devotional

Additional thoughts on Romans 1:5

through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, (ESV)

Reflecting on the phrase, “for the sake of his name,” reminded me of two individuals.

One of my seminary professors (who also attend the same church I did) always ended his prayer by saying,

“for Your sake, and for Your reputation.”

That truly is the attitude we should posses in prayer. All my requests, all my intercession should be submitted to God—so that His name and His reputation are the most important.

The other individual is Daniel the prophet. Read Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9, after confessing the sin of the people he continues:

16 “O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. 17 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.” (ESV)

God’s reputation—the priority
God’s purpose—the focus
God’s glory—the goal

Steve Kilgore

Paul fills most of his introductions very full and the introduction to Romans is no exception—it may be the longest and most significant theologically (along with Ephesians). In Romans 1:5 Paul begins to shed light on the subject matter of the book.

through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations (ESV)

Two key thoughts:

1. The gospel message does not distinguish between evangelism and discipleship. I don’t believe God envisioned a two-stage process: accept Jesus’ as Savior and at some time also become a disciple. Or as some might believe, all can be saved, but discipleship is for the committed.

The call to faith is not based on works; it is a call to a new kind of life (see Romans 6:4)–a relationship with God that requires obedience. So Paul calls it “obedience of faith.”

I do agree with those who see intentional ambiguity in the phrase, “faith, if genuine, always has obedience as its outcome; obedience, if it is to please God, must always be accompanied by faith” (Doug Moo, NIV Life Application Commentary.) But for those who are interested there are at least four options (the NET Bible provides a simple explanation)

The phrase ὑπακοὴν πίστεως [obedience of faith] has been variously understood as (1) an objective genitive (a reference to the Christian faith, “obedience to [the] faith”); (2) a subjective genitive (“the obedience faith produces [or requires]”); (3) an attributive genitive (“believing obedience”); or (4) as a genitive of apposition (“obedience, [namely] faith”) in which “faith” further defines “obedience.” (NET Bible)

2. The message of the gospel is not man-centered, it is God-centered, it is about God’s glory (referred to as “doxological”). The purpose of Paul’s calling as an apostle and our mission as believers is the “obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations.” God desires His name to be praised, not just by me/us, but all nations.

Obedience of faith for the sake of His name among all the nations—that is the mission. What an awesome privilege.

SDG

Soli Dio Gloria (Glory to God alone)

Steve Kilgore

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, (ESV)

How focused is your life?  Do you know who you are? How clear is your vision about where you are going in life and what you are to do?  As Paul kicks off his monumental work on the transforming power of God’s righteousness, he helps us to deal with these crucial life questions.

When it came to his identity, Paul did not stutter.  If you asked Paul, “Who are you?” he would have immediately responded, “I am a slave of Christ Jesus.”  He had settled the question long ago as to who was “boss” in his life.  He was a devoted follower of Jesus who had willingly chosen to serve His master.  Let’s be clear about our identity.  Are you a slave of Christ Jesus?

He knew where he was going.  His focus was on being an apostle or one sent with a message.  Tent-making was his trade, but his calling was from God to be sent.  Where are you going in life?  Paul shows us in Romans that every Christ follower has been called, equipped and sent with the most important message in the world. And that leads us to Paul’s mission, or what was he to do with his life?

With laser-like writing, he states that he is “set apart for the gospel of God.”  As an eye witness to the risen Christ, he was passionate about sharing the good news with people far from a relationship with Jesus.  Twelve times in Romans he emphasizes that he is appointed to preach (share) the good news.  Now we may not be able to preach like Paul, but we are not to keep the good news to ourselves.  May the transforming power of God’s righteousness so ignite a flame in our hearts that will spread to everyone in our world producing many followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor David D. Allen

Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (ESV)

How would you have responded to the call that Paul was given?

If God would have given me that call I would have probably said, “Thanks but no thanks.”  “That’s wonderful, here am I, send somebody else.”

Suffering is not something most of us seek.  And we really don’t need to seek it, because at some point we will experience it.

Being told ahead of time that the reason you were chosen for a task which would include “much” suffering, would challenge, scare—even the bravest.  Look at what Paul endured:

2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. (ESV)

Why was Paul able to accept this calling?  Why was Paul able to endure so much suffering?

Look back at his conversion story.

Acts 9:3-9 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (ESV)

Why was Paul able to endure suffering and remain faithful to his calling?
He saw Jesus!

He had a personal, life transforming encounter with Jesus.  And having seen Jesus and understood the truth of what Jesus had done for him on the cross, Paul served gratefully and joyfully.

How can we prepare for suffering—get to know, to see who Jesus is, and understand what He has done for you.

I hope that as you study the book of Romans, you will understand the depth of what Christ has done and the beauty of who He is.

Steve Kilgore

What’s it like to have the best pedigree?  Well, maybe heredity or heritage is a better word, since we normally associate pedigree with animals.  But, actually, pedigree really is the right word.

Philippians 3:2-14 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

A pedigree is defined as the right line of ancestors, the record of what makes an animal a pure-bred.  For many their ancestral records, their pedigree, is very important.

Paul could have placed much emphasis on his lineage.  In Jewish circles he had a very significant pedigree.  But he understood that one’s pedigree is not as important as one’s personal relationship with Jesus.

My Great-Aunt Nancy traced our family ancestry back to Scotland in the 14th century, very interesting.  And four of the last five generations before me were all in ministries either as pastors or missionaries—I think that’s pretty significant.  But I can’t live my life based on my pedigree.  And if I don’t place a high priority on my personal relationship with the Lord, what will happen with that pedigree?  What will my two sons inherit?

Just as Paul put no confidence in his pedigree and all his confidence in the Lord, we too should live with our eyes on our Savior and Lord; by doing that we can trust the Lord that we can leave a godly legacy after us.  A legacy that, by His will, will leave a godly legacy to their children’s children.

Steve Kilgore

The last book of the Bible, Revelation has inspired fantasy and fanaticism. It has terrified and caused confusion. But to be understood, it must be understood in its literary genre. As a book about prophecy we must understand the purpose of prophecy to understand it.

The primary role of prophecy in Scripture is not so much to tell the future as to teach the faithful. But God’s people are not always faithful. So Revelation, like Old Testament prophecy, denounces sin, calls the people of God to repentance, warns them of judgment, encourages the righteous, and confirms the promises of God and the certainty of the fulfillment of what God promised through Abraham, Moses, David, and others. These predictions of the future deal with the end times (coming of the Lord) and the role of converted Israel in those days.

So, prophecy should encourage and challenge—it should motivate me to walk in a manner worthy of God with anticipation.
Prophecy should exhort and condemn those who are sinning—it sends out a call to repentance and return to walking purely in light of the surety of God’s discipline and judgment.
It both exhorts and provides hope—it gives hope based on God’s faithfulness, that God will do what He said He would do, therefore we can trust Him.

The Seven Churches
One of the unique elements of the book of Revelation is the first section, addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor. Of the seven churches only one does not receive commendation, Laodicea. What were they guilty of that would single them out?

Revelation 3:15-17 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (ESV)

What is their problem? Self-sufficiency, materialistic self-sufficiency and indifference.

The Lord wants believers who realize they are weak. Who understand their utter dependence on God and who live each day by faith. An understanding of need naturally and happily leads to a spirit of surrender which is evident by undivided allegiance, total surrender and total dedication to the Lord.

The temptation is great to depend on what we have, who we are, what we can do. When we become self-sufficient, we are telling God we don’t need Him. And since God’s greatest goal is His own glory, His worship, He will not be ignored or marginalized. He must be Lord, not just at the point of our conversion, but each day.

He doesn’t want to be part of our life; He wants to BE our life.
He doesn’t want people who are so comfortable in life that they lose the sense of His priority in their life.

He wants people that are sold-out, serve passionately, engaged with expectation and are grateful for every good gift.

So may we be needy, grateful people who are passionate, zealous about and for God.

Steve Kilgore

The non-Pauline letters came to be known as general or catholic because on the whole they were not written to specific audiences like Paul’s letters (although you will see from reading them that specific situations are in the mind of the authors as they wrote them).

I find all the General Epistles very practical. They help with every day living—as long as our every day living has difficulties. If you don’t have struggles or are not facing or going to face suffering, persecution or trials—than you really don’t need to read these letters.

That is said with as much sarcasm as I can muster. As with the rest of Scripture, these books are profitable for our instruction, reproof, correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). So we truly need to be familiar with these books. And, as a side note, a number of these books also deal with the battle for truth in the midst of heresy and false teaching, something we must always be mindful of.

By way of overview, here is how I would state the theme or title of the each book

Hebrews—The Superiority of Christ Must Lead to Submission to Him
James—Real Faith Produces Genuine Works
Faith in God should result in behavior that is in harmony with His will.
1 Peter—Hope in the Midst of Troubled Times
God’s Grace is Sufficient for all our needs (stand firm in it 5:12)
2 Peter—Faithful Conduct Amidst Unfaithful Contacts
The sufficiency of Scripture
2 John—Brotherly Love is the Product of Abiding in the Truth
3 John—Abiding in the Truth is Essential in order to Maintain Brotherly Love
Jude—Contend for the Faith

One Passage
There are a number of wonderful passages in these letters that are my “favorites,” one example is:

1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (ESV)

But in light of our study of Romans, the one passage that I pray will always astonish, excite, humble and cause me to praise God is in Hebrews. Hebrews is so deep and rich it is hard to capture it’s truths in a single passage or even a single section. So, without further comment, simply read these verses and meditate on the wonder of your Savior and salvation.

Hebrews 9:11-15 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. (ESV)

Hebrews 9:23-28 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (ESV)

Hebrews 10:10-14 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. (ESV)

Now you may want to read all of chapters 9 and 10, or go back and start reading at 4:14 and read through chapter 10. Oh, why not just read the whole book!

Then come back to the book of Romans begin reading Romans.

