Something unique happens when we read the Word. We are reminded of the all-encompassing value of Christ’s Lordship and the Holy Spirit’s work in our soul. Every thought, move, and intent of our heart is subject to Christ alone. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us in our “With-God” life.
As we read Romans let us respond to the move of the Holy Spirit in our soul. Seeing things from God’s perspective is life changing.
Why Did Paul Write Romans?
Paul had several reasons to write this letter to the Roman church. He needed support for his ministry. Additionally, Paul understood that there were weak and strong believers in the faith there. They needed clear instruction or they would continue to form factions and quarrel among themselves. Agitators with false teaching were prepared to destroy the faithful.
We are privileged to have, in our hand, the clear and concise instruction today because Paul developed, in the power of the Holy Spirit, sound doctrine every believer needs to understand the story of salvation, sanctification, and how to walk in the Spirit. Chapter 8 alone could be called the greatest snapshot for the faithful. Praise God, we get to examine 16 chapters of powerful instruction.
His teaching is universal in significance and powerful in securing our understanding on how to live a “with-God” life.
I would have to say that Romans is one of the most important letters ever written by Paul. It has influenced the course of Christian history and the development of our Christian life.
Perhaps the most prominent theme is the gospel – the Good News: God intervened in our history in order to re-establish His Lordship over the created world that lived in rebellion agains Him. God offered the opportunity for every son and daughter of men to enter into relationship with Him through faith in Christ Jesus and His certain reconciliation with us. We are God’s people – redeemed and sanctified. Right standing with God is not impossible but a gift purchased at a great price.
We are the faithful in New Covenant relationship with God.
The Gospel Message From Romans 1 to Romans 16
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set aside for the gospel of God – the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son, who as to His earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him we received grace and apostleship to call all Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for His name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-6
Now to Him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to obedience that comes from faith – to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:25-27
What now?
It is easy to be misguided and mistaken. We need someone to come alongside us to reveal our blind spots. The greatest error is the error of thinking there’s no error in us.
The Holy Spirit is our guide, our counsel, and the Spirit of truth. When we walk in the Spirit we see and know things that were hidden and unknown before.
Paul’s letters were written to address a situation – a blind spot. Granted, he was thinking of us at the time, who would read it over 2,000 years later. He didn’t write to enrich our faith or correct our assumptions, but the Holy Spirit did so our Father God breathed out His Word and it was written, preserved, bound and translated into numerous languages.
Better in the hand of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God.
Wrong ideas, twisted thoughts, and misguided information cause are dangerous. We see it every day in our social media. If only someone could go behind us with an eraser and erase such errors!
Paul’s letter to the Romans will build up your faith with the truth and nothing but the truth. Christian doctrine, in God pure and holy word protest us from the infection of false teaching and sallowness of untrained ears.
In Romans, Paul repeatedly uses the word “righteousness” to describe the faithful. This term does not mean blameless but one who is lives in “right standing” with God. The way of righteousness is complete trust and total submission.
The only way to a right standing with God is through Christ Jesus. Cast yourself at His mercy and love. Watch what happens. The gospel of grace is the way of faith.
The mark of a Christian is right standing with God. We are no longer enemies but can now fellowship with Him because we’ve been reconciled. Our race, gender, or social standing have nothing to do with our relationship with God. It’s a gift, pure and simple but paid at a high price.
Romans is a great expression of Paul’s mind, filled with the Holy Spirit instruction. This is a perfect place to start. Let us study it clearly grasp it prayerfully, and allow the Spirit of God to eliminate out blind spots.
To God be the glory – great things He hath done!
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