The Book of Romans Concludes: Destroy Not The Work Of God Jesus died in agony for everyone. If we recklessly offend His little ones after He paid so great a price for their souls, we are not walking in the love of Christ. Do not cause His good to come to evil. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Stand for what is right, but avoid destroying a hungry soul in the process. Romans 14:20 - For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. Whatsoever Is Not Of Faith Is Sin Do not condemn yourself by doing things that might be sinful. If you are doubtful, dont do it. If you cannot be sure whether you can do a thing without sinning, then forbid yourself. You will condemn yourself if you do a thing without having complete faith that God approves. Romans 14:22-23 - Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. These Things Were Written Aforetime For Our Learning We should help those who are weak in faith, even if it means that we will not be able to please ourselves. That is what Jesus did. The prophets prophesied that Jesus would bear the reproaches that wicked men heaped on God. Knowing that Christs sufferings were foreordained, we can take comfort in the fact that our sufferings are also foreordained - known of God - and that He will see us through those times of sacrifice. Romans 15:4 - Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Joy Comes From Hope Hopelessness and joy are incompatible. They cannot co-exist. For years I wondered what exactly was the root of joy. I now know that it is hope. Joy and hope are inseparable. Without hope, joy is lost. With hope, joy is gained. Where does hope come from? It comes from the comfort of the scriptures. There is a word from the Lord pertaining to every problem. Knowing that God has everything under control and will meet every need gives me hope. And that gives me joy. Romans 15:4 - ...that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Circumcision In Genesis 17:11, God told Abraham, ...ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. For all the centuries to follow, Jewish males were circumcised in the foreskin of their flesh to confirm their covenant relationship with God. The ultimate purpose of circumcision was to validate lineage; that Messiah was descended from Abraham. After Jesus Christ, circumcision became unnecessary. Romans 15:8 - Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. In Him Shall The Gentiles Trust Paul showed that Messiah was prophesied to rule the Gentiles. Romans 15:9-12 - That the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written [Psalm 18:49], For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith [Deuteronomy 32:43], Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again [Psalm 117:1], Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias [11:10] saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. The Minister Of Jesus Christ To The Gentiles Paul blessed the saints in Rome, and expressed his satisfaction that they were full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. But he boldly reminded them That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. The man of God emphasized his indispensable, irreplaceable role as their minister. Romans 15:19 - Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; ...I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. They That Have Not Heard Shall Understand Paul was compelled to preach in places where they had never heard the Gospel, lest I should build upon another mans foundation. He had a prophetic motive: As it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand, (Isaiah 52:15). Ministers should resist the temptation to preach only in established Churches. Go into all the world and preach. Romans 15:22 - For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now having no more place in these parts, ...I will come to you. Spain - Destination Never Reached Twice, Paul told the Romans that he would see them again. Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you. Paul obviously planned to take the Gospel to Spain, but history provides no evidence that he ever went. You may have your own big plans, and assume they are Gods will, but dont be surprised if He sends you elsewhere. Romans 15:28-29 - When therefore I have performed this, ...I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that... I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. With One Mind, One Mouth, Glorify God, Pray Together Paul admonished the saints to pray and worship together as one. Be likeminded one toward another... That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God... Rejoice, ...with his people. ...and laud him, all ye people. When you are in the company of brothers and sisters, lift your voices together to glorify God in one mind and one mouth. Also pray aloud in heartfelt agreement with your saintly brothers and sisters - at home, as well as in the Church. Romans 15:30 - For the Lord Jesus Christs sake, ...strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. Three Worthy Prayer Requests In his epistle to the Romans, Paul begged them to join together in prayer for him. He had three special prayer requests. 1. That he would be delivered from those who do not believe. 2. That his ministry would be accepted by the saints. 3. That God would allow him to rejoin them and that they all would be revived. We would do well to pray for the same things, namely: 1. Deliverance from enemies. 2. Success in the ministry according to the will of God. 3. Daily renewal. Romans 15:32-33 - That I may... with you be refreshed. Phebe, Our Sister Paul commended Phebe, saying, she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. The final footnote in Romans added, ...written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea. Paul urged the saints at Rome to receive Phebe when she came bearing this immortal document. This precious minor Bible character hand-delivered to us Pauls epistle to the Romans. Never underestimate your role in the kingdom. Romans 16:2 - That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you. Mark Them Who Deviate From The Doctrine, And Avoid Them Paul bid farewell to dozens of saints by name, and gave terse warnings to identify and avoid everyone who caused divisions contrary to the doctrines he had taught them. Correct doctrine is paramount. These dividers sound really good, but their hearts are evil and they deceive the unsuspecting. Romans 16:17-18 - I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. God Shall Bruise Satan Under Your Feet Shortly Paul reminded the saints at Rome that God has the power to stablish you, according to the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel message works, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets. The bulk of Pauls messages were based on the revelations of the prophets that he found in the scriptures. Knowing the prophetic message enables us to understand and believe in our ultimate victory. Romans 16:20 - The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. To God Be Glory Through Jesus Christ Paul finished his epistle to the Romans by blessing a number of saints who were dear to him. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Then he gave glory to God. The best way to end every conversation is to bless the Lord. Romans 16:25-27 - Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, ...which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, ...made known to all nations... To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 01:54:55 +0000
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