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The Wisdom and Knowledge of God
Bro. Timothy B. Alexander May 4, 2003The book of Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the brethren in Rome, many of them were Jews. In this book, the Apostle Paul teaches many of the main doctrines of Christ, but he also was attempting to guide the Lord’s people through the transition from the Jewish Age into the Gospel Age. He was attempting to liberate them from the bondage of the law and the bondage of Jewish tradition.
The Apostle Paul was also trying to foster a greater spirit of unity between the brethren in Rome. Some were Gentiles and some were Jews. They had different cultures, different ideas of what it meant to be faithful to God, and this was a source of conflict between them.
This letter from the Apostle Paul to the brethren in Rome was very valuable to them, but it is also a most valuable resource for us, because we find in it a very clearly laid out explanation of the plan of God. In addition, though, we also find very practical admonitions on how to live a genuine Christian life. And still more, we find tender encouragements which could only come from a man who had himself felt the strain of years of service, persecution and suffering for Christ. It is from this perspective that we would like to look at Romans Chapters 10, 11 and 12.
The first thing we notice in Chapter 10 is that Paul addresses the readers as “Brethren.” It is important for us to know who the Apostle Paul means by “brethren.” The Apostle Paul uses this word 14 times in the Book of Romans. Two of those times he seems to be referring mainly to Jewish Believers. Once he seems to be referring mainly to Gentile Believers. And nine of those 14 times he is referring to both Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus. So when the Apostle Paul uses the word “brethren,” he is referring to both Jews and Gentiles who have accepted Christ and who may or may not be consecrated.
The Apostle Paul was Jewish. He was a Pharisee. His father and grandfather were also Pharisees. So the Apostle Paul had a very solid heritage and history in the Jewish faith.
In addition to his faith, though, the Apostle Paul had many relationships among the Jewish people and leaders. He had many friends that he had grown up with and been close to before his conversion.
So it’s not surprising that the Apostle Paul would say with such earnest enthusiasm:
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Romans 10:1
• Indeed, it was the Apostle Paul’s fervent prayer that his fellow Jews, his countrymen, the friends of his youth, and his family would come to appreciate Jesus, the Son of David, the Lamb of God, the Messiah for whom they had been waiting for 2000 years.He continues his thought in verse 2:
“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”
• The Apostle Paul is saying: “I know from my own experience that they have an honest, genuine desire to serve God - But they don’t have the knowledge to allow them to serve God in a productive way.
• The Apostle Paul knew this from experience because he himself was in that same condition before his conversion. He was zealous for God but without knowledge. Before the risen Lord Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, the Apostle Paul was persecuting the faithful disciples of Jesus, and was unaware that he was actually working against God’s plan. The Apostle Paul was more zealous in persecuting Christians than anyone else.Acts 8:3 speaks about the Apostle Paul before his name was changed from Saul. “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”
In John 16:2, the Apostle John warns the disciples about other Jews who were persecuting the Lord’s disciples:
“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he is doing God’s service.”
• This is a good description of the type of person the Apostle Paul was as Saul, before he encountered the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus.
• And this is the condition that many of the Jews were in when the Apostle Paul was writing this letter.
The Apostle Paul goes on in vs. 3-4 to explain further.
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
• The Jews were “going about to establish their own righteousness” because they were still attempting to follow the law as closely as possible. They didn’t realize that no sinful human being could ever follow the law perfectly enough to gain life.
• The law was a wonderful promise given by God. It said, “If you follow these commandments perfectly, I will give you life.”
• The gift of the Law was a great blessing. It set the Jews apart from all other people on earth. It profited the Jews in every way. It lifted their hearts and minds up from the depravity of the world around them and gave them hope.The Apostle Paul comments on the value of the Law in Romans 3:1-2
“What advantage then hath the Jew…Much every way: chiefly because that unto them were committed the oracles (laws) of God.”
• The law was a great blessing and a wonderful hope… but it didn’t bring life.The Apostle Paul says in Rom 7:10-11
“And the commandment, (Law) which I thought to be unto life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.”
• The Apostle Paul was saying: “The law didn’t give life to us Jews – It only pointed out again that we were guilty and worthy of death.”
