Post by arete on Jan 30, 2014 20:24:23 GMT
Introduction:
In November 1515, an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther teaching theology at a university in Wittenberg began teaching a series on Romans to his students. As he prepared lessons, he came more and more to see Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith. He wrote, “I greatly longed to understand…and nothing stood in the way but that one expression, ‘the righteousness of God.’ Night and day I pondered until…I grasped the truth that the righteousness of God is that righteousness whereby, through grace and sheer mercy, he justifies us by faith. Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn… [and] This passage of Paul became to me a gateway to heaven.” The consequences of Luther’s study of Romans are now part of the history of the church. Now, beginning in January of 2011, let us reap the bounty and treasure of the letter to the Romans…
Context:
Romans is the longest and most systematically reasoned of Paul’s letters. Paul announces its theme in 1:16–17: the gospel is God’s power for salvation, because it shows us that the righteousness of God is through faith for all who believe. Paul explains the need for justification through faith because of sin (1:16–4:25). He then spells out the results of justification by faith in terms of both present experience and future hope (5:1–8:39). In the next three chapters, he expresses his sorrow that many of his fellow Israelites have not embraced the gospel, and he wrestles with the theological implications of this (chs. 9–11). He concludes by describing how the gospel should affect one’s everyday life (chs. 12–16). Paul wrote his letter to Rome in about AD 57.
Body – Romans 1:1-17 – ESV
Greeting
[1:1] Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, [2] which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, [3] concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh [4] and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, [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, [6] including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
[7] To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Longing to Go to Rome
[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. [9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you [10] always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. [11] For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—[12] that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. [13] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. [14] I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. [15] So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Salutation vv. 1-7
Like letters today where we might begin “Dear Romans”, there were normal customs to writing letters & Paul follows them. This first section is called a salutation & contains the normal items for Paul’s day – incl. identifying himself to his readers as well as identifying his audience.
Paul first identifies himself as a servant. Or to be more precise – a slave or bondslave. Paul is not his own person. As a slave, he also has a master or lord – which he identifies as Jesus. This is interesting because instead of being puffed up about being an apostle – Paul knows he is a slave to Christ – like all believers. In our world, pastors and missionaries might be treated like super-Christians or better than – we would all do well to follow Paul’s humble view of himself
However, Paul does not avoid identifying himself as an apostle. This is because like any slave, he must do what his master requires of him. He is not an apostle because he is great – rather he is an apostle because the Great God called him to be one. The term used for called here and elsewhere is not an invitation – it is a rightful command from master to slave
Further, Paul’s call includes being set apart to the gospel of God. What he means is that this is not Paul’s insight into God – but he has a message that belongs to God. The good news is owned by God and as an apostle – an authorized messenger – he has a duty to proclaim it
This gospel is not a new invention of a sect of Jews. Rather, the good news of God’s salvation was promised by God and is recorded throughout Scripture.
The information contained in the Scripture contained information about the coming savior
1. The Messiah would be descended from David – a son of David
2. Even more the Messiah is the unique (John 3:16 only begotten/one and only) Son of God
3. Jesus’ sonship is not merely a matter of Paul’s belief – but has been attested to by a witness no less reliable than God himself – God the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Holiness is a Jewish reference to the HS) – that testimony was with the power of God and not only through the miracles throughout his life – but also in his resurrection from the dead
The promised Savior Jesus is the source of grace and apostleship. Jesus is the vehicle of God’s grace and one of the many graces is that Jesus appointed some to be apostles like Paul
A key aspect of Paul’s apostleship is to lead people into faith – not empty faith, but faith that leads to obedience to God – and not just to the Jews, but to all nations
Among those nations – are the people at Rome – that is those people called to belong to Christ – those called to be slaves to their master Jesus
When Paul introduced himself – he did it in relation to who he is in Christ and spent more time talking about his master than he did himself.
