12-12-2012 Vol. 6 Part 51 Book of Romans (Romans 15:8-21)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

12-12-2012 Vol. 6 Part 51 Book of Romans

Psalms 85:1-13 A Psalm Of the Sons of Korah. LORD, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger. Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation. I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway. Father God, we thank you for sending your only begotten Son to us. I pray that many hearts be turned toward your Son this Christmas season. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 15:8-21 NKJV

We leave the last few lessons pertaining to what the Holy Spirit inspired through Paul to tell us about how a strong believer is to act and help the weak or new believer to become fully rooted in Jesus Christ. This is to enable the weak to become strong in faith and not works, and live a Holy life in the eyes of God.

This lesson has two subjects, the first being a believer and being one in Christ (Verses 8-12). The second is about Paul’s ministry, what he was called to do and how he was lead by the Holy Spirit to minister to the Gentile world (Verses 13-21).

8    Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision; Paul is affirming that Jesus came as a servant to the Jews first in this verse. The next verse the Gentile nation is noted. Jesus was born a Jew, was circumcised, came to His people, and died in their midst without having the recognition of His people and who He was, the Messiah.

For the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers; Jesus came as the truth of God to confirm the Prophecies of the Old Testament. To fulfill the promises made to the Jewish peoples forefathers. Some of these Prophecies are stated in the next several verses.

9    and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: "FOR THIS REASON I WILL CONFESS TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND SING TO YOUR NAME."

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written; The second purpose Jesus came to earth as man was so that all who would believe, could become God’s children. After all we are His creation, and God wants to see all humans that He has created in Heaven with Him for eternity. John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It is because of God’s mercy toward us Gentiles, we have a chance for salvation if we so desire.

FOR THIS REASON I WILL CONFESS TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND SING TO YOUR NAME; This phrase and the next 3 verses Paul is quoting from the OT. This phrase is taken from Psalm 18:49. Who is speaking in this Psalm? It is David, but in a sense it is Jesus and what is being stated here is that Jesus will sing praises to God our Father whenever Gentile believers sing praises to God. He is our one and only advocate to God our Father. 1 Timothy 2:5  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

10  And again he says: "REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE!"

11  And again: "PRAISE THE LORD, ALL YOU GENTILES! LAUD HIM, ALL YOU PEOPLES!"

12  And again, Isaiah says: "THERE SHALL BE A ROOT OF JESSE; AND HE WHO SHALL RISE TO REIGN OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM THE GENTILES SHALL HOPE."

Verse 10 is from Deuteronomy 32:43 and plainly states Gentile believers have the same saviour and rights as Gods chosen people the Israelites. Jew and Gentile are to rejoice in unison.

Verse 11 is from Psalm 117:1 and here again it is stating the same as verse 10. Laud meaning praise, speak well of, extol, etc.

Verse 12 is from Isaiah 11:1 claiming Jesus the Messiah would rise from the root of Jesse the father of David. Isaiah is making claim here that a descendant would come forth from Jesse to be the Saviour not only to the Israelites but also to the Gentile nations on earth. Jesus would and is the hope for all that desire. One day Jesus will rule and reign beginning with His second coming. Isaiah 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious."

13  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now may the God of hope fill you; God is our hope and inspiration for life, eternal life. Without God we are dead and if we don’t have Jesus within our heart we are physically alive, but spiritually dead. Without the proper relationship with Jesus we have no eternal life.

With all joy and peace; If one is a true believer they have the joy and peace of knowing that when they die they will be united with Jesus Christ in Heaven. By placing faith in Jesus and the finished works of the Cross one is filled with joy and peace. Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

In believing; The effect of believing is to produce this joy and peace.

That you may abound in hope; Through believing and faith ones hope grows and becomes steadfast and strong.

By the power of the Holy Spirit; By means of the powerful operation of the Holy Spirit that a person receives when they give their heart to Jesus that the Christian has the hope of eternal life. It is by the working of the Holy Spirit that this hope flourishes. Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,  14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Romans 8:24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

14  Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

This verse Paul is giving a compliment and encouragement to his Brethren, fellow believers, that they have the knowledge and wisdom to correct one another. They are filled with the goodness of the Holy Spirit and very capable of helping and keeping each other on the path of righteousness.

15  Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,

In the previous verse Paul gives his brethren a compliment, and it is because of their knowledge of the Word of God he states other points in a bolder way. He wants to make a few things very clear and by the grace of God and the workings of the Holy Spirit within him, he has the assurance that his points will be taken and acted upon correctly without any grief.

16  that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

That I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God; Paul is making claim here that his mission in life is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. That is exactly what he did because Jesus called him to do that. Paul was a traveler and traveled many miles to many nations to preach the Gospel. He was and evangelist! He somewhat acted as a Levitical Priest did in offering up all the animal sacrifices. These priests worked many long and continuous days and it was a sacrifice on their part. Paul was the same by himself being persecuted, ridiculed, ran out of town, etc. He endured many living sacrifices in preaching the Gospel to the Gentile nations.

That the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit; It was through Paul’s teaching that Gentiles came to know Jesus and what he did for all mankind. They accepted Jesus as their Saviour and asked Him into their hearts. It was because of Paul’s preaching, the Gentiles were made acceptable in God’s eyes through their faith in Jesus and what He did on the Cross for them. They were sanctified by the Holy Spirit when they accepted Jesus because immediately upon this acceptance the Holy Spirit takes up residence within their heart. It is through this simple act of belief and faith that one is made holy and acceptable to God.

We become a living sacrifice when we accept Jesus. The focus from that moment forward is to please God in all that we do. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

17  Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.

Paul is simply stating that through the workings of the Holy Spirit many things have been reveled to him, and because of this, he gives Jesus Christ all the glory pertaining to Gods kingdom and his prescribed order. Paul rejoices in all Jesus has done for him by being the ultimate sacrifice.

18  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—

Another way of stating this verse for clarification is; I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to obeying God by my teaching and actions. In effect Paul is telling us that what he is preaching is all true. His words and actions are all guided by the Holy Spirit. He wouldn’t think of doing or speak of anything that would go against God’s Word. He is trustworthy and you can take his words and actions to be true and believe in what he is saying.

19  in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit Paul has performed mighty signs and wonders in his travels. Through these signs and wonders Paul has brought many Gentiles to Jesus. Acts 19:11-12 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,  12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Paul is claiming that he has preached the Gospel in all areas that he has traveled.

20  And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,

Paul’s earnest desire was to boldly preach the Gospel where no man had gone before. He wanted to bring the glorious name of Jesus to the far corners of the earth. He didn’t want to build on the teachings of other men that were proclaiming the Gospel. He desired to start churches himself where there were no churches. He regarded the forming of new churches as his calling. Others might be called to edify the church, but he regarded it as his function to make known the name of the Saviour where it was not before known. This work was particularly adapted to the passion, eagerness, energy, and bravery of such a man as Paul. Every man has his proper gift and there are some suited to form and establish churches, while others to edify and comfort churches that are started. The apostle chose the higher honor, involving most danger and responsibility, but still any office in building up the church is honorable. 2 Corinthians 10:13-16 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.  14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;  15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,  16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.

21  but as it is written: "TO WHOM HE WAS NOT ANNOUNCED, THEY SHALL SEE; AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND."

This verse is from Isaiah and it’s not word for word, but the meaning is the same. Isaiah 52:15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider. In this verse Paul is stating that he was following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures where it says, "Those who have never been told about Him will see, and those who have never heard of Him will understand." In other words through Paul’s preaching, Gentiles will come to a full understanding of who Jesus is and what and why He died for mankind. Have you given your heart to Jesus yet? If not, do it this Christmas Season!

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Adonijah?

Answer: Adonijah was one of three different persons in the Bible with this name. This Adonijah was David’s fourth son, and was in line to succeed David as king. Bathsheba, however, prevailed upon the aged dying David to Name Solomon as his successor. Adonijah went ahead with schemes to have himself crowned. His conspiracy was blocked by the prophet Nathan, who hurried to have David and Bathsheba approve a speedy coronation of Solomon. Although Adonijah pledged loyalty to Solomon, Solomon quickly became alarmed at Adonijah’s bold and somewhat treasonous request to marry Abishag, David’s nurse, and had him executed. II Samuel Chapters 3 & 4; I Kings Chapters 1 & 2.

This week’s Trivia: Who was the other two Adonijah’s?