• So the law didn’t give life, but God didn’t intend that it would.God really gave the law for a different reason. He knew that the Jewish people wouldn’t be able to keep the law. He really gave the law for two reasons:
1. To demonstrate to the Jews that they were not perfect and they could not rely on themselves for salvation. (Seems obvious but this is a very important point.)
2. To point to Jesus. Since all of the Jews (except Jesus) fell short of keeping the law, and since Jesus kept the law perfectly, then those who are genuinely looking for the Messiah should realize that the Messiah had arrived, as Jesus.
• They realize that there is a man in their midst who actually is righteous.
• They realize that that man is, indeed, the Son of God.The Apostle Paul says this in Gal 3:24-25
“Wherefore the law was our Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a Schoolmaster.
• The word Shoolmaster here is defined in Easton’s Bible Dictionary as follows:
o The Apostle Paul calls the Hebrew Law the “Schoolmaster.” As so used, the word does not mean teacher, but pedagogue (shortened into the modern page), i.e., one who was entrusted with the supervision of a family, taking them to and from the school, being responsible for their safety and manners. Hence the pedagogue was stern and severe in his discipline. Thus the law was a pedagogue to the Jews, with a view to Christ, i.e., to prepare for faith in Christ by producing convictions of guilt and helplessness.
o The Law was an instrument used by God to lead the Jewish people to Christ to demonstrate that this man Jesus really is the Messiah.Back to Romans 10:3
“For they, being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
• “God’s righteousness” was Jesus – the righteousness provided by God.
• But the Jews were still attempting to gain righteousness through their own obedience to the law.
• And not submitting to the fact that righteousness could only come through faith in Christ.In verses 5-11, the Apostle Paul gives a more detailed explanation of what he has already said.
5 “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doeth those things shall live by them.”
• Again, the promise that obedience to the law would give life.
• But then he contrasts the righteous that faith in Christ brings:6 “But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)”
• Here, the Apostle Paul is saying: “Faith in Jesus is not saying ‘How could Jesus really come down from heaven – or really be raised from the dead?’”
8 “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;”
• (The true word of God is available to you right now – even on your lips already.)
9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” 10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
• The Apostle Paul is saying:
• “Real faith is believing in your heart and proclaiming with your lips the faith that is in your heart.”
• More than just profession is necessary for real faith. A genuine heart reliance on Jesus’ blood is what real faith is.Jesus said it another way in John 4:23
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth…”
• Jesus was saying that there are two parts to true worship and both are necessary for true worship and for true faith.
o An intellectual understanding of the truth, having the understanding of the truth on your lips.
o Having the true Spirit of Christ in your heart.The Apostle Paul is making another point here:
• If we have a genuine love for the truth in our hearts, our natural desire will be to share it with others through our words.
In Verses 12-13, the Apostle Paul is saying that, once they have accepted Christ, there is no longer any difference between the Jews and the Gentiles:
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” 13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”The Apostle Paul continues in vs. 14-15
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
• He is describing a circular progression:
1. God’s servants preach the Gospel.
2. Others hear that preaching.
3. As a result, they believe in Jesus.
4. And eventually they “Call on Him” or give their lives to His service.
5. And the service they perform is to preach, which begins the cycle over again.In vs. 16, however, the Apostle Paul says, this process has not borne much fruit with the Jews.
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report (our preaching)?Isa 53:1-2
1 “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
• The Jewish people didn’t see that Jesus was the arm of the LORD. It was not revealed to them.
2 “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: (unproductive earth of Natural Israel) he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
• The Jewish people didn’t see any beauty in Jesus
o They didn’t see that he was the messiah they had been waiting for,
o Even though he grew up among them.Vs. 17 is a recap of what he said so far.
• So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 “But I say, Have they (Israel) not heard (the scriptures)? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
• The sound of God’s word went out throughout the world.
• Israel heard the sound of God’s word – but not the real message.But the fact that Israel would not hear the message was not a surprise to God.
• He knew beforehand that this would happen.
• It was prophesied in the Old Testament.