Paul now specifically identifies his audience – those who are loved by God – even more precisely – those called (commanded) to be saints. This term saint means a holy one, specifically one who has been set apart for and to God
Paul then pronounces the highest wish any saint could have – Grace and peace – knowing and experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and the peace of knowing Christ – the fullness of eternal life only found in Christ – and this is not from Paul – but as an apostle, duly appointed by God to speak on God’s behalf – the grace and peace is from the Father and the Son
Application:
We need to know who we are – and who we are is fully dependent on who is Jesus? If he is a dead man – then like Paul writes in 1 Cor 15:19 – we are to be pitied. However, God’s power bears witness that Jesus is the unique Son of God – who alone could pay our sin debt. He is our Savior and our Master. Who are we? We are the ones called by God to belong to Jesus. We are his bondslaves. We are not our own person – because we have indeed been bought with blood. How many of us would go to work and do whatever we felt like doing regardless of what the boss has told us to do? Then why do we act like our lives and our spirituality is our own and that we can do or obey as we see fit? Our culture tempts us to treat Jesus like an elected official instead of a sovereign king and our owner. We belong to God and are set apart to his service. We had best do it – and not because God will know – for he will – but we should do it out of love for our master who paid for our eternal life. We have two choices – be a slave to sin which leads to death – or be a slave to Christ and live. Sin is a tyrant that crushes and corrupts. Jesus is a savior who offers us grace and peace. This truth is merely the greeting. Fortunately, Paul will spend the rest of Romans teaching us more about who Jesus is, who we are and what we should do about it.
Illustration:
I am God's child. I am a friend of Jesus Christ. I have been justified. I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. I am a member of Christ's body. I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. I am complete in Christ. I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. I am free from condemnation. I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. I cannot be separated from the love of God. I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. I am hidden with Christ in God. I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. I am a citizen of heaven. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. I am God's temple. I am a minister of reconciliation for God. I may approach God with freedom and confidence. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Introduction vv. 8-15
First things first – Paul commends God’s grace and the faith of the Christians at Rome. Paul’s thankfulness shows that he knows that their faith is a grace gift from God. He also is thankful that their faith proclaims not themselves, but the glory of God throughout the Roman world
Next, Paul assures them that God can testify on his behalf – this is no empty boast, but Paul is calling for God to intervene if he is not truthful. The truth Paul wants them to know is that whenever he prays – he includes the saints at Rome in his prayers – especially that God might allow him to come to them
Paul has reasons for wanting to come to them
1. He wants to impart a spiritual gift to them. Paul wants to exercise his spiritual gifts among them. It is right that he should desire this as our spiritual gifts are given to us so that we will use them in the service of one another
2. However, Paul is not coming to them as their better, but as their fellow believer. He also desires to be encouraged by them. He wants to strengthen them and wants to be strengthened in turn. If Paul needed the fellowship of the church – we all need it. We need the opportunity to minister and to be ministered to
Paul seems to think that the Christians at Rome need a reason that he has not come to them. He has spent years in many Roman provinces. At any rate, he has desired to come to them – to have a spiritual harvest there – he is called to be an apostle to the Gentiles, he has a longing to fulfill his call
But Paul has been prevented. Only one person could prevent him – his master. Paul’s desire has not been granted because God has required him to be elsewhere. Paul is not his own master and his desires have had to wait.
Yet Paul’s desire remains, not because he wishes to rebel against his master, but he feels a longing to fulfill is master’s call – to preach the gospel among the Gentiles. Paul feels a burden, an obligation to fulfill his call – so he is eager to preach in Rome
Illustration:
One of the more famous quotes from presidents past is that we ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country (JFK). I propose that this better fits the fellowship of believers. Too often believers are more interested in getting their own desires met by the church rather than operating according to God’s command that we live to love and serve one another and not merely to be served.
Application:
There are signs of spiritual health here that we should see in ourselves. We should pray for one another and for Christians elsewhere. We should have fellowship with one another. We should exercise our gifts to the building up of our brothers. We should be willing to be built up by others – not denying them the blessing of ministering to us. We should be willing to have God make the final decision when and where we live and minister. And we should feel a burden for others – a desire to share the gospel and to share our gifts.
Proclamation vv. 16-17
Paul now proclaims what he is eager to preach
His eagerness rejects shame. Paul lives in a world where many do not tolerate his faith. He has been subjected to ridicule and bodily harm. Yet he refuses to feel shame
Why? Because the good news of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the power of God for salvation. The good news of Jesus when proclaimed is accompanied by the power of God
This power is for everyone who believes – both the Jew and the non-Jew. We are too used to the idea that salvation is also for the non-Jew. This is an amazing grace of God – to offer a special relationship with himself to those who have not been his chosen people and have in fact ridiculed and went to war with his people. God is not the God of just the Jews – but is God over the whole world!
The righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel – this is the revelation that changed Martin Luther and has impacted the whole world. The righteousness spoken of here is how the just and holy God has made provision for our sin debt to be paid by the blood of Christ. We who were so deeply mired in the filth of sin that we could never hope to get ourselves clean – we can be washed pure by the blood of Christ
This great salvation can never be accomplished by works. Works cannot contribute the least grain to the weight of our salvation.
