By: Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
Union Theological Seminary
Philippines
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WHAT WE HAVE IN JESUS (Part I)
Romans 5:1-5
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Introduction
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Last night I was listening to a "12 Full-Length Cherished Hymns" featuring ten of the Gospel Music's Most-Loved Artists produced by Gary Prim from Nashville, Tennessee in my CD (Compact Disk) unit. It is entitled "Homecoming Hymns". One of the hymns was "`Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" written by Louisa M. R. Stead (1850-1917) and composed by William J. Kirk-patrick (1838-1921). It was sung by Joel & LaBreeska Hemphill, a husband and wife team. The first and last stanzas read:
Paul's Letter to the Romans---`Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise,
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord."---JESUS, JESUS, HOW I TRUST HIM!
HOW I'VE PROVED HIM O'ER AND O'ER!
JESUS, JESUS, PRECIOUS JESUS!
O FOR GRACE TO TRUST HIM MORE.---I'm so glad I learned to trust thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
And I know that thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.---
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This hymn led me to Paul's letter to the Romans, addressed to a predominantly Gentile church and Jewish believers. There was apparently a question of the rejection of Christianity by many of the Jews, and God's future purpose for Israel was of pressing importance. At the same time legalistic Judaizers were probably attempting to deceive the believers in Rome. Paul wrote his letter to explain his understanding of the Christian faith and its practical implications for the lives of the Christians. Paul, in chapter 1, verses 16-17, had a very significant declaration: the GOSPEL "is God's power to save all who believe [or as the New KJV puts it: "it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes"], first the Jews and also the Gentiles. For the gospel reveals how God puts people right with himself: it is through faith from beginning to end." [Again, let me cite the New KJV: "The just shall live by faith."] Today, let me talk about "What we have in Jesus" based on Romans 5:1-5
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What We Have in Jesus (Romans 5:1-5)
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When we believe in Jesus Christ we are put right with God; in other words, we have been "justified by faith" (5:1). In this passage there are three significant things that believers in Christ possess: (a) we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; (b) we experience God's grace in which we now live; and (c) we have hope in sharing God's glory.
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a. We have Peace. This is the first thing that we have in Jesus as our Lord. In Ephesians 2:17-18, Paul said, "So Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to all -- to you Gentiles, who were far away from God, and to the Jews, who were near to him. It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father." Paul stated earlier in verse 16, "By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God." Yes, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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b. We have God's Grace. The second thing that we have in Jesus is our experience of GOD'S GRACE. Paul in his letter to the Ephesian believers have a very clear proclamation:
---"But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved. In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:4-9).---
c. We have Hope. The third thing we have in Jesus Christ is HOPE. This is the hope of sharing God's glory. This is related to God's grace that was given as a gift. Listen to what Paul wrote Titus who was his fellow worker and companion in his missionary journey:
---"For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all mankind. That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good" (Titus 2:11-14).---
Conclusion
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In conclusion, let us remember the three significant things we have in Jesus Christ our Lord: we have PEACE with God; we have the experience of GOD'S GRACE; and we have HOPE of sharing God's glory. Let us in thanksgiving praise God Almighty for what he has bestowed upon us. AMEN.
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WHAT WE HAVE IN JESUS (Part II)
Romans 5:1-11
Romans 5:1-11
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Introduction
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Today is the third Wednesday of Lent [starting from Ash Wednesday last February 20]. Churches and individuals are encouraged to meditate on the life, suffering and death of our Lord Jesus, not to forget his resurrection thereafter. For our meditation this morning, I invite you to reflect with me on a topic that deals on "What We Have In Jesus," the Lamb of God who was sacrificed at Calvary based on Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 5, verses 1-11.
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Romans 5:1-11
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Paul in his letter to the Romans "wrote to explain his understanding of the Christian faith and its practical implications for the lives of the Christians." (GNB Introduction to Romans). Paul emphasized in this letter the necessity of faith in being put right with God. Four chapters (chapters 5-8) were devoted to the "new life in Christ." It is within this portion (chapter 5, verses 1-11) that I have lifted the message. I want to take note of verses 1 and 2 where we could learn three lessons -- lessons talking about what we have in Jesus: (1) we have PEACE WITH GOD through Jesus; (2) we experience GOD’S GRACE in Christ; and (3) we have HOPE in sharing God’s glory. Let us consider these three briefly.
