2005 03 March

Many times greetings are formal or friendly, but not this salutation. This introduction to the Book is genuine and filled with sincerity. It is also dignified and authoritative. Paul writes as one who has responsibility and must send this great message to the Church at Rome. It is the Gospel that impels Paul with such command that he cannot do anything but preach and teach it. The Gospel is the theme of the Book! Note, He is a committed servant, "a bond slave," and this blessed message must be preached wherever he goes or to whomever he writes. He is also separated to this work alone. It is true that on several occasions he had to stop and make tents to keep food in his body and clothing to cover himself. This was secondary. The Gospel was primary. Galatians 1:13-19 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. The above verses explain Paul's call, separation and learning direct from Jesus in the Arabian Desert. From our outline we have seen Paul's servitude, sent by the Lord, separated for his ministry while still in the womb and his special revelation of the Gospel. We have often referred to "Persecuting Saul became Preaching Paul." Here is another way of expressing it, "The Jewish Prosecutor becomes the Christian Preacher." Paul is the most prolific writer in the New Testament. Paul was the writer of the following Books: Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and we believe Hebrews. Although he is not identified in this Book there are so many expressions in Hebrews that read like Paul's writing in the other Epistles of his authorship. Please read and study Romans! (Italicized quotes from The Master Christian Library) RJS

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he (God) had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Paul writes from an arresting experience with the Lord on the Damascus Road. And by the way, Damascus was part of the Roman Empire in that day, regardless of what the Arabs say about the Holy land or their lands today. Recently a godly minister sent an e-mail to one of the larger networks on television requesting they remove some of the offensive material from their programming. The network responded that He should get his nose out of the Bible and start living in the real world. He was only following foolish fables and traditions that are no longer fashionable. II Pet. 1:16-18, For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him (Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration) in the holy mount. Peter and Paul both knew that they were not following "cunning devised fables." They knew that they were following the Lord's commission to go to all the world with the Gospel.

Christ the Historical One as recorded in Ephesians 1: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. As Peter and Paul were chosen, we also are chosen to be a witness in our day, as they were in their day. The Gospel must be promoted in Grand Junction and around the world by the only ones that can do it. That's the believers of today. The Pastor is to feed the flock and the flock is to go out and multiply. This does not mean by bringing physical children into the world, but by bringing spiritual children to the Lord with our witness and discipling them in the faith once delivered unto the saints. We have a God given responsibility, let's do it. RJS

Christ is the great theme of the Gospel and the fulfillment of the Scriptures, according to our text. Verses 3-5, Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: Let's compare Scripture with Scripture: Luke 24:44,45 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scripture. As the Risen Christ spoke to His disciples after the resurrection, He also spoke to Paul and revealed to him that He truly was the Messiah the Jews had been looking for, down through the centuries. This great practical lesson is revealed to us today as it was in Paul's day. The Gospel was a Divine promise, repeated by the prophets throughout the ages past and the fulfillment of the greatest event in the history of mankind. God gave to humanity a promise we were a sinful race in rebellion and deserving the punishment of hell. We needed an assurance of God's compassion and the revelation of salvation and eternal life. Paul is about to make known this revelation and salvation in his writings to the churches as never before revealed.

Two great events are related to the death and resurrection of our Lord: 1. The resurrection from the dead was a whole new phenomenon of which man could not understand in Paul's day and still does not comprehend the full meaning of it. To be raised from the dead is still a mystery that we only accept by faith. 2. Through Whom we have received grace and salvation. All mankind knows that they are sinners and have no way of overcoming the sin nature, but Christ gave us a new nature and in that new nature we can be over-comers. That is, we can live above the world and be victorious over the sins that so easily beset us. 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, Heb. 12:1. RJS

Most historians agree that Paul wrote this book between 58-60 A.D. these were the years that's Nero was on the throne in Rome, and it was to Nero that Paul appealed to be judged as recorded in Acts 25:10-12. It was during Nero's rule that ten of the fourteen precincts of Rome burned and Nero turned his fury on the Christians and blamed them for the conflagration.

The salutation in verse 7 is also a benediction. Paul is extending a blessing of grace and peace to the church in Rome as they are about to enter into days of extreme persecution. Paul knew that these Christian's needed prayer for the days ahead, that they could retain their testimony with the grace and peace that comes only from Christ in their coming persecution. Verse 8 leads us into Paul's words of praise for the testimony of this church. The testimony of their faith was known throughout the Roman Empire. This writer has visited the Colosseum in Rome where the Christians were led to their death. Men, women and children whole families were killed and eaten as the Romans called for more blood. These persecutions were added attractions to keep the Roman citizens entertained on a daily basis. Fifty thousand Romans stood and cheered as the lions slaughtered the Christians. Paul knew this was coming and prayed that their faith would not weaken. If we were to face this type of persecution today, how many professing Christians would renounce their faith? And this writer has often wondered how he would face this same kind of death? He knows that Christ would be there to strengthen him, but would he be rejoicing that he could be a martyr for the Lord? Ask yourself this same question!

Paul longed to come to them and impart spiritual gifts to them in verses 10 and 11. It would seem that these verses teach that none of the Apostles had been to Rome, and that Paul wanted to come there to impart the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon these Christians. If none of the Apostles had been to Rome, how were the Romans introduced to Christianity? Acts chapter 2:10 tells us that strangers from Rome were in Jerusalem and heard Peter's first sermon many of these were Jews and proselytes to the Jewish faith who received Christ at Peter's invitation and were baptized. Returning to Rome they formed a church and propagated their new faith to all who would listen. RJS

Saturday, March 5
I would not have you to be the Ignorant Brethren,
I would have you to be the Intelligent Brethren
Romans 1:13-15

It has been said that there are the Plymouth Brethren, and the Ignorant Brethren, this may have been said by a Plymouth Brethren preacher. Paul told the Roman Church that he did not want them to be ignorant. The idea of this word from the Greek is that they have knowledge of the great Bible Truths. There are two Greek words used by Paul to describe ignorance, the first one "idiots" means an ignoramus, rude or unlearned. The second one "agnoeo" lack of information or intelligence, implying disinclination, or to not know, not understand, unknown, this is the word used here by Paul to inform them that they need to know more of the Truths of the Bible and grow in the Lord. This word is used in Romans 10:3, 11:25; Here Paul is dealing with Israel both present and future. I Cor. 10:1, 12:1, 14:38; II Cor. 1:8, 2:11; I Thess. 4:13; Hebrews 5:2; and II peter 3:5,8. Paul and Peter were not satisfied that we only have the milk of the Word, they wanted us to be able to eat meat and develop into strong mature Christians in order to lead others to Christ and disciple them also. Paul enlarges on this in Eph. 4:11-16,
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. It was Paul's ministry, whether in person or by letter, not only to win the lost but to disciple the saved and see them grow in the Lord. This is the ministry's function today, even as it was in ages past. If the saved are not taught these great truths they will fall into cults and strange teachings. It has been said that the Southern Baptist Denomination looses one church a week to a very popular western cult. RJS