This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows the words of God – for the Scriptures in Habakkuk attest – righteousness before God is accomplished by faith
Illustration:
How dangerous it is to join anything of our own to the righteousness of Christ, in pursuit of justification before God! Jesus Christ will never endure this; it reflects upon His work dishonorably. He will be all, or none, in our justification. If He has finished the work, what need is there of our additions? And if not, to what purpose are they? Can we finish that which Christ Himself could not complete? Did He finish the work, and will He ever divide the glory and praise of it with us? No, no; Christ is no half-Savior. It is a hard thing to bring proud hearts to rest upon Christ for righteousness. God humbles the proud by calling sinners wholly from their own righteousness to Christ for their justification. - John Flavel
Application:
If we truly lay hold to the glory and majesty of God’s salvation, we will have no room left in us to ever be ashamed of declaring it. Man does not, cannot, & will not ever add anything to his salvation. The only thing he brings is the sin he needs to be saved from. If we truly lay hold of this, we become free from the tyranny of works. As Christ’s slaves we have great liberty. We are no longer bound by sin, but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be able to do good works, not out of fear of hell, or out of dry duty. No, instead we are free to live right because we love our savior and love to please him. What a strange thing for our human minds – that our slavery to Christ brings to us great freedom. Yet no matter how strange, also how true.
So What? How does this play out in our lives?
We cannot know who we are – except in relation to who we are in Jesus Christ. We belong to him and because of this we can trust in his care, mercy, grace, and every provision necessary and good for us. Yet, we are not our own and he rightly requires our obedience.
We cannot be who we are in Christ by making the fellowship of believers in our image. It is not all about me. It’s not all about you. Our desires must be subordinate to God’s design and desires. Even when Paul desired something good, he had to remember that he was to obey God’s will. We should come to church for what we glean from it for our health – but woe to us if we are not coming also to give of ourselves to one another.
As we come to understand who we are in Christ, we cannot fall for the lie that faith is never accompanied by works. While works do not contribute the least to our salvation – salvation produces fruit – no fruit means at best a sick tree if not a dead one. Salvation is a free gift and a gift that is seen in a godly life that indeed bears much fruit.
So let us grasp tightly what Luther grasped – hold firm and stand fast on the truth of God’s immeasurable grace in the free gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation that he alone provides that we have by faith. Let us also rejoice that we have the peace that salvation alone provides as we look at this passage in Romans
In November 1515, an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther teaching theology at a university in Wittenberg began teaching a series on Romans to his students. As he prepared lessons, he came more and more to see Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith. He wrote, “I greatly longed to understand…and nothing stood in the way but that one expression, ‘the righteousness of God.’ Night and day I pondered until…I grasped the truth that the righteousness of God is that righteousness whereby, through grace and sheer mercy, he justifies us by faith. Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn… [and] This passage of Paul became to me a gateway to heaven.” The consequences of Luther’s study of Romans are now part of the history of the church. Now, beginning in January of 2011, let us reap the bounty and treasure of the letter to the Romans…
Context:
Romans is the longest and most systematically reasoned of Paul’s letters. Paul announces its theme in 1:16–17: the gospel is God’s power for salvation, because it shows us that the righteousness of God is through faith for all who believe. Paul explains the need for justification through faith because of sin (1:16–4:25). He then spells out the results of justification by faith in terms of both present experience and future hope (5:1–8:39). In the next three chapters, he expresses his sorrow that many of his fellow Israelites have not embraced the gospel, and he wrestles with the theological implications of this (chs. 9–11). He concludes by describing how the gospel should affect one’s everyday life (chs. 12–16). Paul wrote his letter to Rome in about AD 57.
Body – Romans 1:1-17 – ESV
Greeting
[1:1] Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, [2] which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, [3] concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh [4] and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, [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, [6] including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
[7] To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Longing to Go to Rome
[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. [9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you [10] always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. [11] For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—[12] that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. [13] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. [14] I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. [15] So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Salutation vv. 1-7
Like letters today where we might begin “Dear Romans”, there were normal customs to writing letters & Paul follows them. This first section is called a salutation & contains the normal items for Paul’s day – incl. identifying himself to his readers as well as identifying his audience.
