* Paul opens the letter, telling us he is the servant of Christ Jesus. This speaks to his devotion to Jesus and his understanding of Christ being the LORD of his life. * This is the first time Paul is in Rome and from the beginning he wants to explain the gospel, right away in verse 4 he teaches that Jesus is the son of God. * I wonder if our first impression to others demonstrates that we truly believe Jesus to be the son of God * Paul then tells us that “we have received grace” —> with a purpose, and that purpose is “to bring about the obedience of faith” * In his introduction in verse 8 we learn that the church in Rome (the Romans) were know for their faith * What am I known for ? Am I known for the faith I have in God? If not, What kind of impact would it have around me if I were? * Paul’s desire to go to Rome, was to encourage, but also to be mutually encourage himself by the Roman Church * Speaks to the importance that exists in surrounding ourselves with those who believe as we believe, for the purpose of mutual encouragement * Verse 16 though is BOLD! Paul, a Jew, a pharisee proclaims that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, the good news of the redemption brought to us through Jesus
because it is the Power of God for Salvation. WOW !! * Paul then moves on to speak about the Unrighteous and how there is no excuse to say they have not seen Gods Power, because God has made it clear in creation alone. - They choose not to honour God - Not to be grateful towards Him for all he has done - They have become futile in their thinking and their hearts were darkened - They claim to be wise, and have become fools - And have given the Glory that should be God’s alone, and ascribed it to other things * How many times do I take God for granted? And am not grateful for the breath in my lungs? * How many times do I believe to know better, and push my plans instead of seeking His? * In which ways have I allowed the ways of this world to darken my heart? And confuse my mind * How many times have I given God’s glory to other things (ie. people, effort, jobs) * We need to repent of our unrighteousness and surrender to God each day * The letter closes off speaking about how the unrighteous have been filled with all kinds of evil. But the part that peaks my attention… is that is says they “know God’s righteous decree” and not only do they practice evil, they approve of those who do. * They are not ignorant * They know God’s word, and still choose to go directly against it Thoughts: 1. How do I see Jesus, do I truly see him as LORD? Am I Living like his servant? 2. What do I want myself to be known for? Will it be my faith like the Romans? 3. Am I surrounding myself with those who I can encourage, and they can be mutually encouraging to me in the faith? 4. What areas in my life still need the Holy Spirit to help me surrender them to Jesus? 5. Am I a knower of the Word and not a Doer? Prayer: Lord, I want to know you in my life like never before, I want my life to be marked by submission to you as my Lord not just my saviour. Allow my faith to grow, Change everything in me, let me truly understand the Good news of your redemptive sacrifice for me. Help me be bold in my stance for you God. Holy Spirit Show me the areas in my heart and life that I have been holding on to that need to be surrendered to Jesus, and give me the strength to do so. Lord let me ONLY Ever give you the Glory that is yours alone - and Father Let me know your word deeply, but above all, let me live out the truth of your salvation and grace.