Steve Kilgore

As we prepare to study the book of Romans, we have considered the Gospels and Acts, now as a whole we will consider Paul’s letters.Paul’s letters can be divided a number of ways. A simple way is:
Missionary Letters—those written while on his first three missionary journeys

Galatians
1 and 2 Thessalonians
1 and 2 Corinthians, Romans

In these letters we see the struggles of the expansion of the church—how to deal with the diversification of the church. The church moved from being primarily Jewish to multinational. But not only multinational, it moved from the monotheistic Jewish environment to pagan cultures. So the church had to learn how to be the church in culture—pagan cultures.

The lessons from these books still ring true today. We must learn how to be a unified church as our environment changes. As we become less homogeneous and more diverse, unity will be and is tested. But a diverse church can also be a more powerful witness to the world. For in what other place can a diverse group of people still be unified and loving? Where we accept differences, even celebrate differences, while maintaining oneness. May that be true of us.

Prison letters—those written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment

Ephesians
Colossians
Philemon
Philippians

In these letters we see a strong focus on relational connection without diminishing doctrinal purity.

Pastoral letters—written to two close associates who were serving churches

1 and 2 Timothy
Titus

In these very personal letters, we learn more about the structure and function of leadership and laity. The church is not only to continue expanding but to be established in truth and purity.

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, (ESV)

As we study Paul’s letter to the Romans, this phrase, “knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness” would be a great goal. To know more truth about God and how to walk with Him and understand how truth should not only fill our minds, but change our hearts, change our actions and attitude. May the study of God Word be used by God to mold our hearts, transform our mind, and conform our wills to His.

Steve Kilgore

Scripture quotations marked “ESV” are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.

One thing we learn from the book of Acts is that God intended His great command and great commission to be obeyed, they were not just suggestions.

He commanded His followers to love Him and others with all of themselves and at all cost. In Acts we begin to see the successes produced by the Holy Spirit empowered Church. The small band of scared followers is transformed and expanded.

We learn of their foundational practices

Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (ESV)

We learn of their foundational joys

Acts 2:43-47
Their mutual commitment Acts 4:32-37

We learn of their early trials

From outside Acts 4
From pride Acts 5
From inside Acts 6

We see their response to trial Acts 7
We see the church go global Acts 8, 9-28

And there is much we can learn—but several thoughts strike me in reading Acts.

Beyond seeing the Lord do amazing thing—what we see are ordinary people allowing God to do extraordinary things through them because they were committed to Him.

We also see in Acts the record (narrative) of God’s work. And there are items that are descriptive and others that are prescriptive. What I mean is that there are things that are simply recorded. The disciples in the weeks after Pentecost meet in the temple. That is descriptive. We don’t have to meet in the temple, but we do have to meet (Hebrews 10:25). In Acts 1 when the disciples decided to replace Judas, they determined the basic qualifications, identified two potential individuals and then they drew lots. This is the last mention in the Bible related to drawing lots. Is this prescriptive? Should church leaders be selected by casting lots? Or is it more likely descriptive of what was done, not what we should do?

The story of the expansion of the gospel to all the world (or at least the known world) is descriptive but also prescriptive. The Lord had commanded this:

Luke 24:46-49 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (ESV)

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV)

So as we read and study Acts, like any other narrative, we need to understand what is descriptive and what is prescriptive. We can learn from the descriptive but we must obey that which is prescriptive.

Steve Kilgore

(For video associated with this devotional click here)
Scripture quotations marked “ESV” are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.

Sunday, September 9 Coordinated Curriculum study: New Testament Survey

How do you write a devotional related to New Testament Survey? It sounds so academic not practical or related to real life stuff.

Let’s think about it. . .

The Gospels are theology in narrative form. Not just history, but historical narrative with a purpose—to show us who Jesus is and what is expected of us.

Who is Jesus?

John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. (ESV)

He is God.
He is eternal
He is Creator
He is Savior

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV)

He is man
He came to be with man

John 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (ESV)

He came to make the Father known.

Why did Jesus come?

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)

He came to serve and save.

What does Jesus from His followers?

Looking at the gospel of Mark for our answer we can develop this definition of a follower of Jesus:

A disciple is one who steps out from the crowd to follow (1:18, 20) without conditions (10:21) without regard to prior condition (2:14-15) for the purpose of being with Christ (to Know Him) and be sent out by Him with Power/Authority (3:14-15) doing the will of God (obedience 3:35) by responding to the Word with perseverance that bears fruit (4:20) in service of others (paradox, not self 8:34-38; 9:35-37; 10:42-45) and at cost to self (8:34-38 which requires surrender 6:10; 8:34; 10:21) a result of/through faith (7:24-30; 9:14-29; 10:52; 15:39 see also 7:24-30).

To followed him pictures discipleship, meaning that to learn from Jesus is to follow him as the guiding priority of one’s life. Discipleship starts with belief (trust) and repentance (1:15) and emphasizes knowing and enjoying Him more than on the doing for Him.

The goal of discipleship is intimate relationship first, not perfection. Relationship leads to transformation.

When the disciples are apart from Jesus, they are in trouble (6:45; 9:17-29)—so our goal is to stay close. To love Him because we know Him.

May our study of God’s Word cause us to know Him and His Son. May our study be for transformation not just information.

Steve Kilgore

Scripture quotations marked “ESV” are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.