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ROMANS 14 ON JUDGING ONE ANOTHER

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June 7

ROMANS 14

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. – Romans 14:1-4

ROMANS 14 ON JUDGING ONE ANOTHER

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, be accepting of others

You are all different and yet all made in God’s image

Who are you to judge someone else different from you?

Didn’t God make you all equal with diverse functions?

Welcome those who are weak in their faith

Do not create divisions among the body of Christ.

In our world today, we want our voices heard. We want to be seen and respected. The prevalence of social media has propagated a culture of voicing out our own opinions and being judgmental and critical of others. We have been far from accepting and respecting those who look different from us. We like to control what makes us uncomfortable and try to mold others in the image that we would like them to be. We judge what we don’t understand. This is clearly the work of the devil: to divide us and to put down those who do not meet our standards. We forget that it is God’s standard alone that matters. He created us after all. We have clearly violated a lot of boundaries when we do not understand God’s character. He alone is the judge. He gave us his laws so we can hold each other accountable to keep watch on ourselves and one another so we don’t fall into the tactics of the devil to deceive us and create division among us, especially in the communion of saints. In his first letter to the Corinthian (vs.12-13) church, Paul says this: “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the churchwhom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

REFLECTION

  • How is the word “judge” twisted by the world system?
  • What did Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 regarding judgment?

ROMANS 13 PUT ON CHRIST

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June 6

ROMANS 13

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. – Romans 13:8-14

ROMANS 13 PUT ON CHRIST

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you believed in the Lord, you will walk in love

Love covers a multitude of sins and can do no wrong

You will no longer walk in the works of darkness

Instead, you will put on the armor of light in Christ

Your flesh dies from cravings when you please God

The sinful nature won’t keep you anymore in bondage.

When you believed in Christ, you are born again. The old nature is gone and the Holy Spirit regenerates your entire being. Those sinful things you used to do will now be replaced with righteousness. The Spirit of the Lord will equip you to say “no” to sin and “yes” to what is right. This is called regeneration. There is a spiritual rebirth that was done in your mind, heart and soul. The fruit of the Spirit is now made manifest in you. You can now be patient, loving, kind, joyful, peaceful, gentle, good, faithful and have self-control. That is the work of the Spirit in your entire being. That is how you put on Christ.

It is sad to watch some people who claim they are believers and yet do not put on Christ. I wonder if they are truly born again. If the fruit of the Spirit has not been manifested in their lives yet, how are they regenerated?

REFLECTION

  • How do you know a true believer?

ROMANS 13 BE SUBJECT TO AUTHORITY

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June 5

ROMANS 13

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. – Romans 13:1-7

ROMANS 13 BE SUBJECT TO AUTHORITY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As God’s children, we are expected to obey authorities

It is God who appointed these people to rule over us

If we resist their leadership, we are also defying God

Be subject to your leaders as God has given you

If you cannot obey such authorities whom you see

How much more can you follow God who is unseen?

In this letter, Paul admonishes the Christian church to obey authorities. He emphasizes the truth that these people who were placed in their positions of leadership were sanctioned by God himself. So, if we do not obey what they require, we are also defying God in the same manner. Years ago, I wrote another essay about the same following verses and I came up with comments that it would be crazy to follow corrupt and repressive leaders. Paul clearly states God’s sovereignty and power in this letter to the Roman church. As subordinates, we are required to follow those in authority over us. If God allowed them to be in that position, he has his reasons. Unless we are asked to do something that is totally against God’s commands, we ought to follow our leaders.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think obedience to authority has now been compromised by many?

ROMANS 12 MORE GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

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June 4

ROMANS 12

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.– Romans 12:16-21

ROMANS 12 MORE GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As you live for the Lord Jesus Christ, hunt down peace

Do not allow evil to shake your faith, but live under grace

Do not be haughty and think you are wise, engage with the lowly

When someone does evil to you, don’t avenge but forgive

The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be calm

If your enemy is hungry and thirsty, supply them

With all your strength, pursue righteousness and peace

Live in harmony with one another for the sake of Christ.

