Romans
The Stone That Made People Stumble
Paul quotes Hosea 2:23, which declares that God would turn from the Jews and would call the Gentiles (v. 25). He quotes Isaiah 10:22 and 23 to show us that only a remnant of Israel would be saved, and that the greater number would suffer judgment (vv. 27-28). Today only a remnant of …
Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome
In the opening verses of this letter Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome. When he wrote this letter he had never been to Rome, so naturally he gave a brief description of himself and his special status in the church. Some of them he must have known personally (Chapter 16) but …
Israel Rejects The Gospel
This passage applies primarily to Jews, but it applies also to all lost souls around the world. Dr. E. Meyers Harrison, a veteran missionary and professor of missions, says there are four reasons why the Church must send out missionaries …
An Example From Marriage
In this chapter Paul explains that “You were not justified by keeping the Law and neither can you be sanctified by keeping the Law.” Laws only have power over people who are alive (v. 1). To illustrate this truth, Paul uses an illustration of the marriage relationship (vv. 2-3). When a man …
Paul’s Work as a Missionary
Before Paul plunges into an account of his own missionary philosophy, he tactfully congratulates his brethren in Rome on their accomplishments (v. 14). He also acknowledges how they are able to admonish one another. Few, if any, can speak with such authority about world missions as the …
If God is For Us Who Can be Against Us?
The closing verses in this chapter expand more fully the great theme of the believer’s security. We can be sure that God works in “all things†for our good (v. 28). This promise is not for everyone. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Believers …
A man becomes a slave to his idols
In this chapter, Paul has been analyzing the civilization of the first century Roman Empire. He describes the moral life of great cities like Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome. However, the letter describes exactly what happened last night in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago …
The Good News is For Jews And Gentiles
Christians must not force their opinions on others. There are certain foundational truths that are essential to our walk with the Lord. However, there are many other matters of honest disagreement that must not be a test of our faith. We must not try to force our convictions about these matters …
God’s Way of Accepting People
1. Understanding God’s Integrity (vv. 21-22a). The phrase “but now” marks a major transition in Romans, as Paul begins to speak of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as the turning point of human history. The death of Jesus opened a new chapter in outworking of God’s plan …
Christ Brings New Life
Paul now moves from the doctrinal part of his letter to the practical part. It has been said that “what we believe helps us to determine how we behave.” To be a happy fruitful Christian, we must translate our learning into living. This is the missing link in the lives of many Christians today …