Monthly Archives: May 2025

ROMANS 11 STAY IN THE TRUE VINE

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May 30

ROMANS 11

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing rootof the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. – Romans 11:17-24

ROMANS 11 STAY IN THE TRUE VINE

Paul cautions believers about the danger of pride. In verse 17 he was referring to an ancient way of grafting. Sources on web says “the allegory of the olive tree describes how God grafts branches from a wild olive tree (Gentiles) onto a cultivated olive tree (Israel) to preserve and invigorate the cultivated tree. This process of grafting is described as botanically accurate, as the ancients relied on propagation by slips, where they would bury stem pieces or cuttings in the ground to encourage rooting.” In the book of John in chapter 15:1-8, the Father calls himself as the vinedresser and Jesus the true vine. Each branch that doesn’t bear fruit is taken away and each branch that bears fruit is pruned so it will bear more fruit. The way to bear fruit is through abiding in Jesus so that he can abide in us. It explains the importance of being close to the true vine (Jesus) so that one can bear much fruit. The consequence of not abiding in Jesus is that the branch is thrown away and withers, and later on gathered together to be thrown into the fire.

Paul reiterates John’s explanation on why we need to stay in the true vine so that we will bear fruit. It keeps us humble so that we don’t ever think that we contribute to our salvation. We must focus on Jesus and abide in him so we will bear much fruit and grow our faith instead of risking being thrown and burned as John said in those verses.

REFLECTION

  • What are some consequences when people separate from the true vine?

ROMANS 11 IF THE ROOT IS HOLY

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May 29

ROMANS 11

11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusionmean! 13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. – Romans 11:11-16

ROMANS 11 IF THE ROOT IS HOLY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God made a covenant promise to Abraham

He intended to fulfill it to the fullest until the end of time

If God himself, who is the root of the tree is holy

So the branches that stem from it is also holy.

In this account, Paul explains the essence of God’s holiness and his mercy. He addresses the Gentiles here and challenges them to focus on God’s mercy. He calls on those who do not know him yet to receive the gospel and have a chance to be saved as well. He points out that a part of Israel had been unfaithful to the Lord and yet God opens a door for them to be part of that covenant promise given to the Israelites. How merciful God is that he extends his salvation to include the Gentiles. God sent his only Begotten Son Jesus to save the whole mankind but some people choose to stay in the darkness and the evil ways of the world instead of embracing the gift of grace and mercy that God gave us all.

What does Paul mean when he said in verse 13 that he was an apostle to the Gentile and that he magnifies his ministry? I think that he is making the Gentiles aware that God is expanding his covenant promise to them as well. A part of the Jewish community has turned their backs on the covenant promise by embracing the world’s system. For this reason, Paul is probably trying to provoke repentance from the Jews who have fallen away by warning them that their Jewish background isn’t enough to be saved.

REFLECTION

  • Why do Christians need to ensure they are not stained by the world system?

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May 28

ROMANS 11

7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it,

   but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written,

“God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see
    and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”

9 And David says,

  “Let their table become a snare and a trap,
    a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
 10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
    and bend their backs forever.” – Romans 11:7-10

ROMANS 11 A SPIRIT OF STUPOR

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you fail to serve and obey the call of the Lord your God

You will suffer the consequence of your hardened heart

A spirit of stupor will consume your heart and mind

You would not be able to see or hear what is true and right.

Have you observed those people who have turned their backs on the Lord? They knew the Lord and once served him, but at some point, they became rebellious and unfaithful to God. There is a form of blindness and deafness towards what is right. They choose what is bad for them or they follow their desires so much that they become oblivious to people around them. They are only concerned with getting their needs and wants met. There is no concern for the welfare of others. They only pursue their own interests and not bother about what other people’s hardships or sufferings are. In other words, they live isolated lives that focus on self-seeking pleasures. Most of these people turn into something that will constantly gratify their flesh or someone they can idolize. Most of the things they replace God with are: wealth, power, reputation, even family or the pursuit of human knowledge are just some of those things that occupy their minds and hearts. This is what Paul calls the spirit of stupor or idleness. When God made us in his image, he did it so we can have a relationship with him and that he is the only who can complete us. If we turn our backs on God, we will not have peace because we will definitely twist that purpose.

REFLECTION

  • Share some experiences you had with those who have a spirit of stupor.

ROMANS 11 NO LONGER WORKS BUT GRACE

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May 27

ROMANS 11

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.

                                                                        – Romans 11:1-6

ROMANS 11 NO LONGER WORKS BUT GRACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Believe in Jesus and you will abound in grace

Christ already did what no human can do

There’s no need for believers to add to it

Christ has now completed it; it is finished.

In this letter, Paul reminds the believers of God’s promise of grace. He clarified to them that not all Israelites are going to be saved but only a chosen remnant. He warned them to focus on the importance of relying on the finished work of Christ and not thinking that just because they were Israelites, they were automatically saved. He reminded them of God promising salvation to those men who kept their end of the covenant promise.

Paul wants them to be mindful of how easy it is to be complacent and rely only on being part of the tribes of Israel. He points out to them that he too is an Israelite. Paul wants them to know that being an Israelite isn’t enough to be saved. Salvation is for those whom God has chosen from the beginning of time. Those whom he chose, he has given the ability to receive God, serve him and go against their nature.

We could very well learn from Paul’s letter about the importance of taking our responsibility as servants of God seriously. We ought to live faithful lives and prioritize God in everything we do.

REFLECTION

  • Cite some examples how some Christian churches twist the concept of “grace?”

ROMANS 10 FAITH COMES FROM HEARING

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May 26

ROMANS 10

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed, they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish

nation I will make you angry.”20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”– Romans 10:14-21

ROMANS 10 FAITH COMES FROM HEARING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Faith is a free gift by God to all those whom He has chosen

The Lord provides some of his people the gift of preaching

It is through these ministers of the word that faith is born

So, when you hear the gospel, do not harden your heart.

In this letter, Paul emphasizes the importance of hearing the word of God. There are various different gifts given to God’s people and one of them is the ability to preach the gospel. Can anyone be saved if they do not hear the word of God declared? In this account, Paul points out that God gives gifts to some believers the gift of knowledge. He speaks of those who study the word and are given power by the Holy Spirit to explain and expound on the meaning of Scripture. It is true that we have more advantage than the early Christians because we now have the bible available and we can study it on our own, but we get more understanding if God’s Spirit dwells in someone who can bring insight to the word of God. No matter how much one reads and studies on his own, it is still very different when you hear it from a pulpit with a gifted minister explaining the truth.

REFLECTION

  • Compare differences between studying on your own and listening to a minister.

ROMANS 10 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MAN’S

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May 25

ROMANS 10

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”– Romans 10:1-13

ROMANS 10 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MAN’S

In this letter, Paul addresses the Jewish zeal for following the law. In verse 2, he calls out their enthusiasm which is not based on knowledge. In verse 3, he points out their ignorance to God’s righteousness and their pursuit of following the law to seek their own righteousness. How easy it is for the Jews and also for all believers in our current day to deceive ourselves with rule-keeping and performance-based religion. That is what Paul is addressing in this letter. He exposes the difference between God’s righteousness and our attempts to be righteous. Our righteousness is never right if it is based on our own understanding and efforts.

In verse 9 Paul gives us the formula for true faith. He directs us to confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead. In verse 10, he points out the result of confessing with the mouth and having faith from the heart: we are saved and justified in Christ.

REFLECTION

  • Share how big the difference is between God’s righteousness and humans?

ROMANS 9 WORK FROM FAITH VERSUS LAW-BASED WORK

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May 24

ROMANS 9

30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” – Romans 9:30-33

ROMANS 9 WORK FROM FAITH VERSUS LAW-BASED WORK

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Work from true faith is an act of total God-dependence

While law-based work is anchored on self-confidence

Following the law for those with true faith is a result of grace

While religious routines and rituals are by-products of the law.

