Daily Word

As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call beloved.” And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Romans 9:25-26. Paul quotes Hos. 2:23 and 1:10 to illustrate the stunning grace of God- that those who are not His people…will be called “sons of God.” In calling the Gentiles into salvation, God calls sinful people to Himself, just as in saving Israel He showed mercy to the undeserving. No one can presume on God’s grace. In calling anyone to salvation, He shows undeserved mercy to those who were not His people. Meditate on this one today and recognize just how undeserving you were because of the sin in your life. Remind yourself of His great mercy upon your life today as live and walk as “sons of God.”

Daily Word

What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory- even us whom he called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles. Romans 9: 22-24. The addition of “beforehand” in connection with the vessels of mercy may be pointing to the mercy that originates in God’s good pleasure from eternity, while the wrath in view is in direct response to existing ungodliness and unrighteousness. The distinction between the elect and reprobate does not lie in anything in themselves (all deserve wrath), but exclusively in the will of God. Within that context, however, the objects prepared for destruction experience the wrath that is the only possible and just reward for sin. God created a world in which both His wrath and mercy would be displayed. Indeed, His mercy shines against the back drop of His wrath, showing thereby that the salvation of any person is due to the marvelous grace and love of God. If this is difficult to understand, it is because people mistakenly think God owes them salvation!

Daily Word

You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will.” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? Romans 9:19-21. By what right can God lay the blame for their sins on those He has hardened against Himself? Paul answers partially in terms of human experience. It is unreasonable and irreverent for anyone to question the righteousness of God’s ways. Potters have every right to do as they please with the clay. All belong to “the same lump” of fallen humanity in Adam; all actively sin even before God hardens them in sinning. That God should show mercy to any from the Adamic lump and create vessels of honor from it is the kindness of grace; that others should become vessels for lesser use is a matter of His sovereign prerogative and is itself a display of perfect justice towards them. It doesn’t mean we give up on those around us; we keep preaching the gospel and living a Christ like example. However, recognize also that without His sovereign justice His love would lack merit and His grace would be cheap.

Weekend Quote

Self is one of the toughest plants that grows in the garden of life. It is, in fact, indestructible by any human means. Just when we are sure that it is dead, it turns up somewhere as robust as ever to trouble our peace and poison the fruit of our lives. ~ A.W. Tozer

Weekend Quote

A thousand voices clamor for attention, and a thousand causes vie for our support. But until we learned to be satisfied with fellowship with God, until He is our rock and our fortress, we will be restless with our place in the world. ~ Erwin W. Lutzer

Daily Word

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “for this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills and, and hardens whomever he wills. Romans 9:16-18. It was God who spoke those words to Pharaoh through Moses (Ex. 9:16), but for Paul the words of scripture and the voice and authority of God are one. The divine choice is an expression of free and sovereign grace. It is not merited by anything in those whom are chosen. God owes sinners no mercy of any kind, only condemnation; so it is a wonder that He should choose to save any of us. Like every truth about God, the doctrine of election involves mystery, and it sometimes stirs up controversy. But in scripture it is a pastoral doctrine, helping Christians to see how great is the grace that saves them, and moving them to respond with humility, confidence, and praise! Again, take some time and meditate on this…look back over the past couple of days and reread what has been posted. Put it all together and read it through as one whole piece.

Daily Word

As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Romans 9:13-15. Paul explains by citing two biblical texts (Ex.33:19, 9:16) from which he concludes that God is righteous in showing mercy to some while he hardens His heart to others. When God shows mercy it is not a person receiving a reward earned by one’s own efforts, but God’s sovereign free grace extended to persons who are morally incapable of any acceptable effort. God owes mercy to none, so there is no injustice when mercy is not shown. Mercy is a divine prerogative; it rests on God’s good pleasure. When God “hardens” Pharaoh’s heart, He does not create fresh evil in it, but gives Pharaoh over to his already evil desires as an act of judgment, resulting eventually in God’s display of “power” in the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. What is it exactly about this passage that makes you feel a little uncomfortable; has it become clear to you yet that there are some who are not chosen by God?