19 “But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.”The Apostle Paul is quoting here from Deut 32:21 where God is speaking through Moses and uses a play on words. He says:
• They made me jealous by that which is not god (idols)
• And I will make them jealous by those who are not a people (Gentiles)Let’s read it. Deut 32:21 “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”
And in vs. 20-21 of Romans 10 the Apostle Paul continues: (quoting Isa 66:1-2)
20 “But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
21 “But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.”So the Apostle Paul has clearly established these things:
1. The Jews are focused on their own righteousness and therefore do not see Christ.
2. Therefore, they do not have life, because the law brings only a knowledge of sin.
3. Real faith, however, includes heartfelt belief and desire to share it with others.
4. But the rejection of Christ by the Jews does not spoil God’s plans for them. In fact, it was foretold by God in the Old Testament***END OF FIRST HALF OF DISCOURSE***
Chapter 11:1
1“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”The Apostle Paul says: “As a result of everything we just talked about in the last chapter (Israel not accepting Jesus) has God now rejected his Jewish people in response?
• His answer is: “God forbid.” Or “Absolutely not.”The Apostle Paul uses that expression 14 times in his writings and every time he uses it, it, he is saying no in the most emphatic way possible.
For example:
Romans 9:14: “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.”
The Apostle Paul here in Rom 11:1 asked a question: Has God cast off his people? His answer… “Absolutely not.”
• How did the Apostle Paul know that? Because God promised many times in the Old Testament (the only scripture the Apostle Paul had available) that He would not cast off His people.1 Sam 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.”
Jer 31:37 “Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.”
Read Rom 11:2-4
2 “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, {of Elias: Gr. in Elias?}”
3 “Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.”
4 “But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.”God foreknew his people.
• He knew them during Old Testament times &
• He knew what they would do when Jesus arrived.The Apostle Paul is saying: “Do you remember the story about Elijah?
• Remember when Elijah thought that he was the only servant of God left?
And remember what God said?
• God said: “I still have 7,000 of my faithful servants that you don’t know about.”In Rom 11:5, the Apostle Paul is saying:
• That this is the situation in the Apostle Paul’s day, too.
• There is a remnant of Jews, still faithful to God, who recognize Jesus as the Messiah,
• And those faithful ones are the ones who have made up the nucleus of the Gospel church.In Vs. 6, the Apostle Paul uses language that is very difficult to understand. He is essentially saying that, this new relationship with God, (Sons of God)
• Is not achieved by performance but is achieved by grace.
• It is a gift. A gift given to those who have faith in Christ.
• It’s not something that is deserved.The Apostle Paul continues in verses 7 and 8:
7 “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”
8 “(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.The Apostle Paul is saying that Israel as a whole was looking for the Messiah and he was describing that new relationship with God that the Messiah would bring. But they, as a whole, didn’t find what they were looking for.
• Only a small part of Israel found what they were looking for.
• Those who recognized Christ.And then the Apostle Paul says, that the rest were blinded. God allowed the Jews to be blinded by their willfulness, their pride and their stubborness.
• When a person has hard experiences in their life, they can either become hardened or softened by them.
• The majority of the Jewish people were hardened by their experiences. It was this hardness that blinded them.
• This is something that God knew ahead of time and in fact, it was prophesied by Isaiah.Isa. 29:10-11
10 “For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. {rulers: Heb. heads}”
11“And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed.”Isa. 6:8-10
8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. {Here…: Heb. behold me}”
9 “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. {indeed, but understand: or, without ceasing, etc: Heb. in hearing, etc}”
10 “Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”
Jesus told us that this prophecy in Isa. 6 applies to the Jewish people in His day.
Matt 13:13-16
13 “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”
Rom 11:9-10
9 “And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.”
• The Apostle Paul is referring to a prophecy by King David in Psa 69:22
Psa 69:22
22 “Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.”
The table here is the thing in their life that should have provided nourishment:
• Their relationship with God
• The Law of Moses
• The Prophets
But that didn’t provide the nourishment that it could have.
• Instead of being a table, it became a snare (a net).
• It made life more difficult.
• It made life a struggle.
And that has been characteristic of the Jewish people’s experience ever since.
11 “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”The Apostle Paul is asking: “Have they stumbled permanently?”
• His answer, again, is: “God forbid.” “Don’t even think it.”
• Instead, realize that the Jew’s temporary fall from favor results in two things.
1) The opportunity for the Gentiles to have salvation too.
2) To help the Jews appreciate the value of the relationship they had with God.
