Paul’s letter to the Romans is a systematic presentation of God’s plan of redemption for the entire world. In the first five verses Paul outlines this plan which he will fully develop in the next sixteen chapters. Perhaps more than any other book in the New Testament, Paul’s letter to the Romans has been used by God to keep his people on the right track. Our goal over the next twenty days is to allow the wonder of Paul’s revelations about God to sweep over us.
The phrase that captured my attention in today’s reading is, “your faith in him is being talked about all over the world.” Why? For the followers of Jesus in Rome Jesus was not just one of many gods they could worship. Jesus was Lord and Savior of the world. For these Christians Jesus was not optional for life. They believed Jesus was the only way to be reconciled to God the Creator. Without Jesus they would stand as guilty sinners on the Day of Judgment. Without Jesus there was no hope of eternal life. The Christians in Rome were living in the shadow of the Emperor of the Roman Empire, who proclaimed himself as divine and ruler of the world. To proclaim another person as Lord was to pronounce a death sentence on your life. Faith for these Christians was indeed risky.
I want to be more aware of opportunities to let my faith be known. Some of these opportunities may be risky by taking me out of my comfort zone or by challenging conventional wisdom. Some of these opportunities may be risky because God may be calling me to care enough to confront a friend or family member who is not in harmony with God. I pray that Paul’s faithful church in Rome will inspire me to do the right thing.
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
1-Dec-11 Rom. 1:16-32
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