Daily Word

For this is what the promise said: “about this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing good or bad- in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls- she was told, “ the older will serve the younger.” Romans 9:9-12. When looking at predestination the case of Jacob and Esau clinch the argument in three ways: 1) because they were twins, as nearly equal in nature as possible; 2) because the purpose of God reversed even the small distinction that did exist, by causing the older brother to serve the younger; 3) because the purpose of God was stated before they were born (and therefore was not dependent on their actions). Election is not based on foreseen actions, deeds, or faith. Rather, it is based on God’s sovereign predestined grace. Remember to go back and look at yesterdays post…Again, meditate on this for a bit and be reminded you were CHOSEN!

Daily Word

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” Romans 9:6-8. Even though many Jews have failed to believe; God’s promise to them has not failed, for there was never a promise that every Jewish person would be saved. It was never the case that all the physical children of Abraham were truly part of the people of God; for Gen. 21:12 teaches that the line of promise is traced through Isaac, not Ishmael. In the Old Testament era, natural descent did not automatically guarantee inheritance of the promise. God chose who should inherit it. Meditate on this one long and hard today…as scripture(s) over the next couple of days will challenge that which many have been taught and believe as truth. If there was never a promise for that every Jew (God’s chosen people) be saved…Why would He promise that every gentile be saved?

Daily Word

I am speaking the truth in Christ- I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit- that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Romans 9:1-3. Here Paul himself now accounts for rejection by most of his fellow Jews. Scripture nowhere defines “conscience.” Here, Paul clearly thinks of it as self-awareness informed by divine revelation. Paul is taking a lawful oath to swear to his sincerity. Although Paul is an apostle to the Gentiles, he echoes the sentiments of Moses in the face of the unbelief of the Jews. They are his own countrymen and he agonizes over them. To be willing to suffer God’s curse for them is a strong statement of love. So many Christians today are too caught up in themselves seeking only that which God can do for them. Never giving any real thought to those living the world around them except to point out their sin. When was the last time you held sorrow or your heart anguished over those dead in sin around you?

Weekend Quote

God delivers us from sin; we have to deliver ourselves from individuality, that is, to present our natural life to God and sacrifice it until it is transformed into a spiritual life by obedience. ~ D.W. Lambert

DailyWord

No, in all these things we are more than conquers through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels or rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39. The strength shown in enduring the hostility of persecutors and the pain of circumstances is astonishing. No aspect of the created order, nor any event or being within it, can end our enjoyment of the active love of God to us in Christ. Meditate on this today…recognize that whatever you may be going through He has made you a conqueror! You are His child and NOTHING can separate you from His love! Read through this…then read through it again…!

Daily Word

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “for your sake we are being killed all the daylong; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” Romans 8:35-36. The ease with which Paul uses the phrase “the love of Christ” interchangeably with the “love of God in Christ” testifies to his underlying assumption of the identity of essence between the Father and the son. Paul’s appeal to Old Testament Scripture indicates that suffering is not an unexpected novelty for God’s people. But in Christ such sufferings become stepping stones on the pathway to glory. As Followers of Christ His Word never promises us the luxuries that this world has to offer. Victory in this life is not achieved through living a happy go lucky self pleasing life in the flesh. Everything that you walk through is ordained by God for His purpose, and to draw you closer to Him and bring Him glory. Both happiness and victory in this life are found through faith, obedience, and glorifying God through whatever circumstance is set before you.

Daily Word

Who shall bring charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died- more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34. The judge has already dealt with all charges against us in the death and resurrection of Christ, self-justification id futile. “At the right hand of God” is the position of honor and executive authority. There can be no condemnation for us, if our enthroned sin-bearer intercedes for us in heaven while the Holy Spirit intercedes in our hearts. If you are living your life under “self made” condemnation recognize the truth in this passage and walk in His freedom today and forever more!

