1. A 52 Point Sermon
I recently heard a missionary speak and it was so interesting to hear how he was working to get out the gospel message of Jesus Christ. After speaking for a little while, he then introduced his sermon. He said that it would be short, and had only 52 points. He then proceeded to name the titles of God in the book of Romans. I would like to look at the references he used and focus on a few of them to see "Who Is God In The Book Of Romans?"
2. The Gospel Of God
We will begin our look at God in the book of Romans with the first verse. "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," (Romans 1:1) The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. Missionaries often leave their homes and families to go to other lands to give out the gospel message. Jesus gave the great commission, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) Are we doing our part to get the gospel message to a lost and dying world? The first missionaries in the book of Acts traveled great distances in perilous times to share the good news that Jesus saves. With our modern means of communication and travel we should be able to get the message out even farther than the disciples were able to take it. We don't have to worry about going against the law to tell someone about Jesus, as many of the missionaries do in foreign countries. We can invite others to our church services where we meet openly without fear. There are many types of gospel tracts that we can give to others. We can take our Bibles with us and read them in public places, such as doctors' offices and other waiting rooms. From our homes we can share the good news of salvation over the phone or on social media. I believe that our time on earth is short, and we need to work all we can to share the good news that Jesus saves!
3. The Son Of God
When my daughter was in the first grade, I went to work at her school temporarily after the fourth grade teacher assistant broke her leg. Sometimes I would be walking in the hallway and hear little voices saying, "Hey, Susanna's Mom". I thought it was so cute to be called that by her little friends and classmates. These children only knew me through Susanna. We are continuing in the first chapter in the book of Romans, and our describing words are, "the Son of God". As I thought about this, I saw how we only know God through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. There are many false religions and many false gods, but we serve the one and only living, holy, God. And we can only know Him by believing in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
"1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:" (Romans 1:1-6)
4. Beloved Of God
We know that Jesus is the beloved of God the Father. God spoke these words at the baptism and again on the mount of transfiguration. "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (Luke 3:22) "And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." (Luke 9:35) In the Old Testament the great prophet Daniel was called "greatly beloved" three times. " And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee,..." (Daniel 10:11 and also in 9:23 and 10:19) The Apostle Paul spoke to Timothy as his "beloved son" (II Timothy 1:2) and to Luke as "the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14). We all want to be loved. Continuing in Romans 1:7 we read, "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." The Christians at Rome were called "beloved of God". And since God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to save me and you, we can be included in this group of beloved Christians. Paul shares God's message to His beloved and gives us encouraging words. "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." (Philippians 4:1) "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:58) It is a wonderful thing to be one of God's beloved, and as His children we are greatly "beloved of God."
5. The Will Of God
Paul began several of his letters, (to Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Timothy) acknowledging God's will in his life. "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God..." As our next "of God" statement we find "the will of God" mentioned four times in the book of Romans. He wanted God's will to be done in his travels. He told them that the Spirit makes intercession in prayer according to God's will. And he encouraged his readers to be transformed in their mind to prove "what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
"Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you." (Romans 1:10)
"And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:27)
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
"That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed." (Romans 15:32)
We often pray and ask God's will in our big decisions. But we should pray to find God's will even in the mundane tasks we face day by day. James tells us to seek the Lord's will on a daily basis.