Paul uses several illustrations to cover the outreach of his ministry. His first reference is to the Greeks. In I Corinthians 1:22-23 Paul speaks of the Greeks as seekers of wisdom. It is true that the Greeks produced many students of philosophy and were great educators. Their language teaches us of their seeking for education. Paul also refers to Barbarians or uneducated people. Both needed to be saved! The Gospel is no respecter of the status of life. However it seems that well educated people are less prone to respond to the Gospel, it seems they feel their status and degrees in education are all they need. The Gospel is available to all, from the upper-most to the gutter-most. Paul has preached in Israel, Asia Minor, Greece and now desires to bring the great teachings of the Gospel to the believers in Rome also. We, too, are debtors to take the Gospel to others in the home, the wealthy and the poor, the whole world. Yes, wherever you are to share with others the Good News that God wants them to be saved and instructed in the great truths of the Bible.

Paul says in verse 16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." If ever there was a time for us to be unashamed of our faith it is now. Satan has been successful in propagating hatred of our message in the schools, the business world, the government and all of society. It is now time for us to come out of the closet and tell forth the message here in America as never before. If we do not we are going to be a silent minority and be persecuted in America as they are in other places of the world. Let us not be ashamed of our faith and trust in Christ, and the Scriptures.

In verse 17 we have these famous words, "The Just shall live by faith." This is a quotation from Habakkuk 2:4, and were the words that's changed Martin Luther's life. These words led to the great reformation in Europe and eventually brought the Gospel to America. Engraved on the Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA. Are the following words, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof," (Leviticus 25:10). The Anti Christian Liberty Union seeks to remove all references to the Bible and God from our society, but they will never remove these words from that famous old bell. Let us also proclaim the freedom and liberty we have in Christ. RJS

Monday, March 7
The Indignation, Violent, Passionate, Wrath of God Almighty
Romans 1:18-20

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. The first time this word for wrath is used in the New Testament is found in John 3:36, and the Greek word is (orgay) which means what the title suggests. In John it is a rejection of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. In Romans it is the rejection of the truth. In Ephesians 5:6, and Colossians 3:6, it is disobedience. We love to hear of the love of God, but don't want to hear of the wrath of God, but both are there for our enlightenment.

The on-going argument against creation, and that God made everything, and sustains every thing is to be considered carefully in verse 19. Those who hold to the "Big Bang Theory" or that it just happened are the leaders of the movement that desires to take God out of the text books and going further to take God out of our society, are under the condemnation of God according to this verse. Everything visible and invisible to the naked eye or the biggest telescope is part of the creative activity of God. Not one particle of matter or water has ever left this earth from the six days of creation to today. I don't care what the environmentalists say.

Verse 20 brings it home in clear and concise words. For sin implies knowledge of good and evil; it is not imputed to the brute beasts, only follow their natural instincts, having no perception of God or of Divine Law. To mankind, even without any special revelation, God manifests Himself to us in two ways: outwardly in nature, and inwardly by our conscience. In these verses we see both the outward and inward. The outward is before us through the eye gate in everything that we see. The inward is ever before us in the conscious mind. Before closing there are several more references to God's wrath in the Revelation: 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1; and 19:15. These all refer to the wrath of God in the Tribulation period, His fearsome indignation. Thanks be to God the believers will not be here for that. RJS

Tuesday, March 8
God Hates Idolatry, Also called Spiritual Adultery
Romans 1:21-24

Remembering that Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews and of the tribe of Benjamin, he knew Jewish history forwards and backwards. He was well aware of the idolatry that plagued Israel for centuries. All manner of pagan gods were in their repertory of idols. Gold, silver, iron, copper, wood and stone made up the various and multitude of idols worshipped by both Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The golden calf was the most popular in Israel. In Judah the iron statue of dagon; this pagan god is mentioned almost 20 times in the Old Testament. Dagon was the iron god whose hands were heated until cherry red, and then they placed their babies on the hot hands and sacrificed these precious little ones in worship to this heathen god. The Hebrews, like the pagans, made gods with oversize and grotesque faces and external fertility organs for worship. Now Paul warns the Christians that they are not to allow these ungodly idols to be a part of their worship as it was among the unbelievers in the city of Rome. Paul also mentions that all forms of animals, reptiles, and now please turn to Deuteronomy 4 and read what Moses said to a new generation of Israelites regarding idolatry.
Romans 1:22-23, Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 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. Mankind has lost the true perception of God and in so doing thinks himself wiser than God and therefore digs his own grave. Even today with all our knowledge and scientific advancements we are still worshipping material things and possessions above God. One author says and I loosely quote him, the things mentioned above in verses 22, 23 lead to immorality and rejection of the better things of life. The Scriptures continually picture mankind as having fallen and morally degraded. We tell ourselves that we have risen from the muck and mire and are now intelligent beings and no longer need God. This only leads to grosser sins, self-degradation and self-deception. That's why Paul says in verse 24, Wherefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. Because our constitution guarantees free speech, we can fill our minds with all forms of vile reading and pictures. We are in the process of self-destruction. Let us crucify our eyes and turn from the evil and return to God confessing our sins. RJS

Wednesday, March 9
Sins for which God gave Men up to Defile their Bodies
Romans 1:25-29

In vs. 24 mankind was given up to uncleanness, in vs. 26 He gives them up to vile affections and in vs. 28, He gives them over to a reprobate mind. These two giving ups and over simply mean that God will no longer work with them unless they change their ways and mind as to their life style they are lost. God does not send anyone to hell, but he permits us to go to the eternal fires by our own choice. When I was in Israel I went to the site of Sodom and Gomorra and found it all covered by the Dead Sea. Not only is the sea utterly desolate; the surrounding country is also a burning desert waste without a drop of rain, whereas in the days of Abraham and Lot it was "well watered, fertile valley" God sent the withering desolation because of their wickedness. As our wicked age fast ripens for the destruction of the tribulation, the horrors of Sodom are fast multiplying with the inventions of the age just before the anti-christ.
Vs. 28. "And so as they did not approve to hold God in perfect knowledge, he gave them up to a reprobate mind to do the things which are abominable." Here we see how people become reprobated. They first reprobate God and then He reprobates them. He saves none against their will. Since you were elected to glory, you must choose God. God will be true, and it will turn out that you were chosen before the foundation of the world. 29. "Filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, vice and covetousness." Satan ripens his people for hell, by filling them with the very diabolical attributes that prepare them for the society of hell. "Full of envy, murder, deceitfulness, strife, and evil affections." These black vices are born in humanity by Adam's fall. In this world all people are rushing to opposite destinies. One class is in due time getting full salvation and ripening for heaven, and the other class, full deterioration and maturing for hell. There is no middle ground; we must all go one way or the other. So you have your choice between full salvation and full damnation. Which will you have? This chapter reveals the heart of man is evil continually, all believers should thank God that they responded to the wooing and winning of the Holy Spirit, and thereby we accepted the most wonderful gift that God ever bestowed on the human race. We should all fall on our knees and thank God that He sent His Son into the world to purchase us from the slave markets of sin and redeemed us from the clutches of Satan's abominable chains. RJS