12-5-2012 Vol. 6 Part 50 Book of Romans (Romans 15:1-7)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

12-5-2012 Vol. 6 Part 50 Book of Romans

Psalms 84:1-12 NKJV A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young— Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah O God, behold our shield, And look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You! Father God, I ask that you open the doors of Heaven and pour out your love and Grace to all that turn to you. Watch over your children and guide them in all they do. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 15:1-7 NKJV

I hope chapter 14 wasn’t too confusing. The whole theme of Chapter 14 was directed toward new believers and seasoned believers not nonbelievers. It was talking about faith, a religious faith of rituals which is what many churches believe in for salvation, not in Jesus and what He did for us.  Paul was pointing out that a seasoned believer may do something that appeared wrong to a new believer, but in reality the seasoned believer placed his faith totally in Jesus Christ and what he endured for us on the Cross. The seasoned believer knows that a religion based on rituals, customs, manmade laws are useless when it comes to salvation. Paul was pointing out to the seasoned believers to exercise great discernment before they said or did anything in front of new believers. Paul’s concern was for the new believers so they wouldn’t be lead astray by the actions of a seasoned believer by not fully understanding the concept of total faith in Jesus.

Today we start out with Chapter 15, and in reading the first few verses it is talking about what I just explained in the previous paragraph. It seems to me that Chapter 14 was ended in the wrong place. So we start out with Paul summarizing the previous chapter.

1  We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

We then who are strong; this is referring to someone that has been a true believer for a few years and has come to the understanding of what salvation is all about. They know that their eternal life is based on faith in Jesus and what He did for them on the Cross and that is all that is necessary. They know that man’s religious customs, rituals, and church dogma hold no value in gaining entry into Heaven for eternal life.

Ought to bear with the scruples of the weak; this phrase along with the previous one, again is talking to a seasoned believer. Synonym for scruples is; sense of right and wrong, conscience, principles, ethics, discernment, etc. What is being stated, is a person that is strong in their faith needs to exercise their actions and speech with a new believers conscience in mind, so as not to cause a new believer to stumble and sin. We are to bear the weak in faith’s burden of not fully understanding faith. Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Not to please ourselves; as a seasoned believer we are to conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to God so that His light will shine through us to those around us. We are to love our neighbor as our self. Our focus is to be Jesus first and then our neighbors. We are to place ourselves last as Jesus did. We are to wash the feet of those around us. Paul kept his audience in mind at all times so that he could communicate with them without offense. 1 Corinthians 9:22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Matthew 16:24  Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

2  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

Another way to say this verse is; we should help others do what is right and build them up in their faith in Jesus and the works of the Cross.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good; here again this is referring to the strong in faith helping the weak in faith.

Leading to edification; when the strong in faith helps the weak in faith to fully understand the true meaning of scripture, they are building up the weak in faith. They are stabilizing the message of the Cross.

3  For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME."

For even Christ did not please Himself; did Jesus live to please Himself? Not at all, but to please His Father. All that Jesus did was to glorify God our Father. It was His Father’s will that He did while here on earth, and that is why He was, and is hated, because He stand for righteousness in God’s eyes. He carried out God’s will and not mans will pertaining to God’s word and salvation. Psalms 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. Jesus is the Word. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me; Paul coins this phrase from Psalm 69:9. Reproach meaning; criticism; accusation; blame; rebuke, etc. It is because of the fall of mankind that Jesus came to intercede for us and give the unbeliever the opportunity to accept Him as their Saviour, if they so desire. Jesus was willing to suffer accusation and hatred in order to do His Fathers will and good to others. If Jesus could undergo extreme persecution and death for us and not seek any pleasure for Himself, then how much more should we be willing to help strengthen a weak Brother or Sister in a small matter!

4  For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

For whatever things were written before; this is referring to the Old Testament. “Written before”, is better stated as “written aforetime; in the past; earlier times”. 

Were written for our learning; the Old Testament was written as the foundation of the New Testament. It also has numerous examples of the OT patriarchs and their lives and faith in God. Paul and the other Apostles were always referring to OT scripture. The OT is for us to learn from pertaining to faith and what faith truly is. Just as those of Paul’s time and our time many interpret the Bible as law and trying to live by law and not faith. The understanding of Faith is missed totally in most cases.  John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life…….. It is that old adage of, “we have to do something to earn salvation”, instead of just believing in what Jesus did for us on the Cross and denying all religious doctrine, and placing our total faith in Jesus.

