Romans__2

Scripture  Romans 2:7-8 

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.  But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Observation-What does it say?  The letter of Romans was written by Paul and it was likely written on his third missionary journey.  He wrote the letter to the church in Rome, which was predominantly gentile, with a large minority of Jews.  The letter focuses on a basic gospel message and God’s plan of salvation for all people.  He uses frank language when addressing that all people are broken and in need of the freedom we receive from Christ’s death on the cross.  In chapter two, Paul addresses God’s wrath, which is a consequence of our choice to live in sin.  God’s wrath and judgement often seems juxtaposed to His grace and mercy, though it is an equally important part of his character. Understanding-What does it mean?  Police officers are, to a degree, the bearers of the wrath of law.  As a police officer, I have become used to the idea of being the “bad guy.”  I have been called all types of names, many of which shouldn’t really be repeated.  More times than I can count, I’ve been accused of ruining peoples’ lives by enforcing the law.  I’ve also been accused of upholding the law with prejudice and targeting certain types of people.  Rarely has anyone told me thank you for taking them to jail.   Part of the reason laws are created is to ensure the safety of people in society.  For example, it is against the law to drive above certain speeds in certain areas (i.e. residential areas).  It’s also against the law to drive after having alcoholic drinks, because there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and others on the road.  Therefore, when an officer writes a speeding ticket, or takes someone to jail for DUI, they are acting for the safety of the person who is experiencing the wrath of law. Throughout scripture we read of times where God brings His wrath on the people he loves.  Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets foretold the impending doom of Israel, because they were not living out the laws given to them by God.  After the wrath, when the people of Israel turned back to God, He would pour out his love and favor on them.  The laws given to Israel by God were written for their good, even more than the laws written by man, and yet Israel (and us) still chose to live in opposition of those laws.  God’s wrath works to turn us away from our sins, much like the fear of getting a speeding ticket keeps people from speeding.   Paul later writes that we are all sinners and deserve the wrath of God.  But, Jesus took on that wrath when he died on the cross.  “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)  God’s love for us is so great that he placed the burden of His wrath on Jesus, the burden which we could not bear.
Life Application 

Jesus, thank you for taking on God’s wrath for me.  Even though I deserve death, you have taken that sentence for me.  Help me to look at your discipline as an aspect of your love.  When your word directs me to abstain, help me to know that is your love.    

 

-Tyler Galloway

Romans__1

Scripture - What stood out?Romans 1

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Observation - What does it say?In chapter one of Romans, Paul introduces himself and expresses his desire to go and visit the church. The second half of this letter is Paul’s description of what it means to be “unrighteous” in relation to God. Understanding - What does it mean?The phrase that really stood out to me was the second half verse 25, …”and served the creature rather than the Creator…” It just made me feel sheepish immediately. Like, yikes that’s a pretty major oversight. I ended up reading both verses several times because I felt like it gave such insight into the human condition. Hearts of impurity. Dishonoring our bodies. Worshipping creature over creator. All are results of believing a lie instead of God’s truth.  I have just begun to scratch the surface in understanding how important truth is. In the 90’s the tv show the X-Files gave me a nudge towards the truth, just not in any biblical sense. Decades later I found that I didn’t have to look very far at all. God’s truth was here all along. I had lost so much time worshipping and serving creature rather than Creator. Because I refused to exchange - i refused to let go of my lie - in exchange for God’s truth.  Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?Lord I pray for all who are lost in deception. May they see Your truth today. Right now. I am a follower of yours already but I pray that you reveal to me an area of my life where I am serving creature rather than Creator. Expose this lie to the light of Your truth. Help me to make the exchange. And by Your Truth may I continue to be set free. In the name of Jesus do I pray. Amen. -kenneth lee 

Psalm 22

Scripture

 

Psalms‬ ‭22:2-5‬ ‭

 

“Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

David writes this psalm in the midst of being under constant attack from his surrounding enemies. He is constantly crying out to God for help, but he is getting no response. David finds comfort remembering how much he already has overcome because of God. David remembers how his ancestors trusted God, and God rescued them. David trusts that God is holy and just. David stands on God’s promises to His people, knowing of God’s unfailing love.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

In God we trust.

 

David was being put through a crucible in life. He was under constant scrutiny and attacks. His life was in constant danger. David called out to God for help, but it seemed God didn’t answer. What was David’s response? He trusted God. He remembered all the things God had gotten him and his people through. He is anticipating God’s mighty hand to rescue him once more. David vows to God that he and his people will praise His name for generations to come because of His faithfulness.

 

How many of us have been in David’s shoes? We feel life closing in on us. We feel that God isn’t hearing our cries for help. How do we respond? Do we turn our backs on God? Do we have the attitude of “Fine, I’ll do it myself!”? Or do we respond the way David did?..(Trusting in God’s goodness and holiness). We must understand that God has a reason behind everything. We may not understand it, but we must trust in Him, and know that He is good. God may be using that situation to strengthen you/your faith, and using it to reveal His strength, power, and unfailing love when it’s all said and done.

 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭

 

Life Application

 

Stand firm in God’s promises and seek Him during life’s storms.

 

How can I know God’s promises for me? I must continue to read and study His Word (SOUL Journal). How can I seek Him during those difficult times? By spending time with Him in prayer and worship (PB&J-Prayer, Bible reading, and Journaling). Being a Christ Follower doesn’t exclude me from life’s hardships (look at David’s life). But I am encouraged knowing that God hears our cries and is always faithful to those who constantly seek Him.  

 

-Moses Gaddi