Deliver the Wretch!

Romans 7:24 - 8:2   
24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.   1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Swallowed up and captive in sin from birth, deliverance is only found in the Lord who is Jesus Christ.  God alone can deliver me from His own wrath, and that He has done!  So the war within against still indwelling sin continues, but now victoriously.  He who justified me no longer condemns because I have been freed from that law that said sin and you must die.  So I live, walking in step with God living in me as Spirit, free and able to defeat the sinful desires lingering in my yet to be glorified body.  Hope is in Christ’s victory for and in me.  Selah. 

Rule of Flesh Vs. God

Romans 7:17-23   
17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.   21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Now we who are Christ’s find the battle of sin against the new man inside can win over the God-given desires to do good according to His Law now written on our heart.  How to do this of ourselves is unobtainable in the long run; we may exert willpower for a season, but eventually we fail.  So the inward battle against sin strives to urge me to continue in the things we have been set free from.  This battle attacks the mind to misuse the body, from tongue to toe.  This is the main spiritual war we fight next to the battle for the truth. 

Sold Under Sin...

Romans 7:13-16   
13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.

So the law of God’s commands was good, yet seemed to be death to us.  It really was just showing the dead state we are born in, unable to obey all God said without ever failing - meeting His standards.  So the sin was exposed for the utter rebellion against God that it is, the exceedingly sinful heart set against Him.  So also this flesh is opposed to the spiritual truth of that law that was His will for us to be aligned to, and we are sold as slaves to sin, doing as we will.  Even now we still sin, wondering why, unable to obey willingly and consistently.  Doing these things we hate, we prove that what God demands is good.  But we need help outside our broken will to be able to do good. 

Knowledge of Sin by Law

Romans 7:7-12   
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

The Law is not sin, it simply reveals we sin as we see what God commands and that we fail to do those things.  As it spells out specific sins, the law further invites us to do more against it because we cannot consistently do the right thing for the right reasons.  The law killed us by revealing our disobedience against a holy God.  It did not bring life, but death, because it could not change the heart to obey God, but only expose the wickedness filling this heart of stone.  So deceived, we are born dead to God as the law reveals.  That is why it is good, just, and holy.  Good because it exposes what is wrong.  Just because it shows we are wrong and He is right.  Holy because it shows God’s standards and our need. 

Newness of Spirit

Romans 7:5-6    
5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

Before regeneration, in the carnal man, we heard what not to do and then defiantly pursued those sinful desires with vigor.  But those things revealed as wrong by God (by both letter and conscience) only led to death in spirit and body.  The fruit was our due wages we earned.  But now we are set free if we are in Christ, free from external regulations of no effect for righteousness.  The internal change delivers us to Christ’s righteousness by faith to obey the law from a willing heart and mind as a result, not the cause.  So we serve in His Spirit within and not rules without.  And this willingly! 

Dead to Law’s Dominion

Romans 7:1-4   
1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

The Law binds people to it, as in the example of marriage here.  In marriage, you are bound to each other until death when you part.  But if one remarries while still married and the other still lives, it is adultery by the law’s definition and consequences. So we who attempt to earn God’s favor by the Law are bound to that until we die.  In Christ we do die to the Law of works that can’t make us right with God, and we then are remarried to Christ by grace in His righteousness that kept the works of the law perfectly for us.  So set free, we should be fruitful in His righteousness, not in our attempts that fall ever short as before. 

Wages of Sin, Gift of God

Romans 6:22-23    
22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Free at last!  This freedom from sin’s dominion makes us God’s slaves, willing bond servants working out - not for - our salvation.  The fruit we then bear changes us more over time as we conform to the image of Christ in holiness while we run the race towards life beyond the grave and on into forever with our great God and Savior.  We once earned death from God’s face by sin, but now have been given what we cannot earn nor lose in Christ as we gaze into His face.  So we are His eager bond servants of righteousness, living to honor, please, and glorify the one who bought us at such a price, that for which we could never pay nor earn.  Grace gives freedom. 

Free From Sin and Death

Romans 6:18-21   
18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.   20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

Because we in Christ are freed from sin and its rule in us, in a sense we are now serving righteousness - but as willing bondservants instead of forced labor.   This is why we choose daily to use our minds and bodies as God has commanded us, willingly and gladly obeying from the heart.  We no longer aim to add more to the downward spiral of sin as Israel in the times of the judges, but instead we add to right words and deeds as we aim to holiness in an upward spiral on a staircase towards heaven.  We are free not to sin towards death, but to do right for life as we have been called out for. 

Grace is No Excuse to Sin

Romans 6:15-17   
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

The law of grace which now rules the regenerated believer rules out continuing in the very sin we have been delivered from.  So if we give ourselves again to sin, we become enslaved to that which was leading to our death by Gods wrath before.  This is why we aim to obey to align with Christ’s righteousness.  We must obey from the heart, not lip service as before, for that is what we have been delivered from. 

Don’t Let Sin Reign!

Romans 6:12-14    
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Because we have been forgiven of sin and stand justified in Christ’s righteousness, set free from sin’s reign over us, how can we willfully allow sin to reign again?  Instead we must choose over and over to offer our minds and bodies as living sacrifices to God, since we are dead to sin and alive in Him!  How can we give free reign to sinful thoughts, words, and deeds when we are His, forgiven in mercy by grace?  Yet this is the battle we fight daily, putting to death the old man who is warring within to reestablish a foothold.  The victory is in Christ by His Spirit. 

Reckon Dead to Sin

Romans 6:8-11   
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Having died to our self in Christ we find life for now and eternity.  Because of His resurrection, we also live again as reborn spiritually, and in His presence forever with a new raised body that never dies after we die from this earth.  Death is no longer our master; we do not fear it nor the consequences before God afterwords.  Jesus Christ died so we would not die in our sin, but live toward God with absolute assurance of justified forgiveness.  So we count ourselves completely dead to sin and absolutely alive in Him.  This is the hope of the gospel that never fails, based on Christ’s effective work in our calling. 

United We Stand

Romans 6:5-7   
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

We died with and in Christ, and are baptized in Him to rise again as new creatures.  So we will also be resurrected just as we have been co-crucified; we died to the life of a condemned sinner, set free from the master of sin and conveyed to life as slaves to righteousness.  This is what it means to be dead to sin and set free from its dominion in Christ.  So how can we continue to repeat the motions of serving our old master when we are dead to him, alive in newness of life, and serve another in grace now? 

Walk in Newness of Life

Romans 6:1-4   
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

We who have been delivered (saved) from God’s wrath through Christ’s grace are certainly free from sin’s consequence, yet this is no license to willingly choose to continue sinning.  Because we were immersed in Christ’s death, we count ourselves dead to sin as well.  We died to our old self and have been resurrected into a new spiritual life with a heart of spiritual flesh in place of the old dead man’s heart of stone.  This is why we do not pursue or excuse sin, but live the new life by following Him and conforming to His image.  We do not sin more to get more forgiveness, for that is the error of Rome’s erroneous teaching of penance without consequence. 

By One Man’s Obedience

Romans 5:18-21  
18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.   20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Adam sinned one sin, disobeying God’s command, and was turned away from life as death came in the door.  The second Adam never sinned, obeying completely in thought and deed, and so rightly and  righteously bought us life.  Disobedience led to death, obedience to life.  The Law that exposed our sin and God’s due wrath on us for it, that Law magnified our sin into plain sight and reigned death over us.  But the grace of the second man, Jesus the Christ reigns with life that never ends - and it is all through Him, not our feeble and ever failing efforts to earn life.  This is the essence of the gospel. He did it all.

Free Gift of Justification

Romans 5:15-17   
15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

The offense against God (sin) by Adam killed us all.  But the grace of life given in the other Man, Jesus Christ, is given abundantly to many.  We can be justified before God while yet sinners in Him, no longer under the judgment through the first man’s sin which we all are born with.  He has taken on our many sins, our offenses against our holy God, and made us righteous in Christ by sheer unmerited and unearned grace.  Death no longer reigns as Lord over all in Him, but we reign in His goodness with Him. 

Adam’s Children Born in Sin

Romans 5:12-14   
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

Because Adam was the father of us all, when he sinned by going against God’s simple command to not try to know good over evil in his own judgment (Gen.3, Heb.5:14), judgment fell on him and all of us as his descendants.  So sin filled the world, and the Law of God proved it by showing we cannot of our own ability or wisdom or efforts do absolutely right every time.  Even before that Law showed us this, death still reigned over us.  The Law just showed God’s just response to us.  So the first Adam sealed our fate while we awaited the second. 

Reconciled Enemies

Romans 5:9-11   
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Because we who are Christ’s are seen as just with His righteousness in between the Father’s wrath and our sin, we are saved from the consequences of our sin - namely that due wrath against all that offends our holy and righteousness God.  We have thus been reconciled, made right in His eyes, and are no longer His enemies. So through the death and life of Christ do we come to this place.  This is where our true and lasting joy comes from, the reconciling love of God in Christ by His mercy on all that He calls to Himself.  We are reconciled, and we have that great news of reconciliation to tell to the end of the earth!

While We Were Sinners, Christ Died

Romans 5:6-8   
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We have  no ability to do anything to save ourselves.  This is why Christ died in our place, to show love in mercy to unrighteousness sinners like myself.  He did not die for good people (not that any is truly good by His reckoning), but for us while still sinners, worthy only of God’s wrath which we all inherited from Adam and continue doing in that nature.  It makes no human sense why Christ would die for anyone but a good one worthy of the sacrifice, but that is why God is full of mercy and sent His Son.  So we in His suffering, sacrificial death, and resurrection of hope have been reckoned righteous in Christ alone and saved from the due wrath out of love in mercy. 

Peace With God for Hope

Romans 5:1-5   
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Our standing made right by Christ’s intercessory death to impute that righteousness to us gives us peace with God.  We are no longer under His just wrath and hatred as willful sinners, but as delivered sinners under unearned and undeserved good favor and standing.  This is grace.  So we have great joy filling us, no matter what hard times or persecution comes at us.  These only work to make us holy, to sanctify us as we find godly character forming slowly as we journey to the hope now and in eternity in His very presence.  His love lavishly poured out on our hearts by the indwelling Spirit never disappoints.  This is the hope and joy of our salvation and standing in Christ. 

Righteousness by Faith

Romans 4:20-25   
20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”  23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

Abraham did not doubt God’s promise even when humanly it seemed quite impossible.  So his faith was stronger as he gave God the glory for the promise through him to many nations, and those include we who believe the promises to raise Jesus from death to impute His righteousness to us.  He stands with His righteousness in the place of our sin to make us right by faith.  He justifies us fully therefore, because we take Him completely at His word, trusting the promise by faith to pay for our sin and give us life in Him.  This is the gospel.  

Believe Against Hope

Romans 4:17-19   
17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.

Abraham was promised to be a father of many nations, but he was 100 years old and his wife was not far behind, far past being able to have children as heirs to all nations.  Yet God had promised.  He chose to trust God against all reasonable hope.  Abraham knew nothing was impossible for God who called the universe into existence by a word, so he could trust His faithfulness for an heir and more.  So we are children of that one, united by faith in God’s work - in Christ. 

Righteousness of Faith

Romans 4:13-16   
13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.  16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

God’s promise for His people to be called out of every nation was made to Abraham based on faith, not on keeping the rules of the law alone.  If he or we attempt to rely on keeping the law, it only shows through our continued failure to do so that we are under God’s wrath and deserve punishment for that which is sin.  By grace through faith, however, the promise can take root and grow because it is based on God’s infallible works, not our ever fallible attempts.  So all who trust God alone in Christ alone are true sons of Abraham and the inheritance as His people.  

Sealed by Faith

Romans 4:9-12  
9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

Those chosen of God called Israel had circumcision as the seal to show the covenant they had with God.  But Abraham had God’s promises through faith before this sign, and we who are in Christ have this same seal of faith, a circumcision of the heart cleansed and made new.  So Abraham is the father of all God’s people, those who believe all God says, not those who have only the outward sign apart from faith.  Righteousness is only imputed or counted as ours in Christ by faith, not by the law of works.  It is this faith which pleases God and seals us as His. 

The Ungodly Justified

Romans 4:5-8   
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:  7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

Believing God as to who He is and what He alone has done in Christ is faith, and this is what justifies us.  We are counted righteous in Him - we do not earn nor are given it.  So we are blessed who have that imputed right standing before the holy God.  All our works are forgiven, not relied upon for this right stance in His eyes.  God chooses not to count the sin (by imputing His righteousness) against us because we trust in Him who we believed when given eyes of faith to see and so to choose.  We are regenerated and quickened so we can take hold of this great salvation by faith alone in Christ alone for God’s glory. 

Works of Debt, or Grace of Faith?

Romans 4:1-4   
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 

Abraham was the chosen people’s father, and he was only justified by his works (the Law) in the eyes of the people, not God.  If what he did had earned God’s favor, he and they could be proud of that.  But God actually told us that it was Abraham’s believing what God promised, his faith, that made him righteousness in God’s eyes.  So the point again is made that when we do good to earn His favor, it is trying to pay back a debt that is more than we could ever afford.  But grace is a gift that is impossible to earn; only the Giver can assign it ultimate value and effectiveness.  We cannot work our way to God, only have it given unearned and undeserved (grace). 

Justified by Faith Alone

Romans 3:27-31   
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

We cannot boast in the keeping of God’s law nor any of our own efforts; since we are made right and righteous in His sight by faith alone, we cannot earn God’s favor or forgiveness to save us from the wrath to come in judgment on the whole world.  But Christ died for people from every county, race, and language group.  He alone will justify each who exercises the faith given to submit by admitting these things and trusting all Jesus said He did where we could not.  Jesus means “God is our salvation,” and so the law of loving God and others is only possible in His deliverance.  We are justified by faith alone in Christ alone, with nothing added. 

Just and Justifier for Sinners

Romans 3:22b-26   
22 ... For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The religious under the law and the rest of the world are equally spiritually deficit when measured against God’s glory.  He eclipses us completely.  Yet He has done a redemptive work for us that is so perfect as to justify us without cost in Jesus the Christ.  His righteousness is perfect, and Christ justly suffered and died where we deserve to as the complete justifier of those with active belief, trust, in Him.  By His Justice, we then can not be judged as we ought to be, set free in merciful grace with our sins absolved once forever.  He is just in our place where we cannot be, and only He can justify us as a perfect man and LORD.  No other work or effort on our part can add to or take away from all that has been done - it is finished! 

The Law Shuts us Up

Romans 3:19-22a  
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22a even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.

The law proves one thing - it shuts our mouths that complain or boast against God.  It proves we are all sinners, we are all born separated from God’s perfection of holy character and commands of rightness.  It only points out our sin, making us aware (knowledge of) our hopeless state in His eyes.  But His righteousness is separate from obtaining by keeping of rules we are too broken to do (let alone perfectly); and that righteousness of Christ can only be granted by faith in Him, which is not given but counted as ours by believing Him for it.  He is still the righteous one, and we are not. 

Nobody Is Righteous

Romans 3:9-18   
9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” 13 “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

No matter if a chosen Jew or chosen gentile, all people are born in sin.  Nobody is good by God’s standards.  Nobody truly seeks God of their own will (He must initiate by drawing and enabling to understand).  All are in some way deceptive, destructive, and do not know true peace or its pursuit.  Why?  The lack of fear of God.  If we feared God’s wrath and necessary judgment, we would not continue in sin.  But we need to be drawn and changed to fear enough to turn from sin to Him. 

Just Judge of the World

Romans 3:5-8    
5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?  7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

Our continued unrighteousness does not show God’s righteousness, just our need for it. Because we are all sinners, God is not unjust to pour out His wrath on the world.  He has every right and requirement to do so.  He made us originally in His image to honor Him by doing and thinking what we do for His glory.  But if we do wrong to somehow let God show more goodness, then the world’s accusations that we sin more to get good from God would be true.  When we do right, trusting only that our righteousness comes down to God’s alone in Christ, then the condemnation of our false accusers is well earned. 

God is True, All Others Liars

Romans 3:1-4    
1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

So the keepers of the law did not follow it from the heart, yet they have the advantage of having faithfully brought God’s word down through the ages, preserving it for the time the Christ would come.  So that tutor points us to grace in a changed life now.  All God said is truth; all we say outside of that, of ourselves that is not in agreement with Him is a lie.  So we are judged by His word and He is justified by who He is as seen in every word told us.  So the Jews as the chosen people point us as each one chosen as His, called out as and into the church of which Christ is the head.

Circumcision of the Heart

Romans 2:25-29   
25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

The outward act of circumcision became proof of cutting off from sin to the sons of Abraham, yet Jesus spoke of the inner work of the heart over the outward.  Doing what God said from a willing heart and not from rote attempts to look compliant with the Law was the intent all along.  So outward acts combined with inner disobedience is serving in letter only; God in Christ by His Spirit creates a new heart of true Jews - His real children whom He has given that birth to.  Our efforts fall ever short, but God’s work brings praise from Him.  Man’s praise for outward rule keeping apart from this is vain.

Rest on God, Not Works

Romans 2:17-24   
17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

The Jews rested on being God’s chosen ones, and used that as a boast in knowing His will and what was the best - they saw themselves as a light in the dark, teachers to guide those not able to see.  Yet they forgot to teach themselves, and ceased doing the very things they taught and claimed to believe.  Here they are reminded they could not and did not keep the laws they demanded of others.  They blasphemed God by the hypocrisy of denial.  We also fall into the same trap of straining out minor issues as gnats while swallowing the camel of pride.  Humility means teaching without harsh judgment, constantly viewing the grace given us to impart the truth to others.  Truth matters, but it must be spoken in love and humble grace. 

Law of the Heart

Romans 2:11-16    
11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;  14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

God is just and fair, against any and all arguments of men to the contrary.  Whether we never have had God’s law or are brought up in it, if we are judged by it will be according to our performance of doing all (not only parts of it). The only way to justify ourselves is by doing all He commands, perfectly and consistently.  So God applies His standard of perfection to all who have and to all who do not have His law. It is based on God’s character and commands.  We don’t do it perfectly, so that is sin and we are all sinners. Even those without it are treated impartially, because the conscience attests to right and wrong; God has written the requirements of His law on each heart.  He has not given the ability or desire to do what is written on the heart until it is changed by Him, however.  So God will justly judge each in the end, and the heart changed by the gospel of grace in Christ alone will alone be weighed, and though still found wanting in itself, the outcome in Him will not be found wanting.

God’s Goodness to Repentance

Romans 2:4-10   
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Those judging others and yet still doing the same actually despise God’s grace - His long patience as He draws us to turn from that sin and towards Him who calls.  Such hardened hearts build up wrath in return for His return.  Self-seeking and disobedient, haters of truth, loving evil over good - the end is the justice due, a torture of soul apart from God’s grace into eternity.  But those drawn to Him with a good heart wanting to do what is right find immortality and honor in glorifying their maker.  His righteousness covers the judgment and its punishment.  Forever.  That is the only peace with God in Christ. 

God Alone is Judge

Romans 2:1-3   
1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God.

When we condemn others without looking at where we stand in the same faults with God, the judgment that condemns lies squarely on ourselves.  God judges and condemns truly, so when we condemn others beyond mere discernment of right and wrong, we cannot escape God’s disfavor.  We all face judgment apart from the justifying grace of God in Christ; we are no better than others, and so must smite the mite of dust in our own vision to see clearly enough to help (not condemn) another we discern to be at odds with God. 

Debased and Deserving Death

Romans 1:28-32    
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Those who are wise in their own eyes do not think about or consider God for more than a passing moment.  Instead they fill their thoughts and actions with hate to God and others, self-consumed and breaking the two main commandments - not loving God or others.  They hear God’s righteousness judgment coming on their sin, yet still continue to live opposed to God and supporting others who do the same.  We see this throughout history, and especially in our western cultures today.  It is even “intolerant” to point out these truths of God as society and politics encourage the rebellion in these verses. 

Wise in Own Eyes, Foolish

Romans 1:22-27    
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.  24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.   26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

Those refusing to glorify God are only wise in their own eyes; making idols of things created by God (including themselves), they hold to ideas of creation by chance and worship their excuses called ideas in place of their obvious maker.  These self taught lies only lead to misuse of their own created bodies for their temporary enjoyment, refusing to rightly use all to honor God’s creation for good.  So God in return gives them over to receive what they ask for and rightfully deserve for rebellion and dishonor of their maker - their dirty desires given into, with resultant penalties both here and beyond death. 

God’s Wrath and Glory

Romans 1:18-21    
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 

God is justly angry over men’s sinful thoughts and deeds, for they all deny God in His character and creation.  We can see His fingerprints in the stars and in the atom, in the complexity of the planets and in what we call nature.  By these works of His hands we see the hands behind each work, yet deny accountability to Him and so deny God Himself.  God as creator and sustainer stands around us in a cosmic display of His divinity, yet we hide in the garden and are not thankful.  So none has an excuse to not glorify God.  Instead we lift up our empty knowledge and reason apart from Him while His wrath looms over us in sure judgment until we admit our state and turn to trust and honor our Maker. Otherwise, we only find darkness in our rebellious hearts apart from His light... 

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Romans 1:13-17    
13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.   16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Paul tried many time before he could get to Rome, desiring to be fruitful with the good words of life there.  He reached Greeks and other peoples, and now was bringing this gospel to Rome at the empire’s center.  He was not ashamed of Christ or the saving message, knowing it was not his words that convinced or changed others, but God’s power by His Spirit through His word.  This message of Christ and His work had power no man could ever have, as it reached across nations and peoples to make them stand in Christ’s righteousness by trust in Him for it in their place.  His imputed righteousness justifies the ungodly-good news indeed! 

Faith’s Witness

Romans 1:8-12   
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Why was Paul thankful? The Roman followers of Jesus Christ were examples of and for the gospel; many knew their story and so Paul reminded and encouraged them that he did also.  He also let them know of his constant prayer and desire to come to see them in person. His prayer was not just to be with them, but to build their faith up and encourage each other in Christ.  This pastoral heart was lit by God in Paul’s soul and so he poured himself out as a drink offering on them for their grown in knowing and making Him known.  A great example of a servant heart to follow. 

All Reborn Are Saints

Romans 1:5-7   
5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul knew his calling and the very grace of God meant obedience to the faith given to and exercised by him in Christ.  He also acknowledged those in Rome who also were called by God, called out to the obedience of true holiness by being separated to God out of the world.  So he pronounces that grace and God's peace from God as Father and Son upon these elect ones.  The resurrected Christ brought out and bought out His people with divine power as planned and foretold.  So is our certain hope as His saints, the elect of God in Christ Jesus. 

Romans - Separated Messenger

Romans 1:1-4    
1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Paul considered himself a willing servant-slave to his Lord because he was called out by God.  He was set apart to God's good news, His words of life and reconciliation in Jesus Christ, just as promised in all of God's word from the beginning in Genesis to Abraham and to us.  He clarifies that Jesus is both man and God in these opening declarations of Romans, attested to by the Spirit of God's power working through the man, as well as the ability to raise Himself from death to give us the same hope.  His power and authority to save as only God can was embodied in a man like us to take our just punishment and penalty of death.  His grace and mercy in calling us out is guaranteed by His work, His Spirit working in us, and the certain and proven hope of resurrection to life forever with Him. So we who are likewise called out to God in Christ are joyful slaves to His righteousness and work. 

Continuing in Rome

Acts 28:29-31    

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.  30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

After Paul told the Jews who hardened their hearts to be deaf and blind to the gospel, he let them argue among themselves while speaking the words of life to others in Rome.  He taught the kingdom of God in Christ from his house, welcoming all who were drawn to listen.  Nobody stopped the work, and so he pushed forward to reach the heart of the Roman Empire with the power of the truth of God's work on the cross, Christ crucified. 

Such Grace in Salvation!

Acts 28:25-28   

25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; 27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’ 28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”

God used Paul to try reach the chosen Jewish people first, but their hearts were hardened so they refused to hear with understanding and could not see the Messiah in their own scriptures.  Their ears were deaf to the gospel as they turned to their own laws over time.  So God turned to the nations promised through Abram to become as numerous as the stars or sand on a beach.  Salvation came to us in part due to the spiritually deaf, dumb, and blind, but more so because God chose us out along with  the remnant of Israel before time began.  He alone opens eyes and ears of the hearts of men by His choice.  Such grace in salvation! 

We Desire to Hear From You

Acts 28:21-24 
21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”  23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

The Roman Jews listened to hear what this new sect was about, for they did not hear anything except that many were against it.  So Paul took a whole day to meet and tell of the kingdom of God that was in and through Jesus Christ alone.  He showed  Old Testament scriptures all pointed to and told of the Christ.  Some were moved to understanding and others refused to believe the facts.  Even now many will hear the truth of God, yet choose to believe otherwise, refusing to trust God and admit their accountability to Him.  They choose not to believe and submit to His authority, and remain in their sin.

Present Your Case

Acts 28:17-20 
17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

In Rome, Paul met with the Jewish leaders to present his case for being there.  He again spoke of his innocence, yet also God's provision in the need for safety by plotting against him.  So Paul came with the hope of Israel (and the world) to the capital of the empire.  So began his conversation with the Jewish leaders in Rome.  Paul was divinely appointed to spread the gospel far and wide, to the end of the earth…so should we follow Him as He leads.

Sovereign Journey's End

Acts 28:14-16   
14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.  16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Paul and company made a few stops on the way to Rome, and at Puteoli (by Naples, north of Pompeii) they found other believers to stay and fellowship with for a week.  Others also heard and met them on the last leg of the trip.  So God encouraged Paul with them and he bravely pushed on. Finally, the centurion handed over Paul to the captain of the guard at the prison.  Paul was even given his own room and a guard.  So God drew Paul to Rome through an appeal to Caesar that was not needed legally, and kept him safe to arrive in the heart of the empire in order to bring the gospel there.  Sovereignty.  Grace.

Providing What is Necessary

Acts 28:7-10   
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

An important man lay sick on the island where Paul, the prisoners, and Roman soldiers were shipwrecked.  When the man contracted dysentery, Paul prayed for him and God made him well - and then was used to make others well also.  So Paul and his traveling band were held in honor until they were able to continue their journey toward Rome, and were given supplies for the trip.  So we are to help others, asking nothing as we give of ourselves to minister to the needs.  God gave up His honor and dignity to become a man and suffer for us, so how can we not serve as He showed us?  Paul got this.

Shake the Snake Off

Acts 28:3-6 
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

After being shipwrecked on Malta and receiving hospitality of warmth and food, Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake.  The natives kept waiting for him to die from the bite, yet he had shaken the snake into the flames and nothing happened.  They erroneously said he was a god, not realizing the power was from God above to keep him safe, not in or of his own power.  Whatever we do, it is Christ working through us.  When God keeps us from harm, He alone gets the glory; we have no right to mislead others by taking it for our own. 

Unbroken Promise

Acts 27:39-44 
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. … 42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

About to be shipwrecked, they headed to an unknown landing with a beach in a bay - but the ship was caught and began to be broken up.  The soldiers normally would kill prisoners rather than let them escape, but Paul's influence and speech earlier stopped that.  So they swam to shore or floated in on debris; they all lived.  So God kept them together and alive as promised.  His promises are certain and salvation to all He calls to the heavenly shore is to be relied on.  He is faithful who promises.

Trust in the Storm

Acts 27:34-38 
34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.

Paul old everyone to eat before throwing the last food overboard, promising none would die if they did as God instructed.  So he gave thanks in breaking bread (communion), encouraging the other 275 to to the same.  So we can also encourage others by our partaking in and trusting in our Lord and God, Jesus Christ when the storms and floods of life arise.

Ride Out the Storm

Acts 27:30-33   
30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.  33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing.