That we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope; it is through the study of scripture and fully understanding what the finished work of the Cross truly means. Then and only then we can have assurance of eternal happiness when we give our heart to Jesus, accept Him as our Saviour, and place our Faith in Him. It isn’t just knowing Jesus and what He did, but fully understanding what and why He did it for us with our hearts and not our minds. This is where hope comes in. Our faith produces patience, comfort, and hope when we go through life’s trials and tribulations. We can turn to God’s Holy and True Word because the Word is Jesus. In difficult times we can have comfort and patience in the Word of God knowing as a true believer that Jesus is our Hope and one day we will be with Him.

5  Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

This verse can be stated this way, “May God who gives patience, comfort, and encouragement, give you live in complete harmony with each other as believers and followers of Christ Jesus.”

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you; God is the author of patience and consolation and is given to a believer for this very purpose, among other things.

To be like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus; the Roman church was a diverse community. It was made up of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, rich and poor, strong and weak. So it was difficult for them to accept one another. As a true believer we all have like minds because we are one in Christ. A true believer knows in their heart there is no such thing as church denominations for salvation. When they accept Jesus, their heart is changed and they are able to accept others as Christ accepted you, and God is given the glory. John 17:21-25 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  22  And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  23  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.  24  "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.  25  O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.

6  that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That you may with one mind; one mind means being in one accord, on the same wave length, in agreement of scripture and what they mean, etc. Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.; It means united, with one purpose, without contentions, and strife’s. As a believer one is to have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

And one mouth; this refers to prayers and praises. True believers are to join together without contention and unkind feeling in the worship of God. Divisions, strife, and contention in the church prevent union in worship. Though the body may be there and the church professedly engages in public worship, it is a divided service. Acts 4:24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,

Glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; being of one mind and one mouth we are to praise God in union, peace, and harmony if we claim to be true believers. The grace we received when we became true believers should shine through us by overcoming the sources of strife and contention among believers, and to bring peace within the church.

If we claim to be a true believer then God is our Father and we are His children. As his children we are to glorify Him as our Lord Jesus has commanded us to be united, and to love one another. With the desire of honoring our Heavenly Father, we are to lay aside contentions, and be united in the bands of love.

7  Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

Therefore receive one another; we are to acknowledge one another as Christians, and treat one another with love and respect even though we may differ in opinion about many smaller matters that have nothing to do with salvation. Keep in mind Paul is speaking to a church body that are believers. Not that we aren’t to treat all people with love and respect, we are, but he is addressing some conflict within the Roman Church. There was probably some finger pointing going on and claims being made that little Miss goodie two shoes was not a believer because she was eating meat. Remember Chapter 14, that is exactly what was happening. Romans 14:3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.

Just as Christ also received us; this phrase tells us that if we are received as Born Again Saints in God’s eyes, then who are we to judge another brother or sister in Christ. That’s Jesus job!

To the glory of God; we promote God’s glory when we conduct ourselves according to his will. We have been redeemed and renewed in order to promote the honor of God. Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. As Christ has received us in order to promote the glory of God, we are to treat each other in a similar manner for a similar purpose. The Church body is not to bicker amongst themselves when it comes to trivial matters that don’t pertain to salvation.

I leave you with this thought. Have you been involved with church disagreements on matters that don’t pertain to salvation principles? Have you left a particular church because of the contentions? Do you hold grudges against the church or people of that church? If so, forgiveness and repentance is required based on God’s Word. Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Adonibezek?

Answer: Adonibezek was the head of a Canaanite tribe in southern Palestine. Adonibezek was captured after a battle with the tribe of Judah. He had frequently boasted of having chopped off the thumbs and big toes of seventy kings, and so he received similar torture and mutilation from Judah. Judges 1:1-7.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Adonijah?

11-28-2012 Vol. 6 Part 49 Book of Romans (Romans 14:13-23)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

11-28-2012 Vol. 6 Part 49 Book of Romans

Psalms 83:1-18 A Psalm of Asaph. Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more." For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Deal with them as with Midian, As with Sisera, As with Jabin at the Brook Kishon, Who perished at En Dor, Who became as refuse on the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, Yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, Who said, "Let us take for ourselves The pastures of God for a possession." O my God, make them like the whirling dust, Like the chaff before the wind! As the fire burns the woods, And as the flame sets the mountains on fire, So pursue them with Your tempest, And frighten them with Your storm. Fill their faces with shame, That they may seek Your name, O LORD. Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, That they may know that You, whose name alone is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth. Father God, I ask that you open the doors of Heaven and pour out your love and Grace to all that turn to you. Watch over your children and guide them on all they do. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 14:13-23 NKJV

This week’s lesson is more of what the previous lesson was all about, but with more clarity. It points out the responsibility we have as followers of Christ in how believers are to live. We are to set examples for other believers that are weak and new in the faith. Not only for new believers but also for those around us that don’t have the relationship with Jesus that they should. Many people around us claim to be Christians, but by their actions and speech you know they aren’t and what is sad, they cheer others into parties, drunkenness, and places of ill repute.

