October 1, 2023 - Romans 9-16 (a quick overview)

How about a quick overview of these last chapters of Romans before coming back and looking a bit more closely? These chapters of Romans are great conversation starters. What about a conversation about God's sovereignty? It will, at some point, reference chapter nine, if not begin with the chapter. Israel and eschatology? Can’t ignore chapters ten and eleven. Who is a true Christian? Chapter twelve must be considered. The place of government in our lives? Likely, the key text is right here in chapter thirteen. Christian freedom? Is it OK to eat and drink certain things? Of course, according to chapter fourteen, all things are OK, unless the food or drink causes a brother to stumble. The urgency of missions? Paul's personal testimony just nails us with the urgency to take the gospel to the world. And of course, there are the final warnings and encouragements of the last chapter.

As I think about Paul’s counsel, along with all the rest of God’s Word, it comes to me (nothing new or novel here, just a reminder) that our problem (certainly, mine) is not a failure of knowledge or a lack of good, clear direction. Rather, the challenge is to have an open ear and heart and mind to what God says to me. He has given me what I need to know in order to please him and to live a life of obedience and righteousness. Maybe a variation on Nancy Reagan’s slogan against drug use – “Just say no!” – is a good word for me, for all of us, this morning: Just say yes! That is, “Yes!” to all God that instructs us.

How precious is the Book Divine,

By inspiration giv’n!

Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

To guide our souls to heav’n,

To guide our souls to heav’n.

It shows to us our wand’ring ways

And where his feet have trod,

And brings to view the matchless grace

Of a forgiving God,

Of a forgiving God. -- John Fawcett (1782)