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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

May 17

ROMANS 8

⁹ You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.¹² So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:9-17

ROMANS 8 ADOPTED AS CHILDREN OF GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are adopted by God himself

You are dead to your flesh and is led by the Spirit in righteousness

You are no longer slaves to sin but alive in Christ Jesus

God claimed you as his child and sin no longer controls you.

Do you know of someone who has been adopted? They are brought into the family of those who took them in. They become like their own. The adopted parents give their name to them. They get all the same benefits as the biological children get. This is how God adopted all those who believe in Jesus Christ into his kingdom. They become heirs to his kingdom. If God is a King, then all believers are princes and princesses. Like Jesus, they also have a place in his kingdom. So, all believers ought to act like they are God’s actual children. Paul explains here the spirit of adoption which is given to all those who believe in Christ. Even though Christians still live in a sinful body, they are given God’s Spirit so they can have the ability to do what is right and pleasing to God. There is no reason anymore to be slaves to sin since righteousness dwells in us through the Spirit of the Lord.

REFLECTION

• Why do you think some Christians behave like they weren’t adopted by God?