Commentary on "Paul and Rome"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 6: Thursday, July 1, 2010 - World Reputation

 

Overview

Today we will be looking at the faith of the church in Rome.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. (Rom. 1:8 ESV)

 

Observations

The lesson does well to point out in Rom. 15:14 that the Roman church is described as “full of goodness”, “filled with all knowledge” and “able…to admonish one another”. By ‘admonish’ it is generally understood that they were able to support and teach each other from the word of God. From this we can gather that they displayed all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:5-11) and all of the fruits of the Holy Spirit outlined in Gal. 5:22-23. That is, each member supported the whole church with at least one of the gifts of the Spirit and they each displayed all of the fruits of the Spirit in their personal lives.

It is appropriate that we should return to chapter one:

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. (Rom 1:8-12 ESV)

Here is a key concept concerning faith. Faith grows through mutual encouragement. Paul fully expects to give and receive a blessing when they met together.

In Romans 10:5-21 the gospel message is clearly presented with the faith to receive and believe the gospel coming from ‘hearing’ the word of Christ:

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Rom. 10:17 ESV)

Later during this quarter we will be taking a close look at chapter four. But for now we will simply make some quick observations related to the faith of Abraham who is often referred to as the Father of Faith.

When we read Romans 4:1-6 we see that Abraham’s faith came by belief in the promises of God and was not founded upon any work he could do. Paul develops a biblical understanding of this faith by making reference to when God repeated his promise that Abraham would have an heir, a son. Both Sara and Abraham laughed at God, Gen 17:15-19; 18:9-15, in response. Since Abraham’s faith is extolled as a model of what our own faith should be (Hebrews chapter eleven) it would be prudent to gain an understanding of what these passages are teaching us. Abraham failed on numerous occasions and there is no indication that he ever became perfect or righteous by his own works. His faith did not waver because it was centered on the faithfulness, righteousness and power of God. Abraham knew there was no way he could do what only God could do.

 

Summary

1. True faith and faithfulness is an imputed expression of God’s power in our lives.
2. Our faith grows through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the mutual encouragement of the whole body of Christ. Our mutual faith is displayed as faithfulness in the promises of God. Therefore a faithful person will direct all glory to Jesus Christ, the source of our faith.
3. Our faith must be the same as Abraham’s. It is not of our own power or works.
4. Faith comes only by hearing the word of God. In-other-words, the “lesser light” of Adventist theology cannot lead you to this faith. If you do not agree with this statement, ask yourself one question; Is it Jesus Christ you defending or is it someone else?

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

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