Short Reflection from Romans 1-16

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (BRW-M) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[5:24 pm, 01/01/2022]

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙:𝟝

"through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake."

This evening, one guy asked me about faith vs work in salvation. This verse elucidates that it is the Grace of God that saves anyone. This grace cannot be earned, it can be only received. Behold, grace is given in Christ. We have to believe (Faith in) Christ.

But this grace is for the obedience of faith, meaning, we must obey (work out) the righteous laws of Christ.

In simple: We aren't saved by good work. But we are saved to do good work.

That's the meaning of "to bring" talking about the purpose, the result of salvation (receiving grace).

If we profess to be Christians, let's be obedient to the righteous commands of God.

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟚:𝟝

"But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God."

All the sins of a believer (past, present, and future) are already punished in the death of Christ. BUT

All the sins of unbelieving ones are accumulating, storing up for the wrath of God to unleash upon them!

While we (believers) praise God for the deliverance, we will face discipline on earth (not in hell) if we have unrepentant sin!

Let's praise God and pursue godliness!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟛:𝟜

“. . .Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, . . .”

I see two strong impressions:

1. Paul has a very high view of God. God's honor is greater than the honor of all mankind put together. [How despicable it is when we find fault in God to honor a mere man!]

2. God will not be manipulated nor discouraged by any wisdom or wickedness of man. He shall remain faithful and just! To a sinner, this is terrible, because it means God will not spare anyone. That's why God sent Jesus to save us!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟜:𝟙-𝟚

"What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God."

Bible is so simple to understand. I think we have decided to believe it to be difficult because we are so lazy to study, examine, and think through it. We don't even read often while we study many other things like crazy.

Furthermore, sometimes, people want to mean it differently than what it plainly says.

Look at how Apostle Paul read Genesis and thought through the life of Abraham and applied it here.

Also, look at how Apostle Paul was interacting with his Roman audience with a series of hard questions.

This chapter reminds me to not be lazy nor be stupid. Ignorance is not bliss, it's sinful!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟝:𝟙

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"

Many times, I have seen my fellow Christian brothers and sisters trying to evangelize non-Christians by saying that they have peace in their hearts which Jesus gives.

Well, they don't know what they are talking about. Actually, they worry about many things. They have many arguments with a lot of people. What peace do they have in their hearts???

Friends, the peace we have when we become Christians is not primarily in our hearts. Actually, it's between us and God.

Even a genuine Christian like that Mr. Feeble-mind of The Pilgrim's Progress might never experience peace in our hearts. Or like that theologian hymn-writer William Cowper who thought he was a reprobate.

That's why Romans 5:1 is wonderful because it doesn't matter whether we have peace in our hearts or not, whether we feel it or not, if we are justified by faith (are Christian), God has peace with us. We are pardoned of all our sins and from the punishment of God! That's the kind of peace the Bible talks about, not the wishful peace in our hearts!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟞:𝟜

"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."

Christ died that we may die to sin; He arose that we might live in Him.

Again, Christ didn't die just to forgive our sins, He died so that we might die to sin; He arose not just to give us resurrection on the last day, He arose so that we might live in Him now.

Or, else, your understanding of the Gospel is incomplete. It's not just about forgiveness and resurrection. It's dying to sin and living in the newness of life.

The Gospel is not just the fact or else, everyone would have been saved. It's to be believed.

If one has never died to sin and lives in the newness of life, no matter what he knows of the Gospel, he only knows the fact, he has never received/believed the Gospel!

Gospel affects/changes/transforms the believers!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟟:𝟜

"Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God."

Dead to sin, Alive in Christ.

A fruitless person is not a Christian.

A person who knows the fact of the Gospel but is not changed by the Gospel is not a Christian. [Give such a person a book, "Once Saved Always Changed," written by Steve Fernandez. If you have never read it. I will send you a soft copy. 🙂]

However, a Christian will still be committing sins, which the rest of this chapter tackles it.

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟠:𝟙

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

If God condemns us no more, what are all those cursing? They are totally powerless!

Don't be intimidated by people's curses or generational curses! Are they more powerful than God? Provided you are in Christ!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟡:𝟛

"For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh"

Will I ever wish like this? Would I speak like this? Moses also did like this.

John Knox's prayer for England is also fascinating!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙𝟘:𝟙

"Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation."

Paul's heart for the lost people. We need some men of God who would do the same for the homeless, beggars, and slums of Delhi!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙𝟙:𝟚𝟝

"For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕝 ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;"

It's just a partial hardening. There will be converts if we go out and preach if we pray for them.

Let's pray for the lost souls, yes, even for the Israelites!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙𝟚:𝟛

"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith."

As I grow older, I have learned this truth "not to think more highly of himself than he ought to" better. Well, even if wisdom and godliness do not come soon (early) as we like, it comes as we age!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙𝟛:𝟙𝟜

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts."

Oh! That Jesus would be dearer, sweeter, and more satisfying than everything. Not that He is not, but that would be true in me!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙𝟜:𝟙𝟘

"But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."

I am increasingly realizing the gist of this verse. It's imperative to be sound in doctrine, to be discerning, to separate from people who aren't like-minded, but at the same time to not hold anyone in contempt!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙𝟝:𝟚

"Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification."

I may please my neighbor with a good perfume, or a beautiful flower in my garden.

I can invite him and serve him a great lunch.

But I might displease him in my sleep, snoring loudly😂

Let's admit, we have a lot to work on pleasing one another. Let's not be satisfied because of one area we are good at!

 

ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙𝟞:𝟜

"who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles"

Would I risk my life for someone's safety?

Would anyone risk his or her life for me because I hold fast to the Gospel of God?

Something hard to find in our generation!

Short Reflection from Acts 21-28

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (GP&C) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

ACTS 21:1-14

—Just an observation—

v4 They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem

v12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem

v14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

# Paul persuaded many people in the book of Acts, but He himself would not be persuaded! 😂

 

ACTS 22:7-8

"And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’  So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’"

Obviously, Paul never, never persecuted Christ. Even if he wanted, Christ was already up in heaven.

But persecution against Christians is persecution against Christ. How wonderful it is that Jesus chooses to identify with me! 😇

 

ACTS 23:1

“Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, ‘Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.’”

A good conscience before God? Hmm! I agree with Jeremiah even as a Christian, I do not know my heart. I don’t know my motive even for doing those deeds which others have perceived to be good.

I also agree with Paul of 1Cor.4:1-4 that no matter what people, court, or my own conscience say, I am not justified, unless by God.

But, again, nevertheless, a declaration "lived in all good conscience before God until this day" is soul-searching and soul-stirring!

 

ACTS 24:26

"Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him."

How many times had Felix heard the very gospel, its implication, its riches from the very Apostle Paul? But he never repented, rather expecting money from Paul. Could Felix be the most unsuccessful un-convert of Paul?

And Paul obviously continued to press on, only the leaving of Felix stopped their frequent conversations. It's helpful to see in the Scripture that certain areas of my ministry could be unsuccessful or unfruitful, nevertheless, I must go on, because I never know for sure if it will work or not work. After all, I am called to be faithful not to be successful!

 

ACTS 25:26

"have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have I brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write."

I pray that my life will be that of a sincere, lawful, and faithful Christian that even if I am falsely accused any day, some will say like this verse! 👍

What a Model, Paul! 😇

 

ACTS 26

I have been reading through the book of Acts every single year of my Christian life. And of course, v29 always stands out to me.

Today, as I re-evaluate the strategy of Paul in defending himself before all these rulers and his accusers, I see that Paul is more interested in the conversion of his hearers than his liberty.

In other words, Paul’s purpose in defending himself was not to escape prison or a death sentence but to help his hearers escape from the wrath of God to come.

So, in reality, the one who really needed to be freed is not Paul but them.

Paul's life and strategies are totally different from many of us who are fighting for justice. We often see in India a protest, a slogan, "We want justice!"

Many of us wouldn't include the gospel in a fight for justice, they would always compromise the gospel. To them, justice trumps religious beliefs. To Paul, the Gospel trumps all! Actually, true justice is met, satisfied, quenched, only in the Gospel.

 

ACTS 27:42-43

"The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land."

Both the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts are written by Luke.

Both books have identical structures, plots, and narratives. In the gospel of Luke, he portrays Jesus' life on earth as a perfect life lived. In the book of Acts, he portrays Paul's life as a faithful life lived

I love how Luke narrated Apostle Paul determined to go to Jerusalem, was arrested, was delivered to Romans, and here, in this passage, we see one man saved the rest. Had it not been for the presence of Apostle Paul, all would be killed. Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, was arrested, was delivered to Romans, and saved the world from the wrath of God. One man saved humanity.

Even in our real life in this real world, one man often saves the rest. How wonderful it is if that one man is you or me!

 

ACTS 28:19

"But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation."

Paul's love for the Jews despite their persecutions, accusations, and hatred against him is undiminishing. In Romans, he was willing to even go to hell for their reconciliation!

Am I loving my community (especially if they don't like me)? Indeed, Jesus died for the Jews, who had rejected Him. To hold no grudges against anyone in the service of the gospel!

Short Reflection from 2 Thessalonians 1-3

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (PG) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[1:18 pm, 23/05/2022] S.R:

𝟚 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟙:𝟙𝟚

"so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Two people will be glorified: Jesus in us and we in Jesus.

When we live for God's glory we are also living for our glory.

When I live for my glory, it dishonors God and brings destruction to myself.

 

𝟚 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟚:𝟙𝟙-𝟙𝟚

"For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness."

It's God's way or our way. And we don't want our way in reality because we know how to choose only evil way like Adam choosing the knowledge of bad by eating the fruit.

 

𝟚 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝟛:𝟚

"and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith."

There are people like this. If Paul sought prayer from others to be rescued from such people, we would be a fool to be ignorant of the schemes of man.

Short Reflection from Acts 11-20

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (GP&C) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

ACTS 11:30

"This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."

This is the first time the word "elders" (referring to church leaders) appears in the New Testament. Btw, every time it appears in plural form. That's why I believe a biblical church should strive to have a plurality of elders. Of course, if a church can't have one, it doesn't mean it is a non-biblical church.

I have checked all its occurrences in my Bible software. A few times, we see it in the singular, like John the elder, and we know that's because it is referring to a specific, particular elder. But when addressed to church leadership, it's always plural!

Another observation: even the Apostles submit to the elders. Let no council, no association, no synod, nobody dictate the local church elders to do this and that!

 

ACTS 12: 17, 25

“But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, ‘Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.’ And he departed and went to another place.”

“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.”

Another observation on church leadership from ACTS 12

James the apostle is dead. Peter is arrested by Herod and freed by the angel. v17. Peter reports to James (the brother of Jesus who wrote the epistle). v25 Barnabas and Paul come back to Jerusalem. Obviously to report their missionary work. Because James is already the head/leader of the church of Jerusalem. We see all these in Acts 15 particularly v19.

Interestingly, James (and not the Apostles or the missionaries) is the leader!

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟙𝟛:𝟜𝟚

"As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath."

I wish to see this in my ministry or in my lifetime. People hungering for the glorious truth of the Gospel!

 

ACTS 14:2

"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren."

Yes, that phrase is in the Bible. The Bible acknowledges that there are people who poisoned others' minds. In reflection, is gossiping not a kind of poisoning other's heart to think ill of that person?

I cannot remember how many times I have poisoned people's minds, which I surely must have done a lot. But I still remember and am affected today because some had poisoned my mind to doubt some individuals! Friends, let us not allow ourselves to be busybodies! It often seems to be the case that minding others' business is more harmful to self than harming them!

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟙𝟝:𝟙𝟙

"But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are."

Peter's Gospel like the Paul's Gospel is the Gospel of Grace. Not the observance of Law since none has the ability to obey perfectly. Grace is for those who can't obey perfectly.

 

ACTS 16

I love the spirit of Paul! I pray God will help me develop such an attitude!

Paul faced opposition from within, he compromised because that was better. And the result was the churches were strengthened.

Then Paul faced opposition from without, and after many days of endurance, he confronted them with the power of the gospel.

Then he was beaten, stopped, and imprisoned, but Paul's heart was full of songs unto God. When it was time for his release, he dared to confront the injustice of the magistrates.

# Compromising, endurance, prayerfulness in the midst of opposition and suffering. And the courage to confront injustice. #

 

ACTS 17:9

"So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go."

What kind of security? I don't know for sure. But when I read the letter to Thessalonians, it looks like it is to ban Paul from coming to the town again!

Forbid it, Lord, to let such happen. But this is sobering to think through. What if godless people threaten to kill some group of people if we attempt to reach out to them?

To me, it looks easier to lay down my life than to let others die in the cause of the gospel. I don't know for others.

 

ACTS 18: 11

“And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

The description of Paul’s ministry of 1 and a half years is teaching the word of God. Gospel Ministers (pastors) must be primarily known for teaching the word of God.

 

ACTS 19:10

"And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks."

Only 2 years and the whole of Asia heard the word!!!

I have been to some places and stayed for more than 2 years. It's humbling to even think of Paul!