"13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." (James 4:13-15)
I close with this familiar verse found in I Thessalonians 5:18. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
6. The Power Of God
What could make such a change in a person that he would turn away from sin, and live for the Lord? How can a person forgive herself of things she had done, and not be torn with guilt? What power is so strong it can give peace in the time of storms, and joy in the midst of sorrow, and love in a world filled with hate? What is the source of the power that can give people the strength and courage to take a stand for right, even when so much in the world is wrong? Paul tells us in our next verse, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16) Through the power of God, He sought me and showed me I was lost. Through the power of God, Jesus forgave me and saved me. Through the power of God, He keeps me and is preparing a home in heaven for me. This verse in the book of Jeremiah seems to sum it all up for me. "Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:" (Jeremiah 32:17)
7. The Righteousness Of God
Many, many, years ago I was trying to witness to a coworker and his response was, "You must think I'm a terrible person." He then went on to give me a list of the good things he did that made him a good person. I believe it is extremely hard to witness to those who think that they are good enough on their own to go to heaven. God's Word makes it very clear, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:... For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:10 & 23) Our verse today is on "The Righteousness Of God" and is found in Romans 1:17, "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5) "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Corinthians 5:21) When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we are clothed in His righteousness. "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10) After the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden, our righteous and holy God looked down from heaven, with so much love, He gave His Son Jesus to pay for our sin. Jesus took on our unrighteousness in His death on the cross, and clothes us in His righteousness when we believe on Him. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (II Timothy 4:8)
8. The Wrath Of God
Our verse today is actually a continuation of the thoughts from yesterday. "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;" (Romans 1:17-18) Many people want to talk about the love of God, but they don't want to acknowledge the wrath of God. God is a righteous God and He is the Judge of all the earth. David sang to the Lord, "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day." (Psalm 7:11) Heaven would not be heaven if all the sin and wickedness of this world was there. Jesus is the way to escape the wrath of God. He told Nicodemus, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again... For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:7 and 16-18) "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36) In the book of Revelation John warns us of the wrath of God. "And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God." (Revelation 15:1) Trust in the Lord to save you today, so that you don't have to face the wrath of God.
9. The Truth Of God Is Made Known Of God
We saw the Righteousness Of God, and how those who don't believe will face the Wrath Of God, and the verse following is that which is Known Of God. "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." (Romans 1:19) God created the heavens and earth and He walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:8) They knew the Truth Of God, but sinned against God. In time, mankind turned away from the Truth of God and served other gods.
"22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (Romans 1:22-25)
We have the Truth Of God, made known to us by the Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1 & 14) This Truth Of God is the way to God. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) Do you know the Truth Of God which is made Known Of God?
10. Haters Of God Will Face The Judgment Of God
We are finishing the first chapter in the book of Romans in our quest to find "Who Is God In The Book Of Romans?" Paul spoke of men turning away from God in their worship of false gods. In closing the chapter, he tells of the depths of wickedness that followed. Haters of God is found in verse 30. It is a sad state to see so much of this unrighteous behavior in our society today. In their fight against God they will one day face the judgment of God, as we see in verse 32. Oh, how the world needs God!
"26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:26-32)
11. The Goodness Of God, Those That Boast Of God, And The Name Of God
Chapter 2. We are going to cover all three descriptions "Of God" that we find in this chapter. In the closing verses of the first chapter of the book of Romans we saw the judgment of God on the unrighteous. As chapter 2 opens Paul tells his readers it is inexcusable for them to judge others for sins they are also committing. "And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans 2:3-4) The Goodness Of God should be sufficient to make us want to walk with the Lord in righteousness. Paul continues these thoughts as he speaks of those that Boast of God.
"17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?...
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written." (Romans 2:17-24)
Not only were these Jews passing judgment on others when they were committing the same trespasses, but they were boasting of the things of God and teaching others the law when they were sinning against the laws they were teaching. Paul tells them that they are the reason the Name Of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles. When we boast of the goodness of God, and try to tell others about the name of God, we must remember that people watch our walk, maybe even more than they listen to our talk.
12. The Oracles Of God And The Faith Of God
Let's begin Romans 3.
"1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;..." (Romans 3:1-4)
God gave the Oracles Of God to the Jewish people. He gave Moses the law and spoke to, and through, the prophets in the Old Testament. We can be thankful that we are no longer under the law, but we are saved by the grace of God through the Faith Of God, when we believe on His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." (Matthew 5:17) This is further shown to us in the opening of the book of Hebrews.
"1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (Hebrews 1:1-3)
I am thankful that we have the Oracles Of God in His written Word. We can read and meditate on His Word and He can speak to us through the Holy Spirit and teach us the right way to live. But, we can't live holy and just according to the law, so I am even more thankful that we have the Word of His Son, Jesus, and the gift of salvation to all who will believe. Paul continues this thought.
