Scripture :: Romans
Thoughts ::
Romans is an amazing book. We could easily spend months dissecting the book of Romans. But, keep in mind this reading plan is intended to be an overview of the New Testament. It is intended to get large chunks of the bible in you. Continue to ask God to reveal himself to you during the reading and ask him to speak to your heart through his holy scriptures.
1v18-20 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.
Wow, this is a profound statement. First, we push the truth away from ourselves. Sometimes I will feel like God is distant. This verse says that it is I who becomes distant. I push myself away from the truth, away from God. When there is felt or perceived distance between God and myself, I need to examine my heart and life and see where I am pushing God away. Is there any sin that is causing me to feel distant from God? Second, God is big enough to reveal himself to all people in any way that he chooses. I often get hung up on this thought: how could God send millions of people who live in distant, remote areas to hell because they have not heard about him? When I think this way, I put God in a box. I limit God. God is big enough, smart enough, and powerful enough to make himself known to all creation. I personally need to stop questioning this and get on with the work that God has called me to do.
5v3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure.
This is a constant challenge for me. I need to simply trust that God is for me and has my best interest in mind. When I pursue him and bump up against opposition or trials, I trust that he will be with me and that he is at work in the midst of the situation. I rejoice, give thanks, and praise him no matter what. This also provides an opportunity for me to ask: am I experiencing this difficult situation because of something I have done to push myself away from God?
13v1-2 Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.
Interesting section of scripture. Thoughts?
0 comments:
Post a Comment