So we will be learning more from the Apostle Paul on how to conduct our life so that we do not cause others to stumble and sin. Here again the main purpose of Paul writing this chapter is for the true believers in Jesus and what He did for us in dying on the cross. It is to help the weak in faith and new believers to become strong in their faith so that they can become deeply rooted in the Gospel. With a deep root system they will be able to discern the true right from wrong and withstand the temptations that come along. It will help one to be able to understand what walking in faith is about.

13  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Let us not therefore judge one another anymore; this phrase I believe is one of the most difficult things a believer is not to do, and that is judge or criticize. Whenever we criticize another believer we are actually judging that person. I also struggle with this and find myself being dragged into conversations that end up with criticism. It is wrong and we need to recognize this as sin and ask the Lord to help us to have dominion over this sin.

Stop and think of it this way. If we criticize another believer we are actually criticizing God. If one is a true believer then God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, resides within that individual and that person is God’s property. By judging we are judging the work of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever thought about criticizing/judging this way? I haven’t but it makes sense to me. The next time you start talking about someone stop and think about the fact that you are gossiping about the work of the Holy Spirit, meaning God!

But judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way; the first part of this verse tells us not to judge, but Paul is telling us here what we can judge. It is very difficult not to criticize, but here he tells us we can judge. Hmmmm!

What Paul is telling us is that we are to judge the situations surrounding a Brother or Sister in Christ and help them overcome the situation instead of condemning them, lend advice and a helping hand. Encouragement and support is what a fellow brethren needs to overcome a situation, not being criticized which is a stumbling block. Reinforcement of faith in God that “He” will get them through the situation.

14  I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus; this is a very strong statement by Paul, “I know and am convinced”. This isn’t from Paul’s mind, but from the Holy Spirit. What is being said is what God desires from us.

There is nothing unclean of itself; meaning and pertaining to rituals, religious customs, eating of certain foods, etc. Don’t get the idea this verse is stating that if we think something is ok to do, then it’s ok. This isn’t speaking of immorality. Go back and read verses 1-12 and the rest of the verses in this week’s lesson and you will see what Paul is referring to.

The key words here are, “unclean of itself”. In other words if God created it and it is used as God intended, then it is not unclean and causes no sin. Think of it this way, alcohol and fermented wine can be made from many types of grain and fruit. Man alters the grain and fruit into a state that affects the mind, therefore causing drunkenness/sin. (Food for thought; drunkenness; if a person drinks one bottle of beer and it contains 3% alcohol, is that person 3% drunk?) Many plants produce a chemical that is helpful but when mixed or altered from their original state they become harmful drugs. Even a tree that is cut down and carved into some type of idol, therefore becomes sin in God’s eyes.

When we humans change and alter what God has given us and use the altered results to please the flesh, then it becomes sin. God has never created anything that is bad, humans take what is good and make it evil because of our inherited sin nature, because we think we have all the answers.

But to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean; Paul is referring to faith here. Because of Gospel lack of knowledge, someone weak in faith will still be living according to some of their old beliefs and ways of religious lifestyle. This is not unclean or wrong in the eyes of the person, because they lack the knowledge of the Gospel. Our part of being true believers is not to judge each other in trivial matters, but to encourage each other to true Christlikeness and holiness when it comes to living by faith. This involves sincerely evaluating, correcting, and rebuking one another in love and grace.

15  Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.

This verse is simply stating that if we cause a brother to think ill of us because of the food we eat or don’t eat then we aren’t portraying love. We don’t want to turn a new believer away from Jesus by our actions pertaining to rituals and customs. Our faith must be in the Cross and not in the rituals. Out of love for our brother or sister we are to reveal the truth about false customs and rituals, but in a way that will not drive them away from Jesus. This does not mean that we can participate in sinful actions that violate God’s moral laws the Ten Commandments. Many people twist this concept in order to partake of things that please their flesh. We are talking about essential and nonessential things pertaining to salvation.

At the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), the Jewish church in Jerusalem asked the Gentile church in Antioch not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Not that they were sacrificing animals, but purchasing meat that may have been sacrificed. Paul was at the Jerusalem council, and he accepted this request, not because he felt that eating such meat was wrong in itself, but because this practice would deeply offend many Jewish believers. Paul did not think the issue was worth dividing the church over; his desire was to promote unity; his faith was in Jesus.

16  Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

“Your good” pertains to the liberty we have in Jesus because of our faith in Him. The good we know and exercise must not be portrayed as evil because of our actions. We are to act in love, point out wrong, but not to get into arguments over the situation. We are to plant the seed and God is to germinate and cultivate the seed.

17  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

18  For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

The kingdom of God does not consist of external things like food, rules, regulations, ceremonies, or rituals, etc., but in spiritual realities like righteousness in action and thought, peace that seeks harmony, and joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. Those who understand the spiritual realities of the kingdom will not choose the brief joy of satisfying selfish desires of I’m right your wrong, shaming another into submission, boasting of their knowledge of scripture, contention, quarreling, fighting, etc.

19  Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Paul is telling us here that we are to pursue things of God which produce Peace, Love, and Joy. Pursue things that will edify us and our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Pursue all things by the leading of the Holy Spirit and not by man so that harmony in the church will prevail.

20  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense.

Another way to term this verse is; Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble.

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food; this pertains to many other issues that cause church arguments. Many times arguments are over nonessential salvation things that cause division and dissention. These types of contentions may cause people to leave the church and therefore start to live a lifestyle that is contradictory to God’s Holy Word.

Have you ever been involved in a disagreement at your church that was based on something that had nothing to do with salvation, but on something that you or someone wanted? Were you acting out of self righteousness or God’s righteousness?

All things indeed are pure; refers to what God has created and is used for its intended purpose.

But it is evil for the man who eats with offense; An action may be pure in itself, but it may become an occasion of sin if another is grieved by it. It is evil to the person who pursues a course that will give offence to a fellow believer and drive him from the church, or lead him any way into sin.

21  It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

This verse is saying the same as verse 20. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to sin.

22  Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

What Paul is saying here is when we live by faith and situations come up, as they did in his time, we are not to feel guilty if we participate. This does not mean to participate in a manner that causes one to disobey God’s moral Laws the Ten Commandments. For instance let’s say you are invited over to a friend’s house and they are celebrating a feast based on the Old Testament. They still believe this is a necessary thing for salvation. You are living by faith in Jesus and what he did on the Cross for you and you know the occasion no longer holds any merit because when Jesus died and was raise the custom was done away with. You can participate knowing this custom means nothing and you should not place guilt upon yourself. It would be better to participate than to raise a big commotion about it and arguing that it is wrong especially if your friend is a believer and just hasn’t come to the realization of what he is doing holds no merit.

Many people indulge in practices which their consciences condemn them, but the way to be happy is to have a clear conscience in what we do. In other words, if we have doubts about a course of conduct then we shouldn’t indulge in that activity, it should be abandoned at once.

You may believe there's nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right, provided it doesn’t violate God’s moral laws.

23  But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

If you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, and go ahead and eat it, you are sinning. In other words if you do something that you are being convicted of, you are sinning. Proper faith is the criteria for all that we do. We must listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him guide us in all matters of life. As a new believer one will have many questions about whether something is right or wrong concerning their past lifestyle of religious rituals. If one is undecided on a particular matter, then it would be wise not to participate. They need to seek the answer from the Bible or have a seasoned believer explain whether it is right or wrong using Bible scripture.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Adin?

Answer: Adin was one of the heads of families carried off to Babylonia during the exile. Adin’s family returned to Jerusalem, one contingent with Zerubabel, another with Ezra, and joined with Nehemiah in putting their seal to the covenant to keep the Law. Ezra 2:15; 8:6; Nehemiah 7:20; 10:14-16.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Adonibezek?

11-14-2012 Vol. 6 Part 48 Book of Romans (Romans 14:1-12)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

11-14-2012 Vol. 6 Part 48 Book of Romans 

Psalms 82:1-8 A Psalm of Asaph. God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked. They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. I said, "You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High. But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes." Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations. Father God, I ask that you bless all that read you Holy Word and that you will fill their heart with your truth and revelation your Sons resurrection. Watch over your children and guide them on all they do. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!