Thursday, March 10
One of the many Catalogues of Sin listed in the Bible
Romans 1:29-32

Vs. 30 "Haters of God." Satan imparts his own nature to the people who follow him. So they actually loathe and despise the God who made them and gives them the air they breathe. "Proud, haughty, arrogant." These words express different phases of that abominable Satanic delusion that makes the beggar think he is a king, the fool think he is a philosopher, the debauchee think he is a gentleman, and the hypocrite think he is a saint. "Practitioners of evil," i. e., they are professional sinners ready to do anything that is bad and nothing that is good. "Disobedient to parents." How awfully dissolute the present age on parental discipline: children rushing headlong to hell under the immediate eye of parents who make a profession of Christianity! In many so-called Christian homes. 31. "Incontinent." This word means reckless in every sense, incorrigible, abandoned, awful in the extreme. "Covenant breakers," i. e., apostate to all obligation at home or abroad, all mooring loosed, and utterly unreliable in every respect. "Without natural affections "Incapable of mercy." This indicates an appalling depth of cruelty beyond all hope. 32. "Who, knowing the righteousness of God that those who do such things are worthy of death, not only do them but take pleasure in those who do them." This is the darkest conceivable climax; when people not only commit indiscriminately the most atrocious crimes, but take delight in those who do these things; "birds of a feather flock together." The very presence of good is a withering rebuke to their evils. Murderers love the company of murderers. Debauchers, harlots, thieves, liars, blasphemers, swindlers, and obscene, vile reprobates all love the company of one another. Carnal Christians, both clergy and lay folk, love to lean on their religion. If you ever expect to get to heaven you better see that you actually love the fellowship of the most godly people you can find. If this is not so, you may be a long way from the pearly gates. We have a friend, out of town, who thinks it's alright to spend time in the bar to save sinners. Be careful of those who save people, it is only God that can save a lost sinner. There was a very popular TV evangelist in New Orleans several years ago that spent much time in the red light district trying to save the women of the street. It was not too long after he began that ministry that he succumbed to the sins of the flesh and lost both his testimony and ministry. Choose your friends carefully. RJS

Friday, March 11
God's Judgments are Always Just
Man's Judgments are always Biased
Romans 2:1-6

Our first reaction to this chapter is that it is directed to the Jewish Christians at Rome, but it is also directed to all believers, because all are guilty of making judgments according to our convictions or doctrinal positions. Note Verses 1, 2 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. We don't like to admit it, but we are also guilty of many of the sins for which we condemn others. They may act out the sins, while we only meditate on them, which is the biggest sin? They are equal in God's sight. In verse 2, we see that God's judgment is always according to truth. Many times we don't actually know what the truth is, we jump to conclusions.
Verses 3, 4 - 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? These verses are in the form of a question! The word "thinkest" is the same Greek word for "reckon." This word is found 19 times in the Book of Romans, and we will refer to it several times while we are in this study of Romans. God judges according to three things, "His Goodness, Forbearance, and Longsuffering." We have no goodness in ourselves; we do not understand forbearance because it means to be under complete self-control, patient, "never loosing it," and to be restrained. We don't have them and have not met the person who has these three things under control at all times. Have you?
Verses 5-6 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds. Our hearts may be soft and tender towards some people, and very hard and indifferent towards others. It all depends on whether we like or dislike that individual. However, with God all judgments are impartial and unbiased. He never misjudges anyone. God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart, we don't. RJS

Saturday, March 12
God's Judgments are according to
Our Obedience and Responsibilities
Romans 2:6-16

Verses 6-9 God "will render to each one according to his deeds": eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness-indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek. The above translation is from the "Geneva Study Bible, New King James." This is all-inclusive, both Jew and Gentile are under the condemnation of God if he or she does not obey the truths of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit leads into all truth, whether we want to accept it or not it is written for our admonition. Vs. 7, 8 No living soul is saved by good works, but as believers, our good works are acceptable unto God and to those who seek after God's glory, honor, immortality and eternal life. Those who do not obey the Spirit of Truth and in ungodliness and unrighteousness are under the wrath of God and eternal punishment. In Vs. 9 Suffering and anguish are reserved for every soul - both Jew and Gentile. We must all give an account as to our knowledge of the Bible and whether we lived according to its teachings.

Verses 10, 11: But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. Our Jewish friends think they have a monopoly on God because they are the children of Abraham. In these two verses we see that God does not respect a person because of his family tree, but according to his or her personal relationship with God. That's all that counts.

Verses 12-16: God's judgment is just because of equal responsibility according to the light received. We might also add that none of the Mosaic Laws will be used in judging the Gentiles. If, perchance, a human were to completely keep all the laws of God by their works; they would then be justified by their works, but no one has been able to keep the laws of God. Therefore none are saved by works. The only person who kept all the laws of God was the Lord Jesus Christ and our justification comes by accepting His finished work at Calvary. Truly, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light, there is no other way. RJS

Sunday, March 13
The Jews and their Apostasy
Romans 2:17, 18 - The following is edited and excerpted from Joseph Beets Commentary

"After supporting the principle that the doers, not the hearers, of law will be justified, by showing how it applies to the Gentiles, Paul now further sup-ports the same by a personal and pointed appeal which brings out the absurdity of the position of the man who practically rejects it. Paul is proud to be called a Jew. Note, Paul said to Peter in Galatians 2:15, 16; We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
"Resting upon law: The Jew feels secure because he possesses a law of right and wrong, an authoritative declaration that those who obey will be rewarded and those who disobey punished. In Paul's mind this applies to the Jew only. Exult: so Romans 3:27; 5:2, 11; 11:18; a gladness of spirit which has always in view the object external or internal which has called it forth, and which is always ready to express itself in words. We 'exult' in God, when our hearts rise within us at the thought of His greatness, His power, His love to us. This man, while living in sin and therefore under condemnation of God, is lifted up by the thought that Jehovah is God of the Jews. And knowing the will of God it enables him to distinguish and approve the things that excel: for he is, day by day, instructed out of the Law. This vain confidence in a mere knowledge of the Law finds utterance in our text. Paul remembers that he is a Jew, and that to his nation the tables of stone were given. This gives him, even while living in sin, an assurance of safety. That the Maker of the world is the God of the Jews fills him with exultation. Through the Law he has looked into the mind, and knows the will, of God: amid the mistaken judgments of others, he has an infallible standard by which he can determine and approve that which is really good." Self-trust is a terrible thing; it leads to the gates of hell from which there is no return. Many years ago I witnessed to a man, who said, "I've gotten along without God for 70 years, I don't need him now." I led his wife to Christ that day, but the husband refused; two weeks later I buried him and that was a difficult funeral. There comes a day when all the self-righteousness of man turns to ashes and he is alone with his sins and without redemption. Trust in Christ today! RJS