"21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; " (Romans 3:21-13)
13. The Fear Of God
When my boys were teenagers it was popular among the young people to wear T-shirts that said, "No Fear". I talked to them about my problem with the shirts, and it made me feel good to hear their youth leader teach on the subject at one of their weekly meetings. We should have a holy Fear Of God, and that is our topic today. As Paul spoke of the wickedness of the world he said it was because, "There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:18 and more verses below.) We could say the same thing today! There are several verses in the book of Proverbs, that teach us the wisdom of the fear of the Lord. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." (Proverbs 16:6) Having a reverential fear of God helps us give Him praise and worship, and we won't have to fear His judgment in the end of time. "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." (Revelation 19:5-6)
"9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:9-18)
14. The Glory Of God
Do you know "The Romans' Road To Salvation"? These are really good verses to memorize so that you can help someone who might need to know how to be saved.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
The Glory Of God is our focus today, found in the first verse. Here are more verses about The Glory Of God. Do you know the brightness of The Glory Of God?
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." (Psalm 19:1)
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56)
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (I Corinthians10:31)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)
"And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:23)
15. The Forbearance Of God
I often wonder why God would save me. And now that I have been saved, why does He continue to love me and give me forgiveness when I fail so many times? There are many things in the Bible that we can't understand in our human weakness, and one of them is the love of God, so great that He bears with us in our fallen condition. He forbears with us and lifts us up when we cannot stand. Our words today are The Forbearance Of God.
"23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" (Romans 3:23-25)
Because our Lord is forbearing with us, we should also bear with one another. "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Colossians 3:13) God is good!
16. The Promise Of God
I might make a promise to you, and something could come up that would hinder me from keeping my promise. But, we can be sure that when God makes a promise, He keeps it! Once we spent three months looking at 100 "Precious Promises From God's Word" for our daily devotions. Our next "Of God" phrase is found in Romans 4:20-21, speaking of Abraham, Paul says, "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." All through the Bible we read that God kept His promises. "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass." (Joshua 21:45) "Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant." (I Kings 8:56) And God has not changed, so just as He kept His promises then, He is still true to His Word today. When we think about The Promises Of God we often think of the good things God has promised. There are promises to those who believe unto salvation, such as found in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life." (I John 2:25) There are promises for us along the way. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) There are some promises that will affect every person, as found in Romans 14:11-12. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." What promise are you claiming today?
17. The Love Of God And The Grace Of God, Gave Us The Gift Of God
We are combining the next three descriptions because they all came together to give us salvation. In Romans 5:5 and 8 we find The Love Of God. "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us... But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Because of God's great love, we have The Grace Of God. And God, through His marvellous grace, gave us His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord, to be The Gift Of God.
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:12 and 15-21)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) And this carries us back to The Love Of God!
"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)
18. The Contrast Between The Law Of God And The Spirit Of God
Chapter 7 of the book of Romans is about The Law Of God. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that although he desires to follow the law, his flesh is weak and he is sometimes captive to the law of sin. Then, in chapter 8, he brings up the contrast of The Law Of God to The Spirit Of God. We don't have to walk after the flesh, but we can walk after the Spirit. Paul states it plainly in Galatians 5:18, "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." In his letter to the church at Corinth he also said, "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." (II Corinthians 3:3)
"22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (Romans 7:22-25)
"1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Romans 8:1-4 & 9)
19. The Sons Of God, The Children Of God, and Heirs Of God
My life on earth has been a simple one. I was not born to royalty or to rich and famous parents. I was not one of Jewish descent, from Abraham, one of God's chosen people. But, God sought me and gave me a new birth, and now I am a child of God. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14) We have come to know and love this aspect of being a Christian, but imagine how remarkable this must have seemed for the early followers of Jesus. John also proclaims us to be The Sons Of God. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:12) "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (I John 3:1-2) Let's continue with the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans for more on this amazing truth. As Children Of God, we are also Heirs Of God! God the Father has promised to share His glory with us! Not because of anything we deserve, but all because of His great love!
