Today we’re reading Romans 3 together. Here are some things to ponder on:
- Paul starts out asking the obvious question his audience would have after the last chapter; “then what advantage would it be to be a Jew?” Paul says it’s a huge advantage in that God entrusted them with taking his message of love to the world and that’s a really big deal.
- Then Paul presented the argument some would have had; “then if my sin increases God’s glory [because he ‘gets’ to forgive me] shouldn’t I continue to sin?” Paul says absolutely not and those people deserve the judgement they have coming to them. He is saying this because if someone makes this argument they have missed the whole concept of God’s grace. God doesn’t forgive us to make himself look good. He’s already perfect; perfect cannot become more perfect. Instead God forgives us because he loves us and wants a relationship with us.
- Starting in verse 11 Paul talks a lot about how we’re all scumbags. Yea, that’s a slight paraphrase . . . and he says that no one can keep all the rules God put in place. You may be thinking, “Then what’s the point of trying?” Paul doesn’t mention this to make us feel bad or want to give up. On the contrary, Paul is helping us to see that everyone is in the same place, needing forgiveness for something.
- So if we’re all scumbags and there’s no way we can keep the rules God set up; how are we supposed to get right with God? Paul answers in verses 21-24: “But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known . . . This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace. . .” So it’s only through understanding who Jesus is; believing in him; being baptized and deciding to follow Jesus that we gain a right standing before God.
- When we choose to follow Jesus we not only go to heaven when we die but we get to live life to the fullest in the freedom of knowing God is smiling down on us.
Have you ever felt like you’ve done too much for God to forgive you? Now you know that we’re all equal before God, no matter what you’ve done. Where are you at in your journey with God? Have you ever decided to be baptized and follow Jesus? If not, what are you waiting for? Are you still skeptical? I totally understand. In fact, we think it's healthy to have doubts and asks questions in an honest pursuit for truth. If there is a God then it makes sense that God is big enough to handle your doubts. If you have questions please ask. I would love to talk with you about it. Tommy@tattoochurch.com
No comments:
Post a Comment