Monday, March 14
The Jews and their Apostasy Continued
Romans 19-24 - The following is edited and excerpter from Joseph Beets Commentary

"Verses 19-20. The Jew confidently aspires to something higher. While he can see all things clearly in the light of the Law, others are in darkness: and he is fully persuaded that he is a guide of those who wish to walk in the path of morality but have not eyes to see the way. God only can give to blind men guidance, and sight: for he is a light of those in darkness. They are babes; and he offers to be their teacher: for in the Law, which he 'has', knowledge and the truth present themselves in definite form to the mind of man."'Instructor': one who undertakes whatever belongs to moral training, thusdiffering from a mere 'teacher'.
"'Form': the sum-total of that by which the inward nature of an object presents itself to our senses, and thus makes itself known to us, that by which we distinguish one object from another. Whatever we can see, feel, or hear is the form of a material object: whatever we can conceive is the form of a mental object. Same word in 2 Timothy 3:5: and in Phil. 2:6, 7; Mark 16:12. The revealed will of God is 'knowledge' when grasped by the mind of man; and 'the knowledge', as that best worth knowing. It is 'truth', because it corresponds with reality: it is 'the truth', because it sets forth the one great reality. 'The knowledge and the truth' represent the contents of 'the Law' in their relation to the mind of man and to objective reality. This man claims to be a teacher, because by his acquaintance with the sacred books his mind grasps the most-worthy object-matter of intellectual effort, and a correct understanding of the eternal realities. The same eternal reality, and the same true matter of human knowledge, has in a still higher degree assumed form, and presented itself to the mind, in the Gospel of Christ Observe the beauty and symmetry of Romans 2:17-20. They fall into two divisions, each ending with a participial clause explaining the clauses before it. In the former, we have a learner; in the latter, a would-be teacher. The second division takes a loftier flight; and is therefore introduced by a word expressing confidence. Verses 21-24. A personal appeal, exposing the ridiculous position of the man addressed. Verses 21-22. The man that teaches another: a short summary of the sentence begun in Romans 2:17; completed now by the question dost thou not teach thyself? "If thou hast this knowledge and art a teacher of others, is it true that thou leaves himself untaught?" Preachers, Proclaims as a 'herald.' " Today the preacher proclaims the Gospel. RJS

15th

Tuesday, March 15
Circumcision the Sign of the Abrahamic Covenant
Romans 2:25-29

The Abrahamic Covenant, as recorded in Genesis, has been since it was given to Abraham (about 3900 years ago) the sign of every male being a Jew by birth. However, Paul tells us in our text that circumcision of the flesh means nothing if the heart is not right with God. Many Jews today are agnostic, especially because of the Holocaust. To this day the Jews attach much importance, but the apostle shows that it availeth nothing, except on condition of obedience to the law or covenant to which it belonged. If the law be broken, circumcision is worthless. On the other hand, if the law is obeyed, circumcision will not prevent a blessing. Paul goes on to say that if the Gentiles keep the laws of Christ they are in favor with God over the Jews. All this proves that an external rite can, in itself, have no saving power, because God is a Spirit, and requires and regards spiritual obedience. This principle is stated, first in the negative, he is not a Jew who is such in profession only, verse 28. He who is a Jew is one inwardly, that is, keeping the law to the best of his ability. Therefore, if the uncircumcised keep the righteousness of the law they are in better standing with God than the Jew. It was there taught that everything depends upon obedience to the law. God will judge every man according to his works. If a Jew, though circumcised, breaks the law, he shall be condemned. If a Gentile, though uncircumcised, keep the law, he shall be justified. The one proposition flows from the other; for if circumcision is in itself nothing, its presence cannot protect the guilty; its absence cannot invalidate the claims of the righteous. The apostle does not mean to intimate that the Gentiles do in any case keep the righteousness of the law, contrary to his own explicit assertion, there is none righteous, no not one. It is a mere hypothetical statement designed to show that everything depends on obedience and that circumcision cannot be the ground either of justification or condemnation. It is so sad that today the Jews are without a Temple or a Priesthood or a public sacrifice as in Old Testament times, yet they consider themselves Jews because of the rites of circumcision, but it's only an outward symbol of their Jewish heritage. The Jews are just as blind spiritually today as they were two thousand years ago. However, the day is soon coming (after the tribulation) when their eyes and ears will be opened and they will confess their Messiah and turn to the Lord God with all their hearts. RJS

16th

Wednesday, March16
The Goal of the Christian life is to put
No Confidence in the Flesh
Romans 3:1-5

Now that Paul has told us that all (both Jew and Gentile) are guilty of sin and can do nothing to save ourselves we must turn to another Source, i.e. God. What advantage does the Jew have over the Gentile? In three ways, the Jew was given the Word of God, both the written word and the living Word. This has been said before, but it bears repeating the Jewish nation was given three things that need to be remembered. 1) They were to be the repository of the Word of God, 2) They were to be a witness to the nations around them, and 3) They were the nation through which the Messiah was to come and be the Savior of the world. The Jewish nation put its faith in the flesh that is the circumcision of the flesh and not the circumcision of the heart. Now let's not think we are superior because we don't trust in the flesh. Most Christians are even worse off than the Jews, because we are to trust in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus not only for our salvation but for our daily relationship with the Lord. Verse 3, God forbid there is no better way to express that God is indignant with Christians or Jews that place their trust in anything other than the Word of God and His Savior. If our trust is in money or possessions, then they have become idols and we are worshipping them rather than God. Picture the sailor who does not turn to or trust the charts that tell him the ocean currents and where the rocks are. Again picture the traveler that does not turn to the highway maps as he is traveling in strange areas, both are failing to trust the guide that has been prepared for them. The same is true for the believer that does not turn to the Bible that is a compass, or a road map to glory. It tells us how to live here and now, so that we will be walking in the light as he is in the light, (I John 1:7). Verse 5, If our sins magnify the mercy and goodness of God, then the more wicked we are the more God will be glorified. If we thus glorify God, would He not be unjust in casting us off? No way! The only way a Christian can glorify God is by being a living witness of the Christ who saved us at the cross, a channel through which the Holy Spirit can minister to others, and finally a person of prayer that can reach out to the lost, suffering and spiritually dead and bring them to Christ. That's what Paul was! Paul was a man of like passions even as we are, but totally dedicated to the cause of Christ. He was a consistent witness to all to whom he spoke the words of Salvation too. RJS

