Friday, February 17, 2012

Romans 13 - Clothe Yourself

Interesting that Paul ends chapter 12 with instructions to not be overcome by evil, and then goes straight into a discussion of submission to the government at the start of chapter 13.  I always thought that was a curious transition.

Anyway, for me the question inspired by v. 1-7 is "what happens when a government is clearly evil, operating contrary to God's Word and standards?"  In this case, we have a clear answer in Acts 4:19, when Peter tells the religious leaders that he must obey God rather than man.  And yet, in general, Paul's instruction is clear...

"Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect, if honor, then honor".

Two verses that sum up much of what this Christian life is about are found toward the end of Romans 13.

"Love is the fulfillment of the law" v. 10
"Rather, clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" v. 14

I can't avoid thinking about gratifying the desires of the sinful nature apart from clothing myself with Jesus.  Good to know....

Friday, February 10, 2012

Romans 12 - A Thumbnail Sketch of a Disciple of Jesus

I admire the work of Chip Ingram, a Bible teacher/pastor who has done some fantastic work.  One of the studies that I've had an opportunity to go through multiple times is one that Chip put together about chapter 12 of Romans.  In Chip's words, Romans 12 provides a terrific overview of what it means to be an authentic follower of Jesus, and he breaks the chapter up into 5 parts/themes.  He calls these the 5 S's of Romans 12.

Verse 1  -  Surrendered to God:  We can't become who God intends us to be until we are "all in", and willing to cooperate with His work in our lives.

V. 2 -  Separate from the world:  Not removed from the world, but separate or distinct, understanding that this distinction becomes gradually more apparent as our minds are "renewed" by hearing, reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on God's Word.

V. 3-8  -  Sober self-assessment: Understanding who we are, how we are made, and how we fit into the larger picture of the Body of Christ.  Not thinking too highly of ourselves, but also recognizing our gifts and talents, and committing to use them for God's purposes.

V.  9-13  -  Serving in love:  Fairly self-explanatory, but being willing to serve and submit to others.

V.  14-21  - Supernaturally responding to evil with good:  Easier said than done most of the time, but trusting that God will meet our needs, and resisting the temptation to take revenge or harbor bitterness against those who make our lives difficult.

Many thanks to Chip for his work and insight into this chapter.  You can visit Chip's R12 website to learn more.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Romans 11 - Israel, Gentiles, and branches

"Did God reject his people?  By no means!"

The people of Jacob, the nation of Israel have been set apart as chosen by God.  We see that clearly throughout the Scriptures.  And yet, due to the fallen condition of man, even God's "favorites" find themselves in need of grace (v. 5).  There is no one who has earned his/her way to God.  No one who merits his favor on our own.

Not sure I understand and grasp all the theology in this chapter, but I can read things like:
"because of their (Israel's) transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious" (v. 11).
"And so all Israel will be saved." (v. 26)
"God's gifts and call are irrevocable." (v. 30)

Here's a weird one..."For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all."  (v. 32)  What's that all about?

Mark Twain talked about how it isn't the parts of the Bible he didn't understand that bothered him, it was the parts that he did understand.  There's a bunch in Romans 11 that I know I don't grasp, but the chapter ends with this:

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!  Amen."  (v. 33-36)

That part makes sense to me.  God is awesome, merciful, perfectly loving and all-powerful. Even as I wrestle with passages of Scripture I can't quite wrap my brain around, I know God is revealing Himself to me more each day.