Monday, January 02, 2006
Jan 3, Romans 2
Romans 2
Key Verse: Romans 2:7
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
Title: Knowing the Truth Isn't Enough
Observation: Paul is teaching here that we all sin. After the list of sins in Romans 1 I can almost feel that outrage of the "Good Jews" Paul is accusing of practicing the earlier repugnant sins. The truth is when you have broken any one of the commandments you might as well as have broken them all. Any sin is big enough to separate us from God, but no sin is bigger than Jesus' forgiveness. But knowing about Jesus' gift of grace, I do not have the right to sit back and judge others. Nor do I have the right to continue in sin. Because of Jesus' great love and gift to me I need to continue, as the verse says, in striving for what is good, noble, right and true. My salvation is entirely because of God's grace; but in response to His first love I must go forward and live up to what he has called me to do.
Application: Humility before God and others in crucial. Too often I like having the cloak of respectability thrown over me because of my calling- I need to live up to my calling as leader and pastor. As I start today a new (well new again) discipline, I need to not merely meet the lowest acceptable passing grade, but to reach for the Kingdom and God's righteousness.
Prayer: Lord God, have mercy on me, for my arrogance. Help me to justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly before you. Your grace is what enables me to walk in faith, and live in victory. You are the great I AM present whenever I need you. Help me to walk in faith, live with discipline, and shine with joy.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
The longest journey begins with the first step.- Some Ancient Chinese Philospher
Key Verse: Romans 2:7
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
Title: Knowing the Truth Isn't Enough
Observation: Paul is teaching here that we all sin. After the list of sins in Romans 1 I can almost feel that outrage of the "Good Jews" Paul is accusing of practicing the earlier repugnant sins. The truth is when you have broken any one of the commandments you might as well as have broken them all. Any sin is big enough to separate us from God, but no sin is bigger than Jesus' forgiveness. But knowing about Jesus' gift of grace, I do not have the right to sit back and judge others. Nor do I have the right to continue in sin. Because of Jesus' great love and gift to me I need to continue, as the verse says, in striving for what is good, noble, right and true. My salvation is entirely because of God's grace; but in response to His first love I must go forward and live up to what he has called me to do.
Application: Humility before God and others in crucial. Too often I like having the cloak of respectability thrown over me because of my calling- I need to live up to my calling as leader and pastor. As I start today a new (well new again) discipline, I need to not merely meet the lowest acceptable passing grade, but to reach for the Kingdom and God's righteousness.
Prayer: Lord God, have mercy on me, for my arrogance. Help me to justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly before you. Your grace is what enables me to walk in faith, and live in victory. You are the great I AM present whenever I need you. Help me to walk in faith, live with discipline, and shine with joy.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
The longest journey begins with the first step.- Some Ancient Chinese Philospher