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17th

Thursday, March 17
False Conclusions Concerning Sin
Romans 3:5-8

Paul has presented an argument of the universality of sin in previous verses, now he is warning us that if we continue in sin, we are permitting sins to permeate our lives and in a very real sense we are hypocrites. All mankind will be judges according to the light he has, therefore those who are enlightened the most will receive the more severe judgment. It seems that the person who is saved out of a more sinful life, becomes a better witness and lives the Christian life on a higher plane than the person that has been sheltered and never experienced the "gutter-most" life. Paul is a perfect example of that in his persecution of the church before he was saved. Paul knew what he had been saved from and whom he was now serving. The artist uses a dark background to bring out the colors of the picture in a greater contrast, even so the Christian with the darker background lives a new life that truly reflects the Christ in the inner man. The oyster frets and stews because of a grain of sand that got under his shell and with all the agitation brings forth a beautiful, lustrous pearl, or like the dark clouds reflect and magnify the glorious sunset so the Christian should exhibit the love of Christ and the Spirit led life in every conversation, action and deed. Willful sin is not going to go unpunished. Many of our charismatic friends accuse those who believe in eternal security as having a license to sin, we hate to say this, but they may be right if we continue to live in the sins of the world. The new person in Christ is to put away the past life and live the new life to its fullest. Repenting means to turn away from the past life. As one man put it "Making an about face and going in the opposite direction. We were going to hell, now we are going to heaven." The reasoning of the supposed objector in the text is likened unto the self-justifying thief as he speaks to the policeman. "What would you do for a living if it were not for the likes of me? Paul never hesitates to bring the complacent saint or sinner to remember the Great White Throne and that sinners must stand before the Lord Christ and be judged for their sins. So the saints also must stand before the Bema Seat and give an accounting for the life lived after being saved. Churches using unorthodox methods to further the kingdom of God are like the Irish guard at the ruins of the castle, uses the stones to build a wall to protect the ancient building. We cannot build on the righteousness of others, but must build on the One foundation, that is Christ, (I Cor. 3:11). RJS

18th

Friday, March 18
Another Catalog of Sins as Recorded in the New Testament
Romans 3:10-18

10 as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one; 11 There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; 12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one." 13 "Their throat is an open grave, With their tongues they keep deceiving," "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 paths, 17 And the path of peace have they not known." 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes." NASV. Calvin was right in one of his evaluations in that we are "totally depraved."

"An opened grave: Jeremiah 5:16. So deadly were the arrows of the Chaldeans that the quiver from which they came seemed like a 'grave opened' to receive the dead whom the arrows slew. But more deadly than arrows are the words of the men described in Psalm 5:9. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. They encourage or provoke to acts of violence and bloodshed: the opening of their mouth involves the opening of a grave to receive those whose death will result from their words. Hence, in the vividness of Eastern imagination, their throat is called a 'grave opened' to receive the slain. David himself, if not with his lips yet with his pen, dug a grave for Uriah: 2 Samuel 11:14. That the word 'throat' vocal chords, an organ of speech, is proved by the words 'tongues' and 'lips' following." Beets Notes on Romans

James refers to the above with the following, Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Please, Christians, learn to control your tongue. Don't say anything, even if it's the truth, if it will hurt another. Don't use words or language that is so common in the world about us, but choose speech that is uplifting and that glorifies your Lord. Peter's words betrayed him, let's not be as he was the night before Calvary. RJS

19th

Saturday, March 19
The Purpose of the Law, and
Justification by Faith is the only Remedy for Sin
Romans 3:19-26

Paul says in verse 19, that all whom are trusting in the law for salvation are living in a false world which offers no justification and only leads to sin and death. In verse 20, Paul further states that the deeds of the flesh will justify no one, neither Jew nor Gentile. In verses 21-26 Paul enters into another great Bible truth, and that is "Justification." A word play regarding justification is as follows: "Just as if I had never sinned." We know that we have sinned because we have inherited our sin nature from Adam. There is no way we can overcome that Adamic nature in ourselves. Therefore in order to have a right relationship with God, He himself had to assume the likeness of human flesh, without sin, and through the cross defeated both the sin nature and imputed to us a new nature, His nature. This is where justification takes over and we are justified in that Christ died for us and defeated eternal death and the grave. Note, verse 22 and we read from the Amplified translation, "Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ, the Messiah. [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction." The whosoever of John 3:16 is enlarged upon here and the whosoever means each one who trusts in Christ's work on the cross. Verse 23 reveals to us all are sinners, none can escape this condemnation, but in Christ we are made new creatures and have a new nature. When we get to chapter 7 we will see that we still have the old nature, but we can control it and overcome with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit and live above natural fleshly desires. This is the victory we have in Christ, to overcome the old nature. Verse 24 leads us into this new life of justification, which is through Christ's work for us and our total redemption. We are now declared not guilty and an acquittal in the court of heaven. There is no double jeopardy, i.e. we cannot be tried for sin or sins that no longer exist. They were washed away at Calvary. Rom. 4:24-25 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if (since) we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification, Rom 4:24-25. What more could we ask for? We have not obtained the righteousness of Christ and the Books recording our sins have a new clean sheet. Not one sin is recorded because we have been cleansed from all sin. RJS

20th

Sunday, March 20
Paul's Great Teaching of Justification by Faith
Romans 3:25-31

The Apostle Paul was a great student of the Old Testament and he knew Habakkuk 2:4, the just shall live by his faith. Therefore he repeats it twice in the New Testament, Romans 1:17 and Hebrews 10:38. Paul wants all readers of his writings to know that the JUSTIFIED ARE JUSTIFIED. That may seem trite or a word play, but its so true that we cannot avoid it. Justification is found in both the Old Testament and New Testament a total of 51 times. We want to zero in on how it is used in the New Testament and especially Paul's writings. It is a complete act of God declaring all who believe as free from guilt, and acceptable to God as He counts them righteous. There are several Greek words used that refer to justification by Paul and others in the N.T. These words mean in English, "to render just, or innocent, a statute, or decision, acquitted, and equitable. Until Adam ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he was innocent. But in the eating he immediately knew that he was guilty of sin and needed to cover his sins. A small child has the sin nature from Adam, but is innocent until he or she reaches the age of accountability. If you don't think babies are sinners, why do they throw temper tantrums and show selfish traits at a very early age?

