BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE WORD OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ … and by good words and fair speech deceive … But yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.  And The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”  Romans 16:18-20 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul begins this final chapter of Romans by naming the thirty-five believers who were with him as companions, and who also sent greetings to the believers in Rome. (Romans 16:1-15)  He encourages them to greet one another with a “holy kiss.”  Then he urges them to “watch out for those who cause division” in the church.  Who with smooth talk and flattery will deceive many naïve believers. (Romans 16:16-18)  He said that they had heard of their good works and he wanted them to be knowledgeable regarding The Word of God for themselves and not to mix it with that which is evil.  He said that soon The Lord God would put Satan in his place, but they were to resist the devil until that happens. (Romans 16:19-20)  He ends the letter with salutations and a benediction. (Romans 16:21-27)

 

APPLICATION

There are those who belong to church congregations, but they are not there to serve The Lord.  They are there to serve themselves.  They corrupt the church by deceiving the heart and mind of believers. (Romans 16:18)  We need to be careful regarding what we hear, just because it was said in church does not make it true.  We need to compare what we hear with The Word of God before accepting it because people will attempt to deceive us. (Jeremiah 9:4-5 and Mark 13:5)  We need to resist the devil, and those doing his work, by submitting ourselves to The Lord God and His Holy Word. (James 4:7)  We also need to study The Word of God so that we can correctly discern that which is true in what we have heard. (2 Timothy 2:15)

 

 

THE BIBLE GIVES US HOPE

PROCLAMATION

“For whatsoever things that were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of The Scriptures might have hope.  Now The God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus;  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God in a letter to the believers in Rome.  Paul begins this chapter by stating that the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.  Let each of us please his neighbor and edify them. (Romans 15:1-2)  He states that The Scriptures were written for them and for future generations to come in order to teach and to encourage believers.  Then he prayed that God would give them the same attitude towards each other as Christ had towards them so that they could glorify God in unity. (Romans 15:4-6)  Christ ministered to the Jews so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be fulfilled, and so that the Gentiles might glorify God as it is written in Psalms 18:49 (Romans 15:8-11) and in Isaiah 11:10. (Romans 15:12-13)  Paul told them that he wrote boldly to them because of the grace that God had given to him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. (Romans 15:14-16)  He said that he would not speak on anything except what Christ has done through him to help the Gentiles become obedient to The Word of God. (Romans 15:17-22)  He told the believers in Rome that he plans to stop and see them on his journey to Spain, but now he is on his way to Jerusalem to give to them the contributions from the people in Macedonia and Achaia. (Romans 15:23-27)  Then he asked them to pray for him and his safety from the non-believers in Judea. (Romans 15:23-33)

 

APPLICATION

The Bible was written and passed down through the ages for us and for future generations to come.  It has been translated into almost every language so that all people of the world can be exposed to it.  However, we are not only to read it, but we are to behave as it teaches. (Romans 2:13 and James 1:22)  It also encourages us and gives us hope because it tells us that in the end we will win because The Lord God is with us.  The Bible is also the instruction manual for living a Christian life.  It teaches us how to treat fellow believers and how to treat others.  The more you read it, the more you will learn from it.  When the end comes, we win.

DO NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK

PROCLAMATION

“So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God.  Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”  Romans 14:12-13 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by stating that those believers who are strong in the faith should not do anything that would distress those who are weak in the faith. (Romans 14:1-9)  Then he said that we must all give an account of ourselves to God.  Don’t judge someone just because they do things differently.  Don’t put anything in front of our brother which would cause him to stumble.  It is better for us to not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything else that would cause our brother or sister to stumble and fall into sin. (Romans 14:21)

 

APPLICATION

We should conduct ourselves in such a manner that we avoid any behavior or action which is wrong, or even appears to be wrong. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  Even if we know it to be right, we should avoid it if that behavior would cause our brother to stress out because he thinks that it is wrong.  We live our lives not just for ourselves alone.  What we do affects those around us.  Not only should we avoid sin and things which appear to be sinful, we should also avoid things that our less-knowledgeable brother thinks is wrong, at least while we are in his presence.  We who are strong in the faith should not do anything that would cause those who are weak in the faith to stumble and sin, or to wound their feelings, or to bother their conscience.  Just because we can do something does not mean that we should do it.  We should be mindful of the feelings of others, and the effect that we have on them.

