I Corinthians 4, Stewards of the Mysteries of God.

 

I Corinthians 4- Stewards of the Mysteries of God.

 

A servant is a teacher under the authority of our Lord Jesus. Paul also says we are stewards of God. The meaning of a steward is a slave who had been appointed manager of his owner’s household. It was an important position and one that required honesty and dependability. In the fulfillment of his responsibility the steward supervised others, but always was accountable to his master. The mysteries that Paul talks about refers to the salvation of many by the crucifixion of Christ. Paul’s function as well as ours is to be responsible for looking over God’s affairs here upon earth as they are related to salvation and the church but is to be in humble submission to Christ. To be a good steward of our monies, our children, relationships, friends and to anyone whom God sends our way. Paul says that he doesn’t much care about what others think of Him since it is God who ultimately judges him, but he does state that we must abstain from the very appearance of evil. We don’t answer to each other, but we do want to set a good example so as not to lead anyone else down the wrong path. Therefore, we monitor whom we associate with, what kind of movies we watch, books we read, etc. to keep our minds and persons away from all evil. He admonishes the Corinthians not to stray from the written word. Meaning that they think they know more than what God says and become prideful and arrogant in their ways. This pride was very evident in the Corinthians who had many factions in disagreement with each other. One group thought they knew more than the other and had strayed from the written word. Apparently they thought that just because they are new Christians that they would receive God’s blessings without the sacrifice and discipline of growing up in the Word of God. They thought they can appoint Paul and Apollos as their division leader. Paul admonishes them that just as they were, and just as we are, Paul and Apollos were servants of God and leaders to no one. Paul was a bit harsh in his teaching but in the end he assured them that he loved them and wanted to encourage them to be of one mind and one body. To imitate him in being a servant true to God alone and not disagree with brothers who are also servants of Christ.

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

I Corinthians 3, Spiritual Infancy

 

I Corinthians 3 – Spiritual Infancy

 

Paul starts out reminding the Corinthians that there was a time when they were just babes in Christ. They left a worldly pagan community to become Christians. They were new in the faith and not yet ready to receive the deeper truths. Sadly, even over the passing of time, Paul states that they are still not ready. Because of their jealousy and strife among the brethren it was evident that they were still following worldly ways. How can they claim that they are of Paul or of Apollos when God is the source for Christianity. Paul and Apollos were human beings, ministers of God who gave them the ability to teach. All teachers of the Word are ministers of God, belonging to God and laboring for Him. We as believers are God’s building and He has laid a foundation in us. It is by God’s grace that has commissioned us to carry on His work. Any fruit that comes from our work goes to the Glory of God. Paul’s foundation with the Corinthian church started with Christ and Him crucified. That should be the starting point for all of us. To lay a foundation on any other person or religion would not be a solid foundation and is certainly not a starting point for Christianity. I have heard some great preachers, but I would also say that they wouldn’t be great if God had not ordained them to be great. God is the one we worship, not the preacher, teacher or missionary who labors for God. Whatever our position as a church member, we are building Christ’s church. We are exerting some kind of influence and making some kind of contribution. Is it to build up our self-esteem or is it to glorify our Lord? May we see our ministry as God sees it and seek to please God in our efforts. As the Corinthians believing in the Lord Jesus, they now have God dwelling in their hearts. As they were, so are we, the temple of God. His spirit dwells within us. When there is pride, contentions in the body Christ, then arises, divisions and the Holy Spirit is quenched, and the very temple of God is destroyed. Paul urges anyone who think he is wise to become foolish. Which means he needs to humble himself and be willing to learn. No one can teach a man if he thinks he knows it all already. Those are the ones full of pride and usually causes the dissensions among his brethren. Paul reminds us that the wisdom of this world is absolute foolishness in comparison to the wisdom of God. We must humble ourselves and accept God’s fatherly admonition. God loves us and claims us as His own.

 

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If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

 

I Corinthians 2, My Weakness, His Strength.

 

I Corinthians 2, My Weakness, His Strength

 

Our weakness shows itself in human frailty, doubt, and fear. This usually brings us to the end of ourselves. This either causes anxiety or it can be the beginning of a special life with God. When we live where we are weak in order that God may be strong, miracles happen, and lives are changed for the sake of the kingdom. Furthermore, it is God who is seen doing the work, He is the one to be glorified. But we humans who live and think carnally rather than spiritually tend to think we give our best to God and do the work of His kingdom all by our own powers. The problem with this is that we tend to cave in when our own effort is exhausted during serious trials. We forget that during our weakness, that God can still work mightily. When we succeed, then we realize that it was all accomplished by God. We must realize that our best efforts don’t get the job done. We must depend on God. We become weakest when we don’t admit, or won’t admit, that we have any weaknesses. The desire to be strong blinds us to our need to see and admit our weaknesses. Because of our denial, we stay weak. The Apostle Paul struggled with his weaknesses and prayed repeatedly that it be removed. God’s answer was that His grace is sufficient. In other words, Paul would be fine living in God’s presence, and that God’s power will come alive in Paul’s weakness. We as humans tend to respond to our weakness by whining, bargaining, cursing, and turning away. We keep begging God to do it our way instead of His. We would prefer not to hear God say, “His grace is sufficient.” When Paul realized that God wasn’t going to take away his thorn in the flesh, he realized he could be glad about his weakness and even boast about it because through his weakness God would be glorified in it. Therefore, he chose to be content. It brought to truth that the joy of the Lord, not good circumstances, not good health, not lots of money, and not spiritual perfection, is our strength.

The “things which God has prepared” for His people, the future blessings in heaven with Him, are not seen, heard, or even imagined by ordinary humans. Yet believers can see, hear, and imagine these blessings because “God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” The presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives gives comfort and guidance as we live on this earth; His presence also gives solid assurance of our future in heaven.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

I Corinthians 1, Comfort in Suffering

 

I Corinthians 1 – Comfort in Suffering.

In times of trouble and difficulty, people long for comfort. The Church in Corinth was facing severe problems. Clearly, those problems needed to be handled, but the “God of all comfort” would give needed comfort and encouragement.

God never wastes a wound. Through them, we learn the ability to empathize with others who suffer, and we learn firsthand the comforting power of God. Then we can come alongside the sufferer, knowing exactly what they need. We can also assure them of God’s comfort, for we have experienced it ourselves. God comforts us so that “we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” What a glorious picture of the body of believers, comforting one another as difficult times arise! When facing difficulty, we should trust God and rest in His compassionate arms. Then we will be ready to offer compassion to those in need.

We at one or more times in our life have grieved over the loss of a loved one or the loss of our home, pet, etc. Because of our grief, we can share the compassion to others that are experiencing the same form of grief we did.

Maybe we have overcome something in our life, such as anxiety, pride, selfishness, etc. Because we have been there, we will know how to help others that are their in their present life.

Unless we have walked in other's shoes, we may not understand what they are going through but if we have been there, done that, then we can be of great service in comforting that person. We must always strive to be comforting to each other and show the Love that God has shared with us.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

Romans 16, What Does God Want You to do..

 

Romans 16 – What Does God Want You to do?

 

We are prone to honor Paul and forget the many ordinary people who helped make his ministry possible. Paul was the human author of the epistle to the Romans, but Tertius wrote it down. Gaius gave Paul a place to live and work, and Phoebe carried the completed letter to Rome. Nobody in God’s family is unimportant to Him, and no ministry is insignificant. Find the work God wants you to do and faithfully do it.

The important thing is that we are obedient to the Lord and lead others into “obedience to the faith”. The God of patience and comfort, the God of hope, and the God of peace will establish you and enable you.

 

 

An Introduction to I Corinthians:

Corinth was the most important city of ancient Greece, famous for its commercial prosperity and noted mostly for its immorality. There were many temptations for the church at Corinth from the pagan culture surrounding them. The church also struggled with internal conflict. Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with stern warnings against sin. Unlike the Theological book of Romans, I Corinthians addresses more practical matters such as church unity, humility, church discipline, marriage, divorce, remarriage, singleness, temptation, modesty, love, spiritual gifts, and worship. Though Paul starts out harshly, he ends the letter with words of wisdom, grace, and hope. This letter is to remind us that instant spirituality is a myth, and that discipleship is a long arduous process of pursuing holiness in the midst of a polluted society.

 

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Romans 15, Bearing Others' Burdens.

 

Romans 15 – Bearing Others’ Burdens.                                              

In this world there are strong people in mind and body and there are weak people in mind and body. Just as Christ showed His love for each in the same manner, we also should love them and be patient with them. Whether they be stronger or weaker than us, our love is to show glorification to God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is described in many ways throughout the Bible; powerful, glorious, angry at sin, and merciful toward people. Paul describes Him as the “God of Hope.” The word hope means more than wishing for something; it means having a confident expectation. God is the author of hope, for what He promises, always happens. Believers hope for heaven because they know it will one day be their home. The God of hope helps His people to “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Where do we place our hope? We can put our hope in God. He will never disappoint us.

We can derive that the people are in Spain and Paul is on the way to see them. First he is ministering to the Gentiles who have not previously heard of Jesus and who need special provisions. Paul has delivered a contribution to the Gentiles from Macedonia and Achai. While he ministered, he helped those who were poor and in need. Once this is accomplished he plans on sailing on to Spain. In the end he asks the Spaniards to pray for him and deliver him safely to them so that he might be encouraged by them.

Just as Paul is a minister of Christ and tends to the poor and weaker person, we are also ministers of Christ in how we treat each other and should always be in prayer for each other.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

Romans 14, Before The Throne

 

Romans 14 – Before The Throne

There will come a day when each individual stands alone before God Almighty to “give account”. At that moment, there will be no excuses, no hidden agendas, no chance to lie and get away with it. Each person is ultimately accountable to Christ, not to others. The diversity in Christian fellowship encourages believers to allow for differences of opinion in matters that do not conflict with God’s Word. Elsewhere Palu encourages believers in this diversity, saying “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Phil 2:12. We must each seek to grow in our faith, on our own before God. Accountability to others can help this process, but ultimately, we will be accountable to God for how we have lived. Follow God’s Word. It is a sure guide.

Some of us have been raised in a church that requires women to be silent, to not cut their hair, to not wear pants. Others have been raised in a church contrary to those beliefs. Some believe they are to only eat fish on Fridays, others believe they can eat whatever they chose to eat no matter what day it is. There are many different beliefs in this world and to each of us our belief is believed to be correct. What Paul is explaining to us is that if we believe that fish is to be eaten on Friday, then that of itself is correct for that person. Those who don’t follow that belief is also correct in their own thinking as neither belief is contrary to God’s Word. If we believe something that is not contrary to God’s law but to other beliefs and we do what we believe is wrong then we have sinned, but we cannot judge others who do not believe in the same way as sinners. Paul tells us to work out our own salvation. The Bible is our instruction guide. If we follow the truths that are spelled out in the Bible, then we are living according to God’s direction. We are not responsible for others salvation, nor are they responsible for ours.

Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It’s not your parents, your past mistakes, your job, the economy, the weather, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for the decisions you make. And you alone will be the one to give account for what you have done in this life.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Nelson’s Quick Reference Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

Romans 13 - Government

 

Romans 13– Government

Governments are put in place by God. At times they are peaceful and helpful to their subjects; at other times they are harmful. Rome under Ceasar’s rule was no exception. The Roman peace created outward tranquility, but at time people would be persecuted or dealt with unjustly. Today’s situation is much the same, and so is Paul’s advice. “Be subject to the governing authorities.” Obey the laws; pay taxes and honor leaders. This does not mean following the law of the land when it is against God’s will, but it does mean being a respectful, law-abiding citizen. After all, our witness for Christ is at stake.

Examples: Daniel did not eat the King’s food.

Esther entered the Kings chamber and saved her people.

Moses’ parents put him in a basket and hid him.

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

 

Romans 12, Behaving Like a Christian

 

Romans 12 – Behaving Like a Christian

 

Paul reminds us that our attitudes reflect our perspective on life. We as believers should not be conformed to this world but be transformed in the renewing of our mind. With a transformed mind, we can allow God to help us choose to have attitudes that are honoring to Him. He helps us stay positive in any situation. Paul reminds us that we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Being transformed by the Holy Spirit we have renewed minds. This transformation and renewal help God’s people know His good, acceptable and perfect will. We are promised that we can know God’s will when we make tough decisions. We must humbly pray and seek His guidance, knowing that He will answer. Paul also reminds us that God created each one of us with great care. Every believer is valuable and needed by God. Each of us has gifts, given to us by God to use to further his Kingdom. We should humbly serve with those gifts in whatever circumstance God has put us in. We should not think of ourselves more highly than what we ought to think. We should thank God for His great love and serve Him with all our hearts. Paul reminds us that God’s greatest commandment is to love God and each other. Every decision we make should be asked of our self as to whether it is loving toward God or loving toward another person. Paul warns us against hypocritical love. He advises kindness, diligence, fervent service, joy, patience, and prayer. In addition, Christians should be known for giving and for hospitality. Following this advice will help us live to glorify God. Paul also warns us against conflicts with those who are outside of the faith. We should not retaliate against evil but to bless our persecutors, refuse to pay evil for evil and overcome evil with good. That is because God will take care of the vengeance, repayment, and punishment. God will always handle the situation for us if we allow Him too. He will do it in His time and in His way.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.  J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Romans 11 _Israel's Rejection is not Total.

 

Romans 11 – Israel’s Rejection is not Total.

Today when we think of Israel and the off and on obedience to God over the years, we wonder if God has fully rejected Israel. Paul made it clear, and it is still clear today that God has saved a remnant of His people to be saved. Paul himself was an Israelite. Paul was different from the Jews that rejected Christ because he was Christ-like in that he had the righteousness of faith. He believed that Christ was the Messiah. He was not alone in his faith though. Throughout the Roman Empire God had set aside other believers to be saved. God spread out His grace among them to make them His own. Those who had a stubborn unbelief had brought God’s judgment upon themselves. The Jews let their law and their advantages become a snare and a trap and a stumbling block. God had rejected Israel but He saved a remnant. This does not mean that the stubborn unbelievers are not worthy or not able to be converted. God tells us to pray for Israel If He had totally rejected them He would not be telling us to pray for them. When the Jews rejected Christ, then God opened the door for the Gentiles. Therefore, He has overruled the Jewish unbelief and made it a means of glory to Himself and a blessing to the world. When God opened His word to the Gentiles He tried to provoke the Jews to jealousy. Sometimes jealousy leads to a hardening of the heart, but at other times it leads to repentance and a desire to obtain the salvation that is offered to others. To have the Jews repent and turn to God fulfills God’s redemptive purpose for all, regardless of race or nation. The Jews were the root of the tree. The branches are also holy. But being an Israelite was not enough to shield them from God’s wrath. Branches of the Holy tree may become useless and be cut off, and that is what happened to the larger part of the people of Israel. That is why the Gentiles were grafted in. The Gentiles were warned not to show pride over the Jews but to recognize they are the branches, and the remnant of Jews are still the root. God revealed to Paul that the hardening of the Jews is only temporary. Once all the Gentiles have been grafted in, then will come repentance of the Jews and all the Jews shall be saved. This is speaking of the spiritual Jews of faith. God’s purpose in the salvation of the Jews will be fulfilled. In the end there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile. God yearns to save all and offers His grace to all. God is a sovereign God. No one can fathom what is on God’s mind. No human can be His counselor. God is the source. He is the way; He is the goal. All things are of Him, through Him and for Him. He is His own interpreter, God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of salvation. The God of all men. That is enough. Because of God’s purpose in history, we can have hope and certainty for our salvation.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

Romans 10, In Your Heart

 

Romans 10 – In Your Heart

What we think plays a critical role in determining our emotion and spiritual health. God who is truth, wants us to think and believe the truth because doing so sets us free to have an abundant life. Satan, on the other hand wants us to believe lies because they destroy us and put us in emotional and spiritual bondage. Some of the lies, satan tells us is that l. We must be perfect. 2. We must have everyone’s love and approval. 3. Things must go my way for me to be happy. 4. Life should be easy. 5. God hates the sin and the sinner. What must we do to replace these lies with the truth to be transformed in the people God meant for us to be?

First, we must understand that people cannot properly renew their minds apart from God. We must build our relationship with Christ. Secondly, we must examine our thoughts daily. What lies are we telling ourselves? One way to do this is to write down our thoughts and review them. Once we recognize these lies or even the truths we tell ourselves we must compare them to God’s Word. If it is not truth, then God has the truth written down that we can go repeatedly until we know and believe it is true.

Once we know the truth, we must apply it to our life. Knowing, believing, and applying biblical truth are the three key steps toward renewing our mind and building our relationship with Christ.

What is belief, as defined by God? To be saved, people must believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, but what exactly does that mean?

It isn’t enough to believe that Jesus lives as some great teacher or miracle worker. True belief begins in the heart as the Holy Spirit opens a person to the truth of the Gospel message that God sent His Son Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again. Those who believe in Jesus simply move beyond intellectual assent that He lived to heartfelt gratitude that He cares for them personally. Belief then reveals itself in actions. People who believe in what Christ has done for them will desire to live for Him. If we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raise Him from the dead, we will be saved. The abundant life Christ promised is ours if we will commit ourselves to a life lived in truth.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J, Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Romans 9 Israel's Rejection of Christ.

 

Romans 9 – Israel’s Rejection of Christ.

The first truth we need to recognize here is that God controls the universe, and He rules the affairs of men. His authority and power are absolute. His saving work of both the Jews and the Gentiles must be seen in this truth. In this chapter Paul rejoices for the believers but more so grieves for the unbelievers. Paul points out how special the Israelites were which made it even more grievous to him that they rejected Christ as their Messiah. He states that they are God’s chosen people. They were adopted in a special way to be called His own. God shown Himself to them in the tabernacle. He renewed His covenants with them repeatedly They were given the law by Moses. They were made to do service to God in the temple and in worship. They were promised the Messiah. They could claim heritage to their patriarch fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The most supreme honor that the Jews had was that Jesus was the Messiah and He was a Jew.

Through this God never deals with man in an arbitrary fashion. He is always Just. God is the Creator, Sustainer and ruler of all things and all men, so that He has the right to deal with man according to His will. Paul reminds them what God said to Moses. “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” Exodus 33:19. God dealt with the children of Israel in mercy. He cannot be accused of injustice. All that God did with the Israelites must be interpreted and evaluated in the light of God’s sovereignty and righteousness. His sovereignty is never condemning men who ought to be saved, but rather it resulted in the salvation of men who deserved to be lost. Paul says this to both the Jews and the Gentiles. God’s Sovereignty is absolute, but man’s will is free. We cannot harmonize God’s Sovereignty with man’s freedom, but we can accept them if we want to understand God’s purpose and God’s activity in history.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.      J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

Romans 8 Free From Indwelling Sin

 

Romans 8 – Free From Indwelling Sin

 

No truth is more glorious to imprisoned people than to be told that they are no longer condemned but are set free! Christ brings that good news. When people accept Christ’s sacrifice on their behalf, they are freed from the tyranny of sin. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Condemnation means an eternity apart from God. No condemnation means living with Him, now and forever.

Often believers who have been set free keep themselves behind bars. They feel guilty about their past, or guilty that they cannot be perfect in this life. Guilt can be good when it helps us to know when we have done something wrong. But guilt can also keep people from being able to rejoice in their new life or to bring others to Christ. That kind of guilt is a prison. We needn’t stay locked up if Christ has set us free. Christ’s death on the cross sets them free. They have been forgiven and are promised eternal life. If Christ no longer condemns us, then neither should we condemn ourselves. Beating ourselves up over sins that we have brought to God only keeps us imprisoned in our guilt. Christ has set us free.

Suffering was very real for the early believers. Persecution was part of the package when someone became a Christian. Jews who became believers faced persecution from fellow Jews who did not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Gentiles who became believers faced charges of treason for refusing to worship the emperor. Persecution has continued throughout the centuries, and today’s believers are not immune. Our suffering may seem to have a stranglehold on us, but in eternities perspective, it loses its grip. God promises Glory, we can count on it!

In heaven God will make everything perfect. He promises believers new and perfect bodies that will never get sick and never die. Our earthly bodies face genetic problems that sometimes cannot be reversed or cured. Many people live in darkness, in silence, or bound to a wheelchair. Yet many love Christ and serve Him faithfully even through difficult life challenges. How wonderful will be that day, especially for those who now face physical burdens, when Christ returns and all believers will be given brand new bodies, seeing, hearing, running, jumping in the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Painful separations happen constantly, friends move away; loved ones die, marriages break up. When people have trusted Christ for salvation, however, nothing can separate them from the love of God. Death cannot separate, for we will be in God’s presence. Nothing in life is powerful enough to take God away. Nothing in the realm of the unseen, nothing in time, and nothing in all the vast universe can separate believers from God’s love. When we feel alone or far from God, we must remember His promise that He is with us always, even to the end of the world.

 

Romans 7 Freed From the Law

 

Romans 7 – Freed From the Law

As a defense against sin, some find stability in obeying a list of rules. But people encounter serious problems when they attempt to order their lives by rule-keeping. The law expresses shortcomings, but it doesn’t inspire holy living. Through the law, we discern how truly wicked the world is and how sinful we are. Like a roadmap, the law shows us where we ought to be. It also shows us the impossibility of obeying any set of laws perfectly. Yet legalists will do their best, which is never good enough, and that leads them to intense guilt over their own sinfulness, and judgments against others who do not keep all the rules and are not as “holy” as they are. The legalist fails to comprehend the magnitude of God’s grace, refusing to believe that God is trustworthy, generous, and forgiving. The antidote of legalism is recognition of God’s gracious love. We are delivered from sin not by our own effort, but by His unmerited favor.

Paul relates the tenth commandment of thou shalt not covet. This commandment against coveting arouses the desire to covet. When something is prohibited, we want it more. Apart from the law, sin is dead or seems to be in a dormant state. But let the law point it out, sin comes to life and springs into action. People who want to lose weight if they are told they cannot have chocolate will want it more because they shouldn’t have it. Not to say, eating chocolate is sin but it is human nature to want something that we are told we cannot have. Same with the law. It if is against the law to speed while driving, we  might find ourself driving with the flow of the traffic and not considering the law. Sin is always present in our life, and we are all made of flesh. The fault is not with the law, that is. The law of God. This law is spiritual; it is the gift of God. The fault is with the law of sin which is part of our fleshy nature. Paul said that the things he wants to do, he does not do, but the things he doesn’t want to do, he does. This struggle with sin is a struggle between being redeemed by Christ and our fleshly nature. We all want to do right, we know how a Christian ought to live, but there are days when we feel we can’t do anything right. We aspire to holiness. We are serious in our devotion to Christ; we strive to achieve righteousness. We want to be mastered by the will of God. But we find to our amazement and sometimes despair, that satan never gives up and sin radiates from our flesh. We hate evil but we find ourselves yielding to it. It is a war between our old self and our new self. Sin is always present but there is a way to victory. Paul moaned over his weaknesses, but he praised the Lord with his faith and looked for victory not through his own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

Romans 6, Dead to Sin, Alive to God.

 

Romans 6 – Dead to Sin, Alive to God

 

Rome was filled with slaves, many of whom had been brought from conquered lands. To be a slave means to serve another and to have one’s entire life controlled by them. All people are “slaves of sin” because we are born in sin. But in a transaction that we cannot completely comprehend, God took our sin and crucified it with Jesus on the Cross. Thus, believers can consider themselves dead to sin and freed from its tyranny. The struggle against sin and temptation will continue until death, but believers can trust Christ to help them win their battles. It is through Christ that we are sanctified, which means we have been set apart or dedicated to the purpose and service of God by our baptism into Christ. That means we are in the process of becoming more righteous, more unselfish, more obedient, and more like Christ. As a Christian we are obligated to demonstrate to the world the quality of our new life in Christ. When we are baptized, we have a new heart as well as a right standing with God. It is the new heart, a new life within that give promise of sanctification.

Paul disputed the people’s idea that grace really is an encouragement to sin, because the more one sins, the more God’s grace abounds. Paul states that it is illogical and absurd to even think that way because if we are dead to sin through the experience of grace, how can we have any desire to continue in it? Grace does not encourage sin, it encourages righteousness.

Baptism represents the believer’s confession of having died to sin and of having been raised up spiritually to a new life. Baptism which is properly done by immersion is a dramatic portrayal of death and resurrection. In repentance we have changed our mind about sin and have turned from it, in our faith, we committed our self to the Lord. In baptism the Christian has in his inner being the living Christ. All of this leads to Christ like living. We gain a victory over sin, not because of the law forbidding it, but through the power of grace by which we have been saved. The fact that we are under grace gives us the desire to live a more righteous life and a desire to be more like Christ.

 

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Romans 5 Triumphs in Trouble

 

Romans 5 – Faith Triumphs in Trouble

 

The theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans is the righteousness of God. There are two aspects here that Paul points out. First, that man is desperately in need of God’s righteousness because of his sin; secondly, God has provided righteousness which is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reaffirms what we already studied in the first four chapters and prepares the way to a better understanding of the new life we have in Christ. He reaffirms that we have Salvation through faith, then he points out the differences between Adam and Christ. The main idea he expresses is that we are saved by grace.

