January 18 - Paul Looks at Faith

January 18 - Romans 1-8 - Paul looks at Faith

Romans most completely encompasses Paul's teaching on basic tenets of Christianity. It was written in AD 58 and Paul had known Jesus for 22+ years. His main missionary journeys throughout Asia were complete. By now, the church was coming alive in the region. The power of God through the Holy Spirit was strong in his life (and yes, I heard Yoda speaking as I typed those words) and God assigned Paul the task of defining the doctrine for the future. Thousands of years have passed, and this book is still the defining force for the Christian church. I can not do it justice in 3 days, but it is such a good idea to read it, even if you do it quickly, during this time.

In these first eight chapters of Romans, Paul makes it very clear that faith was always the way to salvation - even before and during the time of Moses. The first three chapters point out that Gentiles and Jews are under God's condemnation, with or without the law. Romans 4 points out that Abraham did not have the law, but his faith was secure. Romans 5 tells us that our faith secures our redemption, even though in Adam all died, yet in Christ all may live. The last three chapters of this section, Romans 6-8 discuss how the law and flesh relate to Christ and the Holy Spirit.

To begin with, though, how does Paul identify himself to his readers? The NIV reads in Romans 1:1, "Paul, a servant of Christ ..."

This word, servant, actually translates to mean 'bond-servant' or 'slave.' Paul saw himself as Christ's property, subject to the will of his owner. Now, while we are all servants of Christ, how many of us allow ourselves to be truly subjugated to His will? Paul did.

Wycliffe tells us that Romans 1:17 is the key verse to this letter. The word righteousness (just, justified, righteous) is used over 60 times in Romans. The verse from Habakkuk 2:4 (The righteous will live by faith) is quoted three times in the New Testament. In Romans, 'righteous' is explained, in Galatians 3:11 it is used as 'will live' is explained and in Hebrews the words 'by faith' are explained (Heb. 10:38 quotes the verse).

Romans 1:18-32 begins with opening statements of proof that the Gentile world is guilty. As soon as Paul finishes this section, he moves on to the proof that the Jews are guilty in Romans 2:1-3:8. Beginning in Romans 3:9, he declares that the entire world is guilty. The use of the words 'none' and 'all' are used often. He quotes liberally from the Old Testament to make his proof clear. (Romans 3:9-20)

Guilt has been clearly established. We can make no excuses for ourselves, we can simply stand before God ... silently ... in repentance.

In Romans 3:21-31, we see Paul beginning to define righteousness through faith. Romans 4:1-25 tells how Abraham was justified by faith, not by works ... not by the law which had yet to be established and his faith came prior to his circumcision. The circumcision served to seal his righteousness, not create it.

How can something intangible like faith bring security? Paul answers that question in Romans 5:1-11. We are restored to a relationship with God. The last half of this chapter, Romans 5:12-21 explains fully the free gift that is offered to us by Jesus Christ while Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus. One brought death, the other brings life.

Romans 6:1-8:39 explain how righteousness is given to us through sanctification. To be made holy means to be set apart for God's possession and use. These chapters focus on experiencing holiness as we approach righteousness.

The final verses of Romans 8 offer 5 points of security for the believer. There is no need for fear, there will be no separation from God. God is for us (Romans 8:31), Christ died for us (Romans 8:32), God has justified us (Romans 8:33), Christ intercedes for us (Romans 8:34), Christ loves us (Romans 8:35-39).

Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39b).