Rom 11:12-15
12 “Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?”
13 “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:”
14 “If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.”
15 “For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”In these verses, the Apostle Paul is saying:
• “If the falling away of Israel (a seemingly bad event) results in the blessing to the rest of the world, (by offering salvation to the rest of the world)
• Then how much more of a blessing will it be when Israel is reconciled back to God?”
• He says it will mean “life from the dead.”
• It will mean “life from the dead” in three ways:
1. Any individuals Jews who come “into Christ” are coming into life from death. (Just as any Gentiles would be.)
2. The Jewish people as a whole will be brought out of death as a people. (Their “chosen nation” status & their relationship with God will be restored)
3. The time of their restoration will be very close to the time of the resurrection of the dead of mankind. (The restoration of Israel & the resurrection of the dead are both events that will be a part of the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth.)vs. 16:
“For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.”In vs. 17-24, the Apostle Paul uses the parable of the Olive Tree to teach us a very important lesson.
He says:
• When you as a Christian, look at your relationship with God, realize that it was only available to you because the Jewish people didn’t recognize it.
• So don’t allow yourself to be content in the idea that you have received God’s grace and your Jewish brethren have forever lost it.
• Realize that it was blindness that caused Israel not to see the Messiah,
And eagerly look forward to the time when that blindness will be lifted.The Apostle Paul says:
• The original branches were removed because of conceit and self-sufficiency. Don’t give God the same reason to remove you.
• Realize that the root does not gain it’s strength from the branches (you), but you (the branches) gain your strength from the root.
• The opportunity to be a branch in the Olive Tree is a gift.Vs. 17-24
“17 “And if some of the branches (The Jews) be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree (The Gentiles), wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?”
And then vs. 25 is one of the most important promises in the entire Bible.
25 “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
The Apostle Paul is saying there’s no reason to feel conceited toward the Jews because their blindness is only temporary – only until the full number of the Gospel Church is selected.
The Apostle Paul continues with the beautiful language of vs. 26:
26 “ And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:”
• Sion in the scriptures is referring to the Resurrected Gospel church. This verse is telling us that the resurrected Gospel church – the Bride of Christ - will be instrumental in leading the Jewish people – here represented by “Jacob” – out of their condition of blindness and into harmony with God.Vs. 27 “For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.”
• God is saying, “This is the promise I made to them, that I would take away their sins”Verses 28-29 we will roughly quote from the Phillips translation:
28 “As far as the gospel goes, they are at present out of harmony with God – which is to your advantage. But as far as God’s purpose in choosing His people, they are still beloved, for their fathers (Abraham, Isaac & Jacob) sakes. 29 For once they are made, God does not withdraw his gifts (promises) or his calling (invitations).”In verses 30-33, the Apostle Paul says,
“Don’t be fooled by their unbelief” You were unbelievers once, too, and God had mercy on you. He will be just as merciful with His original people.”Up to this point, the Apostle Paul has been very systematic – very logical and analytical. But now the Apostle Paul changes his whole demeanor and becomes enthusiastic and impassioned.
• He is essentially saying in vs. 33-36, “what a wonderful God we have!”
This in one of the few scriptures that is followed with an exclamation point.33-36
33 “ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”What the Apostle Paul has given us here is both a clear and beautiful explanation of God’s plan for both His Jewish and Christian children. How can we help but love a God whose wisdom, power, justice and love all come together to provide more than what we all deserve?
And the logical question that arises in our minds is, what can we do in our lives that demonstrates our appreciation for what God has done for us, and all mankind?
The Apostle Paul’s answer to that question is Chapter 12.
In the 1st two verses, the Apostle Paul gives us the formula for a life that would demonstrate that appreciation.
The Apostle Paul says:
1 “I beseech (beg) you therefore…”
o (Therefore – As a response to the beauty of what I’ve just told you)“…brethren…”
o (Notice he addresses them as “brethren” (Remember we determined that “brethren” means those who already believe in Jesus)
o The Apostle Paul is saying: “To all of you believers, there is more than simple belief that you can do for God. Give your whole lives to God and devote your whole mind and body to His service.”And then he adds: “It’s really the only reasonable response.”