In this letter Paul presents a comparison between works of righteousness and law-based works. Working for your salvation is a result of faith that is based on following rules or laws so you earn merit for what you do. This is not true faith. It is called “religious rituals.” Jesus didn’t die for a religion but for a relationship. James defines religion in chapter one as pure and undefiled before God the Father. It is defined as visiting orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. The world focuses on “self” rather than on God’s gift of free grace. When one follows the law through his own effort, that person doesn’t depend on God but on himself.

Paul explains again about God’s grace and faith in his letter to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 12:9 when he said that “God’s grace is sufficient for you, for God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ rests upon me.” He again mentions it in Ephesians 2:8-9 when he says “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. True faith leads to good works since it is a result of God’s grace. False faith is doing works to earn merits for themselves.

REFLECTION

  • How can you differentiate works from true faith versus law-based works?
  • What’s the difference between religion and relationship?

ROMANS 9 ONLY A REMNANT WILL BE SAVED

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May 23

ROMANS 9

19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom
and become like Gomorrah.”– Romans 9:19-29

ROMANS 9 ONLY A REMNANT WILL BE SAVED

In this letter, Paul continues to expound on the sovereignty of God. He quotes the prophet Hosea on verse 2:23 which promises those who were not part of the Israelites will also have a chance to be called sons of the living God. He also quotes the prophet Isaiah that even though the Israelites were as much as the sand, only a remnant of them will be saved. He also mentioned Isaiah’s prediction that if God didn’t keep his promise, they would be annihilated just like Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.

This is a warning not just for those first century Christians but also to all believers in our current time. In Matthew 22, we hear Jesus tell the parable of the great feast. It was about a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son and those who were invited didn’t come but killed the messengers who were sent to invite them.  So, in his anger, the king ordered everyone in the street corners to come instead. When someone came and isn’t properly dressed for the feast, he was bound and thrown into the pit of darkness. The parable ends with “many are called but few are chosen.”

REFLECTION

  • What does it take for a believer to receive the promise of eternal life?

ROMANS 9 GOD’S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY

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May 22

ROMANS 9

8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. – Romans 9:8-18

ROMANS 9 GOD’S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY

In this letter, Paul explains to the church in Rome that God has absolute sovereignty over all things he created. We humans have a tendency to question things we don’t understand. Paul wants to focus on God’s total preference on whomever he wants to bless. Only God alone knows what is best for us. Paul explains the promise of God to those whom he elects. He cites the example of Jacob and Esau. Even though Esau was the firstborn, he wasn’t God’s choice to bring forth the promised offspring. It was in Jacob that he fulfilled his promise to Abraham. Often, we do not understand why God chooses someone and not another person. He is God after all and he created all things, sees all things and has control over everything.  Verse 15 has been considered a hard saying to fathom especially for those who do not know God’s sovereignty. Many unbelievers try to understand it from a human standpoint and may interpret it as God having favorites. Another example like this is Cain and Abel. He accepted Abel’s offering but not Cain’s because Abel did worship God the right way, while Cain didn’t offer the best. God doesn’t need to explain his choices to us. He is sovereign and he will deliver all his plans and promises according to his will.

REFLECTION

  • What could be hard to understand for unbelievers regarding God’s election?

ROMANS 9 GOD’S WORD NEVER FAILS

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May 21

ROMANS 9

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.

                                                                                 – Romans 9:1-8

ROMANS 9 GOD’S WORD NEVER FAILS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As believers in Christ Jesus, we are given God’s word

It is through his word that we overcome the world

God’s word never fails; it keeps us protected from wickedness

Cling to it always so you can stay in the path of righteousness.

In this letter, we hear Paul have anguish over some of his brothers and sisters in Christ. It sounds like he is suffering sorrowfully for those who have become lax with faithfully following the path of righteousness. He is urging the believers in Rome to press in God’s truth which says that the children of God are those that he has counted as his elect.

Just because they are Israelites, it doesn’t mean that they are automatically saved. He uses the term “children of the flesh” which could be those who think they are saved just because they are Israelites, but do not keep their end in following the covenant stipulation of God.

Paul reminds the believers in this letter that those who keep the covenant promise between Abraham and his offspring will be the ones who will be counted children of God.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important for us to hunger for God’s word regularly?