We started the week reading is Romans 10:14-21. In those first few verses, I counted four “how” questions:
- “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?”
- “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?”
- “And how will they hear without a preacher?”
- “How will they preach unless they are sent?”
All good questions to think on. “How?”
These questions should make us realize we all have a part in the spreading of the gospel.
The study calls this “the process of evangelism” and “the links in the chain of evangelism.”
“Sending, preaching, hearing, believing, and calling are the components of the chain.”
(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 76)
The preaching of the Word is God’s primary way of reaching people. Of bringing them to salvation.
It is critical that preaching be undiluted, not a word to just tickle the ears, but the proclamation of God’s Word.
May we never forget:
“The gospel that has changed us has the power to change every heart it touches.”
(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 77)
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In Romans 11:11-22, Paul addresses the process of being grafted into the family of God.
This is not a shift in God’s love from His chosen people, Israel, to a new people. It is not because God has in any way stopped loving and pursuing them.
“God’s plans are not thwarted by the events that take place … God uses them to bring about His plan.”
(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 83)
Through this shift we see several contrasts in the character of God:
- “the kindness and severity of God”
- “the severity and justice of God”
- “the kindness and grace of God” (all from page 85)
“God is working out His plan in every moment of history to bring about His plan.”
(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 85)
And this means He is in this moment, now, in 2023!
In choosing us, and grafting us in, He is yet pursuing His chosen people as well.
The study asks us to also read Galatians 3:7-9, 3:29, and 6:16. How should an understanding that you have been made an heir of Abraham change the way that you view the Old Testament?
The blessings and promises offered to them are now also offered to us. They are ours as well, and this prompts a jealousy in Israel to remember God, to return to Him.
God’s plan reveals the depths of His grace to us all!
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We brought the week to a close with Romans 11:33-36. The heading in my Bible reads: “God’s matchless wisdom.” These verses should move our hearts and minds to bow in worship to Him.
We need to approach the reading of Scripture with intending to let it change us. Yes, we gain knowledge and understanding, but both would be futile apart from letting God’s Word transform our lives.
As we read Scriptures and God speaks to our hearts, we are filled with an awe which in turn, leads us to worship Him.
“So, we must lay down the things that steal our affections and allow our affections to be stirred by the living Word of God. Our theology must lead to and and our adoration must lead to even deeper pursuit of God and His Word.”
(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 93)
Very simply … we were made to worship. If we are not worshiping God, we are worshiping something else.
There is nothing more to be added but these words which closed the reading:
“May the Word of God move our hearts ever increasingly to the worship of God.”
(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 93)
Why do we need to be reminded of the truth of Romans 11:33? What are the implications of Romans 11:35 for our day to day life?
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We all have a part as
God works out His plan in our time,
which fills us with awe at His wisdom and moves us to worship Him.
Photo 1: by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Museums Victoria on Unsplash
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