“So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” (Romans 9:16)

This verse, when wrestled from its context, has led to all sorts of troublesome doctrines, leading men to believe that our personal conduct has no bearing on our salvation and that God has simply chosen who He will and will not save without regard to their obedience or will.  There are numerous passages which clearly teach the opposite of this nefarious doctrine, and I need not cite them all here – suffice it to say, the very existence of the Bible as God’s instructions to mankind disproves the doctrine.  Why instruct if our choices don’t matter?

However, Romans 9 is the conclusion to an entirely different matter.  Paul is explaining that God’s plan for the salvation of mankind came about through the counsel of God’s will and not any human’s.  God chose Jacob to be the progenitor of the nation of Israel, not Esau, before either boy had done good or bad. God used wicked men like Pharaoh to further His plans even though Pharaoh hated God.

The promises and path to Jesus were created solely because God wanted to and without the help or guidance of any human mind.  Salvation in Jesus is God’s plan, not ours.  You may decide whether or not to follow Jesus, but Jesus is King because of the will of God, and God’s will stands.  The plan is for us, but it is from Him.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 9:10-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For I could with that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh…” (Romans 9:3)

            When we have reached the point of wanting people to get to heaven as badly as Paul did, then we will no longer be afraid to talk to our neighbors about Jesus.  The kind of love that would be willing to suffer for souls is not afraid to chat with them.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 9:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

When the Creator of time, space, and matter tells you that He loves you, you do not need to be concerned with how much time has passed, where you were when all those sins were committed, or how big the sins were – if He loves you and forgives you, then you are forgiven.

His love is bigger than our detractors.  In Christ, we are more than conquerors.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:29-39

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

The Greek word used here for ‘revealed’ is ‘apokalypto’ – it is where we get the term ‘apocalypse’.  Paul is reminding us that there is a day coming in which all God’s plans will be disclosed… where the actual purpose of our lives will be uncovered, and the eternal destiny of all will be unveiled.

This day is actively drawing nearer.  The plans are in action now, and God is currently working in the world, leading all of human history toward the day in which all the suffering, toil, pain, and heartache will be revealed as nothing in light of the glory of His eternal plans.  Each day, each second, draws us nearer to that ultimate moment.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:18-28

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Romans 8:15)

            Paul spends a great deal of time in this chapter discussing the difference between the inner man (our spirit) and the outer man (our flesh).  Outwardly, we are all weak, inferior, foolish humans with a history of sin and weakness.  In fact, if you look throughout human history, our record of bloodshed, selfishness, and pride is so stark that it is truly only by the grace of God that we have not been consumed.

            Yet, as a Christian, you need not find your identity in that weakness and inferiority.  In Christ, our spirits can cry out with confidence that God is our Father, and we need not fear death or sin.  Our mistakes, our human ancestry, and our past is no longer our identity.  We are sons and daughters of the Almighty now, and may live confidently that the Holy Spirit Himself will testify that we belong to God.

            You are who He says you who are, not who everyone else says.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:9-17

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“… because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so” (Romans 8:7)

            Very few people would describe themselves as being “hostile toward God”.  The average person in America does believe in God in some basic sense, and most would not consider themselves in a hostile relationship with Him – yet Paul is not wrong.

            When I set my focus on my own selfish ambitions, personal expectations, and earthly desires, I create a situation where I am likely to react with frustration, anger, or fear when my ambitions and expectations differ with God.  Like a dog with his food bowl, I become protective of it and snarl at the Master if He reminds me that the food is actually His to offer, not mine to take.  We must perpetually remind ourselves that we are subject to God and all our fleshly possessions and circumstances are His to give or take away.  We must submit to Him and subordinate our own passions to His will.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:1-8

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.” (Romans 7:21)

            A principle is a fundamental truth that is foundational to other ideas.  Principles are broader ideas that then have specific application in our day-to-day lives.  The idea that we should do the right thing is a principle – we call it integrity – and integrity then becomes a foundation to how you interact with others every day.

            Paul mentions a principle in the above verse.  Evil is present in the lives of even people who want to do good.  When you understand your life is fundamentally going to involve a struggle with sin every day, you live differently.  Being aware of the struggle means you aren’t surprised when things get hard.  It also causes you to lean into the ideas of accountability and forgiveness.  If even good people have evil present in them… then we can’t be surprised when we need guidance and help.  Once you understand the principle, you can interact with yourself accordingly.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 7:11-25

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law…” (Romans 7:7)

            Knowledge is power, even if that knowledge tells you news you don’t want to hear.  Understanding the rules of the road makes you a better driver, even if knowing those rules also makes you aware of your own shortcomings behind the wheel.  Can you imagine if we told people to simply never learn the traffic laws because it would make them uncomfortable to do so?

            Yet, that is often our approach with the Bible.  If I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, it isn’t a problem… right? Wrong.  It is a good thing to know what sin is and to be aware of the difference between righteousness and wickedness.  That knowledge will make you uncomfortable, but it will also make you better.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 7:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts.” (Romans 6:12)

            Do you see the verb used to describe sin’s motives in the above verse?  The word is ‘reign’.  Sin doesn’t want a place in your life; it wants all your life.  Sin is not content with a portion or a season.  Sin will never accept the role of friendly companion or occasional fling.  Sin wants everything.  Sin wants control, and it wants mastery.

            Be wary of letting dictators in the door.  They won’t voluntarily leave when you ask them to.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 6:12-23

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all, but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:10-11)

            Jesus’ last sentence upon the cross was, “It is finished.”  Jesus was finished with sin once He was crucified.  He was finished with the phase of His life that focused on death and dying for our sins.  He finished sin off and nailed it to the cross… and now, He lives.  He lives for God.  He lives for us, and He lives forever.

            The lesson is the same for us.  Baptism was the beginning of a new life.  A new life lived for God.  A new life lived with eternal confidence.  Live like the phase of your life dedicated to sin is over.  Press forward to higher things.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 6:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision