Romans Series – Jesus Speaks Through The Centuries

As Paul wraps up his letter to the Roman people, he continues to drive forward the idea of unity, and we realize that sometimes there are no specific answers from Scripture for the questions we have in life.  God has presented us with his principles, and then gives us the responsibility of making decisions.

Last week we ended with where we apply a standard of life.  Christ died for us.  Why? Because we are sinful and need a savior.  In living out our lives, we move forward in unity in Christ, and that will make us stronger.

Paul has to address a main issue or conflict with the Jewish leaders and people.  Jesus’ message was simple, accept Christ as Lord and be saved.  This is the simple message that is to both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jewish) can join together and accept.

So why can we be confident that Jesus is Messiah?  It was because of the relationship God formed with his chosen people.  From Adam to Abraham to David and all others, God has been laying the foundation of the reality of Jesus.  He made promises, hundreds of promises, to the Jewish people pointing to Jesus.

In every age and period of history, the truth of Jesus continues and speaks into every life.  The truth is that not one of us go after God on our own.  It is God that seeks after us.  And when we are confronted, we are shocked that we don’t have to perform some action or prove yourself to God.  All we have to do is accept the Lordship of God’s Son as our savior.  Nothing more.

When Paul speaks of “worship” in this passage, you can read next to this “having a relationship with God.”  Because you didn’t worship someone you didn’t know or have a relationship with.  Worship without relationship is empty and the language of hollow religion.

Here is the question he would be asking them, “When you talk about the relationship what do you define it as?”   The relationship is not defined by the person.  It is for sure experienced and participated by, but if completely defined by the end person, it becomes some sort of wishful relationship.  A relationship based on what we wish it to be, not of what is to actually be.

This is what so unique of the Biblical Christian message.  We all stand in the same level of relationship with God, and the wholeness of God is accessible to everyone.  The world will tell you that you need to “feel good” about the relationship.  Where there is no conflict internally, especially the conflict between the deepest sinful nature and that of God’s principles and truth.  It is the enemy that pushes the narrative that you need to “feel good” about your relationship.

Next couple of weeks we will finish up our journey through Romans.  I encourage you to revisit the complete book of Romans and renew the wonderful messages given.  You can also look back on the details of our study by looking at the past messages.