Pal has been arguing that both Jew and Gentile are lost since verse 3 of this chapter and now he turns to justification and tells us that no one can be justified by keeping the law, because no one can keep the law. Justification can only come from the Lord and it is a gift even as salvation. And verse 26, Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Martin Luther was becoming a flagellationist in that he was putting his body through excess suffering in order to cleanse himself from sin, but to no avail, and it was than that he realized that the Just shall live by faith. And now we come to the God honoring conclusion, "Justification by faith is the act of God and given to both Jew and Gentile without the works of the law. We come to our senses and turn to God for forgiveness and salvation and the result is justification. Now we see in verse 31 that we do not make the void law, but rather establish the law in our hearts and suddenly are right with God. With the indwelling Holy Spirit as our Guide we can do all things in Christ Jesus. Our lives are changed, not because we change them. But God changes them for us and we now glorify God by our words, actions, and deeds toward our fellowmen. RJS

21st

Monday, March 21
Justification Stated and Illustrated in Abraham
430 years before the Law was given to Moses
Romans 4:1-5

When God seeks to prove a point He always gives us an illustration or two that cannot be argued from the standpoint of human reasoning, but must come to our understanding by faith. What do we mean by faith? God honoring faith is a strong inward persuasion manifesting itself by outward acts. It can be understood as we see the life of Abraham. He was called to take his family and leave his hometown and go to a land hundreds of miles away and establish a home there for his family and posterity. In that day it took much stronger faith than it does today. It meant the hardships of many months on strange trails, meeting many strange people and living in a strange land among people that were just as heathen as the one he left behind. Many times we think we can move to a new community and things will be better, but it's not long until we find that we may be worse off or have not gained a thing. Abraham on the other side of the coin gained a land for his children's children and a promise of an everlasting covenant, because it was God's will and not a whim that so often guides our foolishness of today. It is to be remembered that Abraham was 75 years old when he left Ur and as yet childless. He was responsible for his wife, father, nephew and all his servants and their families. It was quite a responsibility to take on, and could only be actuated by faith in a God that could lead them safely to their destination. 1). Abraham's faith; was strengthened by trusting God's spoken word and taking God's way, 2). Abraham's faith; led him to unfaltering obedience, and 3). Abraham's faith; led him to an unflinching sacrifice. Have you ever considered how your faith would have responded to the same set of circumstances? There is a process in mathematics called the elimination of factors. The factor of self had been eliminated from Abraham's character and life. So it will be in our lives if we trust Christ and we are sincere Christians. The manner of Abraham's justification should be an encouragement to every sinner both Jew and Gentile. The Jew's boasted that they were Abraham's seed but only understood a very narrow idea or view of what Abraham's faith really was. Abraham was the father of many nations according to verses 17, 18. And lastly, Abraham's true children are those that imitate Abraham's faith. Let us all examine our faith, does it compare with the "Father of Faith," Abraham! RJS

22nd

Tuesday, March 22
David under the Law, was Justified by Faith
in Christ without the deeds of the Law
Romans 4:6-9

David was a happy man, however there were times when he was filled with sorrow, but when sorrow came He turned to God and received forgiveness and his happiness returned. David's 32nd Psalm 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 3When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. 5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. 6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. 7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. 8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. 10Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. 11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. The Apostle Paul being a student of the Old Testament chose this Psalm to illustrate David's justification and relationship with his God. We would also suggest four other references to the Psalm's of David: Psalms 32:1; 51:1-13; 91:16; and 103:3.

The happiness of the forgiven is the joy of the Lord. The penalties of sin removed and the power of sin broken are real reasons to rejoice. Oh, there may be consequences from our sins that we will bear in our bodies until we receive our glorified bodies, but those glorified bodies will never show these scars or will be reminded of them in glory. The old things are passed away and all things shall be new. What a glorious future David looked forward too, and we have even more than he had to look forward too and when we see Christ we shall be like Him in every aspect, even in His eternal relationship with the Father. Hallelujah, what a great day that will be! RJS

23rd

Wednesday, March 23
Abraham is the Father of the Faithful
Romans 4:11-19

"Abraham is the Father of the Faithful; especially because of him faith was shown to be the spring of righteousness. The Apostle tells us that Abraham's faith was reckoned to him for righteousness. The teaching of imputation has been misunderstood, when it has been inferred that the teachings of Paul says that when faith is present, righteousness may be dispensed with. The real teaching of Paul aims at the removal of religion from the outward actions to the inward dispositions. What ever is outward in performances must be initiated in the inner person. We must be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Most people have a hope that is based on human experience only; if that is you, then you need to move to a greater hope, one that is based on the Word of God. If you have not had a saving experience with God you cannot understand the spiritual hope that is in the human breast, placed there by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Many people go through a saving experience, and that's all that it is, an experience that soon fades away and they are just as lost as they were before. We are speaking of an experience where the saved person knows he of she is saved, because it has been a life changing experience. They know their sins are forgiven and their habits, language and activities all do an about face. They have become a new creature in Christ and the old things have been put aside, never to be taken up again. Abraham knew there was a change in his heart, because he trusted God in almost every move he made after he left the land of Ur. Yes, there were several times when his faith failed and faltered, and that was only human, as long as we are in the flesh, we will sin, but the joy is restored when we confess these and the fellowship with God returns. We must never look on the hero's of the Bible and put them on a pedestal as though they were perfect; they had the same short comings that we have and some of them even worse, but in their faith they confessed their sins and returned to God's full fellowship. Abraham looked for a City, not made with the hands of men, but an eternal city. He was looking for that heavenly city, the New Jerusalem that comes down from God in Revelation 21:10-27. If we are truly saved we too are looking forward to that Holy City coming down from God where we shall abide with Christ through out all eternity. We say with John the revelator, "Even so, come Lord Jesus." RJS

24th

Thursday, March 24
Abraham's Faith Staggered Not
Romans 4:19-25

Well did the Prophets speak when they said, "Let not the strong man glory in his strength." Abraham and Sarah had to glory in their weakness. There is one strength that a man may glory in; and that is his faith, not self-glory, but giving God all the glory. Our Text: 19And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: If they had had Medicare and Medicaid in Sarah's day, I wonder what they would have said in the office that day when Sarah came in for a pelvic examination and found she was pregnant at 90 years of age? 20He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. The secret of faith is to be fully persuaded that God can do what He says He can do. Sarah laughed at the idea when she was first told of this old age birth, but later named the boy "Isaac" because that name means "laughter." God has four ways of making a man: 1. He made Adam out of the dust of the earth and breathed into that earthly body the breath of life. 2. God took a rib and the flesh thereof and made a woman, and Eve was the mother of all living. 3. God can make a child too late as in the case of Abraham and Sarah, and 4. God brought a child into the world too soon, as in Mary who had not known a man.

