Rejoicing in Hope

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

There's a reason that Christians can find joy no matter where they are and no matter what is going on in their life. We have an eternal hope. We're looking forward to that heavenly country. Whatever happens on this earth only matters in as far as it will affect eternity. Therefore, joy is ever present, even through sorrow, because we know this is not the end.

Prayer, direct communication with the God of the universe, is a way to remind ourselves of these things. That's why Paul doesn't tell us to start praying for ten minutes a day. No, rather he expects that we are already praying (continue) and that it is happening on a constant basis ("instant: to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing").

If I truly believed that this earth will pass away, and that my hope is in Heaven, how would my life be different?

Conform or Transform

Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

This verse has been used for many things, sometimes to extremes. "What is the world doing? They're driving cars. Therefore to not conform to the world, I will not drive a car." This kind of logic is a misinterpretation of this Scripture. When the whole verse is taken into consideration (along with its context) we realize that it has to do with our inner man.

The verse lays out 2 options. These 2 options are opposites and they have to do with our mind, how we judge or understand (our thoughts, feelings, purposes, desires). Being conformed to this world would mean that my mind thinks the way the world thinks. My thoughts, feelings, purposes, and desires line up with the world's thoughts, feelings, purposes, and desires. However, if I allow God to renew my mind, it will be transformed and suddenly my thoughts, feelings, purposes, and desires will line up with God's thoughts, feelings, purposes, and desires. My way of thinking will mirror His way of thinking and not the world's.

When my mind is renewed & transformed, then and only then, will I be able to examine and recognize as genuine, what is that good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God. How can I renew my mind today?

Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

This verse literally changed my life. Viewing yourself as a walking, breathing offering to God dynamically changes your perspective on life. Surrendering yourself completely to Him, seeking to live in a way that is holy and acceptable to God, and viewing it as nothing more than what should reasonably be expected of you.

This verse means even more when read in light of the last verses from the last chapter. Chapter 11 is all about how we've received mercy and grace, and how, as Gentiles, we've been grafted into the family of God. The the chapter ends with a proclamation of how incredible God is, how His wisdom and knowledge are beyond compare, and how all glory and honor belongs to Him forever.

"I beseech you therefore..." In light of what I just said, with chapter 11 in mind, I plead with you, give yourself to God as a living offering. Will I do this today?

Unsearchable

Romans 11:33-34 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?"

This is a very fitting verse to have in the book of Romans. Throughout the book there are some extremely deep and difficult to understand topics. It can be hard to wrap our minds around some of these concepts. But at the end of the day, we can come back to these verses.

Unsearchable. Past finding out. The wisdom and knowledge of our God is far, far too great for us to comprehend. Finite beings, such as ourselves, cannot possibly fathom an Infinite Creator. I love how Paul describes it as "riches". This hearkens back to the book of Proverbs where wisdom and knowledge are constantly compared with gold and riches and found to be even better and of more value.

Take some time today to marvel at your Heavenly Father. Like looking into a fathomless abyss, or observing the infinity of the night sky, spend some time in wonder at Who He is.

The Olive Tree's Root

Romans 11:17-18 "And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee."

At first read, this passage may seem like it is referring to  individuals losing their salvation. However, a closer look reveals that Paul is not saying that at all.

First, Paul is not speaking of individuals specifically. Rather he is referring to the Jews & Gentiles as general groups. Paul himself was a Jew, therefore we can conclude that God did not break off every Jew from this metaphorical tree. Rather, God dealt with each person as an individual. Paul is referring to the Jews in general, they have by and large rejected Christ and not accepting Him because of unbelief.

Second, verse 18 makes it clear that it's not within our ability to save ourselves. The root (God) is bearing us. We are to make our boast in the fact that God has done this thing, and it is wondrous in our sight. God does nothing half-way. What He starts, He will finish.

Am I resting in my salvation today? Am I allowing the Root to bear me up?

Remnant

Romans 11:5 "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace."