Vs. 1 “I beseech you therefore, Brethren, by the mercies of God that you present you bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto god, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
That is the formula for a real Christian Life.
o The Weymouth translation says, transform your mind so that you will “learn by experience or habitually discriminate what God’s will is – that will which is good and beautiful and perfect.”What a beautiful commission the Apostle Paul gives each of us. But how can we possibly live up to that standard?
Two answers:
1) Phillipians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you both to do and to will his good pleasure.”
o It is God’s strength working in you to accomplish whatever it is that you do for Him.2) The Apostle Paul gave the formula for Christian Life in vs. 1&2 of Rom 12. The whole rest of the Chapter is a list of practical ways that we can accomplish this in our lives.
Vs. 3
3 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
o Not to think more highly of oneself is the 1st admonition given to those who accept the opportunity of consecration. Here, as in many other scriptures, we are counseled to weave humility into our lives as one of its basic components.Why is this admonition given first?
• Because pride is the most destructive tendency we have to fight against.
It taints every other part of our life.
• And to God, it is the single most offensive character trait we can demonstrate.There’s a beautiful example of this principle in Luke 18:10-14.
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
The Pharisee:
1. Had the blessing of knowing the word of God.
2. Had a special relationship with God
3. Had legitimate reasons to be thankful.
4. Was consecrated to righteousness – to avoiding sin. (vs. 11)
5. Was dedicated to following the law – sacrifice. (vs. 12)
6. Had genuine dedication to God and he was acting on it.Then what was it that made him “unjustified” when he left the temple?
o The Pharisee was essentially saying that, because of the things he knew and the things he did, he was more faithful and more pleasing to God than the publican.
o Jesus respectfully disagreed.
o Jesus’ lesson here was:
o “Don’t let your attitude toward other people be shaped by the idea that God, for whatever reason, is more pleased with you than He is with them, whoever they are.”
o The Pharisee based his boldness in prayer on his own accomplishments.
o So in God’s eyes, the Pharisee was standing in the temple praying with no covering at all. He was relying on his own righteousness.On the contrary the publican based his desire to pray on his confidence that God was merciful. We can presume that this man didn’t even know about Jesus yet, so he was basing his confidence in prayer merely on the fact that God was merciful.
As Christians, we can rely not only on God’s mercy, but on His promise that, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we can come boldly to God in prayer.
Heb 4:16 “Let us therefore approach the Throne of Grace with fullest confidence that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need.”Here is a beautiful quote from R:1586, talking about Rom 12:3:
“The Apostle Paul foresaw that one of the greatest temptations among Christians would be to be greatly and highly esteemed, if not by the world, at least among those in the faith, and to do some great thing that would attract attention, rather than the common things that constitute the bulk of actual service.”Rom 12:4-5
4 “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
o These scriptures demonstrate the unity of the Body of Christ.
o They essentially say that, each member has a specific contribution to make. Some have many talents and some have few, but everyone has their own place in the body and is there for a reason for which God selected them.This lesson serves to reinforce the lesson of humility from vs. 3. Vs. 4-5 say:
• Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to.
• But think soberly (have a sane estimate of your own abilities.)
• Because none of us can do everything.
• Each has his or her talents that God has given them.
• And the Body is complete with the contribution of every member.
• But the body can only function properly when each member demonstrates personal humility. When personal humility is not demonstrated by each member, the unity is destroyed, and the Body becomes dysfunctional in some regard.
• Remember, unity means working together toward a common goal.
It does not mean all being the same.
(That is what the Apostle Paul is saying here – everyone is different.)
• Our goal is to strive for unity, not for uniformity.Vs. 6-8
6 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
o Use what the Lord has given you to its best advantage.
o Carefully examine what talents the Lord has given you, and use them to the best of your ability
o And don’t become discouraged if you see that you are not gifted to do a certain service that you see another doing.
Another quote from R:1586
“Having found that capacity in which we can do the most effectual service for the truth, let us spend our energies along that line with diligence and carefulness. Having then gifts differing, let us use them carefully…contented to be very humble in the estimation of others.”In vs. 8, the Apostle Paul said, “…”he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity.”
o “simplicity” is from the Greek #572, haplotace = singleness, sincerety.
o The Apostle Paul is saying: “Let him who gives, give quietly, genuinely, with simple motives – not for show.”
o Simple generosity:
• Makes no demands of the recipient,
• Asks for no recognition,
• Its whole objective is the comfort of the receiver.Vs. 8 “…he that ruleth should rule with diligence.”
