Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Two simple thoughts come to mind as I read this passage. These are truths that I would do well to keep before me as I run my race here below:

1. We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. If we understood the magnitude of that day and that event, I believe we’d live differently here below. As the psalmist said, “Lord, help me to number my days, that I might apply my heart to wisdom”. Might I live with eternity on my eyes today. If I do, I’ll be willing to part with the frivolous, the insignificant, and worthless in light of eternity, and live for those things of eternal value.
2. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess to God. This point in heaven when every knee bows is a big deal in Jesus eyes and in the writers of the new Testament. If this even is so significant, we’d do well to learn to apply this here, and now. How is my prayer life? How is my worship? How is my confession of Him and to Him? Do I bow before Him as I ought and as He deserves?

Let us keep eternity in mind today.

Romans 13:7-10 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Jesus Christ came to fulfill and finish the law. But what is the fulfilling of the law? If Romans 13 is correct, the Bible says “love” is the fulfilling of the law. 1 Cor 13 tells us that we can have every other part of the law, but if we’re lacking this part of it, we are and have nothing. In this chapter’s context, Paul is talking about government officials, and those who would impose tribute, or custom. If I’m reading correctly, this chapter talks about our relationship with the unsaved, and those who live around us and above us in this present world. Again, might we take a firm stand, without condoning sin in the least, but remember what the law is all about -loving people as we love ourselves. This is how people will know we’re the children of God.

Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 17-21 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

I have heard people say, “I’d rather side with people who hate sin and sinners than those that accept them”. Now, besides the fact that I think that theology is a little skewed, my question is, why do you have to side with either? Why is this even a talking point? Why would we include so much of this type of rhetoric in our preaching? Why do some movements talk/preach so much about who should be put to death under a “righteous government?”How is that relevant to us or the people we lead? When push comes to shove, it would seem that we have to choose, and are either “holy”, or “accepting of sin”. I don’t buy it. I think Jesus, as well as Scripture as a whole, teaches that we can have a biblical, Christ-like balance. We can live right, while loving sinners and pointing them to Christ and Christ-likeness.

The verse above (Rom 12:9) tells us to abhor evil. We’re to hate sin like Jesus did. Jesus “hated iniquity”. We’re to hate adultery. It tears the God-ordained institution of marriage apart. It creates broken homes, broken children and broken hearts. It brings a man with great potential to a “piece of bread”. It’s horrible. We’re to hate it. We’re to hate homosexuality. Nature itself teaches us it’s wrong and unnatural. It has indoctrinated and polluted this generation. It has feminized our men and our culture. It has messed with God’s institution of marriage as between only a man and a woman. It’s been the cause of much abuse and harm of many innocents. It’s a vile lifestyle. It’s an abomination to God. We’re to hate it. We’re to hate corruption and injustice. It causes thousands to die of starvation. It causes wars, tears families apart, is deceitful, and is not becoming of “doing justly and loving mercy”. We’re to hate it. I believe God hated it and expressed it in both the Old and New Testaments. And the list can surely go on for a long, long time. We’re to hate sin as He hates sin. After all, it’s sin that nailed Him to the cross.

At the same time, we’re told to “cleave to that which is good”. We’re told to bless them that persecute us. We’re taught to love mercy. We’re taught to love our enemies. We’re commanded to pray for them that despitefully use us (it’s one thing when someone uses us under the radar or behind our back. It’s another thing when they use us, walk over us, and then spit on the ground and walk away). We’re to pray for them, not seeking vengeance. Jesus left us a perfect example of loving sinners when He forgave the woman at the well (a known, current adulterer). He loved and refused to condemn the lady brought to be stoned (a known, current fornicator). He used Mary Magdalene, and other ladies who others wouldn’t touch with a long pole. He blessed them, spoke well to them, forgave them and we see them, after His resurrection and ascension, part of and praying with the disciples. Jesus was known as a “friend of sinners”. Does this mean He condoned their sin? NO! He hated it. But this didn’t stop him from seeing past their sin, to lovingly drawing them in for the sake of their souls.

Today, let’s just be like Jesus. I don’t buy that we have to choose between being holy and loving sin. I believe that, like Him, we can hate that which is evil (the sin), while loving the sinner. He was full of grace and truth. Might we seek to be of that same Spirit in our preaching and in our living.

Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Regardless of what position you take in regards to the Jewish people in the present age, Paul makes one thing clear at the end of this debated chapter – Jesus Christ is preeminent. All things, worlds, people, and things are of Him, through Him, and to Him. And the same should be true of our lives. Might we live our lives of Him, through Him, and to Him. He deserves it, and to Him belongs all the honor and glory forever – Amen!

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Before creation, God knew who would accept His Son. I’m not saying this takes away from our free will. But God knew. And for those of us who would accept Christ, there was one thing that we were predestined to do through our lives: be conformed to the image of His Son. This is our highest call! It’s simple. But not easy. There are some simple truths from this chapter that can help us to do this:

1. We need to be led by His Spirit – Paul says that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit (vs 16). He says that children of God are to be led by the Spirit (vs 15). This is the model Christ left us. He was led by the Holy Spirit. Are we led by His Spirit today? Do we quench or grieve the Spirit? Are we sensitive to His still small voice? Let’s develop and cultivate a sensitivity and following of the Holy Spirit.
2. We need to mortify the deeds of the body (vs 13) – The natural deeds of my body are bad! Dad preached a sermon once entitled “kill it”. When an inordinate affection arises, kill it! When temptation arises, kill it! Let’s kill, or mortify, the deeds of the body. This, too, is the example of Christ.
3. We must place our hope in him (18-25) – One day, this flesh will be put off. This battle is not forever. We see in this chapter that we are more than conquerors through Christ. Further, one day we will receive the redemption of our bodies, and be given glorified bodies. He also says that all things work together for good – we can hope in this. We know that “hope maketh not ashamed”. Let’s put our hope in Christ, looking for the “joy that is set before us”, as Christ did.
4. Let’s evaluate ourselves, and see if we are becoming of His image – Do we love as He loved? Are we holy as He’s holy? Do we sacrifice as He sacrificed? Does an honest evaluation of our lives show a portrait that’s becoming of Christ?
5. We must seek His help! – I can’t do it on my own. But praise the Lord He is on the right hand of God making intercession for us (vs 34). Therefore, we can come boldly to the throne of grace, and ask Him to help us fulfill His purpose for our lives – to be conformed to the image of His Son.

Today, let’s seek to be conformed to the image of His Son!

My monthly poem reminder! I’m glad when this reminder pops up, and with a clear conscience and no regrets, I send it to pop up again the next month. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. For those of us with young children – we know they’re growing up fast, and time isn’t waiting for us. My dad used to say, “Son, there’s ALWAYS more work to do. Sometimes it must wait.” After all, my family is my first ministry (1 Tim 3:5).

No Time to Play

My precious boy with the golden hair
Came up one day beside my chair
And fell upon his bended knee
And said, “Oh, Mommy, please play with me!”

I said, “Not now, go on and play;
I’ve got so much to do today.”
He smiled through tears in eyes so blue
When I said, “We’ll play when I get through.”

But the chores lasted all through the day
And I never did find time to play.
When supper was over and dishes done,
I was much too tired for my little son.

I tucked him in and kissed his cheek
And watched my angel fall asleep.
As I tossed and turned upon my bed,
Those words kept ringing in my head,

“Not now, son, go on and play,
I’ve got so much to do today.”
I fell asleep and in a minute’s span,
My little boy is a full-grown man.

No toys are there to clutter the floor;
No dirty fingerprints on the door;
No snacks to fix; no tears to dry;
The rooms just echo my lonely sigh.

And now I’ve got the time to play;
But my precious boy is gone away.
I awoke myself with a pitiful scream
And realized it was just a dream

For across the room in his little bed,
Lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepy-head.
My work will wait ‘til another day
For now I must find some time to play.

 Romans 7:14-19 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

I love the honesty in Scripture. I’m glad the Bible doesn’t just portray “picture perfect” Christians with no flaws, blemishes, or struggles. In my opinion, the apostle Paul was one of the greatest Christians in the New Testament. But if I read this chapter correctly, Paul is using most of it to give the inner struggle – almost turmoil – between his desire to do right after the spirit, and his war against sin after the flesh. I can know this: if Paul had this kind of struggle, I will (do) too. Here are some thoughts we observe from this chapter:

1. Everyone in this flesh will struggle with sin (vs 19). Even the great apostle Paul struggled with the sinful nature of his flesh. We will never come to a point on this side of eternity where the struggle won’t be real. Might we remain sober and vigilant against sin. Let us not think that we’ve arrived. No one is above stumbling or falling (1 Cor 9:27, 1 Cor 10:12).
2. Even in the midst of doing good, sin can be present with us (vs 21). Even in the midst of serving, ministering, and sacrificing, sin and temptation may be present. I had a conversation with someone recently who said “even on the mission field, sacrificing and serving, there’s temptation”.
3. Delighting in God’s law will help us in this struggle (vs22, ps 119:9). The fact that the struggle was real didn’t stop Paul from delighting in God’s law.
4. Be willing to fight/struggle (vs 23) – I’ve often times heard young men say in my office “I’m just struggling with this”. I’ve said before and wanted to say at other times – no you’re not. A struggle involves two sides. You’re surrendering. Paul was willing to fight. And a fight/struggle it will be. Let’s be willing to “fight the good fight”.
5. Realize my wretchedness (vs 18, 24) – Paul realized that in his flesh there was “no good thing”. Jeremiah realized the same when he said his heart was desperately wicked. If I realize my wretched leanings being in this flesh, I will be more vigilant.
6. Seek deliverance from Christ (vs 25, Heb 4:15-16) – Paul understood that his victory over the flesh and sin would be in and through Jesus Christ. He is the One that gives us the grace and strength to defeat the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I am human. But I have a sin nature. Sometimes, I miss the mark. This entire chapter in Romans is devoted to helping Christians who were once was dead in sin, not to live to sin. Paul makes the argument that we have been crucified with Him. We have been buried with Him in baptism. We have been raised in His likeness to walk in newness of life. But Paul still realized that we have an “infirmity of our flesh” – a fleshly nature that is prone to sin (vs 19). Understanding this, Paul gives us practical tips to help us to walk in that newness of life.

One suggestion Paul gives us is found in verse 11. He tells us to “reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin”. The word reckon (λογίζομα) means “to take an inventory, to estimate (literally or figuratively):—to conclude, to count, impute, lay, number, reason, suppose, think (on), despise, esteem.” How can I apply this practically? Before I am tempted to sin, and even inside of temptation, I’d do best to reckon, or meditate (take inventory, conclude, count, think on, suppose) on the fact that I am dead to sin with Christ.

I know this – when temptations come my way, and I choose to meditate on Scripture, and envision myself on the cross with Christ, reckoning myself dead on that cross, and being raised up with Him in newness of life, it’s a turn off to temptation. When we are tempted to sin (which will happen – probably today!), let us meditate on Romans 6. Let’s reckon ourselves dead to sin (vs 11), that we might not serve it (14-17), but righteousness (18) for our good and God’s glory.

Good thought stewardship I came across this morning:

When it comes to buying, I continue to be challenged by an elderly widow on Social Security who sent a dollar a month to this ministry. One day she wrote: “I am sure it costs you more to acknowledge my gift than the gift I am sending; I wish I could give more, so I won’t trouble you with any further gifts.” I wrote back and explained that her monthly dollar was actually producing tens of thousands of dollars, because each time I was able to save even five dollars on a purchase I would think, “That is five months of giving from that Godly widow.” Wise stewardship is not just a way of thinking, but a way of life.

Many years ago, a wealthy businessman told our staff that he and his wife took walkie-talkies to two different supermarkets and compared the prices of food. If the price was 10 cents per can in one store and 8 cents per can in the other, they would buy the 8-cent can. Our staff roared with laughter. After we finished, he said with convicting seriousness, “Your laugh tells me why I am a millionaire and you are not!” Wealthy people do not think in terms of dollars and cents, but rather in percents. A 2-cent savings on a 10-cent purchase is a 20% discount. Think of the savings if you were able to obtain a 20% reduction on a lifetime of spending! Let’s have a millionaire mind-set the next time we make a purchase!

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

When we were young, my dad taught us an important principle called “delayed gratification”. He also taught us that we could “Pay now, and play later, or play now, pay later.” And whether it was on practicing for basketball, preparing a sermon, or building our bus route, my dad kept that principle before us. Over the years, I’ve seen that to be true in many areas of life.

Paul preached this principle time and again in his epistles and writings. We was willing to be buffeted, to suffer loss, to go through tribulation, to suffer bodily harm, and much more, because of the promised reward on the other side. Here, he exhorts us to go through tough times with patience. Paul teaches us that patience brings invaluable experience in our lives that make our hope in Christ real. We can come out on the other side different, having experienced His grace, and having sought sought His face – for our own good, for the sake of others, and for the glory of God.

Whether in child rearing, my personal walk, a financial situation, or when the tough times come, which they will, let us walk through them by God’s grace, with patience – which brings invaluable experience, and a more lively hope.