Day 317

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Unmerited Grace of God!

Romans Introduction

While the four Gospels recount the life of Jesus Christ, the book of Romans explores the significance of his sacrificial death. As such, it has been called "the gospel according to Paul." In a question and answer format, Romans is the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. But the Good News is more than a theology to be pondered; it is a life to be lived—a life of righteousness befitting one whom God declares " 'not guilty' of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ" (3:24).

Scripture

November 12—Romans 1-3: Unrighteousness of Man Explored

Observation

In his letter to the Romans, Paul addresses a group of Christians whom he longs to see and for whom he has often prayed—though he has never met them face to face. In order to strengthen and comfort them. Paul outlines the basis of the gospel (ch. 1-11) and the resulting behavior that is possible because of the gospel (ch. 12-16). Underlying everything Paul says is a basic human problem: sin. Mankind stands guilty before a Holy God, deserving only God's wrath and judgment. That's the bad news! But there is also good news for lost men and women: "The Good News about Christ . . . is God's powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven" (1:16).

Application

Like a skilled surgeon, Paul dissects sinful man and analyzes his malignant condition (3:10-18):
  • Man's mind: void of understanding about God.
  • Man's talk: filthy as an open grave.
  • Man's tongue: loaded with lies
  • Man's lips: poisonous as deadly snakes.
  • Man's mouth: full of cursing and bitterness.
  • Man's feet: quick to kill.
  • Man's eyes: nearsighted, ingrown and godless.
The prognosis is bleak: "No one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what the law commands" (3:20). But once you recognize your problem, you are a candidate for applying the Savior's cure.

Read about it in 3:24; then if you have never done so before, personalize it by placing your faith in the Great Physician who alone specializes in cases like yours!

Prayer

We know that it is only through diligent prayer to you, God, that we can become good, fighting people in your Holy Name. We have become brave warriors for Jesus Christ because we pray without ceasing to add to our fighting qualities to be more certain of victories against the enemies. Help us to never stop praying. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 

A Praying Warrior!





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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