Is it possible for Christians to follow these guidelines that Paul stipulated for the believers in Rome? It sounds counter intuitive, doesn’t it? When we live in the culture and traditions of the world, these wouldn’t make sense. How can we love someone who hurts us or does evil to us? Why does this sound illogical? Because we are humans and we are by nature sinful. We automatically fend for ourselves, think highly of ourselves and fight back when we are hurt. How could we follow such a hard stipulation? It is not us who does it, but the Spirit in us who spurs us to do what is good and what is impossible for humans.

It is only possible because Jesus Christ sampled for us that it can be done. When he was rejected, he didn’t fight back or get angry. Instead, he spoke the truth and exposed their sins. Jesus was born of humble origins even though he was God to show us it can be done.

REFLECTION

·       What among these requisites do you find hard to follow? Why do you think so?

ROMANS 12 MARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER

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June 3

ROMANS 12

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:9-15

ROMANS 12 MARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a true believer, you are to have genuine love

Hate what is wicked and cling to what is good

Love one another as Christ has loved you

Surpass each other in showing respect and honor

When trials come, rejoice for you are not alone

God is always there for you, you are not abandoned

When someone does you wrong, forgive that person

Continue to show kindness to him and to everyone

Show compassion to those who are in pain and grieving

Do not fail to acknowledge someone who is suffering.

In this letter, Paul enumerates some of the manifestations of the Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. On our own, we will not be able to do this because of our sinful nature. It is amazing how Paul gives us a clear illustration how a true believer would look like if they walk in the Spirit of the Lord. In verse 9, he defines what a genuine love is. He gives us a picture of Psalm 1:1-2 which says that blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but he delights in the law of the Lord and on his law, he meditates day and night. Genuine love is walking in righteousness and have nothing to do with wickedness.

Verse 2 is one of my favorite verses because if we outdo one another in love and showing honor, there will be no conflicts in this world. It is totally the opposite of the world system where people focus on gathering pleasures and cravings for self-satisfaction.

REFLECTION

·       Which of these marks of a true believer mentioned do you still struggle with?

ROMANS 12 A LIVING SACRIFICE

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June 2

ROMANS 12

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. – Romans 12:1-8

ROMANS 12 A LIVING SACRIFICE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As people of God, we need to offer our bodies as living sacrifice

This means that we are not to follow the world’s selfish ways

Since God has given us his Son Jesus so that we can be cleansed

Let us all continue to live holy lives and stay clear of sins.

Unlike the first century Christians who know what it means to sacrifice to atone for their sins, we don’t. In those times, they have to go to a priest who becomes the mediator to offer such sacrifices. But when Jesus came, he became the perfect sacrifice for all of our sins. He is our high priest who mediates between God and man. This is why we no longer do those animal offerings because Jesus died for us all already. So, how do we come close to worshiping God in truth and in spirit? We go to Jesus. We do not rely on our own understanding and work because he has already finished that work on the cross. In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns the believer that no one should take you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

REFLECTION

  • What does it look like to be a living sacrifice for God in our world today?

ROMANS 11 GOD’S GIFTS & CALLING ARE PERMANENT

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May 31

ROMANS 11

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. – Romans 11:25-28

ROMANS 11 GOD’S GIFTS & CALLING ARE PERMANENT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God has chosen you to be part of his people

He is faithful he won’t turn his back on his promise

His gifts and calling are irreversible and endless

Obey his laws and you will reap his promises.

One of the questions that is raised about being a Christian is this: “Can a Christian lose his salvation?” In this letter, Paul sheds light on this question. Verse 29 tells us that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. Believers are assured of their salvation and God equips every believer with an ability to say “yes” to God’s call. Verse 26 shows us that we believe in a God who is unchanging. He follows through his promise to the Israelites.

Some people think that salvation can be lost, but salvation is a very long process that takes a lifetime. No one can truly see or know if one has already reached the peak of his or her salvation. Since only God sees our hearts and knows our thoughts, no one will ever know if we have reached the maturity of our faith but God himself. We may exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, but until one person is alive, we can never tell what they are going through and how they will respond to their life’s crisis when it hits them. They may fall away, but that doesn’t mean they lose the promise of God. The Lord will ensure that they stay faithful because they are God’s prized possession. We are vulnerable to the tactics of the devil if we don’t follow the path that he wants us to follow. The only way one loses his salvation is if he wasn’t a true believer after all.

REFLECTION

  • What are the signs that people may think that a believer has lost his salvation?

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 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 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?