(Phillips) “Let those in authority work with enthusiasm.”
Vs. 8 “…he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
o Mercy is a prerequisite virtue.
o Showing mercy to others is a sign that we trust God - that we are confident that He will treat us like sons.
o If God treats us like sons, we can surely afford to be merciful to others.Vs. 9 “…let love be without dissimulation.”
o Dissimulation means hiding one’s feelings or motives by pretence.
o Thinking one thing but saying another.
o The Apostle Paul is saying: Let the love among you be without pretence or façade.
o The love of Christ in our hearts is to be dignified, simple and pure.Vs. 10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”
o Quote from R:2213:
“Cultivate among yourselves that kind of affection which properly belongs in a family, where the blessing or honor of one member signifies the blessing, honor and advancement of all.”
Vs. 11 (Phillips)
“Let us not allow slackness to spoil our work and let us keep the fires of the spirit burning as we do our work for the Lord.”Vs. 12
“Rejoice in hope.”
o This is a very short and concise admonition – but it is all important.
o “Rejoice in Hope” means base your happiness on your hope in Christ.
o There are many things that we as human beings can tie our happiness to: wealth, power, fame, possessions, etc.
o And even a Christian’s happiness can be based on fleeting things like: Spouse, Children, prominence in the Church, opportunity to be involved in high-profile activities.
o These may be genuine blessings from the Lord, but they are all temporary.
o If we base our happiness on these types of things, we will be disappointed.
o The Apostle Paul is here saying: Base your happiness on one thing – your hope in Jesus.
o Let your hope in Jesus be the thing that brings you happiness.Vs. 12
“…be patient in tribulation; continue instant in prayer.”
o All three admonitions in vs. 12 really go together. The Apostle Paul is saying: When you are confronted with trials, do not be discouraged, but go to the Lord in prayer – persevere in prayer – and rejoice in your Hope in the Kingdom of God.”Vs. 13
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality”
o What is the most pressing need the brethren have?
o The need for encouragement in the truth. Give your time, your energy, etc. to providing that need.
o There are many other temporal needs too. Some brethren have very little. Realize that some have basic needs, try to help provide those, too.
James 2:14-16
14 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”
o Be aware that some are in need, and try to meet those needs in an appropriate way.13
“…given to hospitality.”
o Strive to make your brethren feel at home in your presence, your home & your ecclesia.14
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
• Allow the Lord to be the one who seeks justice on your behalf if He desires.Heb. 13:3 “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them, and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
• Be sympathetic with those who are suffering.
• Allow yourself to experience their grief as much as possible.
• But also rejoice with those who rejoice, even when your heart is heavy.
• In essence, don’t be the one who needs emotional support all the time.
• Share your brethren’s experiences as fully as you can, and support them.16
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
• Condescend to men of low estate.
• “Condescend” in English has a negative connotation.
• The real thought is, “Don’t feel that you are too good to interact with humble people, but take a genuine interest in ordinary people.”
17
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
• There are many admonitions in this group of verses, but essentially they say:
o Don’t try to get even with them who hurt you.
o Allow God to deal with them however He chooses.
o But instead, be generous to those who hurt you, and they may someday realize their guilt and reform.21”Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
• Vs. 21 is a restatement of vs. 2:Summary of Romans 10-12
The Apostle Paul is saying:
1. The Jews’ mistake was to rely on their own righteousness instead of Jesus’.
2. Therefore, they didn’t recognize Jesus when he came.
3. Therefore, God’s mercy allowed the blessing of the Messiah to come to the Gentiles.
4. But Israel is not forever lost – their blindness is only temporary.
5. The promises of God to His Jewish people are just as good today as ever.
6. How can we comprehend the greatness of a God like that?
7. Therefore, if you appreciate His wisdom, power, justice & love; give your entire life to Him and allow His righteous principles to permeate & mold your mind
8. By all means, do not conform your minds and hearts to this present world, but be transformed by the entire renewal of your minds, so you may learn by experience and habitually discriminate what God’s will is for you, a will that is good and beautiful and perfect.
