Category: Romans

Pleasantries

Re: Verse reading—Romans 1:1–17 (day three)  

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Sometimes when you read an email, the more that people use pleasantries up front–“Hope you’re having a great day”, “I pray you’re well”, “How have you been?”, etc., the more you anticipate unpleasantness. What sales pitch will you hear? What favor will you get asked to do? What will the writer try to convince you to give up? You know the drill. Paul, though, was blessing his readers, not buttering them up. Would they read things in his letters that they wouldn’t like–things that would be hard to accept? Absolutely. But Paul prayed for them that grace and peace would operate in their souls so that they could receive the revelation of reality. May we use such words in the same way.

Grateful for Y’all

Re: Verse reading–Romans 1:1–17 (day two)

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. vs. 8

This is the NASB translation, but may provide some evidence that Paul was also writing to the church in Texas. This is as close to y’all as we will see in scripture.

The write of Hebrews says this: And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (10:24). If we are in the business of helping, serving, and loving others then it stands to reason that we ought to let others know when we see them serving well. In the midst of a society that was intolerant toward the gospel, Paul went out of his way to give thanks to those in the field who were serving well. He acknowledged their struggle and declared that he was “not ashamed” of the good news that he and they were declaring. I can imagine what a boon to the Roman believer’s spirits to read these words from Paul. May they encourage you also as you serve a world that is increasingly intolerant of God’s love. Serve well.

Not ashamed

Re: Verse reading–Romans 1:1–17 (day one)

“I am not ashamed of the gospel.”–v 16.

Do you know what shame feels like?  I do.  Hesitant to say what you think or feel.  Worried what people will think. Anxious. Inhibited.

The Bible says that a new sense of self, a new confidence comes to people who are in Christ!  On the day of Pentecost, as an effect of being filled with the Holy Ghost, the disciples experienced a confidence they had never dreamed of. (Acts 3:13) God intends this same boldness for us.

In Romans 1, Paul uses a powerful word.  Aischuno meant deformed.  Epi-aischuno (literally “upon the deformed”)  referred to feelings common to people with handicaps, feelings of being inadequate or incapable.

I DON’T feel that, says Paul.  Not any more.  I am competent in Christ!  God loves me and has given me His powerful message.  I am NOT ASHAMED!

Do you know this Christ-confidence, this release from fear?  You can.