November 18 - Romans 7-9
Do you realize that being a Christian is like being married to Jesus? That is what Paul says here in Romans 7:4, and it is in line with Ephesians 5, too. I think that is a brilliant analogy, because it shows the closeness of our relationship with Jesus, but it also shows that it must be a daily walk or we can get out of fellowship with Him. It is terrible to be out of fellowship with your spouse, isn't it? What do you have to do? You are still married, but you must confess the sin, seek forgiveness, and restore the intimacy of the relationship as quickly as possible. If that is not done, there are long lasting consequences. I pray that this analogy and the other points Paul makes in this passage help you to see your salvation better, as you read them today.
Romans 7:25 makes it very clear that the only way anyone can overcome the power of the flesh to lead us to sin is through Jesus Christ, who overcame the Devil, the flesh, and sin on the cross. Once we have come into relationship with Him, we receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has the power to set us free from the law of sin that works in our flesh, if we will walk in the Spirit daily. (8:4) This is the only way to have freedom from the bondage to the fleshly desires. (8:2) This freedom is available to all believers, because all believers have the Spirit in them. (8:9) I beg you to live by the power of the Spirit, and don't allow the flesh to lead you to sin.
However, one day this struggle will be over, because we will get to heaven and experience the glory of God in fullness. This will make all of the struggles melt away into insignificance. (8:18) For now we must live in a confident hope of heaven and its rewards. We must not give up the fight against the flesh and Satan's forces, because Christ has won, and in the end we will win because of Christ. (8:25, 31) Now, we are more than conquerors through Christ, if we walk in the Spirit's power and direction. (8:37)
All of these truths apply to everyone. There is no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. In chapter 9 Paul laments the fact that many Jews were resting in the fact that they were descendants of Abraham, so they thought that would take them to heaven. That is not sufficient. Many thought their works would get them to heaven. That is not sufficient, either. It is only by faith. Anyone, Jew or Gentile, who places his or her faith in Jesus will be saved. God has looked down through history and chosen those who would do that freely to be a part of His family. He does not choose on the basis of national origin, religion, or works. He only chooses because of a yielded heart of faith. That is what Paul is saying in Romans 9. He knew Jacob would have a yielded heart of faith, but Esau would not, so He chose to have mercy on Jacob. He knew Pharaoh would not submit in faith, so He hardened his heart. It was not based on works, but on foreknowledge. God did not cause it, but He saw it in advance. It is the righteousness of faith. (9:30) It is true that "whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." (9: 33b) I pray that you have put your faith in Jesus and are saved by His grace, walking by His Spirit, and living a life of victory and hope of heaven each day.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Romans 10-12.
Romans 7:25 makes it very clear that the only way anyone can overcome the power of the flesh to lead us to sin is through Jesus Christ, who overcame the Devil, the flesh, and sin on the cross. Once we have come into relationship with Him, we receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has the power to set us free from the law of sin that works in our flesh, if we will walk in the Spirit daily. (8:4) This is the only way to have freedom from the bondage to the fleshly desires. (8:2) This freedom is available to all believers, because all believers have the Spirit in them. (8:9) I beg you to live by the power of the Spirit, and don't allow the flesh to lead you to sin.
However, one day this struggle will be over, because we will get to heaven and experience the glory of God in fullness. This will make all of the struggles melt away into insignificance. (8:18) For now we must live in a confident hope of heaven and its rewards. We must not give up the fight against the flesh and Satan's forces, because Christ has won, and in the end we will win because of Christ. (8:25, 31) Now, we are more than conquerors through Christ, if we walk in the Spirit's power and direction. (8:37)
All of these truths apply to everyone. There is no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. In chapter 9 Paul laments the fact that many Jews were resting in the fact that they were descendants of Abraham, so they thought that would take them to heaven. That is not sufficient. Many thought their works would get them to heaven. That is not sufficient, either. It is only by faith. Anyone, Jew or Gentile, who places his or her faith in Jesus will be saved. God has looked down through history and chosen those who would do that freely to be a part of His family. He does not choose on the basis of national origin, religion, or works. He only chooses because of a yielded heart of faith. That is what Paul is saying in Romans 9. He knew Jacob would have a yielded heart of faith, but Esau would not, so He chose to have mercy on Jacob. He knew Pharaoh would not submit in faith, so He hardened his heart. It was not based on works, but on foreknowledge. God did not cause it, but He saw it in advance. It is the righteousness of faith. (9:30) It is true that "whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." (9: 33b) I pray that you have put your faith in Jesus and are saved by His grace, walking by His Spirit, and living a life of victory and hope of heaven each day.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Romans 10-12.