This has been an interesting discussion on the book of Romans, and one that we could all stand to learn much from. Paul is the consummate minister, in that he has given his life to what he believed to be of the Lord. His conversion on the Damascus road impacted him in such a way, that he gives the rest of his life spreading the word of Christ. Teaching other believers the truth and how they should live out their faith, and encouraging other churches to stay strong in their faith.
Several statements were made this week that I thought were interesting, the first from Jan Congress (2009). She wrote; “III. Paul’s Exhortation To Live a Christian Life (Romans 8:28-15:13) What I observed in this section a Christians response to God’s love shown through the gift of salvation is to sacrifice ourselves and live as Christians. (Romans 12:1)” As we discuss living the life of a Christian, we must determine what the life of a Christian is. How is it defined, and how is it measured, how is it achieved? I think Paul goes to great lengths in Romans in explaining the what, and how of this question, especially in chapters 12-14.
The second statement I found interesting was by Steve Armes (2009) when he said; “the law exposes sin. (7:7-25)” This statement bears much weight, for without the law, how would we know our lawlessness? The same could be said of Christ. In terms of darkness and light, Christ brought light into the world through His life and through the law. As He taught, He shed light on the law taking it from what they knew like; thou shall not commit adultery, thou shall not bear false witness, and he expounded on it. To look at a woman with lust in your eyes is the same as committing adultery with her in your heart. We have all told a lie, big or small it was a lie. Until Christ arrived the world was hopeless, dark and full of sin. The light He brought was that of truth, opened eyes and forgiveness.
The other interesting thing I learned was from Chris Butler (2009), He wrote; “People became foolish and let selfish desires overtake what they know as the truth. (1:18-32)
Chris was referring to the fact that the people knew God, but refused to honor Him or His laws. Instead they chose to live life the way they wanted to and thus they were separated further from Him. When you do this, live life the way you want to, there comes a time when it becomes natural, or normal. At this point, life as one knows it has become the complete opposite of what God wants. The godless and wicked that Paul is referring to were eventually given over to the things that they wanted. God handed them the reigns and said in a sense, “this is what you want? Then this I will give you.”
Paul’s letter to the Romans is most likely one of the clearest cut explanations of the Christian faith there is. His passion for spreading the word of Christ oozes from his letter and his excitement of the Roman church is plainly seen. Today’s ministers could experience many of these issues stated above. Living a Christian life in the world today could simply mean being born in America, middle class and attending church on special holidays. The ability to describe and understand what the life of a Christ follower (Christian) is foundational in helping someone understand what is expected of him or her. It isn’t a decision that is made one time and all is good from there on out. It is a daily decision to die to what we want in life and live our lives to serve the One who served us first, Jesus Christ.
This would also include the temptation to allow tradition overrule the truth of Christ. Many people allow tradition to dictate what they do and how they do it as apposed to seeking the wisdom of God. There are great dangers in allowing traditionalism to rule over truth and Christ’s divine guidance.
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