Daily Word

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32. Here Paul’s words are an effective echo of the Greek translation text of Gen. 22:12. The phrase “gave him up” is used elsewhere of active participation in the judicial condemnation of Christ. Even for the worst of us (for us all) who now believe. Once more, Paul reasons from the greater to the less: for God to give His Son to die for us was the supreme gift, guaranteeing the subsequent gift of everything else that we need for our full and final glory. What has God not given you that you think you need at this moment in your life? More importantly what has God given you that you fail to recognize and utilize for His glory?

Daily Word

What than shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. There will certainly be opposition, but Paul’s point is that it lacks the ability to destroy faith. Since “God is for us”, victorious spiritual survival is assured. “For us” expresses the eternal commitment of the all mighty love that is spelled out in later verses. Today remind yourself that no matter what, or whom may come against you…God is on your side, and who or what is greater than that? NOTHING!

Weekend Quote

There are two dangers the church must avoid. Isolation from the world and imitation of the world. ~Leighton Ford

Weekend Quote

The church has often been more concerned to prove itself right than to present the message which by its transforming effect is its own proof. ~ Myron Augsburger

Daily Word

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:30. Those predestined are, in due time, “called,” or effectively summoned through the gospel into saving fellowship with Christ. Note that all those “called” are also “justified.” The call cannot refer to the outward call of the gospel that many reject. It is an inward call of God that performs what He intends. All who are predestined are called in this way. Predestination includes God’s determination that a person will receive such an effective call (that is, the “effectual call). Predestination is not based on God’s knowing beforehand how people will respond to the gospel. Just as the predestined are called, so the called are both justified and certain to be finally glorified. The past tense of “glorified” indicates that from God’s standpoint the work as is good as done. He will complete it as planned. They whom God hath accepted in His beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. The regenerate are saved through persevering in faith and Christian living to the end as God preserves them. The regenerate may backslide and fall into sin. In so doing they oppose their new nature and the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin and compels them to repent and be restored to righteousness. When regenerate believers manifest a humble, grateful desire to please the God who saved them, the knowledge that He has pledged to keep them forever increases that desire.

Daily Word

For those whom he forknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first born among many brothers. Romans 8:29. It is a plan of sovereign saving grace, entitling all who now believe to trace their faith and salvation back to an eternal decision by God to bring them to glory as a guaranteed certainty. The destiny appointed for believers (conformity to Christ and glorification with Him) flows from divine foreknowledge. Here it is persons, not facts or events, that God is said to foreknow. God does foresee events, but Paul’s point is that God has of His own initiative chosen the objects of His active, saving love. “Know” implies intimate personal relationship, not merely awareness of facts and circumstances; it is virtually the equivalent of “elect”. When Adam "sinned" was there any part of him left uncorrupted by sin? What was it in you that was good, pure, or holy enough in your life of sin that made you turn towards a Holy God?

Daily Word

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28. We as Christians are to assess the present in the light of our assurance about the future. As true Israelites, in whom the first and great commandment was fulfilled, our love for God is evoked by knowledge of His love for us. To be “called” is to be brought to faith. The “purpose” of God guarantees “good” for His people. For them this is not necessarily easy and quiet, but being like Christ. Whether it is building faith, character, or destroying pride, arrogance, or even through the tragedy of the loss of a loved one. God’s providence rules in such a way as to ensure everything that happens to us is working for our ultimate good. Taking a long hard look at all that is going on in your life at this moment; both past and present. What are you blaming the enemy or others for rather than recognizing the greater picture of purpose?

Daily Word

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27.God made us and redeemed us for fellowship with himself, and prayer is an important part of that relationship. God speaks to us in and through the contents of the bible, which the Holy Spirit opens up and applies to us and enables us to understand. We then speak to God about Himself, ourselves, and people in His world, shaping what we say as response to what he has said. The Holy Spirit strengthens us in our state of weakness, of which we are constantly conscious. Perplexity as how to pray for oneself is a universal Christian experience. Our inarticulate longings to pray properly are an indication to us that the indwelling Spirit is already helping us by interceding for us in our hearts, making requests that the Father will certainly answer. The most important conversations in your day are prayer...is it a strength or weaknesses in you’re life?

Daily Word

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of child birth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:20-25.the present condition of creation is not the final one; it is like a mother groaning in labor pains. The entire creation has a destiny planned by God, and longs to be fulfilled, much as believers do. Our salvation has begun- we have the Holy Spirit as down payment- but it will not be consummated until the resurrection (the full realization of adoption in Christ). Inevitably, therefore, you’re Christian life involves waiting in hope. Chew on this one today…God has planned out your destiny both here and now, and for eternity. Maybe for you it’s time to stand up, stand tall, and stand strong in HOPE!

Weekend Quote

No one questions the need of times of formal address to God, but few admit in any practical way the need of quiet waiting upon God, gazing into His face, feeling for His hand, listening for His voice. God has special confidences for each soul. Indeed, it would seem as though the deepest truths come only in moments of profound devotional silence and contemplation. ~ Charles Brent

Weekend Quote

The Spirit-filled walk demands that we live the Word of God as a fish lives in the sea. By this I do not mean that we study the bible merely, nor that we take a “course” in bible doctrine. I mean that we should “meditate day and night” in the sacred word, that we should love it and feast upon it and digest it every hour of the day and night. ~ A.W. Tozer

Daily Word

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For creation waits wit eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:18-19. Paul began this major section of the letter (Assurance of Hope) by emphasizing the final hope of believers, and now he concludes with the same emphasis. The ultimate glory that Christians receive is so tremendous that the “sufferings of this present time” are insignificant in comparison. We must look forward to the resurrection of the body and to the new heaven and new earth. Spend a few moments today and reflect on HEAVEN…resurrection of your body…eternity on a NEW earth, and express you’re THANKFULNESS to HIM.

Daily Word

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17. This joint witness, of our own spirit and Holy Spirit surfaces in the Cry “Abba! Father, “as explained in yesterdays post. In this life there are many ways in which we suffer. Some suffer greater than others. Often times we are quick to blame the enemy for circumstances that take place in our lives that were our own doing. Whining and complaining does not glorify God. Praying the circumstance or situation through, and trusting God in whatever the outcome may be does. When was the last time you experienced “suffering” in your life, and how did it glorify God?

Daily Word

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15. In addition to justification and freedom from condemnation, believers are taken into the family of God and are persuaded by the Spirit that they belong there. The cry of the believer, “Abba! Father!” indicates how vividly union with Christ was realized in the experience of the NT church. The cry is an expression of an assured awareness of sonship. The idea of adoption does not appear in the OT legal system, and Paul seems to have borrowed this apt concept from Roman law, filling it out with the biblical theology of God’s fatherhood over His people. Interestingly, today’s church seems more interested in creating experiences with signs and wonders, prophetic sharing etc…that our union with Christ having been justified and set free is no longer fulfilling enough. What makes you cry “Abba! Father”, or when was the last time you did for the right reason?

Daily Word

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who live by the Spirit are sons of God. Romans 8:12-14. The body is not evil itself. Sin originates in the heart, the spiritual center of our being, including the will. But since we live in physical bodies, sin finds expression through the body. Therefore, not only the inner points of origin, but also its bodily expressions, sin must be put to death, that is, terminated. This way of holiness is now further described as the leading of the Spirit and is specified as the mark of God’s sons. How much does holiness play a part in your life that those around you see the “mark” that specifies you as a son of God?

Daily Post

But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:10-11. The passage itself emphasizes the Holy Spirit, His work, and His close association with Christ. The indwelling “Spirit of God” is called the “Spirit of Christ” and His indwelling is the means whereby “Christ is in you.” These passages do not take away the distinction between Christ and the Spirit as separate persons of the trinity. Rather, Paul teaches that Christ and the Holy Spirit work together in applying the resurrected Christ to the believer. The Spirit’s presence now is a guarantee of the future bodily resurrection of the believer. Meditate on this for a few, and recognize the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within you…you need not look any farther for a “guarantee” or “proof” regarding your eternity!