Verse of the Day 9/27
New International Version
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Our Monday Morning Men's Bible study group began our journey through the book of Romans this morning and today's verses were some of the key verses in the study and in the book of Romans; and in fact the whole Bible. Packed within these verses are words, principles and thoughts that can be observed throughout Scripture and applied in our lives.
The verses begin with "I am not ashamedof the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation". The book was addressed to the people in Rome during a time when the tyrant Nero was governing the empire. It could not have been an easy place for a church to survive let alone grow and thrive. With men it would be impossible, but with the power of God; the Creator of the universe and all that is in it, if He is for it, none will stand against it. John Piper writes, "what this means is not that the gospel is God's power to convert people to faith (although that is indeed true!), but that it means the gospel is God's power to bring those who keep on believing to everlasting safety and joy in the presence of God.
The verses end with "the righteous shall live by faith". This hearkens back to the prophet Habakkuk 2:4 in the Old Testament which contrasted the proud who live by their own devices while those who live by faith, trust and depend upon God for their well being, for everything in life. It can be looked at another way, the just; those who are in right standing before God, will live by faith in Him. This same thought shows up in Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38.
We are saved through faith that is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, by the power of God. We are to stand by it and be unashamed about it.
"God gives to us the righteousness that He demands from us". John Piper
Blessings,
Mike
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
New International Version
Paul's Longing to Visit Rome
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,
| | Romans 1:8-17 NIV - - Bible Gateway |
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just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
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