Throughout the Bible there are lists and these lists go from the beginning to what comes next. This list states that in life we will have tribulations and from our tribulations we learn perseverance or patience. Through being patient our character is building into a better person. Because of all of this we have hope in Christ Jesus. Outside of the Holy Word, the world does not know of God’s redemptive Love. Mere words cannot express how much He truly loves us. In spited of our helplessness, sinfulness, and ungodliness, God loves us! God Himself is the nature of Love, there is no one so sinful or corrupt or violent or adulterous that prevents God from reaching out to us with compassion and love and with the offer of His grace. Even the basest of persons God loves. In I John 4:10 it says, “Herein is love, not that we loved Him, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” God’s sacrifice of His Son is something that He has done for all mankind which no man on all the earth deserved. No man on earth has ever sacrificed himself for someone whom he considered unworthy, but God loves us so much that He has redeemed His love beyond and above human level. No way should we ever believe that Christ was forced on the cross by God’s wrath. Christ and God maintain the same redemptive love and Christ laid down His life for us on His own freewill. There is no reason as Christians that we need to fear God’s wrath on the Day of Judgment. It is through Christ that we are delivered from the wrath of God. He died for us and saved us from our sins. It is through Christ that we are reconciled with God and our sins are forgiven. Because Christ was raised from the dead and lives on today we are saved by faith through Him. Christ lives within us and so we can be confident in His saving grace. Know this that when sin abounds, grace abounds that much more. It is offered freely to all mankind.

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

Romans 4 How Can You Be Saved?

 

Romans 4- How Can You Be Saved?

 

Abraham was saved not by works, but by faith. Salvation is not like wages that you earn or works that you can boast about. Abraham was not saved by keeping the law because the law had not been given, nor was he saved by obeying a religious ritual. It was all by God’s grace!

David wrote Psalm 32 after his great sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11). Can God forgive a man who commits adultery, deceit, and murder? Yes! When David repented and turned to God, he was forgiven, even though the Lord allowed David to feel the bitter consequences of his sins (2 Sam 12). God justifies the ungodly, not the righteous (Matt. 9:9-13).

How can you be saved? Simply by believing God’s promise as Abraham did. Faith and promise go together just as law and works go together. Abraham is the father of the Jewish nation physically, but he is the “father” of all believers spiritually (Matt. 3:7-9). At Calvary, our sins were put on Christ’s account; When you trust Christ; God puts Christ’s righteousness on your account (2 Cor. 5:21). What can be more blessed than to know that your sins are forgiven?

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Romans 3 ALL HAVE SINNED

 

Romans 3 – ALL HAVE SINNED

 

Paul summarizes his case. All are condemned both Jews and Gentiles (religious and irreligious) are guilty before God, and one is no better than the other. Paul quotes from Psalms and Isaiah to show that, from head to foot, we are all lost sinners.

We cannot save ourselves. The law is a mirror that reveals our sin; only the blood of Christ can wash away our sins. It is good to do good works, but good works are not good enough to save us (Eph. 2:6-9). Just as Paul planted and Apollos watered, so too can every believer serve. Some may preach, some may help others in their service, but it is God who gives the increase. He can and will use the gifts of every one of His servants for His purposes and His glory. Believers will be given rewards based on the quality of their service. It is not their service that saves. Both the rewarded believer and the believer that suffers loss are saved. Works can never earn salvation. Faithfulness in service will earn the right to give God even greater glory as the faithful lay their rewards at His feet. Rev. 4:10.

Paul teaches that the believer’s physical body is the temple, or dwelling place, of the Holy spirit. Paul goes on to explain that the church is the temple of God.

This is God’s harsh warning against people who try to tear down His church. It is one thing to disagree if one’s desire is what is best for a community of believers. But those who are motivated to block or ruin what God wants to do, actions that marked the church in Corinth, are sinning.

There are no limits to the believer’s possessions in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Pastors and teachers are fellow servants ministering the things of God. They all, like every member within the church, are part of God’s purpose for the body of Christ.

 

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

 

Romans 2, God's Righteous Judgment

 

Romans 2, God’s Righteous Judgment

 

Paul points out that the Gentiles are without excuse and so are the Jews who represent self-righteousness. He said they pose as judge and condemn idolatry and wickedness of the Gentiles, but they too are guilty. They practice what they condemn. The judgment of God is according to what is right. It rests upon what God is and upon what man does. God does not deal with man based on his race, color or social standing. God is true and His judgments are true. On this basis the Jews could not expect favoritism. God did not turn His back on their disobedience or unbelief just because they are Jews. They had no right to expect God to judge others and not sit in judgment of them. God dealt with the Jews with great mercy, but this placed them under greater obligation. The richness of God’s goodness and patience had bestowed to the Jews to a special degree, in keeping with God’s purpose of redemption through them. This should have caused them to humble their self and become repentant but instead it caused them to feel superior and they became proud and presumptuous. They presumed that God would deal with the Gentiles with severity but be easy on them. God had done and is doing His utmost to warn men to repent of their sins. Both the Jews and the Gentiles. Those who earnestly seek God for life will receive life. Those who rebel against the truth shall receive indignation and wrath. In other words, the reward for good deeds is a gift from God, but the reward for evil deeds is the infliction of wrath. Paul is teaching the principal by which God judges all men. God will render to every man according to his deeds. It is not hearing the law which makes one just in the sight of God but in obeying the law. If men have accepted Jesus Christ, they would be justified in the sight of God. The Jews relied on the law, but they did not practice it. They put their dependence in the possession of the law without feeling the obligation to obey it. The Jews claimed to be teachers of others but were not willing to teach themselves or learn their own lesson. If we call ourselves Christian, then we must be as Christ-like as possible. The Christian faith suffers more from the unchristian conduct of Christians than from anything else. The result will be the judgment from God for both the Christian and the unchristian.

 

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

 

Romans 1 - Paul's Letter to the Church in Rome

 

Romans 1 – Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome.

Paul wrote this during his three months stay in Corinth during his third missionary journey, According to Don Dewelt this is not the first letter written by Paul but the sixth. It comes after Acts logically because it contains a discussion of a sinner being justified before God. In Acts we were told what to do to be justified; in Romans we are told the how and they why of justification. Paul wrote this letter because he was delayed in his visit to Rome. Being delivered by Phoebe to the church, it would serve as a personal introduction of Paul. It also confirms Paul’s apostleship. It was written to teach and instruct all Christians. First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Both of that day and also for the present day. This letter deals directly with the basic issues in human experience. First in coming into the right relationship with God, Secondly how to obtain inner peace and experience moral victory. Third to give meaning to life in the midst of suffering and to give cerainty to faith in a world of evil. What is man’s duty to his fellow man? What is his responsibility for the life of the world? This letter will give us the answers we are searching. Paul’s message of good news is that the “gospel of Christ is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Paul saw life on every moral, intellectual and social level changed by the message of the cross and the resurrection. With overpowering compassion for his own people, he longed for their salvation. This letter shows that he yearned to proclaim the gospel in Rome and the the farthest limits of the Empire in Spain. This first chapeter is his salutation to the Romans. It is the Gospel of God. It is from God and about God and for God. It is the good news that Paul’s hope rested upon. The truth about the gospel is that Jesus Christ is God’s son and our Lord. He revelaed Christ through His life, death, and resurrection. He states that Jesus was both human and divine. He was the seed of David according to the flesh, but was declared to be the Son of God.. by the resurrection from the dead. This church that Paul wrote to had been established prior to this letter but Paul knew of them because of their faith that had been proclaimed throughout the whole world. Paul felt that they needed his ministry and in turn he needed their encouragment and stimulation. Paul had a sense of obligation to all men, both wise and unwise, to the highly cultured and the illiterate, to the well-to-do and the underprivileged. He believed in the worth of every individual and believed that the gospel of Christ was meant for all men. Paul knows the opposition of the Gospel when it came to Christ and His resurrection. He firmly stated that “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” The gospel he shared won many converts. Men were saved from moral ruin and brought down from intellectual pride to find in Christ freedom from sin and peace with God. There is no other power on earth like the power of the Gospel.

Acts 28 -Paul's Ministry in Malta

 

Acts 28 – Paul’s Ministry in Malta

It amazes me that the natives of Malta had shown a ship load of prisoner’s unusual kindness. I wonder what our reaction would be if a bus load of prisoners emptied out in our neighborhood. Evidently these neighbors were the welcome wagon of their days, and they held no prejudice or judgments against people who clearly were labeled sinners.

When Paul got bit by the viper, they believed that he must have been a murderer and would soon die. Paul must not have seen the poisonous snake because it didn’t say he deliberately picked it up. His reflexes were probably very good. When Paul didn’t die, then the natives believed him to be a god. What a great opening for Paul. Now he can preach the Word of God.

Even as a shipwrecked prisoner, Paul continued to minister to others. On the island of Malta, many were affected by the gospel, including Publius’ father, who was healed from his illness. Even though Paul had just experienced several difficult weeks at sea and then a frightening shipwreck, he was never too self-focused to see a need and seek to meet it. He was always willing to share the message of the Good News with anyone he met. Paul’s compassion for Publius changed his life. We never know what results our compassion might have on others.

When Paul travels to Rome. He is visited by many Jews and preaches to them. Some believe. When a controversy arises between the believers and those that don’t believe Paul turns from the Jews and preached to the Gentiles the Kingdom of God. Today the Word of God is still being preached and the Holy Spirit is still at work. The Acts of the apostles will continue to be an example for us and will continue until the day Christ comes again. Let us keep witnessing and God will bless the Word as He pleases.

 

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

Acts 27 The Voyage to Rome Begins

Acts 27 The Voyage to Rome Begins

Because Paul had appealed to Caesar he is now boarding a ship with other prisoners to go to Italy. This journey is very slow because of the high winds. Paul sees that the journey will be very dangerous, and he advises the men to hold back, only the Centurion does not take Paul’s advice but instead listens to the helmsman and the owner of the ship. Paul tells them that the journey will end in much disaster, not only to the ship but their lives also.

How many times in our own lives are we warned not to do something, but others encourage us to keep on going? Which path would we take, the path most traveled or the one with fewer dangers and less trodden? God tells us that His way is the only way. He tells us that narrow is the gate and few will enter it. We must heed the warnings and follow the path that leads to salvation. What would Jesus do?

As Paul had warned, the winds had picked up speed and they had to begin to lighten their load. Darkness had fallen upon them for many days, and they had begun to get discouraged. Paul, however, was visited by an angel, and was told that no one will die but he will appear before Caesar. On the following day, he told the crew of the angel and encouraged them to believe that what God says will be true.

Even though they lost their ship, they did not lose their lives. They had not eaten for 14 days, some may have been fasting some may have been too afraid to eat, or they were just too busy trying to stay afloat and not die. It doesn’t say why they did not eat; we can only make assumptions. Paul encouraged them to eat and strengthen themselves, and He gave thanks to the Lord. 276 persons were saved from dying and was able to swim to land in Malta where they ran aground.

