The Holy Word of God is not only there to instruct, but also to strengthen and establish us as Believers in our faith. And as our faith is built up…so does our confidence in our Lord.
Tag: romans
Romans 13:8 ” Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.”
The Greek word for “fellowman” is quite interesting. On one hand, it means others or another person similar to yourself. But it can also mean someone who is different, diverse, or even foreign to you. Regardless of who they are or what walk of life they come from, we are to love them all as Christ does.
Romans 11:33 ” Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! “
We can’t begin to know the abundant treasures available to us from the Lord. With Divine counsel and guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can move forward fearlessly…having God-given insight and intimate fellowship from above.
Romans 15: 4 ” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
What do you actually get out of reading the Bible? Is it a task that you feel duty-bound to do? Is it a grouping of feel-good stories you casually enjoy, only to forget soon after? The Scriptures are educational, but if we take them no farther than that, we’re missing the greatest potential God has for us. The Bible is meant to inspire…to transform…to restore…to influence…to motive…to encourage everyone who opens up the Word. And every time you close the Bible, God wants you to be changed.
Romans 8:24 ” For in this hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all, who hopes for what he already has? “
Hope is always forward facing, full of anticipation and longing, as it yearns for future things. And this hope of ours lies only in the person of Jesus Christ, and the gift of eternal life. For our future glory with Him is the foundational basis of our faith and trust…that confidence built on Him, and nothing else.
Romans 8:31 ” If God is for us, who can be against us? “
Allow this verse to sink into your soul…pondering the words and meaning. If the Almighty God is defending, protecting, and caring for you…what do you have to fear? If the Maker of the Universe is ever watching over you…what could possibly make you afraid? The enemy may want you to think that you’re alone and defenseless…but you have an all powerful Heavenly Father whispering, ” Fear not! “
Romans 12:18 ” If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
When it comes to living in harmony with others – the only control we have, is over ourselves. The Lord wants us to make every effort to do what leads to peace. (Romans 14:19) I remember a song we sang in High School Choir…”Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” Peace has to start with each of us determining that we will live a life of reconciliation with our fellow man.
Romans 16: 25 ” Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ…”
When someone hears and accepts the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the gift of salvation through Jesus, they are transformed. They are forever changed by the power of the Holy Spirit within, and established by God Himself eternally. But this can’t happen if they never hear the Gospel or the message of redemption…for that is our mission here on earth – to take the name of Jesus to the nations.
Romans 16:17 ” I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
We’ve all seen it…a Church splits due to dissension and disagreement. Usually there’s a faction of a few disillusioned people who divide the flock by decisive means, and before you know it – the Church is split asunder.
The Greek word for “obstacles” in this verse is most interesting…for it means the trigger of a trap on which the bait is placed, and which, when touched by an animal, springs and causes it to close, trapping its victim. We are told to keep away from such people and their traps.
Romans 1:12 ” That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith.”
I’d love to hear how the Lord is working in your life…how He’s answered prayer, or provided in a time of need, or blessed you in an unexpected way. We all need to share these faith-building moments with each other, for by them, faith rises, confidence grows, and as a group, we are all urged forward in Christ.