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟚𝟘:𝟛𝟝

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Helping. Giving. Working.

Those who have continues to work and help the poor. After all, not everyone has the same skills to work nor has the potential to earn much.

 

Short Reflection from Acts 1-10

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (GP&C) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

ACTS 1:4

"And being assembled together with them, He COMMANDED them not to depart from Jerusalem, but TO WAIT for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me’"

So easy and natural to do anything without much prayer in the name of wisdom. This verse reminds us of the need of waiting on God, for His Holy Spirit to empower the ministers of God for God's work. While we are all already commanded to go and preach the gospel and do various kinds of ministry, without the effective presence of the Holy Spirit ministry is in vain.

Every time, before I go out to preach or teach, I have made a habit to kneel down and pray, "Lord, if Your Holy Spirit does not go with me, I go in vain, in sin, and to destroy! Spirit of God, I yield to You."

 

ACTS 2

Thinking through Peter's Sermon. Let me mention only 3 observations among many:

First, this is a condensed summary of Peter’s long sermon (v40)

Second, he confronted them: the mockers (13, 15); the lawless criminal (23), and the religious Jews. [Indeed, it's difficult to preach to such people!]

Third, it's the crowd who wanted to repent, before Peter asked them (v37).

Lesson observed: Strong preaching produces soft hearts.

 

ACTS 3:12

"So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our OWN POWER OR GODLINESS we had made this man walk?’"

I love the way Peter responded here. He not only denied any power in himself. He even denied any pretense of godliness in himself.

Spirit-filled Christians are humble, they aren't hypocrites. Paul said of himself, the greatest sinner! Another level!

Thanks be to God for calling me, a worthless earthen vessel to His ministry for the proclamation of His glorious Gospel!

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟜:𝟡

"if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well"

If the good men are on trial and the wicked are running loose, society has to collapse. Apostle Peter was on trial for doing a good thing. They thought it was wicked.

The world continues to put godly men on trial. Those with Biblical Conviction are criticized, mocked, and put on trial by many.

Peter went through it. It's the only way.

 

ACTS 5:29

". . .we ought to obey God rather than men"

If I am lazy to study the Scripture, I do not know even what and how to obey God.

If I do not live a holy life, even if I know what and how to obey God, I do not have the courage to obey.

And if I continue in those ways, I rationalize how I've come to be. And perhaps will defend my position. And go on to tell others to do the same. And even tell the others to "disobey" God.

I think this is how sin multiplies! Lord, would You please raise up courageous men! Amen!

 

ACTS 6

What stands out for me in this chapter has always been v4.

And what stands out for me in verse 4 is the word "continually"

This adverb "continually" is for both prayer and the ministry of the word.

And for me: Hmmmn! I have received a lot of comments for my devotion to the word, but haven't received much on my prayer life. Not that I want or care about people's comments, but I also know that great men of God are not only deep in their theology but also deep in prayer!

[However, BTW, exegetically, devotion to the ministry of the word is the primary theme!]

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟟:𝟡

"The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him"

I am nobody but some people got jealous of me. And to my shame, I had been jealous of some other people too.

One thing is clear: let him who is jealous after commit his soul to God. They were jealous of Joseph but God was with him not only to protect but to prosper!

 

ACTS 8:35

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him."

One can preach a sermon. Or he can preach any good news. Or he can preach the gospel. Why did Luke say that Philip preached Jesus?

Jesus is the gospel. The person Jesus is the good news. Jesus is the Salvation. Christianity is all about Jesus. Even my life is Jesus (Gal.2:20)

I am not saying my life is "for" Jesus. I am saying my life is Jesus. It is Jesus that lives in me! That's what Paul says.

Uh...oh! What about all the imperfect things I have committed? Well, let's leave that question to consider when we reach that chapter!

Learning Christ, living Christ, and preaching Christ because Jesus is all in all!

🎼🎼 You are my all in all! 🎼🎼

 

ACTS 9:31

"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."

Maybe we should enrich our vocabulary: to greet and to bid goodbyes; to pray and to pronounce the benediction; to hope and to wish for others; to enquire and to bless others.

Why not include Acts 9:31? May you grow in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit!

Are you growing in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit?

Long time no news! I hope you are growing in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit!

Something like that! 👍

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟙𝟘:𝟜𝟚

"And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead."

Peter's powerful preaching was not that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you. Rather, it's the preaching of Judgment that Jesus will preside over the dead and the living!