August 12, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in selections from Exodus and Romans? Here’s today’s reading:
Romans 16 (NIV)
Personal Greetings
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.……Continue Reading
Romans 16
Romans 15-16; Exodus 35-36
In verse 17 Paul is warning the believers to be aware of false teachers; who teach contrary to what Paul has taught. They are to stay away from these false teachers. Besides avoiding false teachers what else can we do? The answer would be knowing the word of God. By reading and studying the Bible. But also following trusted leaders in our church. And of course we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us to guide us. Not emotions for the heart can be deceitful. 2 Timothy 2:15 {Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.} Acts 17:11 {These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.} The church in Berea is who is spoken here. May the Lord bless each one of you.
Romans 16
After passing along greetings to those Paul knew in Rome and/or had participated in ministry with him, he warns the people to avoid those who cause division. What a destructive element that is in any church. It is fine to have issues with people or different aspects of the church, but they are to be addressed directly to the individual or the leadership responsible, not talking behind people’s back and gathering a team who agree with you and just remain disgruntled. And how great it is when the obedience and faithfulness to God and people become the mark of a church and that is what draws attention. And I was struck by the God of peace crushing satan’s head under their/our feet. His peace does not translate to everyone in the universe! Yet, that is what happens when we believe and obey like Lucifer did not, and show that God is right in what He has done and what He has commanded. And what a privilege is ours to be connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is something established in ages past but is intended to bear fruit today in transformed lives and bringing many to heaven and the knowledge and appreciation of God. May we look for opportunities to proclaim His name!!
”Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.“
Romans 16:25-27 NKJV
The gospel was a mystery kept secret, now revealed to all nations.
It can be easy to fall into situations where you are talking to someone who has issue with someone else, as men we want to be heard when we feel wronged or hurt. But Paul’s urging here is to stand against that and let it stop with you. We should direct people to handle problems in a Biblical way with the person themselves rather than trying to get people on their side and just feed Satan’s desire for division. Funny how things don’t change all that much that this was Paul’s worry so many years ago and still can be the biggest stumbling block in churches today.
Romans 16
The revelation of the mystery hidden is now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of God. This happened back in Paul’s day through Jesus Christ, and it is slated to happen in the future with his return. When the time comes, the mystery will be revealed by God’s command. And It’s amazing how many times Paul says in his writings that our salvation comes from faith. How could the Catholic church get this so wrong?? That’s why it’s so important to get our hands on a Bible, read, study and meditate on it. For that is where the Truth is.