reflect Christ? God delivers us from the death of sin to life in Christ so THAT WE MIGHT BEAR FRUIT! How are you making disciples that make disciples… that make disciples?

Read John 15:5 and have a blessed day…

“…you have been set free…” Romans 6:22a

In Paul’s plea to the Roman Christians to break free from the evil influence of their culture, he:

1.     Presented the paradigm of righteousness by faith which God had established from the very beginning (1:17);

2.     Described how sin had permeated the societies of the world, and God’s judgment of all wickedness (1:18 – 2:16);

3.     Exposed God’s truth that no one is righteous on one’s own merit, and that true righteousness comes through faith alone (3:9 – 4:25);

4.     Revealed the benefits of righteousness as peace and joy (5:1-11);

5.     Articulated the dynamic all Believers experience to combat temptation (6:1-14);

6.     Depicted the consistent narrative from the sacred texts as soul ownership (6:15-23).

Paul qualified his teaching with the words, “I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the part of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” (v.19) He showered grace upon these new Believers by communicating a second chance. Many feel their misdeeds, sins, and poor choices are unredeemable – that they do not have an “out” for the mistakes of their past. Paul, however, mirrored God’s redemptive love, offering a life that breaks the pattern of sin. He is basically stating that IT CAN BE DONE. One does not have to continue the cycle or pattern of sin’s trap.

The convincing argument Paul offered a second time is found in the words: YOU HAVE BEEN SET FREE from sin! Christians are to realize they are bought with a price… the highest price ever paid through the torture and death of Christ on the cross. Paul challenged any hint of returning to one’s former life of sin when he asked, “What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?” (v.21a), exposing those actions as that which God declared would lead to death (v.21b, Genesis 2:17). Paul offered the benefit to being owned by God as that which leads to holiness and eternal life (v.22c-d)! What greater benefits could be offered?

Paul’s concluding statement described new life in Christ as freedom from the bondage of sin while being granted holiness and eternal life. He reminded the Roman Christians once again that, “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (v.23) These words once again show how one’s works (deeds) only leads to death, while faith accepts the gift of eternal life through Christ. Even if one were able to be recognized as the best person on earth, it would still come short of God’s holiness… and if that one was deemed righteous enough to enter heaven’s eternal joy, then Christ died for nothing. That is why Paul described salvation as a gift.

This present offered by The King of Kings is offered to everyone. He offers a second chance… one need not succumb to past defeats. I hope you have received this free gift and possess the living hope of eternal joy! For if you have…

YOU HAVE BEEN SET FREE!!!!

“…you have been set free…” Romans 6:18a

Paul continued in his discussion on the issue of sin with a follow-up question similar to the first (see 6:1), when he asked: “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?” (v.15a) He answered his own question once again by simply stating: “By no means!” (v.15b)

Then Paul posed another question: “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (v.16) God breathed into Paul what has been divinely known since the fall of man: we are either owned by sin or righteousness. We are either dead in our sin – unresponsive to the goodness and love of God, or we are alive to Christ to be conduits of His love and goodness.

Again, Paul answered his own question. However, this answer was an encouraging word to the Believers in Rome, while also being a moment of worship: “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (v.17)

There are times in the life of Believers when one needs encouragement to press on, as well as truth to stand upon. This world will abuse, ridicule, and belittle those called to Christ, and after enduring such treatment, there may be those who deserve and need that extra compassion from their fellow Believers. While the Holy Spirit is ever present to offer comfort, teaching and leading, He is also prompting other Faith-walkers to come along side those wounded by those in sheep’s clothing, as well as those in direct opposition to God’s kingdom.

Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we are actually slaves to righteousness. What about our living is evidence of being owned by God? Conversely, is there still evidence in our living that would support being owned by sin? Paul knew the struggle of breaking free from an old system that did not work. He knew all too well about the inner conflict the Roman Christians were experiencing, and God was using Paul to lead these new Christians away from the gamble of licentiousness and into the security of the heavenly deposit of righteous living. All around them, the Roman Christian was tested with idolatry, prostitution, entertainment, and corruption. Their world was one which, like today, marginalized those who do not conform to the pattern of the world. It’s a system which makes it quite difficult to break free.

YOU HAVE BEEN SET FREE from sin and the pattern of this world to be slaves to righteousness. In his letters, Paul frequently referred to himself as a slave to righteousness, using the Greek word, DOULOS, which is literally translated, “slave”. Paul is not the only one who identified himself as a slave to righteousness. James, Peter, Jude, and John identified with the title as well. The word is used at least forty times in the New Testament to describe Believers. Believe it or not, the Hebrew equivalent is used over two hundred and fifty times! Slaves belong to their masters (1 Corinthians 6:19-20); slaves are expected to give complete submission and devotion to the owner; the slave is totally dependent upon his/her master; and the slave is  personally accountable to his/her master. (adapted from John McArthur’s book, Slave)

Slaves, then, do not live as one who lives with complete autonomy. We may like the song, “I did it My Way”, but as Christians we are not the masters of our destiny. The Christian life is totally directed and ruled by Christ: “…no one can serve two master; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24) Those who walk by faith are entirely dependent on God to lead and provide (Matthew 5:3; 1 Peter 4:11), making the Faith-walker to serve Christ without any impediment of need.

In Roman days, it was a great honor to be a slave to Caesar – to be affiliated with the ruler of an empire. Though known as a slave, it was to whom he/she belonged that gave the slave status. It is the same way for a Christian. John McArthur drew this conclusion of Christians being slaves was:

“…not only an affirmation of their complete submission to The Master; it was also a declaration of the privileged position every Christian enjoys by being associated with the Lord. No affiliation could be greater than that.” (Ibid, p.97)

Paul pointed to Jesus Who took on the identity of a slave (Philippians 2:7) by submitting Himself, even unto death upon a cross. He did not expect anything from His followers that He Himself was not willing to experience. His death upon the cross liberated all who are owned by sin. Indeed, you have been set free to become slaves of the King of Kings… our benevolent Friend that sticks closer than a brother, our Redeemer and Savior!

To whom do you belong?

“…count yourselves dead to sin…” Romans 6:11a

Another way to say the above phrase is, “…reckon yourselves dead to sin…”. Paul had described how every Believer identifies with Christ’s death through baptism (vv. 3 – 4a), and likewise, every Believer identifies with Christ’s resurrection by living one’s life intentionally – having the power to make good decisions for living holy and righteous lives. Paul explained that our old self – the body of sin – was done away with through Christ’s death, and that by one’s baptism, identifying with Christ’s death, one is no longer a slave to sin (that is, caught in the pattern of sin, the uninterrupted cycle of bad decisions).

Once one has understood this dynamic of identifying with Christ’s death, the Faith-walker must then allow faith to empower holy living. Paul articulated it this way:

“For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. The death He died, He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives, He lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

Paul’s explanation showed death’s permanence and Christ’s power over it. The reason Christ cannot die again is because He defeated death! Death has no power over The One Who rose again from the dead! The death Jesus died was the singular sacrifice that met all the demands of the law. Jesus died for the sins of all, so we can now reckon ourselves dead to sin, for Christ not only rose victorious over death, but also over sin. The power that rose Him from the dead is the same power given to every Believer to say no, to resist sin’s power, to interrupt the cycle of sin – a cycle that makes one believe he/she is powerless to resist.

Believer’s, then, are directed to offer the parts of their body as instruments of righteousness. With apostolic authority, Paul commanded Christians to not offer the parts of their body to sin. The Roman Christians knew all too well what he was referring to:

Ø  Hands are for building, farming, comfort, healing… not for tearing down, stealing, killing or satisfying one’s lusts;

Ø  Feet are for carrying the good news of Christ to others, for taking supplies and care to those in need, not for going to clandestine meetings, running from the law, or walking in a stealthful way to commit some evil;

Ø  The mind is for developing ways to glorify God through one’s life, not for becoming addicted to behaviors or drugs, or for devising evil;

Ø  In the same way, the parts of one’s body which are kept hidden should be used for the holy purpose of marriage and family, not to be prostituted or used to satisfy the lusts of the flesh.

Paul asserted that sin could no longer master one born again, for the Believer is under a new paradigm for living – that of living under grace, compelled by love and goodness. The law was good to expose sin, but is not needed when sin has died, for the life of righteousness is lived much higher than the demands of the law.

