:: in.a.mirror.dimly ::

Continuing my meditations on the book of Romans…

At the end of this epistle Paul gives a fascinating role call of his friends and partners in ministry who supported him financially and spiritually. There are accounts of financial gifts, friends who risked their lives for each other, those who worked hard, and those who shared their homes. Many suffered for Christ in prison or through material loss.

In this microcosm of the early church we see models of Christian discipleship at work, the practical unity of the church in daily life, and the costs of following Christ. Whatever the problems addressed in this epistle, we can see that God’s Spirit prompted many to live extraordinary lives as disciples.

As a final word, Paul warned them about those who cause divisions or diverge from apostolic teaching. The divisive and incorrect are serving their own agendas for their own glory. Paul knows the Romans are on the right track, but desires to keep them pure and innocent.

There is a stark contrast that we should notice between those honored by Paul and those who serve themselves. Paul notes those who have risked their money, reputation, and safety for the sake of the Gospel and for fellow believers.

Even so, God will soon crush Satan as they struggle through hard times. They are reminded that Paul and his many friends stand united with them in both suffering and in the power of God.

Paul ends with a massive theological statement that essentially sums up God saving and sanctifying power and plan. In God’s wisdom the Jews and Gentiles have been saved in Christ according to God’s plan that was hidden and mysterious for many generations. This plan that was first mentioned by the prophets has now been fully revealed in Christ.

Continuing my meditations on the book of Romans…

After providing instructions on Christian conduct and asking the Romans to commit to build one another up, Paul continues to instruct the Romans on living in Christian love and unity. Though love and unity are generated by the power of the Holy Spirit through Christ, Paul makes it clear that the Romans have an important role to play.

Christ bore the insults directed to God, much like David in the Psalm quoted, and laid down his life for others. The Romans who have clear consciences and can live by faith without extra limitations in unimportant matters should seek the best for their neighbors and build them up. the goal isn’t winning the argument but remaining confident and selfless, encouraging one another.

There is a balance between God’s work and the Romans’ calling to accept one another. Only God can help them to endure and to remain united with one mind and voice. And much like Christ’s obedience to do God’s work, they are to be servants among one another. In the unifying of Jew and Gentile there are lessons to learn about blessing others above themselves.

After so many strong words in this letter, Paul shares his hope in God and his hope that the goodness of God at work in the Romans will help them live holy lives together. Paul only speaks of Christ’s work and his calling in Christ, aiming to fulfill his duty to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. It is by God’s power that he has spread this message far and wide.

However, in fulfilling his spiritual ministry with words, signs, and wonders, Paul also desires to carry material blessings from Gentiles to the Jews in Jerusalem, even if it puts him in harm’s way. he asks them to join in prayer for his safety and for an audience that will gladly receive the Gentile churches’ gifts.

Continuing my meditations on the book of Romans…

Though the majority of the Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah and the promise of God has been extended to Gentiles, the Lord has not rejected his people. He has saved a remnant. They are saved by God’s free and undeserved kindness. Many Jews have been seeking God’s favor, but his kindness is not based on merit, but rather God’s purposes in election. Only those enabled by God could respond to him.

In God’s plan to make salvation available to all people, he appointed Paul to carry the Gospel to them. However, even that calling aimed to spark jealousy among the Jews. God had not forgotten them.

God isn’t done with the Jewish people, as their lineage from Abraham is still important. Paul is hopeful for the day of salvation still coming for the Jewish people.

Since salvation comes by God’s mercy and the cutting off of some Jewish branches, Paul warns the Gentiles from thinking too highly of themselves. They should fear the possibility of falling away. God is kind to those who continue to trust in his kindness, but he is also severe to those who disobey.

God is both severe and kind, patient and decisive, cutting off and preserving. It would seem every time the Jews and Gentiles thought they had God’s plan figured out, Paul revealed new aspects of it that would seem to smash all systematizing. God has a plan and purpose in election, humans make choices they are responsible for, and those in Christ are both safe from sin and in danger of choosing to fall away.

The appropriate response to God comes at the end of this chapter: worship. Hold the truth we know about God out there, but celebrate God and the mercy that comes through the salvation offered by Christ. The last thing God needs is to be twisted and misrepresented by finite humans.

Worship is the place for humanity, whether always part of God’s plan or an addition grafted in.