Paul first identifies himself as a servant. Or to be more precise – a slave or bondslave. Paul is not his own person. As a slave, he also has a master or lord – which he identifies as Jesus. This is interesting because instead of being puffed up about being an apostle – Paul knows he is a slave to Christ – like all believers. In our world, pastors and missionaries might be treated like super-Christians or better than – we would all do well to follow Paul’s humble view of himself
However, Paul does not avoid identifying himself as an apostle. This is because like any slave, he must do what his master requires of him. He is not an apostle because he is great – rather he is an apostle because the Great God called him to be one. The term used for called here and elsewhere is not an invitation – it is a rightful command from master to slave
Further, Paul’s call includes being set apart to the gospel of God. What he means is that this is not Paul’s insight into God – but he has a message that belongs to God. The good news is owned by God and as an apostle – an authorized messenger – he has a duty to proclaim it
This gospel is not a new invention of a sect of Jews. Rather, the good news of God’s salvation was promised by God and is recorded throughout Scripture.
The information contained in the Scripture contained information about the coming savior
1. The Messiah would be descended from David – a son of David
2. Even more the Messiah is the unique (John 3:16 only begotten/one and only) Son of God
3. Jesus’ sonship is not merely a matter of Paul’s belief – but has been attested to by a witness no less reliable than God himself – God the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Holiness is a Jewish reference to the HS) – that testimony was with the power of God and not only through the miracles throughout his life – but also in his resurrection from the dead
The promised Savior Jesus is the source of grace and apostleship. Jesus is the vehicle of God’s grace and one of the many graces is that Jesus appointed some to be apostles like Paul
A key aspect of Paul’s apostleship is to lead people into faith – not empty faith, but faith that leads to obedience to God – and not just to the Jews, but to all nations
Among those nations – are the people at Rome – that is those people called to belong to Christ – those called to be slaves to their master Jesus
When Paul introduced himself – he did it in relation to who he is in Christ and spent more time talking about his master than he did himself.
Paul now specifically identifies his audience – those who are loved by God – even more precisely – those called (commanded) to be saints. This term saint means a holy one, specifically one who has been set apart for and to God
Paul then pronounces the highest wish any saint could have – Grace and peace – knowing and experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and the peace of knowing Christ – the fullness of eternal life only found in Christ – and this is not from Paul – but as an apostle, duly appointed by God to speak on God’s behalf – the grace and peace is from the Father and the Son
Application:
We need to know who we are – and who we are is fully dependent on who is Jesus? If he is a dead man – then like Paul writes in 1 Cor 15:19 – we are to be pitied. However, God’s power bears witness that Jesus is the unique Son of God – who alone could pay our sin debt. He is our Savior and our Master. Who are we? We are the ones called by God to belong to Jesus. We are his bondslaves. We are not our own person – because we have indeed been bought with blood. How many of us would go to work and do whatever we felt like doing regardless of what the boss has told us to do? Then why do we act like our lives and our spirituality is our own and that we can do or obey as we see fit? Our culture tempts us to treat Jesus like an elected official instead of a sovereign king and our owner. We belong to God and are set apart to his service. We had best do it – and not because God will know – for he will – but we should do it out of love for our master who paid for our eternal life. We have two choices – be a slave to sin which leads to death – or be a slave to Christ and live. Sin is a tyrant that crushes and corrupts. Jesus is a savior who offers us grace and peace. This truth is merely the greeting. Fortunately, Paul will spend the rest of Romans teaching us more about who Jesus is, who we are and what we should do about it.
Illustration:
I am God's child. I am a friend of Jesus Christ. I have been justified. I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. I am a member of Christ's body. I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. I am complete in Christ. I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. I am free from condemnation. I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. I cannot be separated from the love of God. I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. I am hidden with Christ in God. I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. I am a citizen of heaven. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. I am God's temple. I am a minister of reconciliation for God. I may approach God with freedom and confidence. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Introduction vv. 8-15
First things first – Paul commends God’s grace and the faith of the Christians at Rome. Paul’s thankfulness shows that he knows that their faith is a grace gift from God. He also is thankful that their faith proclaims not themselves, but the glory of God throughout the Roman world
Next, Paul assures them that God can testify on his behalf – this is no empty boast, but Paul is calling for God to intervene if he is not truthful. The truth Paul wants them to know is that whenever he prays – he includes the saints at Rome in his prayers – especially that God might allow him to come to them
Paul has reasons for wanting to come to them
1. He wants to impart a spiritual gift to them. Paul wants to exercise his spiritual gifts among them. It is right that he should desire this as our spiritual gifts are given to us so that we will use them in the service of one another
2. However, Paul is not coming to them as their better, but as their fellow believer. He also desires to be encouraged by them. He wants to strengthen them and wants to be strengthened in turn. If Paul needed the fellowship of the church – we all need it. We need the opportunity to minister and to be ministered to
Paul seems to think that the Christians at Rome need a reason that he has not come to them. He has spent years in many Roman provinces. At any rate, he has desired to come to them – to have a spiritual harvest there – he is called to be an apostle to the Gentiles, he has a longing to fulfill his call
But Paul has been prevented. Only one person could prevent him – his master. Paul’s desire has not been granted because God has required him to be elsewhere. Paul is not his own master and his desires have had to wait.
