I love to read the Bible and really dig into the word, to really ponder it, think about it and learn it. I believe that is the only way to really place it in your heart. Today, I began my study of Romans. I was immediately taken with the first verse, Paul calls himself a servant of Christ (NIV). At first, my thought was that showed his dedication to Christ, for servants choose to serve their masters. Then I did some research, and learned that the original word Paul used, when he wrote Romans, was doulos, which is a greek word that should be translated as slave, not servant.
That one realization changed how I interpreted that verse! Paul is saying, not that he chose to serve Christ, but that he was compelled by the Holy Spirit to serve Christ. Slaves do not have freedom, the are owned-Paul is owned by Christ. To me, that is a beautiful reference, that shows how completely God and Jesus take our hearts, if we get out of our own way! Paul also notes that he was called to be an apostle of the gospel. Did you get that? He was called, again, he is not giving himself credit or patting himself on the back. Seems like a small thing at first, but is it?
Lets take a moment and think about how we often refer to ourselves. We say that we are followers of Christ or that we serve Christ. How often do we put the emphasis on what God is doing or has done instead of what we are doing? I think it shows Pauls heart-his God first, then himself. He recognizes that it was Christ who set him apart and that he is completely covered by Christs love. He cannot walk away, even if he wanted to (and why would he want to?) because Christ owns him. I love that!
I also love the encouragement that Paul gives to the Roman church in the first chapter. He tells them that they are in his prayers "at all times". He says that he longs to see them so that they can be "mutually encouraged by each others faith". Imagine that, Paul, one of the greatest apostles needed to be encouraged in his faith too! That gives me hope and comforts me more than I realized.
This is why it is so important to have Christian friends, not onlyChristian friends, but it is important that we do have friends who share our faith. Other Christians encourage us, lift us up and hold us accountable. It is far to easy to justify poor behavior or poor decisions if we are caught up in this world. The world says that it is ok to bend moral law if your intentions are good, if you really want it, or if it benefits you. Moral law does not bend, other Christians can help remind you of this. Other Christians know the heartbreak of wanting to be better than we are, and falling short daily.
I love that Paul goes on to boldly say, "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" (Rom 1:16, NIV). I long to have that bold, outspoken and confident faith. To be able to proclaim the truth from the mountaintops without faltering. I believe in the gospel, however, I find that often times, I ponder it quietly in my heart, I am slow to verbalize Gods power in my life-although I am getting better.
I find that I am worried how others will perceive me. It is easier to be bold when I am with other believers, but how often do I speak of Gods great love and His impact in my life when I am speaking with a non believer who may mock me or belittle my view? Not as often as I would like. I find that the book of Romans is a great place to delve into and really find the strength needed to proclaim the truth. Paul states it so eloquently in verse 16, doesn't he? The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. That's all we have to do, believe. No works are required, no actions, just faith-and we are all saved.
I love that.
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