Romans 1

We are starting a new book today… Paul’s letter to the Romans.

There are many teachings that we can find from this letter.  Indeed, I was actually a little hesitant in approaching this epistle, given that many of the recent controversies stem from some misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the truth in this letter.

But when I expressed my fears that that this book will be too complicated for most members, a preacher said to me… “What is so complicated about the book of Romans? The teachings are direct and straightforward.”

And it is true.

So do not dismiss this book before you even started really reading it.

Do not think you will not be able to understand it and so you would not spend your time reading and reflecting on the words.

Instead, pray that the Holy Spirit lead and guide.

And maybe you will find like me… what the letter to the Romans is all about….

Many a times we are asked, “What does it mean to be a Christian?”

Do you know?  How would you explain it?  Many find it hard to express it.

Some would talk in generalities about “doing good”.  Others will say Christianity means love.  Some say Christianity is about doing the right things so that we can go to heaven.  What about you?

If you find yourself not being very sure about how to say what Christianity is all about, I challenge you to really read Romans.

It is written to explain the faith.

While the first five books of the New Testament tells the story of Jesus, Romans examines the message of Jesus.

It shows us that His Gospel is far more than just being good, having nice feelings or high moral standards.

It is TRUTH.

It makes a difference in the way people think, and therefore in what they believe.

Do you know what you believe?

Let’s read today’s passage and see what are some of the simple truths I found…

Bible Passage:  Romans 1

A Change of Plans

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

~ Rom 1:13

Some of us love to plan things.

We like to plan for everything and want things to be perfect and go exactly according to plan.  And we get frustrated or unhappy when thing do not work out the way we planned or imagined.

But when I read what Paul wrote here, it brings some comfort knowing that Paul’s plans did not always work out as well.

Paul had a great vision and desire for the Gospel.  And he intended to bring the Gospel to Rome and then perhaps on to Spain (Rom 15:28).  And for this goal, Paul laid out plans and made decisions.  And God guided and directed him.

NOT always in the way he planned!

And the great thing about Paul was that he was also willing to go wherever God opened doors for him, even if it means scrapping a carefully organized agenda.  For example, he made a complete 180 degree turn at Troas in obedience to a vision from God, taking the Gospel west rather than east (Acts 16:6-10).

But does that mean planning is useless and pointless?

And that we should wait for the Lord to “lead” before making any moves?

Not if we understand from Paul’s example.  He understood that it is better to adapt and change one’s plans than to have no plans at all.

The Power of the Gospel

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

~ Rom 1:16

Are you ever embarrassed to be identified as a follower of Christ?  Or of being a member of the True Jesus Church?

Would co-workers or classmates ever assumed you are ashamed for your faith by the way you avoid talking about it or revealing your true thoughts and feelings?

Paul felt no shame in the message of Christ, for he saw it as powerful – powerful enough to transform lives! (Rom 1:16).

How powerful is the Gospel you believe in?  Are you a channel or barrier for the power of Christ to the people around you?

The Bible Is Honest About Sin

When you start reading from verses 18-32, you will realize the truth of this statement.

Sin rules in this world and our separation from God  has resulted in our thoughts being futile and our foolish hearts being darkened (Rom 1:21).  God has given us up to the full outworking of our rebellion against Him (1:24).  This has produced:

• Sexual immorality, wherein we dishonour the bodies God gave us (1:24)
• Idolatry, wherein we turn away from our Creator and exalt the works of our own hands (1:25)
• Vile passions,wherein we become irrational pleasure seekers, often dominated by a perverted sensuality, rather than thoughtful servants of each other and responsible stewards of God’s good gifts (1:26-27).  The acts of homosexuality are no longer frowned upon in the world.  In fact, there is a growing movement to bring it all mainstream.
• A debased mind, wherein we come under terrible spiritual bondage that makes us incapable of doing good; we become slaves to sin (1:27).

If we read on, you will find that Paul concludes this severe but enlightening assessment (that still rings true after all these years) with a list of ugly consequences.  What is even worse is that people approve of each others sins! (1:29-32).

The candor of this list is painful but honest.

Like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, the world is travelling on the road to disaster and if we are not careful, we will be stuck along with them!  God declares that because of our sin, we are deserving of death (Rom 1:32), inexcusable (Rom 2:1), and treasuring up wrath and great judgement for ourselves (Rom 2:5).  This is true of all mankind (Rom 3:10-12).

The book of Romans carefully spells out the eternal consequences of this sinful rebellion.

It warns us that sin is real.

It is not just a bad feeling or being overly sensitive.

We are alienated from a Holy and Righteous God and there is a penalty to pay – the penalty of eternal death.

But Romans does not stop here.

That’s why you must read Romans.

First you must realize that sin is real and is around and in us.

But God has a wonderful provision for us in Jesus Christ.  He brings us the chance to be reconciled with God.  Through faith in Him we can access grace.  And we have the hope of returning to His glory (Rom 5:1-5).  To demonstrate His love, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross (Rom 5:8).  That’s why, we can like Paul say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor 9:15).

Something to Find Out More…

There are many more things that I have learned by just simply reading today’s passage.  And I hope you will too.

The Word of God is not hidden to those who seek it.

There is one last thing I hope you can do along with me…

Underline the word “righteousness” in this chapter.  Did you find it? (not telling you which verse (: )

This word appears many times in Romans.  In fact, it is very hard to talk about the Gospel – and virtually impossible to understand Romans – without coming to terms what “righteousness” means.  In fact, in the New Testament, the term in one form or another is used no less than 228 times.

What then, does “righteousness” mean, and how dos the Gospel reveal the “righteousness of God?” (Rom 1:17)

Maybe the preacher can help us out with this…. 🙂

 

 

 

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