Yet Paul’s desire remains, not because he wishes to rebel against his master, but he feels a longing to fulfill is master’s call – to preach the gospel among the Gentiles. Paul feels a burden, an obligation to fulfill his call – so he is eager to preach in Rome
Illustration:
One of the more famous quotes from presidents past is that we ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country (JFK). I propose that this better fits the fellowship of believers. Too often believers are more interested in getting their own desires met by the church rather than operating according to God’s command that we live to love and serve one another and not merely to be served.
Application:
There are signs of spiritual health here that we should see in ourselves. We should pray for one another and for Christians elsewhere. We should have fellowship with one another. We should exercise our gifts to the building up of our brothers. We should be willing to be built up by others – not denying them the blessing of ministering to us. We should be willing to have God make the final decision when and where we live and minister. And we should feel a burden for others – a desire to share the gospel and to share our gifts.
Proclamation vv. 16-17
Paul now proclaims what he is eager to preach
His eagerness rejects shame. Paul lives in a world where many do not tolerate his faith. He has been subjected to ridicule and bodily harm. Yet he refuses to feel shame
Why? Because the good news of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the power of God for salvation. The good news of Jesus when proclaimed is accompanied by the power of God
This power is for everyone who believes – both the Jew and the non-Jew. We are too used to the idea that salvation is also for the non-Jew. This is an amazing grace of God – to offer a special relationship with himself to those who have not been his chosen people and have in fact ridiculed and went to war with his people. God is not the God of just the Jews – but is God over the whole world!
The righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel – this is the revelation that changed Martin Luther and has impacted the whole world. The righteousness spoken of here is how the just and holy God has made provision for our sin debt to be paid by the blood of Christ. We who were so deeply mired in the filth of sin that we could never hope to get ourselves clean – we can be washed pure by the blood of Christ
This great salvation can never be accomplished by works. Works cannot contribute the least grain to the weight of our salvation.
This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows the words of God – for the Scriptures in Habakkuk attest – righteousness before God is accomplished by faith
Illustration:
How dangerous it is to join anything of our own to the righteousness of Christ, in pursuit of justification before God! Jesus Christ will never endure this; it reflects upon His work dishonorably. He will be all, or none, in our justification. If He has finished the work, what need is there of our additions? And if not, to what purpose are they? Can we finish that which Christ Himself could not complete? Did He finish the work, and will He ever divide the glory and praise of it with us? No, no; Christ is no half-Savior. It is a hard thing to bring proud hearts to rest upon Christ for righteousness. God humbles the proud by calling sinners wholly from their own righteousness to Christ for their justification. - John Flavel
Application:
If we truly lay hold to the glory and majesty of God’s salvation, we will have no room left in us to ever be ashamed of declaring it. Man does not, cannot, & will not ever add anything to his salvation. The only thing he brings is the sin he needs to be saved from. If we truly lay hold of this, we become free from the tyranny of works. As Christ’s slaves we have great liberty. We are no longer bound by sin, but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be able to do good works, not out of fear of hell, or out of dry duty. No, instead we are free to live right because we love our savior and love to please him. What a strange thing for our human minds – that our slavery to Christ brings to us great freedom. Yet no matter how strange, also how true.
So What? How does this play out in our lives?
We cannot know who we are – except in relation to who we are in Jesus Christ. We belong to him and because of this we can trust in his care, mercy, grace, and every provision necessary and good for us. Yet, we are not our own and he rightly requires our obedience.
We cannot be who we are in Christ by making the fellowship of believers in our image. It is not all about me. It’s not all about you. Our desires must be subordinate to God’s design and desires. Even when Paul desired something good, he had to remember that he was to obey God’s will. We should come to church for what we glean from it for our health – but woe to us if we are not coming also to give of ourselves to one another.
As we come to understand who we are in Christ, we cannot fall for the lie that faith is never accompanied by works. While works do not contribute the least to our salvation – salvation produces fruit – no fruit means at best a sick tree if not a dead one. Salvation is a free gift and a gift that is seen in a godly life that indeed bears much fruit.
So let us grasp tightly what Luther grasped – hold firm and stand fast on the truth of God’s immeasurable grace in the free gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation that he alone provides that we have by faith. Let us also rejoice that we have the peace that salvation alone provides as we look at this passage in Romans