Hi Church!
As you may know, I follow the RMM reading plan for my bible readings. This week, I have been in the beginning of the book of Romans. Before the summer break I had preached through the first eleven chapters of this book. However, it was refreshing to go back and re-read through the book. Let me give a quick rundown of the theme. That way if you read these and don’t quite remember the series, you will be ready when we jump back in this September, you will be ready!
Romans 1 Paul introduces the gospel, emphasizing God’s wrath against unrighteousness and the revelation of His divine power and nature through creation. He then details the sinful behavior of Gentiles, who, despite knowing God, have suppressed the truth and turned to idolatry.
Romans 2 Paul shifts focus to the Jews, highlighting their hypocrisy in judging others while engaging in the same sinful actions they condemn. He argues that outward religious practices like law-keeping and circumcision are insufficient for justification, emphasizing God’s impartial judgment based on deeds.
Romans 3 Paul concludes that all, both Jew and Gentile, are under sin and fall short of God’s glory. He then introduces the concept of justification by faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrating that God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law through faith in Jesus’s atoning sacrifice.
Romans 4 Paul uses Abraham as an example of justification by faith, demonstrating that Abraham was credited with righteousness before he was circumcised and before the law was given. This highlights that justification is based on faith, not works of the law.
As I am writing, I am reminded of God’s goodness in saving broken people. All that He has done for me is based on His own mercy and does not rely on my personal holiness or my own efforts. God has done all the work and offers it to me through Jesus Christ.
Jonathan Welch
Senior Pastor
(Visited 27 times, 1 visits today)