Some tried to steal away in the lifeboat to escape the raging sea and howling winds, but God used Paul to tell them their only hope was to ride out the storm together, eating for nourishment and strength.  So we find rescue in God's plan, holding to Him and finding our sustenance in the bread of life, Jesus Christ.  If we try to escape the storm of judgment or trials on our own efforts, we are capsized and drown in sorrows.  He alone is deliverance.

Voice in the Storm

Acts 27:22-26 
22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”

God showed Paul that the storm would destroy the ship only, as long as they listened.  The assurance was that God had plans for Paul which were absolute and laid out already for him to go before Caesar with the words of life.  God also granted the lives of all traveling with him, no matter how fierce the storm.  So he encouraged all to trust God through him until they ran aground and were safe.  God has absolute sovereign design and control over our circumstances.  He is faithful to His plans for us to the end of His glory in it all.  So we have faith - we trust the God of all in all things.

Tiny Ship Was Tossed

Acts 27:18-21 
18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.  21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.

The tiny ship was tossed and all seemed lost in the raging storm, with desperate moves to throw even the needed tackle overboard to lighten the ship and avoid sinking.  The storm grew darker so even the sun at day and stars at night could not be seen.  They gave up all hope.  Then after much fasting , Paul addressed the ship’s beleaguered crew to remind them of the warning from God to not set sail. He did this not to criticize, but to point to the God who knows and cares.  The one offering hope and light in the helplessness of sin’s darkness and life’s storms.  Even in these circumstances Paul pointed to God’s mercy and grace in Christ, for he lived for the gospel’s sake in the hearts of men.

God's Headwind

Acts 27:13-17 
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.

Setting sail on a course against God's warning, the wind began to blow hard against them and they could not fight it anymore.  So they ran with the tempest until some shelter was found; there they pulled the water laden launch boat up and tied cables under the ship to keep it from breaking up.  Then they set sail again to avoid the well known dangerous shallows and sandbanks.  They were sailing against the headwind of God's warning, yet He was still watching over and protecting Paul so he could finish the race and do the work he was called to.  God's sovereignty ensures man's decisions do not detract from what He sets in place and in motion.

Path to Destruction

Acts 27:9-11 
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

The weather turned worse as the seasons changed, yet the warning God gave Paul to the centurion in charge of the ship was not heeded.  He easily dismissed this Jew, this Christian, headed for trial, not knowing God's hand and Spirit on him with the wisdom to know disaster lay ahead on the present course.  So the Roman listened to the ship owner and driver rather than him.  Even now when God's people speak, many will continue on the path to destruction, sailing in a blind faith of human wisdom without foundation or merit.  But those led by God are on an even keel on a journey mapped out by God along the way. 

Journey of Trust

Acts 27:1-8 
1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. … 7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

Sailing to Rome took many stops along the way, and Paul had a Thessalonican brother, Aristarchus, along.  He was even allowed to go ashore at Sidon to see friends and be ministered to by them.  The continuing journey became more difficult and they had to sail along Crete for shelter from the harsh winds and accompanying storms.  The journey was God bringing Paul to testify to the truth in Rome, but it was not easy; these difficulties were allowed and designed to show others Paul's faith in action, trusting a real savior Lord in all circumstances.  A great example for us all.

Almost Persuaded

Acts 26:28-32 
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” 29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”  30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” 32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Reason almost convinced the king to become a Christian, but unless God called him to that time, he would go no further.  Paul pleaded for him to have the reconciled relationship of joy that he had in Christ, but at this time they only saw Paul's innocence.  Yet the law was set in motion for meeting the court of Caesar in Rome to bear witness there.  We can only wonder if God granted repentance to eternal life to Agrippa, Festus, and Drusilla… we do know that God's word does not return empty.

Beside Yourself!

Acts 26:24-27 
24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”   25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”

The governor thought Paul was crazy as he spoke of life after death through the death and resurrection of the Messiah as all had witnessed or heard of from Jerusalem.  Paul reminded the governor that this was truth and reason.  Then he let the king know that he knew and believed the prophets that foretold of the Christ as well.  Paul reminded Agrippa that this was not missed by him to point him to believe these words of life that are the good news of Jesus Christ.  So we need not fear to tell the truth to our leaders, and so point them to the gospel with truth and reason as God's word contains.