I was raised in the South. Many of the townspeople where I grew up used the expression, “I reckon I’ll…”, and they would tell of what he/she was about to do. Sometimes, the expression was phrased like this, “I reckon I’m just too…”, and then state his/her condition, conviction, or belief for performing or avoiding some action. When one “reckoned” to do something, it was an assertion of intentionality, an action from one’s will. If we take Paul’s inspired words to heart, we reckon ourselves dead to sin… we consider ourselves unresponsive to the temptations that have trapped us for so long in the same pattern(s) of sin. To many, this seems impossible, to others, it may take almost a lifetime to understand; but to all, Christ offers the power to overcome sin’s trap and live victorious lives.

So, today, COUNT YOURSELVES DEAD TO SIN… think, “I’ll reckon I’ll turn my back on the temptation.”

And alive to Christ!

“Shall we go on sinning…?” Romans 6:1a

Having exposed how sin came into the world through one man and increased upon the advent of The Law, Paul proposed this question to the Christians of Rome, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?”  Using the figure of speech known as hypophora, Paul answered his own question with a resounding, “By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Paul is exhorting these Believers to deny temptation the opportunity to become sin. He understood the reality that all living souls deal with the conflict between good and bad choices. He was not asserting that all faith-walkers live perfect lives. He asked the question to provoke the conversation further, showing the absurdity of such thinking.

Many actually rationalize bad behavior with such thinking: ‘I can get away with this action since I can ask forgiveness for it later.’ Paul had articulated how much more grace had overcome sin’s reign through faith in Christ (v. 5:15), and was challenging the thinking that grace could increase all the more for continued sin. He used the act of baptism to make his point. As a wedding ring is the symbol of marriage, baptism is an outward symbol of becoming a Christian. Paul described it this way:

“…don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the ead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

“If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. The death He died, He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives, He lives to God.” (vv. 3 – 10)

God breathed into Paul these words to call out the hypocrisy of continuing in a religious system that was broken. The first century Believers were challenged to understand that baptism was just as much a symbol of fidelity and the promise of righteous living as a wedding ring is to those who promise their lives exclusively to each other. Although Christians do sin, that pattern of sin is disrupted when Jesus comes to live in one’s heart, and the intent of the heart is changed to turn from the path of bad choices and toward the practice of good choices. It’s a new discipline… a new way of living… a new perspective of life… and it’s volitional.

The Believer must awaken each day committing to die to self and sin and live to Christ by faith. It is a resolve to live life with an eternal perspective and purpose.

Have a blessed day… through intentional living for Christ!

“…grace increased all the more…” Romans 5:20c

Yesterday, we discovered how death came to all as a result of Adam’s sin, and how that consequence disrupted the relationship between God and man. The Creator though, ever reaching to His creation, knew the need before it ever existed… and He made a provision for mankind who was created in His image. That provision was Heaven sent, earthly tested, humanly spent, and divinely glorified through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Paul described Jesus as Heaven’s gift. The Greek word he used is “charisma” (pronounced, ka-ris’-ma) which literally translated is, “grace gift”. In other words, a gift given out of pure delight in the one to whom the gift is offered. There is no other motivation or agenda… it is simply an expression of love. In the description Paul offered, we find that just as sin entered the world through one man – affecting many, so God’s grace – His gift of salvation – entered the picture of humanity through one man, and that man was Jesus Christ. Here is how Paul described it:

“But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: the judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (vv. 15 – 21)

I have been often asked, ‘Was it fair for God to condemn the entire human race for the acts of one man?’ My answer: Yes. God’s wisdom is much higher than man’s. He sees from the past to our present and far beyond. If God had elected to judge each person separately, the outcome would have been identical to what happened in The Garden: God would punish disobedience.

The wisdom in God’s actions is seen in God keeping things consistent: just as through one man sin and death entered the world, so through one man justification and life (abundant life and eternal life) also have entered into the world. By Adam’s sin, he lost right standing before God and passed on that sin nature to every person that ever lived, as well as the sentence of death. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, God offers all who believe right standing before God, as well as abundant life and the blessed hope of eternal life in Heaven.

God’s law brought the microscope of holiness to expose the germ of sin found in every heart. It is through the law that one discovers him/herself as a sinner. Sin leads to death, and not just physical death but a death that will end in destruction… the name will not be found in the book of life. It will be as if that person never lived, and all because he/she rejected God’s love and the way of righteousness.