 

 

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through The Bible

 

Acts 26 Paul's Testimony

 

Acts 26- Paul’s Testimony

Jesus had told Paul of his mission to the Gentiles, to turn them from darkness and away from the power of satan. Many people are involved in satan worship and or various forms of the occult. Satan’s powerful hold can be broken only by the power of Jesus Christ. No matter what someone’s past is, they can “receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith”. We can trust in Christ’s power over satan, the victory has already been won.

King Agrippa was the youngest of five Herod’s who participated in biblical events. Roman emperors gave the Herod’s authority over various parts of Israel even though the family did not come from Jewish stock. They ruled over a conquered but resentful people.

During its glory years, Rome practiced a remarkable system of justice. Conquered people had few rights, but citizens like Paul, could appeal to Caesar as their ultimate judge. The apostle Paul exercised this right when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey. By law, the local political leaders had to send him to Rome. Along the way Agrippa interviewed Paul. Paul’s powerful spiritual autobiography and his challenge to Agrippa are recorded in Acts 25:13-26:32.

King Agrippa realized that the apostle Paul’s argument required a response. He used a question to avoid a decision. “You almost persuade me to become a Christan.” Actually, translates better as “Do you think you can convince me to become a Christian so quickly?” The king’s tactic reveals unbelief. He didn’t argue against the truth of Paul’s words. He couldn’t. He was simply unwilling to believe.

Becoming a Christian has little to do with speed. It has nothing to do with political position or intellectual insight. Many kinds of people come to faith in Christ while many others reject the gospel. God has given people enough reasons to believe in Christ. Those like Agrippa who reject Christ do so not because they are unpersuaded, but because they do not want to believe.

Questions make effective tools when we use them to find the truth. But questions can also be used to avoid the truth. Agrippa had a clear opportunity to meet the Truth Himself. Instead, he turned away from Christ.

When given the opportunity, some will refuse to believe. We can continue to pray for them and live Christ before them, hoping that one day they will decide for Christ. Their decision rests in God’s hands.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

Acts 25 An Occasion for Testimony

 

Acts 25 – An Occasion for Testimony

Festus tried to use Paul as a political pawn to win favor with the Jews. If he had succeeded and sent Paul to Jerusalem, the apostle would have been killed. Paul did the wise thing: he used his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar. There are times when believers must use the law to protect themselves and the ministry.

But now Festus had a problem. How could he send Paul to Caesar when he had no charges against him that could be proved? God’s people sometimes are treated like the guilty even though they are innocent. Remember Joseph, David, Daniel, and Jeremiah, not to mention our Lord Jesus Christ.

In all that happened, God was fulfilling His promise to Paul that he would witness before rulers and finally get to Rome. Being a prisoner and enduring the hearings were difficult for Paul, “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.” (Luke 21:13).

Paul had a very strong faith in Jesus so God knew that he could handle these circumstances. God promises us that He will not give us anymore than we can bear. We wonder about that sometimes because things become so overwhelming at times. However, we do survive these trying times and come out a much stronger person because of it. Sometimes we need to have trials to overcome our weaknesses. God is all powerful and He will take us through the fire to purify us and make us into the person He wants us to be. The relationship we have with Jesus today is the proof of what we have been through and have overcome. Praise God He loves us enough to raise us as His child.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Acts 214 Flattery

 

Acts 24 – Flattery

How do the unsaved go about opposing the Lord’s servants and their work?

Tertullus started with flattery, knowing that many in high places are susceptible to it. Flattery appeals to our pride. If we did not flatter ourselves, others could not successfully flatter us. We really want to believe what they say!

Then Tertullus used slander. Napolean said, “He who knows how to flatter also knows how to slander. As his last weapon, the lawyer called on false witnesses who together supported Tertullus’s lies about Paul.

Paul’s defense was threefold: his life, his faith, and his service to his nation. Although his enemies could not prove their accusations, Paul did not go free. The safest place for Paul was in that prison, for God had work for him to do in Rome.

We may not understand why God permits lies to triumph but leave it all in His hands. He is in control, and the final judgment rests with Him.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Acts 23 Paul Accused of Sedition

 

Acts 23– Paul Accused of Sedition

 

Paul was in danger. If the Romans did not imprison him, the Jews would kill him.

Paul had nothing to hide, and his conscience was clear. Ananias was out of line when he had Paul slapped; but Paul showed respect for the office, not the man.

They did not set Paul free, but it did divide the enemy camp and get the Romans to protect their prisoner better.

Paul had the best lawyer available! Christ had assured him when he was in Corinth, and He would assure him again (2 Tim. 4:16-18). Paul knew that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Paul’s nephew lived in the city, and by the providence of God, he discovered the Jewish plot. Only the Lord could have worked that out. We never know what friend or relative God will use to help us.

Paul had the protection of 472 Roman soldiers, and the whole authority of the government was behind him. The Romans did not give Paul a fair hearing, but God still used them to Protect Paul and get him to Rome.

Sometimes, we are put in a place where we don’t want to be. The easiest thing is to whine and complain about it. The hardest thing to do is to trust in God and make the most of our situation. In 2 Corinthians Paul tells us that no matter what state he was in, he learned to be content. We need to do likewise.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

J. Vernon McGee Thru the Bible