Romans__13

Scripture

Romans 13:13-14

 

“Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul is urging the Romans to live Godly lives, to be in Christ. He is urging them to not fall into the temptations of this world. Instead, he urges them to be clothed in the presence of Jesus Christ. He is reminding them of their responsibility as Christ Followers to be lights in this dark world for all to see.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

In Christ we are a new creation.

 

These past couple of weeks we have been discussing in church our identities in Christ. We discussed that to be in Christ is a status, that we are in relationship with Him. We discussed that we are a new creation. We discussed that we are no longer slaves to sin. Finally we discussed that we are made for His good works.

 

In Christ, our old sinful ways are gone, He has made us new. We have instant access to God, His blessings, and the fruits of the spirit. That is... if we stay connected to Him.

 

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” -John‬ ‭15:5-8‬

 

And what are these fruits we should be producing?

 

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”-Galatians‬ ‭5:22-25‬ ‭‬‬

 

Life Application

 

What kind of fruit am I producing?

 

Does my life produce fruit that is ripe, sweet, and fills other people’s lives around me with a fragrance and taste that makes them them want more? Or does it give off a foul aroma, a bitter taste in people’s mouths, and a fruit that deserves to be thrown off to the side to rot? 🤔

 

Father God, I pray that I stay connected to You. I pray that my life produces fruit that is beneficial for others. May my life point others towards You. May the words that come out of my mouth be glorifying to You. Show me areas in my life where I need to improve on and help me to change them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

-Moses Gaddi

Romans___12

Scripture

 

Romans 12:4-5

 

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
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Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul is writing to the Roman church, to encourage them to continue to live a life serving Christ. But to do it by working together, in unity, humbly, and reminding them that God has blessed them each, with special gifts to accomplish this. Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Our main mission as Christ Followers, (the body of Christ/His church), is to make disciples everywhere.

 

The most efficient way to do this is by working together with a group of fellow believers. Continue reading in Romans 12 and you will see that God has blessed each of us with certain gifts. Some with a gift to prophesy, some with a gift to serve others, some with the gift to encourage others, some with the gift to teach, some with the gift to give, and others He gives the gift to lead and show kindness to others. The bottom line here is that we are all working towards the same goal. We are all part of Christ's body. We all need each other, and each other's gifts and talents to accomplish Christ's mission. So let's all do our part to help accomplish this mission. Let's not be lazy, but let's serve together enthusiastically- (verse 11)! Life Application

 

I will continue to do my part and use the gifts God has blessed me with to serve His Kingdom.

 

I will do so humbly, and to the best of my abilities. I will continue to work together with my brothers and sisters in Christ to accomplish this mission God has entrusted us with.

Thank you God for partnering and entrusting me with this mission of yours. Thank you for blessing me with the strength, gifts, and abilities to do this. I know I can lean on you and your people if it ever gets too overwhelming. Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. It's because of this and the promise in your Word, that I know I can do this (through you)! Amen. 

 

-Moses Gaddi

Romans_11

 

Scripture

Romans 11:29

²⁹ for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 

Observation

Borrowed words from various commentaries…

The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable: This is another reason why God hasn’t given up on national and ethnic Israel. This principle, stated by Paul, comforts us far beyond its direct relevance to Israel. It means that God will not give up on us and He leaves the path open to restoration. [https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/romans-11/]

For the gifts and calling of God, etc. - The gifts which God has bestowed upon them, and the calling - the invitation, with which he has favored them he will never revoke. In reference to this point there is no change of mind in him; and therefore the possibility and certainty of their restoration to their original privileges, of being the people of God, of enjoying every spiritual blessing with the fullness of the Gentiles, may be both reasonably and safely inferred.

Repentance, when applied to God, signifies simply change of purpose relative to some declarations made subject to certain conditions. See this fully explained and illustrated by himself, Jeremiah 18:7-9. [https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/romans-11.html]

 

Understanding

To carry on the conversation from yesterday morning, “You are God’s masterpiece, and He made you with a plan, with good works that only you can do.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

Add to that what we read today in Romans 11 that those plans – His call on our lives – and the gifts He’s given us as He created us for those plans…are IRREVOCABLE!  Meaning they are “not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final.”

So, what does that mean?  It means it’s not too late to do what God has called you to do.  It doesn’t matter if you felt called today or ten years ago or anywhere in between or even before…that call is irrevocable.  He’s called you, placed you, prepared you and equipped you for such a time as this!

Life Application

Therefore go.  Go and be intentional, on purpose, full of God’s grace and love and share that madness with everyone you meet! <3

Rei

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