These past two days, we have been exposed to the heart of Paul’s letter to the Roman church. In this passage, Paul contrasted Adam and Jesus Christ, each committed one act – one ushering sin and death into the world, the other providing power to live righteously and experience abundant life. The passage also contrasts The Law of God, given to expose sin; and The Grace of God, given to cover sin… fulfilling The Law’s requirements, thus deeming one justified before a perfect and holy God. Through Adam, sin increased through the lives that followed, even to us today. Through Christ, GRACE INCREASED ALL THE MORE, and through Jesus mankind has gained much more than was ever lost in Adam.

The sin we cover-up… the scandal of the human race – in which we have all played a part, is uncovered by The Law. The punishment we each deserve was, instead, transferred to Jesus upon a cross. Though we have sinned, He provides mercy and pardon to all who believe and place their faith in Christ, affirming God’s wisdom to work all things out for our good and to His glory!

There is so much more that could be said about this passage. For now, consider the great GIFT that God is holding out to you. Will you accept it?

Have a blessed, abundant day of living!

“…death came to all men…” Romans 5:12c

As Paul continued to explain God’s redemption, he presented another tenet of systematic theology found in today’s five understandable words. In The Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve experienced unhindered fellowship with God and creation. There was no fear present when meeting with God or when speaking with the serpent (Genesis 2:18-20; 3:1-7). However, once they broke the one restriction given to them – by eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge – death entered the paradigm of earth, for the entire creation was affected by man’s rebellion; and with death came fear. Suddenly, Adam and Eve were afraid to meet God face to face, and God warned them of the paradigm shift in their relation to creation when He declared the prophecy of the serpent striking man’s heel (read Genesis 2:17; 3:8-15).

Death came as a result of man’s rebellion, also known as sin. Sin infected all of creation, not just the human race. That one moment is known as “the fall of man”, though in reality it was the fall of all creation – from the smallest form of life to the stars. It occurred before the written law was ever given. Paul asserted that God did not count the sins of man between the creation and the law given to Moses (vv. 12 – 13), for where there is no law, there can be no transgression. It is the law that exposes sin; and it is sin that brings death.

One simple act of compromise. That’s all it took. That one act arising from a lie and the disbelief of being accountable before God (read Genesis 3:4-5) is why death came to all men. How many times have each of us ignored the truth of God’s eyes being a witness to both the evil and the good (2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 5:21, 15:3; Jeremiah 16:17)? There will be a day of accounting when God will judge the thoughts and actions of every person. Will you be found forgiven by faith in Christ or will you stand before God condemned by the law?

Paul was a superlative Jew of Jews: he was schooled under Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, zealous for the law – even to the point of leading raids on the homes of Jewish Christians who were stoned to death. Paul was so totally immersed in the law and its requirements, yet was unable to see the dynamic grace through faith until he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. It changed everything for him. His life became ruled by God’s grace. His eyes were opened to extend that grace beyond his own race and culture.

We need not fear death when we have trusted in Christ, Who met all the demands of the law for us – literally dying for our sin. We, who, by faith, have trusted Jesus as our Savior and Lord will stand before God absolved of any and all offences toward Him and His law.

Trust in Him today…

“…we have now been justified…” Romans 5:9

All the demands of the law have been met. Every sinner that comes to Christ through faith is fully justified through the blood He shed on the cross. He was the sacrifice for sin that completely met every requirement of God’s law. In fact, Jesus is the final blood sacrifice recognized by God. There was no longer a need for further sacrifices.

Paul led the readers into considering the impact of being justified before God:

“Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!” (vv. 9 – 10)

In a courtroom, once one has been tried and found guilty, the offender is then processed through the sentencing phase of his/her conviction. In other words, the offender discovers what the punishment will be. Paul showed in the statements above how one – though guilty of sin – is given a reprieve from judgment! The sinner who professes faith in Christ is recognized as a full citizen in good standing before Heaven’s law – all because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice. Even more, the resurrection of Jesus imparts the power of salvation to all who believe. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power which quickens the heart to receive the good news of God’s love, awakening one to new life in Christ and the process of transformation.

What wonder is afforded the one risen to walk in the new life of Christ! It leads one to rejoice in worship, just as Paul did:

“Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received reconciliation.” (v.11)

The heart that has welcomed Jesus to reside as Lord of the house overflows with perpetual worship and praise. When one considers the depth of God’s love, how He has rescued us from His judgment toward our sin, and the price it took to accomplish it, one naturally is filled with thanksgiving and joy. Have you ever felt such total joy?

Have a blessed day…