22And therefore it was imputed to him for righteous-ness. 23Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Note that the experiences of Abraham were for our learning. Abraham was in type the personification of faith. Oh, he had times when his faith was weak and frail, but he retuned to God and was fully forgiven. Isaac was a type of Christ, and Abraham exercised his faith in another great way as he went with Isaac on a three-day journey to the designated place of a sacrifice. Gen. 22:8, Abraham said to his servants, "I and the lad will go up the mountain and worship and we will return unto you." Christ said "I will lay down my life and I will take it up again." In both cases, God approved the sacrifice and especially in Christ we find our justification as recorded in verse 25. RJS

25th

Friday, March 25
Why we should Glory in Tribulation
Romans 5:1-2

There are four very important times that Paul uses the word therefore to begin a chapter. They are as follows: 2:1; 5:1; 8:1; and 12:1. When the word "therefore" is found it is time to look deeper into the Word of God and determine what it is therefore. Our chapter begins with therefore to tell us that by our faith we have been justified, i.e. "just as if I had never sinned." It is the greatest blessing a person can have on earth to know that my sins have been forgiven and that God will remember them no more. I want to use an illustration I picked up from Dr Adrian Rogers, Pastor of Bellview Baptist, Memphis, TN. "A man was suffering from three problems: His eyes were looking at things he should not look at. His hands were doing things they should not do. And his feet were taking him places he should not go. So he went to see a doctor, whose name was Dr. Law. The man explained his problems and asedk the doctor for a prescription that would remove these three difficulties in his life. Dr. Law explained that he did not have any prescriptions that would help the situation. However, Dr, Law said I know of a doctor that can help you, his name is Dr. Grace and he has an office just across the hall. The man thanked Dr. Law and went immediately across the hall to the office of Dr. Grace and when admitted into the examining room told the Dr. Grace of the three things that were troubling him. Dr. Grace said 'I have solution for the problems, you need a new heart.' 'What's wrong with my heart the man asked, I've never had any pains or breathing problems with my heart.' But Dr. Grace said, in order to correct you problems you do need a new heart.' 'Will it hurt?' the man said. 'Yes' was the response 'but not too much.' 'Just lay back on the table and I will remove the old heart and replace it with a new heart, said the good Doctor. 'How much will it cost?' was the man's response. 'Nothing' said Dr Grace, and he began the operation right then and there. A short time later the operation was finished and Dr. Grace said, 'You will still have the same temptations, but with this new heart you will be able to overcome them and from now on you will not be desiring to look, handle and walk where you should not.'" The question of the day is, have you had a heart transplant and are you able to have the victories over your temptations. If not, you need to get an appointment with Dr. Grace, who is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ and He will transplant in you a new heart. RJS

26th

Saturday, March 26
Tribulation works Patience and Patience Hope
Romans 5:3-5

The Apostle Paul has been talking about justification, now the he changes the subject to one of tribulation. The Book of Romans was probably written between 58 and 62 A.D. In the summer of 64 A.D. Nero turned all his fury on the Christians at Rome. The occasion for this fury was the burning of 10 of the 14 precincts of the City. We've often heard of the saying. "Nero fiddled while Rome burned." But Nero had to have a scapegoat and what better group than the Christians who refused to worship him. The Christian's repudiation of the State religion and refusal to participate in the corrupt social life of the time was enough to bring this charge of incendiarism along with the many and varied stories that Christians sacrificed their babies and drank the blood of the infants in a communion ritual. This of course was untrue, but when a whipping boy was needed the Christians were the perfect choice. Paul knew this was coming, as he was led by the Holy Spirit, therefore he is telling the poor souls that persecution is coming and they are to be patient in their suffering, because there was going to be a greater reward for them. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10, Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the devil shall cast some of you in prison, that they may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days : be thou faithful unto death , and I will give you the crown of life.

Tribulation workth patience, and patience experience and experience hope. Patience is the holding of your temper and being kind to others. As we grow older it seems we do not have the patience we had in our younger years; that's why God gave children to young people, they have more patience than grandparents. One thing older people have is experience, but we should not force our experiences on others. Lastly, we have hope and that is something that no one can take away from us especially if that hope is in Christ. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 Speaking from experience, older Christians look forward to Christ's appearing more than youth do, because of the aches and pains and maladies of old age. All Christians should look for His return, because the crown of righteousness is waiting them. (2 Tim. 4:8). RJS

27th

Sunday, March 27
Jesus' Death is the Greatest Demonstration of God's Love
Romans 5:6-11

Men have occasionally sacrificed their lives for their fellow men, but Jesus sacrificed His life for all mankind. And to say it another way, God gave love's greatest proof in the death of Christ for all who are yet sinners. Also, Christ willingly gave his life for you and me. No greater love hath any man than to give his life for another. The resurrected life of Christ is the greatest guarantee of our salvation from God's Divine wrath. The resurrection of Christ is the proof that God was satisfied with the death of Christ in our behalf. And all things are of god who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given unto us the word of reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5:18 and Col. 1:20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say whether they be things on earth, or things in heaven. Yes, that's what Paul is teaching us in Romans 5 also.

Romans 5:8-11 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. We were enemies, not by choice, but because we were the children of Adam and had no choice in the matter. Because we were children of Adam sin reigned in our hearts and there was no way we could remove it. That innate sin controlled our thinking, actions, emotions and soul. There was nothing we could do about it, therefore, Gad had to intervene, and did so at the Cross of Christ. That intervention purchased a new nature in all those who would accept His gift of love. (John 3:16 & 2 Cor. 5:17-19).

10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Christ's death and resurrection started a chain of events in the newborn Christians. Saved, reconciled, justified, and sanctified. Many Christians are satisfied just to be saved, but that's only the beginning and when we realize that we are now justified, that is the sentence of death has been removed. Living the Christian life is a present and fulfilling experience, we begin to grow and blossom forth as the new creation we are and others see Christ is us. RJS

28th

Monday, March 28
The Reign of Death
Romans 5:12-13

According to the outline of the Book as copied in the front of the booklet we are entering into a new phase of Paul's dissertation regarding our relation-ship with Christ.
V. The Interlude (5:12-21)
A. The Commencement of Sin (5:12)
B. The Curse of Sin (5:12)
C. The Consequence of Sin (5:12-14)
Adam was created sinless, and on probation because he was not a robot but had a mind and knew what God had commanded. Satan in the form of a serpent beguiled the woman, but Adam knew what he was doing when he ate the forbidden fruit. Adam's sin brought death to the whole human race, because we all are the seed of Adam in the flesh. 12Wherefore, 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. We reason, but why should the sin of one be passed on to all? We say our sins are not as bad as Adam's was, we have not rebelled, we have not been disobedient, Oh! When we were in the crib, we wanted our way and the only way we could get it was by crying, and every one of us did a good job of it. When we were crawling or in our early walking stages, we became very selfish of our possessions and would not let another child play with what was ours. We learned very early to throw temper tantrums, and no body had to teach us how to do it. All these things came naturally. And even as adults we often say, "I'm just doing what comes naturally." 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. A parenthesize begins in vs. 13 and extends to the end of verse 17. However, we only have space for vs.13 today! Some would read this verse and say, well if there was no law then the generations between Adam and Moses were not accountable for their sins. Not so, they had a conscience and they knew right from wrong, just as we do. Sin entered all of Adam's children through the act of Adam's sin. Sin expressed itself repeatedly in people's actions from the point of its entrance "until" However, as Paul had already said, "Where there is no Law there is no transgression" Rom. 4:15. This does not mean that sin does not exist unless there is a Law. It means that sin does continue to bring forth death and because of sin there was eternal judgment and punishment for those who did not walk with God. Enoch, Jonah and Abraham were examples of men who walked. RJS

29th

Tuesday, March 29
The Abundant Life and Abounding Grace
Romans 5:14-21

From what has been said before, we are convinced that all are condemned, and that death does reign. Also, the condemnation of all without Christ is not questioned by the Scriptures, but rather stated in John 3:36, 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 abides on him.

