When the Jews rejected Jesus, the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles, but Paul warned them not to get conceited about it. God has a plan and those who will be saved will be saved, whether Jew or Gentile. The Gentiles were blessed because of the sin of the Jews. Paul gave praise to God.
Paul asked the Romans to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God, body and soul. By surrendering to Him, they would know His will for them. Just as a human body had millions of different cells, each with a specific purpose, so too each of us together create the body of Christ. God has given many different gifts to different people. Don't compare yours with others, just accept your gift(s) and do your best to use them for God's will. If you don't know what to do ask Him. He'll tell you. Paul advised them to let love guide them in being kind to each other. Work hard and don't be lazy, serve the Lord with a devoted heart. Stay hopeful, and patient and pray always. Share what you have. Ask God to bless those who curse you. Show empathy. Be concerned for everyone. Stay humble. Don't believe you are wise. Do good and live in peace. Don't take revenge, let God do it for you. (Kill them with kindness.) Conquer evil with good.
Government authorities are there because God wants them there. Do good and you have nothing to fear from the authorities. That's why you pay taxes, they are working for God and workers deserve to be paid. Respect them. You are obligated only to love one another. All the commandments can be summed up with this single act. Love is the fulfillment of the whole Law. Step out of the darkness and into the light.
Different people have different levels of faith. Don't judge them because God has accepted them just as they are. If everyone is doing what he or she believes is the Lord's will for them, who are you to judge? Each of us lives for the Lord and each of us will answer for ourselves to Him. Anything that is not based on faith is sin.
Follow the example of Jesus Christ and be one family worshipping God together. Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you. Paul pointed out that Jesus' service to the Jews was to prove that God keeps his promises. Many times in scripture the Gentiles were claimed by God. Paul continued with an explanation of why he had been so bold; he was earnestly interested in proclaiming the Gospel to as many who had not heard as possible. Paul expressed his hope that he would at long last be able to go to Rome to visit with them. After a visit, Paul planned to deliver an offering to Jerusalem. Then he wanted to go to Spain. He asked them to pray for him and he bid them peace.
Tomorrow read Romans 16; 1Corinthians 1-4:13
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment