Highlights In Today's Reading:
The theme of the Book of Romans is the Gospel of God. . . . it is the power of God unto salvation (1:1-16). Results of unbelief (1:28). The Law condemns both pagan and Jew (2:1-29). Final verdict — everyone is guilty (3:10,23). Law reveals sin (3:20). Justification is by faith in Christ who died for our sins (3:21-31).
Sin has cut off our relationship with God. Genuine repentance is a fundamental requirement to saving faith. Sadly, today there are many who continue to commit some of theses sins: Being filled with all unrighteousness (every kind of wrongdoing), fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate (quarreling), deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection (unloving), implacable (ruthless), unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them (1:29-32). Some even say they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but their lives show no evidence of genuine repentance. This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me (Mark 7:6).
Jesus said that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations (Luke 24:47). Where there is genuine faith there will always be repentance. The Apostle Peter followed the example of the Master when he preached: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19). The Apostle Paul was just as emphatic in Athens when he said: God . . . commandeth all men every where to repent (17:30).
The confession of one's personal sinfulness is the first step to all true repentance. The sincere believer never seeks to excuse himself or blame or compare himself with others but, like the publican, cries: God be merciful to me a sinner (Luke 18: 13). Through the Holy Spirit, he is convicted and sees himself as a sinner in rebellion against God.
How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? . . . Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. . . . Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. . . . Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:2,6,12,16).
Thought for Today:
Only Jesus was perfect. Believers may occasionally sin, but they deeply regret it and ask forgiveness.
Word Studies:
1:13 let hitherto =b> prevented; 1:21 vain =b> morally misguided, empty, worthless; 1:29 debate =b> strife; malignity =b> depravity of heart; whisperers =b> gossipers; 2:22 commit sacrilege =b> rob temples; 3:2 oracles =b> the Scriptures; 3:25 propitiation =b> satisfaction, reconciliation; remission =b> forgiveness of former sins.
Cross References:
For Romans 1:17: See Hab. 2:4. Romans 2:24: See Isaiah 52:5. Romans 3:4: See Psalm 51:4. Romans 3:10: See Psalm 14:1. Romans 3:11: See Psalm 14:2. Romans 3:12: See Psalm 14:3. Romans 3:13: See Psalm 5:9. Romans 3:14: See Psalm 10:7. Romans 3:15: See Isaiah 59:7. Romans 3:16-17: See Isaiah 59:7-8. Romans 3:18: See Psalm 36:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Officials: Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY), Rep. Jo Bonner (AL), Sen. Tom Harkin (IA), and Rep. Lamar Smith (TX) • Country: New Zealand (4 million) two large islands southeast of Australia • Major languages: English and Maori • Religious freedom • 51% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers with a spirit of thankfulness and praise to the Lord (Psa. 79:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 5:7