Romans 1 wrap-up
Wow! For those who don't believe that the word can be new and active and egaging for us today, Romans 1 proved otherwise. In a roomfull of a dozen men, God spoke through Romans 1 in all kinds of ways. It was revealing and convicting.
I think the thing that really stands out for me is a question that was asked in reference to Romans 1:14-17. The question is this; "Do we have a faith that is inclusive or exclusive?" In light of the first chapter of Romans, it is clear that, idealogically, the Gospel of Christ is available to all. However, as my friend Toren was so quick to point out, we are a broken and fragmented people and the reality of our faith doesn't often look like it should. This idea sparked debate and conviction amongts the guys at bible study and within my heart.
In verses 18-32 of Romans chapter 1, Paul uses sin to group all people together. He is using sin as the common denominator by which all people have failed God. By showing that all have sinned, he is detroying the idea of "good" and "bad" people. Think of Jesus, in John 8, telling those who have not sinned to cast the first stone at the woman caught in adultery. This is what Paul is trying to teach the Jews in Rome who view themselves as better than the Greeks/Romans. However, much like the Jews Paul is writing to, we are broken, and it is easier to point the finger of judgement than it is to let the word search and convict us. In thinking about this and discussing it within the group, it became obvious that maybe our judgement is no different. What people groups do we, as believers, pour shame and guilt upon? Is this an appropriate response in light of the word? Think about the moral superiority that we have claimed in the face of issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and addiction. Is this the viewpoint of an inclusive or exclusive faith? Maybe the first thing we need to do as believers is to renew our understanding in a common humanity that has collectively failed God and who has been offered grace and salvation through HIS mercy.
Don't believe me..... well we are about to continue the discussion. Chapter 2 of Romans is going to continue to push this ideas and I think it is right for us to wrestle with the weight of it.
Thanks for joining me on the journey.
Yours,
Rob
Wow! For those who don't believe that the word can be new and active and egaging for us today, Romans 1 proved otherwise. In a roomfull of a dozen men, God spoke through Romans 1 in all kinds of ways. It was revealing and convicting.
I think the thing that really stands out for me is a question that was asked in reference to Romans 1:14-17. The question is this; "Do we have a faith that is inclusive or exclusive?" In light of the first chapter of Romans, it is clear that, idealogically, the Gospel of Christ is available to all. However, as my friend Toren was so quick to point out, we are a broken and fragmented people and the reality of our faith doesn't often look like it should. This idea sparked debate and conviction amongts the guys at bible study and within my heart.
In verses 18-32 of Romans chapter 1, Paul uses sin to group all people together. He is using sin as the common denominator by which all people have failed God. By showing that all have sinned, he is detroying the idea of "good" and "bad" people. Think of Jesus, in John 8, telling those who have not sinned to cast the first stone at the woman caught in adultery. This is what Paul is trying to teach the Jews in Rome who view themselves as better than the Greeks/Romans. However, much like the Jews Paul is writing to, we are broken, and it is easier to point the finger of judgement than it is to let the word search and convict us. In thinking about this and discussing it within the group, it became obvious that maybe our judgement is no different. What people groups do we, as believers, pour shame and guilt upon? Is this an appropriate response in light of the word? Think about the moral superiority that we have claimed in the face of issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and addiction. Is this the viewpoint of an inclusive or exclusive faith? Maybe the first thing we need to do as believers is to renew our understanding in a common humanity that has collectively failed God and who has been offered grace and salvation through HIS mercy.
Don't believe me..... well we are about to continue the discussion. Chapter 2 of Romans is going to continue to push this ideas and I think it is right for us to wrestle with the weight of it.
Thanks for joining me on the journey.
Yours,
Rob
posted by Rob @ 9:09 AM
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