 

 

THE DAY OF SALVATION IS NEARER THAN WE THINK

 

THE DAY OF SALVATION IS NEARER THAN WE THINK

 

PROCLAMATION

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand;  and let us therefore put on the armor of light.”  Romans 13:11-12 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by telling them to obey those who had governing authority over them because God has established them. (Romans 13:1-2)  He also told them that the one’s in authority were God’s servants for their good.  If they do wrong, the servants can also be agents of God’s wrath.  Paul told them to submit to the authorities not only to avoid punishment, but also to have a clear conscience by being obedient. (Romans 13:4-5)  That is why he tells them that they should pay taxes and pay their debts. (Romans 13:6-8)  Then he encourages them to fulfill the law of love. (Romans 13:8-11)  Here, he says that the day of salvation is near.  It is time for them to put off their evil ways, put on the armor of God, and to clothe themselves in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 13:12-14)

 

APPLICATION

As the old saying goes, “Wake up, it’s later than you think.”  The end of our time on this earth is almost here.  We all need to humble ourselves, and turn from our sinful ways and pray, and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14) while we can for once the day of salvation comes, and the grave has called, it will be too late. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)  We need to seek Him while He can still be found (Matthew 7:7) because there will come a time when it will be too late to seek Him. (Proverbs 1:28)  We need to put on the whole armor of God now. (Ephesians 6:11-18)  Don’t put off for tomorrow that which should be done today, for tomorrow is not promised to us.

 

 

DO NOT CONFORM TO THE WORLD

PROCLAMATION

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul encourages the believers to live a different life than the people around them.  He wanted them to live in a manner that was pleasing to God.  He wanted them to refresh their mind with The Word of God. (Romans 12:1-2)  He encouraged them not to think too highly of themselves. (Romans 12:3)  He told them that just as we have many different parts to our body, that we are different but collectively they make up the body of Christ. (Romans 12:4-5)  He said that each of us have different gifts which have been given to us by God.  Then he goes on to tell them how to use their gifts, ad how to behave towards one another. (Romans 12:6-16)  He ended this chapter by telling them not to repay evil for evil. (Romans 12:17)  Vengeance belongs to The Lord God and He will repay those who have wronged them. (Romans 12:19)  They were to treat their enemies with kindness, and The Lord God would deal with them. (Romans 12:20)  Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

 

APPLICATION

As believers we are to behave and conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner.  Just as Christ was, we are in this world but not of it. (John 8:23)  We are to act differently from the unsaved people of the world.  We are not to act pious or put on a false perfect face.  We are to let the light of Christ which is within us shine so that the world can see The Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)  We need to renew our mind daily with The Word of God.  Do not think that you know The Bible so well that you don’t have to reread it.  Humble yourself, and don’t think higher of yourself than you ought to think. (Romans 12:3)  The more you read and study The Bible, the more you will get out of it, especially if you pray first.

 

ALL OF US NEED GOD'S MERCY

PROCLAMATION

“As concerning the gospel … the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy … so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.”  Romans 11:28-32 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  There were, and still are today, those in Israel who reject Jesus, The Christ, but He will not reject His chosen people. (Romans 11:1-6)  Because of their rejection and transgressions, salvation was offered to the Gentiles. (Romans 11:11)  Paul presented the example of a twig, the Gentiles, being grafted onto an olive tree and thriving because of the nourishment from the tree’s root. (Romans 11:17-21)  The Jews are God’s chosen people.  Just because some of them are non-believers and disobedient does not mean that God will turn His back on them. (Romans 11:28-32)  At one time all current believers were also disobedient non-believers.

 

APPLICATION

We are part of the chosen elect of God.  The grace of God and His calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light are without repentance.  God does not change His mind about us.  He dislikes our sins, but He still loves us.  God made a promise to Abraham (Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:18) and if we believe in Christ, then we are heirs with Abraham to the promise of God. (Galatians 3:29)  Jesus, The Christ, said that I have sheep, Gentiles, which are not of this sheep fold, Jews, which I will bring in and there will be just one fold. (John 10:16)  He also said I am the vine, and you are the branches. (John 15:5)  A branch cannot survive by itself; it must be connected to the vine and the root. (John 15:4-6)  Just as we were grafted in because of our faith in Him, so many others, who are disobedient, will be grafted in. (Romans 11:17-21)  Pray for those who are currently lost.  We who have received mercy should pray for mercy to be extended to others. (Matthew 5:7)

IF YOU BELIEVE IN CHRIST YOU WILL BE SAVED

PROCLAMATION

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  Romans 10:9-10 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  In this chapter Paul states that the essence of the gospel is that whoever believes in Christ and confesses Him will be saved.  He begins the chapter saying that it is his heart’s desire that all of Israel might be saved.  He can testify that they have a zeal for God but do not know Him and have not submitted to His righteousness. (Romans 10:1-3)  Paul states that everyone who truly believes and calls on the name of The Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:9-13)  Unfortunately, not all who hear will believe. (Romans 10:16)  Faith comes by hearing The Word of God.  Israel heard but they did not obey. (Romans 10:18-21)

 

APPLICATION

We are saved by our faith by what we believe and not by what we do. (Ephesians 2:8)   Faith comes by first hearing The Word of God and then believing it. (Romans 10:17)  Salvation is not something that we work for or earn.  It is a gift from The Lord God (Ephesians 2:8-9) to those who believe.  It is not for those who give Him lip service.  It is only for those who sincerely and truly believe. (Romans 10:9)  God can see our heart and He knows our intentions. (Luke 16:15)