November 30, 2021: SOAP #4380:  Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  17  For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

OBSERVATION: What is it about the Gospel that saves?  In the Gospel there is a righteousness that can become mine.  It replaces my unrighteousness and makes me eligible and acceptable for heaven!   It is nothing less than the righteousness of Jesus!

That righteousness is available, but it does me no good unless I know about it. I cannot find it out on my own.  Someone must bring the message to me.  That is what the Gospel does.  In the Gospel that righteousness is brought to my attention.  The Gospel is the Good News revealed to me!

That righteousness was procured on the cross by the death of God’s Son.  It is offered to me by grace, and I receive it through faith.  There is no payment required on my part.  I do not become more deserving of that righteousness as I progress through my Christian life. No, it is by faith from the first to the last!

APPLICATION:  So, faith is to be the mainstay of my life.  My conduct and conversation should show that I am trusting in God’s action taken on my behalf.  I should speak of my Heavenly Father in such terms that everyone knows my appreciation.  I should treat others with great grace for I am the recipient of even greater grace.  I keep my word because I am so grateful that He kept His Word!  I do everything to please Him, for He did so much for me!  I am not discouraged because my faith assures me that He Who has brought me this far will certainly not drop me now!

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner.  I believe you love me and died for my sins.  Forgive me.  Be my Lord.  Live in my life.  Live your righteous life in me.  Thank you for forgiving me and sharing your life with me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!