Romans 14:1-12 NKJV

This week’s lesson pertains to the Law of Liberty, or in other terms Law of Doubtful Heritage, Dogma, or Things. These verses pertain to true believers, and is not talking about non-believers. As a true believer it is how one is to live and treat fellow believers. We aren’t to judge and look down on other true believer’s if they are of another denomination. If they are a true believer then we are all brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. The key word here is of course true believer. Do they know Jesus with their heart or with a head knowledge? Do they believe and place their faith in what Jesus did at Calvary on the Cross, or just know what he did? Do they practice the teachings of God’s Holy Word the Bible or the teachings of their denomination? There is a huge difference here with one resulting in being saved and the other not being saved!

1  Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Another way of phrasing this verse is, accept other true believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

Receive one who is weak in the faith; the idea here is to accept new Born Again individuals into the fellowship of seasoned believers who had a sense of right and wrong about the correctness of certain scriptural teachings. We should not allow a new believer to go to society for interpretation of scripture, but to bring him or her into the fellowship of true believers. It is to help them understand the true meaning instead of the education or former habits of belief. Paul is telling us that a new believer may be weak, that is, not fully established, or not with a clear and understandable view about Christian liberty.

But not to disputes over doubtful things; the last part if this verse is telling us how to help a new believer. We are to do this with love, grace, compassion, and empathy, not with harshness and denunciation. It is our duty as Christians to clarify things a new believer may be carrying over from his former way of life or by taking literally what the Word says and not fully comprehending what the verse actually means. It may be questions about modes of dress, rites, conduct, what to eat and not eat, New Testament vs. Old Testament, ceremonies, etc. We must receive him affectionately, to admit him to fellowship with us, to talk freely and kindly with him, and to do him good, will have a far greater tendency to overcome his sense of right and wrong.

2  For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.

This verse is dealing with the faith of a believer. Those with a strong faith and full understanding of what Jesus did at the Cross knew there was no restrictions on what they could eat. It was new converts from the pagan world that struggled with the eating of meat. They came to the realization that their old ways of sacrificing meat to idols and then eating it was wrong. It wasn’t the eating but the sacrifice made to a false gods that was wrong. Therefore some became vegetarians to avoid any possibility of eating any meat that was sacrificed.

How would Christians end up eating meat that had been offered to idols? After a sacrifice was presented to a god, only part of it was burned. The remainder was often sent to the market to be sold. Therefore a Christian might easily buy such meat in the marketplace or eat it at the home of a friend. It was the strong in faith that fully understood what Jesus did and knew there was nothing wrong with eating meat that had been offered to idols because idols were worthless, but the problem was especially sensitive for Christians who had once been idol worshipers and choose to avoid meat because of their misinterpretation. The strong lived by faith in Jesus. Paul also deals with this problem in 1 Corinthians 8.

3   Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.

What this verse is stating is those that eat anything must not look down on those who don't, and those who don't eat certain foods must not condemn those who do. God has accepted them when they placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The one thing we must remember as seasoned Christians the weaker in faith and even those that don’t believe are watch us. Using this example of Paul’s of eating meat, a person weak in the faith may deem it ok to eat meat sacrificed to an idol, by not fully understanding what faith in Jesus is all about. Therefore we would cause the new believer to stumble and sin by continuing in the practice of idolatry. For example, in current times if a proclaiming Born Again believer uses foul and blasphemous language and someone of a weaker faith hears this, they would think it is ok to speak this way. This would cause the weaker to sin by observing this action. In reality a Born Again Christian will not speak this way. This type of language is taken from the believer when they have a Spiritual Birth.

4   Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Who are you to judge another's servant? Actually this phrase is stating or asking what right do we have to judge one of God’s believers (servant)? None whatsoever!

To his own master he stands or falls; the servants master is the one who judges and the servant will stand or fall depending on his faithfulness. Anyone that places their faith in Jesus and goes before the Lord in humble confession, Mercy and Grace are always extended, and the individual is instantly restored. Take Peter for example, he failed when he denied Jesus, but he continued to trust Jesus and through sorry and confession he was forgiven. Judas on the other hand ceased trusting in Jesus and who he was and fell. He was caught up in himself and his greed and didn’t have faith that he would be forgiven if he had asked for it.

Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand; through the power of the Holy Spirit God will enable His servant to stand as long as he keeps his faith in what transpired on the Cross by Jesus. It is only through the finished work of the Cross that this can be accomplished.

5   One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.

One person esteems one day above another; this actually is referring back to Jewish Sabbaths. The custom of Jewish people of Paul’s time, and also of some current religions in keeping the Sabbath, which is Saturday. The New Testament has no command of a particular day designated as the Sabbath. It is by faith a true believer lives by not by rituals or laws. If we live by rules and rituals, then our faith is not faith, it is works.

Another esteems every day alike; a person that lives by faith lives every day being dedicated to the Lord. He strives to live in Jesus likeness and doesn’t pick out a certain day to give special or more praise and worship over the other days.

Let each be fully convinced in his own mind; This whole verse isn’t about something that is immoral, therefore if one person wants to pick out one day to observe as a special day to dedicate to God, and another person wants to dedicate every day to God, then do it. Just don’t get into an argument about who is right or wrong.

6   He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

Paul is just reiterating the previous verses with this verse. If one wants to pick a particular day and others want to pick out every day; or some eat meat and others don’t want to eat meat, then that is ok as long as it is done unto the Lord and thanks is given. If it is done because of some ritual, thinking it will make one more holy and sanctified in God’s eyes, then it is works and not faith.

7  For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.

Paul is telling us that as a true believer we do not live to please our self. We live to please God and to do His will. If one is a true believer the glitter, glamour, materialistic things of the world hold no value in a Christians mind. What is always present on a Christians mind is to please God in all things. They are content with what they have. They search and question what direction to go and what God wants them to do. Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 2 Corinthians 5:15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

8  For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

This verse is saying the same thing as verse seven. If we belong to the Lord then all facets of our life belongs to God. Everything we do, we have, our family, our job, our hobbies, our property, and our bodies belongs to God whether alive or dead. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  20  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

9   For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

The main purpose of Jesus dying for us was to enable us as lost souls, to have a chance to come into his loving arms when we give our heart, mind, strength, and soul to Him. This sacrifice is the definition of LOVE. Something so magnificent, words cannot describe. As a believer Jesus is Lord of the living while they walk this earth. He is also Lord of the dead when a believer passes from this earth because they go directly to heaven and Jesus is their Lord in Heaven.

10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Don’t forget this is referring to the brotherhood of true believers and each person is accountable to Christ, not to others. Jesus will do the judging at the Judgment Seat. This is a judgment of what we did for Jesus and His kingdom. This is for rewards and where we will be placed in God’s Kingdom, this is not the Great White Throne Judgment. If one stands before the Great White Throne, they are non-believers and will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

 While the church must be uncompromising in its stand against activities that are expressly forbidden by Scripture (adultery, homosexuality, murder, theft, gossip, covetousness, etc.), it should not create additional rules and regulations and give them equal standing with God's law. Many times Christians base their moral judgments on opinion, personal dislikes, or cultural preconceived notion rather than on the Word of God. When they do this, they show that their own faith is weak, they do not think that God is powerful enough to guide his children. When they stand before God and give a personal account of their life, they won't be worried about what their Christian neighbor did.

11 For it is written: "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD."

AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD; “as I live,” tells us that God’s word will never die, because God will never die. As Christians we can depend on God’s word to take us through anything in our life. God’s word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and will never change.

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME; to bow the knee is an act expressing homage, submission, or adoration. It means that every person shall acknowledge Him as God. This verse is from Isaiah and refers particularly to the honor his own people (Israelites) should render to Him, but Paul uses it that all saved men, women, and children should confess to God, whether Jewish or Gentile and give account to Him.

EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD; in the Hebrew, “every tongue shall swear.” Not swear by God but to Him, that is, pay to him our vows, or answer to him an oath for our conduct. This is the same as confessing to him, or acknowledging him as our Judge.

12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Knowing that God’s word will live and never change it should put fear in one’s life knowing that each of us will someday be required to give an account of our life and the way we lived and served Him as a believer.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock

Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Adbeel?

Answer: Adbeel was the third son of Ishmael. Adbeel’s name is one of those included in the roll of Abraham’s descendants. Genesis 25:13; 1 Chronicles 1:29.

This week’s Trivia: Who was Adin?