Get out your Bible and read these contrasts between Adam and Christ:
1. Adam was head of the old creation (Gen. 1:26); Christ is the head of a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:10).
2. Adam sinned (Gen. 2:17; 3:6; Rom. 5:12-21); Christ did not sin (1 Peter 2:22).
3. Adam by one act made many sinners (Rom. 5:15); Christ by one act of obedience made many righteous (Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 10:10-14; 1 Peter 2:24).
4. Adam was made a living soul; Christ was made a life giving Spirit 1 Cor. 15:45).
5. Adam was of the earth; Christ was the Lord from heaven (1 Cor. 15:47).
6. Adam brought death (Rom. 5:12, 17; 1 Cor. 15:21); Christ brings life (Rom. 5:17,18; John 10:10; 1 Cor. 15:21-22).
7. Adam passed his sinful nature to his offspring (Rom. 5:12, 19; Eph. 2:3; Psalm 51:5); Christ imparts a sinless nature (Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:17-18; 2 Peter 1:4).
8. Adam brought condemnation (Rom. 5:16-18); Christ Justifies (Rom. 5:18; 3:24; 4:25).
9. Adam lost the grace and favor of God (Rom. 5:15; Gen. 2:17; 3:6-24); Christ restored grace and favor to men (Rom. 5:15-17; 3:24; John 1:17).
10. Adam offended God (Rom. 5:15, 17-18; Gen. 3:6, 17-24). Christ pleased God (Rom. 5:18; Matt. 3:17, 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17).
11. Death reigned through Adam (Rom. 5:12,14,17; Life reigns through Christ (Rom. 5:17-18, 21; John 3:16, 10:10).
12. Adam caused sin to abound (Rom. 5:20; Christ causes grace to abound (Rom. 5:20).
We trust that you did some research of the above verses and that you better understand the difference between the children of Adam and the Children of Christ. Which one are you? The above 12 thoughts were copied from Dake's Bible. RJS

30th

Wednesday, March 30
Infinite Love is the Fount of all Life in Christ
Romans 5:15-17

The details of the contrasts between Adam and Christ began v. 12 with the words "just as" are given in verses 15-17. Paul makes clear the contrasts by stating. The gift is not like the trespass. What Christ "gives" contrasts with what Adam did "trespass." The trespass of the one man brought physical death to all humanity, with two exceptions-Enoch and Elijah. By contrast, God's grace the gift of righteousness, as stated in v. 17 came by one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many! "God's grace and the gift" by means of "grace" abound in the sense of reaching and being available to all people, but not necessarily being appropriated by all.
5:16 Paul presented a second contrasting parallelism; this one is different in kind. He began by emphasizing the contrast: Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin. The judgment that followed ("was out of Adam") and brought condemnation. God passed judgment (krima) on Adam and he and the entire human race received condemnation (katakrima, literally to judge down) occurs only in v. 18 and 8:1). But, by contrast, the gift (charisma, "grace-gift," i.e., righteousness, 5:17; cf. v. 15) followed ("was out of") many trespasses and brought justification "a declaration of righteousness," also used in 1:32, 2:26; 5:18; 8:4. God's grace, as Paul stated repeatedly, beginning in 3:24, is the basis of a person being justified, declared righteous. And this was in the face of "many trespasses" One man, Adam trespassed (v. 15) and everyone since has repeatedly overstepped God's instructions.
5:17 The third contrasting parallelism combines the two preceding ones and involves both a difference in degree (how much more; cf. v. 15) and a difference in kind ("death" and "life"; cf. v. 16). As a result it also is true that those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift (cf. Rom. 5:15) of righteousness reign in life through the one Man, Jesus Christ. Whereas death reigns like a tyrant over all; believers in Christ who receive God's grace, reign in life. In the one case people are dying victims under a ruthless ruler; in the other they themselves become the rulers (cf. Rev. 1:6). God's grace and gift emphasizes that the provision made for all in Christ's sacrificial death and offered to all by God must be appropriated by each individual, by faith to become effective. (The above was excerpted from The Bible Knowledge Commentary) RJS`

31st

Thursday, March 31
Summarizing Romans 5
Romans 5:19-21

This fifth chapter of Romans is no doubt the most important single chapter in the Bible relating to sin and justification ever written. In these short 21 verses the Apostle Paul has put together a composite picture of man as he was in Adam and man as he can be in Christ. Glory be to God that God chose the logical mind of Paul and gave him the depth of understanding that is so simplified for all readers to understand what they were in Adam and how they can be a new creation in Christ. All the condemnation that Adam brought on the human race is now completely removed in Christ by our appropriating it by faith in the blood of Christ as the cleansing power over all sin. We see here what Luther saw when he realized that all the self-suffering and praying a person can do is of no value without simple faith in Christ. Luther went out into the cold winter night and prostrated himself in prayer and nothing happened. He went to Rome and thought that pilgrimage would take care of the longing in his heart. He climbed the 39 steps of the Apostles Stairs on his bloody knees, made bloody by the broken glass imbedded in the stone, and there on those suffering knees remembered what was written in the Old Testament, Habakkuk 2:4, "The Just shall live by faith." Luther got up from those tormenting stairs and returned to Germany a new creature in Christ. This was a turning point in Christianity, Luther along with other men of his time brought light to the world that had lived for a thousand years in the "dark ages" of turmoil and spiritual strife. Following this, several monks formerly in blindness, were led to writing the Bible in the vernacular so that the people would have the word of God, in their own language, to read and study.

Today, America is fast moving into a new era that denies there is a God and is worshipping at the altar of the gods of materialism. Unless we reach out to our children with the blessed hope, found only in the Bible, and Salvation only in Christ; we will again enter into an age of darkness and unbelief that will eventually destroy our great land, paganism will spread across this God blessed land. We need an old fashioned revival, a Holy Spirit revival to awaken the churches and the individual believers like we have never needed it before. Without a revival we won't survive and it won't be recorded in history a hundred years from now. It's up to us to pray for revival. RJS

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