Thursday, January 03, 2008

Romans 1

This work that I am doing now is part of my daily devotion, so for those who is not a Christian, you may choose to close this window. I am doing a insight on the work of Paul, starting from Romans. God lead me to this books for my devotion, so I guess I should do it in depth. I love the work of Paul because it is so straight forward. It points out all the sins and wrongdoings and the consequences of them, without twisting it to make it sound pleasing.

Paul as the apostle of God was chosen to preach the gospel to the gentiles. His school of learning, Gamaliel and also those from Christ Jesus have been the driving force of his ministry. Though he was faced with oppositions, he was not despair. Even when he was put in jail, he was still doing Gods work, in Acts16:25-40. Although he seems to be alone in his work, he is not. He has the constant company of God. Therefore, he is not afraid of all that is to come.

In Romans 1, Paul started this book by giving an account of himself and his mission assigned by the One above. Although many who have read this will skip through the detail, but it is a very strong statement that he has made. Here, he is reaffirming his duty. He proudly announce his calling and his work through the Father. He is not ashamed for who he is and what he is doing.

Paul, in his life was full of communication with God. He is always communicating to God and God is his witness for all that he has done. His only desire to to spread the gospel not for his own fame and glory, but to the Father above all creations. His gift to the gentile was to strengthen them and help them to be mutually encouraged. He is not bias to the Jews or the gentile. His goal is only to the far corners of Rome, so that everyone will be able to receive the gospel.

For the unrighteous who have heard the truth but did not honor it, or those who do are too proud to receive guidance, God will give them up in the lust of their heart to the impurities. They exchanged truth with lies. The worship the created rather that the creator; the golds rather than God. False prophets and those alike will all perish without the grace of God.

Those who choose immorality or moral acts will face the same judgement. For they dwell in their unnatural relationships. They are consumed with the love of those of the same make and ended up paying the penalty of their folly.

With the self-righteousness in their heart, they give themselves up to all sorts of sins. Those against themselves and those against those who are close to them. Be it deceit, covetousness, malice, envy, hatred, boastful or even slandering. Although they know that these are wrong, they not only practice them but also approve of others who does the same. The only result is death.

Although Romans 1 is so short, the words are very powerful. It points out all the sins that we thought is not wrong and that we can neglect on it. But the truth is not so. If we are slacken on all these sins and lust of the world, our only result is to be forsaken by God and his love. So let us not find excuses in our actions and admit to our sins before the final verdict is passed.