"15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:15-18)
20. The Right Hand Of God
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, He took His place in heaven at The Right Hand Of God where He intercedes for His children. I fail. I fall. I make mistakes. But my Lord knows and understands and He speaks for me, to the Righteous Judge. "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34) We also read of Christ seated at The Right Hand Of God in Mark 16:19, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 10:12, and I Peter 3:22. But when Stephen was being stoned to death for his faith in the Lord, Jesus stood to welcome him home. What a wonderful Savior is He!
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56)
21. The Service Of God, The Mercies Of God, And The Word Of God
We have come to Romans 9:4, where Paul speaks of the Israelites pertaining to The Service Of God, but I want to use 12:1-2 as he declares "our reasonable service". "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." This also gives us The Mercies Of God, which is ample reason for all to serve the Lord. Also, in 9:6 we see The Word Of God, but again I am moving ahead in the book to Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." I can never thank Him enough for allowing me to hear The Word Of God preached and convicting my heart so that I could be saved. Many seem to be in a panic over the Covid19. I would rather look to The Word Of God than fall to the fear of the world. We can find strength and courage in Joshua 1:9, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." We can also find help in II Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." I am not worried about the virus. With the Lord's help I am going to continue in my service for Him, thank Him for His continued mercy, and trust in His Word!
22. The Purpose Of God
The media is leading us to believe that the whole world is in fear of the recent outbreak of coronavirus. Our verse today is Romans 9:11. "(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)" This was written about the children of Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau. God had a purpose for their lives. A few verses later Paul explains that God even had a purpose in the life of Pharoah. "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." (Romans 9:17) Can I encourage you today? God has a purpose for you! One of the most well known verses in Romans is 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." God has been in control since the beginning of time, working His will according to His purpose. We don't have to worry that this pandemic has taken God by surprise. We are living in the last days and His Word tells us that perilous times will come, but that does not mean He has relinquished His control or power over the universe. Everything is working "according to His purpose". "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:88-9) Keep trusting the Lord! If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please trust Him today.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9, 10 & 13)
23. A Zeal Of God, Those Ignorant Of God, And The Answer Of God
We are moving on to chapter 10 in our quest of Who God Is In The Book Of Romans. As we read the first verse, I want to say, that my desire and prayer is that people might be saved.
"1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:1-4)
Paul knew what it meant to have A Zeal Of God without knowledge, for look at how he described himself in Philippians 3:5-6, "... an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." He was speaking from experience as one being Ignorant Of God's Righteousness. For The Zeal Of God I think there are no greater verses than those found in Isaiah 9:6-7. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." And for Those Ignorant Of God, Paul also remarked over and over in his letters to the churches, "Now I would not have you ignorant,..." (Romans 1:13) Since we have already covered the salvation verses in chapter 10, we will move on to chapter 11.
"2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." (Romans 11:2-5)
When you feel all alone in your stand for righteousness and you question God about the wickedness of the world, remember that God has an answer. You are not alone! God has a remnant! There are many which seem to have "A Zeal Of God... but are ignorant of God's righteousness", but God has a remnant of believers!
24. The Goodness And Severity Of God
Our title today may seem like an unusual combination, The Goodness And Severity Of God, but that is how it is found in Romans 11:22. The Apostle Paul explained that the Jewish people were the branches in God's holy root. In unbelief some were broken off, and as the Gentiles believed, they were grafted in.
"18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again." (Romans 11:18-23)
We learn the goodness of God with our first prayer, "God is great, God is good. Let us thank Him for our food." We memorize the 23rd Psalm and say, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6) Yes, God is good! But many people want to believe in The Goodness Of God, without seeing The Severity Of God. They want to believe in heaven, but yet they don't believe in hell. Just as sure as there is a heaven above, there is a hell beneath. God is righteous and holy, and judgment is coming. Be saved before it is too late!
