Imagine someone gives you a generous gift for your birthday. A new car. A trip. A sailboat. Wouldn't it be ridiculous and wrong for you to tell a friend, "Look what I earned!" To brag about what you've done for the gift would not only be untrue, it would also be an insult to the giver. The only thing you could boast about would be the generosity of another person on your behalf. In Romans 4, the apostle Paul describes a gift the patriarch Abraham received from God but couldn't boast about. We've received the same gift. We can't boast about what we've done to deserve it, but we certainly do boast about the generosity of the One who gave it. We call that worship, and we’re glad you joined us for it today.
Some jobs require you to "beat last quarter's numbers." It drives some to continuous improvement, but it drives others to find employment elsewhere. Who can live with the constant push to do better, do more, and be better? Well, we all do. It is in our fallen nature to imagine that if we're just a little better, God will be on our side. But part of us knows we’ll never get there. It drives some to search for God elsewhere. There’s a better solution. In Romans 3, we find the Spirit's answer to stress we can't bear and the truth we need. We’re glad you’re with us today to enjoy the banquet table of God’s grace. If you want to explore more of what you experience today, please let us know. We’d love to help you.
What kind of advantages have you had that you did not utilize? In what areas have you not lived up to your potential? Last week, the apostle Paul reminded us of our status before God: sinners because of our innate disposition toward evil but holy through the blood of Christ. This status is ours even as Gentiles. So what advantage did the Jews have, if any? What advantage do we have as God's people today? Let's continue to study Romans together, seeking God's wisdom in utilizing our advantages.
Everyone loves a good shortcut, but they’re usually called that for a reason. If it were truly the best option, it would just be the way. With a shortcut you’re sacrificing something or taking a risk. In Romans 2, the apostle Paul warns about spiritual shortcuts, a temptation
that plagued ancient Israel and first century Christians. Today’s world is no different. We want all the credit, but we want things easy. Let God’s Word teach you what the best and only way is through our study of Romans 2:25-29.
All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder.