Romans Part 2 - FaithÀpẹrẹ

BELIEVE GOD

Imagine what the Roman church experienced; believing in the One True God in the midst of a culture that worships many gods, self, and all pleasures in life. However, the Jewish believers in the church also dealt with the constraint of traditions and rules from the religious leaders. Paul, being a former Pharisee, and legal expert, knew the pitfalls of focusing on the “rules” of religion rather than the heart of believing.

In the first part of this letter to the Roman church consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, Paul shares the gospel message that all are unrighteous and cannot reach God on their own. He counters the ideas of working hard enough or doing things to ‘please and appease’ God which forms current culture. Making Christ’s sacrifice the focal point of righteousness, chapter 4 introduces the importance of true faith. As we leave chapter 3 with the “Roman Road” passages used to recognize the need for a Savior (Romans 3:23-24), we begin to read about what will come next once we understand how precious this gift is.

Now imagine a beautifully wrapped gift; not my kind of wrapping (gift bags with fluffy tissue paper), but the kind with the gilded paper folded into perfect corners and embellished with exquisite bows, plus the accessory on top with a fancy tag. What a beautiful display! Those who see it are completely amazed at the detail, but the treasure of the gift still lies inside, and just because I now own it, I cannot take credit for it. A gift, after all, has more to do with the giver's thoughtfulness. Our part in this exchange is to have the faith to believe that what this gift contains is of value, meant to enhance our lives, and then opened for use.

While that analogy is simplistic compared to the magnitude of God’s gift to us, it helps us to understand what Paul wants the Roman church to experience. We cannot take credit or do anything to warrant this gift. There is nothing within us that can earn God’s attention or favor.

He chose us, sacrificed for us, and our part is to believe the truth of the gospel.

-Gaylyn Mott

Family Corner Devotional Questions

What is the best gift you have ever been given? Why is what Jesus did on the cross considered a gift?