It can be very easy to talk ourselves into the same frame of mind that plagued Elisha. When you look around this world and see seemingly the vast majority of people living in flagrant sin, not caring for eternity or the things of God, it can make you feel very alone. And that's why this verse is so encouraging.

We are not alone.

If I were to honestly believe that I was alone in my pursuit of God, what does that say about my heart's belief about His power? If I were to truly think that there's no one left but me, what does that say about my opinion of myself?

There is a remnant, praise God. I am part of that remnant. My job is not to worry about how large or small that remnant is. My job is to be sure that I do all I can, through Christ's power, to disciple that remnant and grow it as He allows.

Sent

Romans 10:15 "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

In this list of rhetorical questions, Paul is making a very important point. We have been sent. Each and every believer has been sent to preach the Gospel to every creature.

If people are not being saved, it is because they are not calling on the Lord. If they are not calling on the Lord, it is because they have not believed. If they are not believing, it is because they have not heard of Him. If they have not heard of him, it is because there has not been a preacher. If there has not been a preacher then, is it because we have not been sent?

This is obviously not the case. We have been sent. The disconnect in this beautiful process is our willingness to obey God's commands. If we will obey, a chain reaction will follow. It become obvious as the chapter continues, that not everyone who hears will be saved. However, that does not release us from our responsibility.

Do I realize, today, that I have been sent to preach the Gospel to the lost? Am I obeying?

Thou Shalt Be Saved

Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

This is probably one of the most known verses in the Bible, right alongside John 3:16. There is so much truth flowing from it as it beautifully lays out "what you must do to be saved".

The word "confess" means "to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent". In other words, we are to "say the same things" as the Lord Jesus, we are to agree with He Who is the Truth. He says that we are sinners in need of a Savior. We say that we are sinners in need of a Savior. He says that He is the only way. We say that He is the only way. This is the confession Paul is talking about.

The word "believe" means "to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in". The classic example is a man tight rope walking a wheel barrel across Niagara Falls. You may think that he can do it, you may even watch him do it and know it can be done. But true belief comes when you let him tight rope walk across the falls with you in the wheel barrel. That's the point where you've put your confidence in him. It's not merely mental assent, you believe and your confident enough in that belief to commit.

Shall Not Be Ashamed

Romans 9:33 "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

Ashamed: "...one is said to be put to shame who suffers a repulse, or whom some hope has deceived."

There are many things that we hope for throughout this life. We hope for love, a home, security, happiness, fulfillment. Yet it wouldn't be a stretch to say that for the majority of mankind, these hopes are never quite met. Often these hopes are dashed to pieces on the rocky shores of reality.

We could say that those who hoped were put to shame. Their hope has deceived them, causing them to not see life for what it truly is. 

Consider this promise then - whosoever believes on Him will not be ashamed. The hope we place in Christ is the truest, most honest hope available to us. He will fulfill His Word, because His Word is Truth. This hope we have in Christ is sure, secure, never failing.

Our hope in Christ will never deceive us. Rather it allows us to see life and this world in the clearest light available. Am I living today as if I will not be ashamed because of my belief in God?

Accursed From Christ

Romans 9:3 "For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:"

If you live in America, you are very blessed. Christianity in America is often chided for it's relaxed, lazy attitude and lukewarmness. Often this is a credible criticism. Persecution does bring out our true beliefs more than ease and comfort ever could.

Believers around the world live in constant danger. Entire countries persecute them for their belief in God. Their lives, the lives of their families, could all be forfeit just for choosing to follow Christ. Yet they still follow. Beat, mocked, cursed, hated, reviled, they still follow.

The question is, would I give up my cozy station here in America and willingly trade places for my Christian brethren in a persecuted place? A hard question.

Now magnify that by infinity - would I trade my eternally secure position in Christ for a unsaved, unrepentant sinner? If you would die for a friend, Christ calls that great love. But if you would give up eternal life for an enemy...

Obviously, this is not our choice to make. However, the question should drive us to examine our heart and attitude toward the lost. Is this the kind of burning passion I have toward seeing them come to Christ?