"11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15)
25. The Gifts And Calling Of God, And The Wisdom And Knowledge Of God
Paul is still talking about the Jewish people and the Gentiles. We saw in Romans 11:23 that the Jews who believed would be grafted into the branch again. So in verse 29, he goes on to say, "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." This is speaking of the gift of grace. God still offers the wonderful gift of salvation to all who believe. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) Paul had already said that salvation was a gift to "whosoever" would call upon the name of the Lord. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) Paul concludes the chapter talking about The Wisdom And Knowledge Of God. As we see all the uncertainty of things unfolding all around us, we can be sure that God is all wise, and all knowing, and He has everything in control!
"33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36)
26. Powers That Be Are Ordained Of God, The Ordinance Of God, And Ministers Of God
In Romans 12 Paul exhorts the Christian believers in how to live "that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2) He gives them several guidelines to follow and ends the chapter, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21) Chapter 13 begins with having respect for rulers. God ordained government to help the good and punish the evil. It is our job to help elect those who want to follow God in doing what's right. I want to add, that it is so sad to see how some are disrespectful towards officers of the law, who put their lives in danger to protect others. In his letter to Timothy, Paul tells us to pray for our leaders. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" (I Timothy 2:1-3)
"1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." (Romans 13:1-4)
27. The Kingdom Of God And The Work Of God
In Romans 14 the Apostle Paul continues with instructions to the believers, specifically about eating meat. I believe that he is referring to meat that has been offered to idols, as he talked about in I Corinthians 8. He warns them not to judge one another, and that is something we should all take heed to today. Not necessarily as to what we eat, but in other areas where the Bible does not specifically say "Yea" or "Nay" on debatable issues. In addition to not judging others, he says we need to try not to affend others. "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." (I Corinthians 8:13) Many, many, many years ago some of the young people started playing basketball in the church parking lot on Sunday afternoons. When a few of the elderly people complained that they should not do that, they didn't argue with them, but quit, so as not to affend them. I am including a large portion of the chapter to show how adamant Paul was on judging or offending one another. Our words today are The Kingdom Of God, found in verse 17 and The Work Of God, in verse 20. "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost... For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence."
"10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
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.
21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak." (Romans 14:10-21)
28. The God Of Patience And Consolation
When I began this endeavor to look at all the "Of God" descriptions in the book of Romans, I did not know how rewarding it would be. It has taken more Bible reading, meditation, and prayer for understanding, to be able to share these with you. I feel like this study has brought me closer to the Lord and I hope that it has also been a blessing to you. The last four are written as "the God of..." Today we will look at The God Of Patience And Consolation, found in Romans 15:5-6. "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." I am so thankful that I serve The God Of Patience. I often fail the Lord, and mess up, but God has never failed me. He is loving and patient to forgive me. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2) With the trials we are facing it is hard to be patient. We pray and ask God to take care of the problems we have, and the sooner, the better. But God is working things according to His will and we will learn patience by trusting in Him. We also see the He is The God Of Consolation. He gives us comfort and compassion. I don't know how people are facing these daily dilemmas if they don't know the Lord. It is stressful to go to the store and find empty shelves. It is difficult to see the world in turmoil. But God gives me comfort. Many times in the New Testament we read that Jesus was moved with compassion. I am so grateful for His patience and consolation.
29. The God Of Hope And Peace
I am so glad to see the warm, sunny days! Michael helped me till a space in the garden so I could plant some beets. We live on a busy, country road and our garden is in front of the house. We have several friends that blow the horn when they drive by, and we are working in the garden. As I walked up the hill to the house I looked back at the newly turned ground and I thought, "There is my message of hope! Hope that we will come out of the mess we are in. Hope in God's promise that "seedtime and harvest" will continue. (Genesis 8:32) My witness to my neighbors and people who ride by that I am not giving up! We have come to our last two descriptions of "Who Is God In The Book Of Romans?" "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13) We have a wonderful God Of Hope. With all the despair in the world today people are looking for a ray of hope. As Christians, we can tell them that there is a God Of Hope! I am blessed each time I read of someone reaching out to help another person in need. Reach out to others with a message of hope. God is also a God Of Peace. When all the world is in fear, God gives us peace. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) I close this series with Romans 15:33. "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."
Who Is God In The
Book Of Romans?
