Romans 14 - 02.23.23
SCRIPTURE: Romans 14:19 AMP
“So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth ].”
OBSERVATION:
Paul opens his letter to the Roman believers by sharing that “their faith is being proclaimed ALL over the world (1:8)—and that he Longs to visit them that they might be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith (1:12). What an amazing reassurance for the Roman believers to hear—their Faith is being talked about ALL over the world!
But…there are a few points of correction for the Roman church—and it is here in his letter that Paul turns his attention to one such area.
UNDERSTANDING:
The strong [more mature] believers and the weak [less mature] believers were judging each other—arguing over what foods were permissible and what holidays to observe. Since there was a blending of Jewish and Gentile believers this also played a role.
Paul reminded them that their focus should be on—Pursuing with Enthusiasm—those things which unify us and make for Peace AND—that which BUILDS each other Up. Paul was desiring that they lay down their “rights” in Pursuit of Love.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Build Up and Encourage each other in our Relationship with Christ.
We all need the encouragement in our relationship with Christ that we each supply! Christ created us FOR relationship! Relationship with Him AND with each other.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25 NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
Christians Influence Each Other…May it be influence Towards Living a Life of Goodness, Peace, and JOY—IN the Holy Spirit.
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of goodness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (Rom 14:17 NLT)
LORD Jesus,
Thank You for the gift of salvation. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. A very present help in time of need AND a reminder that You have given us a guarantee of what IS to Come of our Inheritance (Eph 1:14). May we Live IN the Holy Spirit and experience the Fruit in abundance—may our Love for You burn like an uncontrollable Fire. May we genuinely Love one another and May there be such an outpouring of Your Love that it draws others TO you because they desire what they SEE in us—Peace in the storms And Joy not dependent on any circumstances. My Heart is Yours-LORD. Here I am, send me.
Tina L Kudelka
Isaiah 9 - 2.22.23
Scripture
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Observation-What does it say?
This chapter reveals another Old Testament prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ. “There are over 300 Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.” (gotquestions.org)
Understanding-What does it mean?
Old Testament Messianic Prophecies revealed Who Jesus was and what a society would look like where Jesus reigned.
If we rewind back to another Messianic Prophecy in Isaiah 4:5-6, it described the new society where Jesus reigned as: Beautiful, Glorious, Fruitful, Holy, Cleansed, a Shelter,
Shade (from the heat of day) and Refuge and Hiding Place (from the storm and rain.)
In this chapter, it describes Who Jesus was/is. He is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.
Imagine the hope that the Messianic prophecies gave to Old Testament Jews. It is the same hope we should have today, not just because we are eagerly awaiting Christ’s return again, but because He has left us His Holy Spirit.
Life Application
Read God’s Word daily and rely on the Holy Spirit. It is not just His power that lives inside of us. He lives inside of us.
The Holy Spirit is our deposit guaranteeing that Christ will come back for us, His church. (See 2 Corinthians 1:22 and 2 Corinthians 5:5).
In addition, the purpose of God’s Word is to point us and others to Christ! With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can lead people to Christ using ALL of Scripture, including the Old Testament.
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,” -John 5:39 NIV
Dear Lord, thank You that Your whole Word is inspired and points directly to You. Thank You for leaving us Your Holy Spirit to continue to stir up the hope of our faith in You. I confess that apart from You, my strength is very limited. When given an opportunity to lead others to You and talk about Your Word, I pray that it would always be about Your power in me and not by my own strength. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Romans 12 - 2.21.23
SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:1 - 2 "Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."
OBSERVATION: In the first eleven chapters of Romans Paul wrote hymns of praise to God. He exhorted the believers to humbly acknowledge God's sovereign grace and worship Him by offering all parts of their bodies as a living sacrifice.
UNDERSTANDING: BY THE MERCIES OF GOD: We've been justified from the penalty of sin. We've been adopted into God's forever family. We've been placed under God's grace. The Holy Spirit lives in us. God promises to help us, and that we will never be separated from Him. He promises to be faithful. So... IN LIGHT OF GOD'S MERCY we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. That means that OUR WILL must bring OUR BODY as a living sacrifice to God. "The body is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master." (Enduringword.com).
In the Old Testament every sacrifice had to be holy and acceptable to God. There had to be NO defect! The animal couldn't be lame, blind, or have any defects at all!. Jesus took ALL our sins and impurities upon Himself when He hung on the cross and died, and now, to those who have made Jesus their Lord and Savior, God sees us holy and righteous through the lens of Jesus' holiness and perfection!
LIFE APPLICATION: I live in this world, but I am not of it! I am transformed by the renewing of my mind, not according to my feelings or on anything that I do. My feelings and what I do are insufficient foundations for the Christian life. I am transformed, and my mind is renewed as I spend time in God's presence. The transformation happens on the inside, and the proof of my transformation is evidenced on the outside as I live my life according to God's will. I am only able to know what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is as my mind is renewed by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
I pray, in view of God's mercy and grace, that I will discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God is by surrendering in obedience to His will, and by allowing myself to be changed through the ongoing sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
- Robin Orefice