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1. Peace with God. The absence of peace per se does not necessarily mean turmoil or war; it could be something else, like raging hatred in silence or conflict of convictions. Nevertheless, the absence of "peace with God" is something that we must fear. It could mean we are his enemies and we do things against his will. But our relationship with Christ will make a big difference if through faith this is established. Paul talks about the status of men before we ever knew Jesus. We were "helpless"; we were "wicked"; and we were "sinners" (cf. Romans 5:6-8). With these we need to be at peace with God, and that is offered through our Lord Jesus through faith. It is faith that unlocks our right relationship with God.
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2. God’s Grace. Grace is something that only a loving God can give. Men should experience this grace offered to humanity. Paul, In his letter to the Ephesians, offered a definition of this grace. He said in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it." Notice that in this comes the gift of salvation. It is in God’s grace that God’s salvation is manifest. John Wesley had this grace in three aspects: prevenient grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace. God’s grace, in other words, results in being justified and sanctified in the Lord.
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Having this grace will open to us new life in Christ. When we have new life in Christ, we must consider the following [which Paul mentioned in Ephesians 4:22-32):
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(a) Get rid of your old self that showed deceitful desires [v.22].
(b) Your hearts and minds must be made completely new [v.23].
(c) Do not give the Devil a chance [v.27].
(d) Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger [v.31].
(b) Your hearts and minds must be made completely new [v.23].
(c) Do not give the Devil a chance [v.27].
(d) Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger [v.31].
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These might have been expressed negatively but the implication and significance are for the enjoyment of God’s amazing grace -- the salvation of humanity. Paul did not stop in this aspect of renewal. In chapter 5 of Ephesians, he mentioned also the following:
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(a) You must try to be like him (meaning Jesus) [v.1].
(b) Your life must be controlled by love [v.2].
(c) You must live like people who belong to the light [v.8b]
(d) Try to learn what pleases the Lord [v.10].
(e) Try to find out what the Lord wants you to do [v.17].
(b) Your life must be controlled by love [v.2].
(c) You must live like people who belong to the light [v.8b]
(d) Try to learn what pleases the Lord [v.10].
(e) Try to find out what the Lord wants you to do [v.17].
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3. Hope. What is this hope that Paul was trying to say? Hope for what? Paul said that this is sharing God’s glory. This must be after our earthly life. I propose that Paul meant the glorious day when the Lord will come and get his followers unto himself. Did he not promise that he "will come back" and take unto himself those who believe so that they will be where he will be? This hope is an expression of faith in him who promised eternal life. Our hope is well expressed in what Jesus told the man beside him at the cross, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." Our hope is in his words. He will fulfill his promise. He will come back and take his followers.
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Conclusion
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Let me summarize what we have in Jesus if we believe in him. There will be peace with God; we will experience God’s grace; and we have that great hope of sharing his glory when he comes again to gather his followers. May these be in us in our exercise of faith day after day. AMEN.
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LIFE BEHIND A FAITH
Romans 5:8-11
Romans 5:8-11
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Introduction
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On July 17, 1994, one of our national dailies, The Philippine Daily Star, carried in its headline the following: "NACORDA: I WISH I WERE A FOREIGNER." It is simple yet very intriguing, something to think about and something to reflect on. The story behind the headline (with pictures of Nacorda talking with Tipo Tipo Mayor Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul, and Muslim bandits defiantly displaying thier high powered firearms) were written by Dave Gomez and Willy Perez. Let me summarize the headline story:
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Kidnapped Roman Catholic priest Cirilo Nacorda expressed disappointment at the slow pace of negotiations for his release. Nacorda told a select group of Manila-based newsmen, "I'm disappointed with the negotiators. Sana naging foreigner na lang ako (freely translated, "I wish I were a foreigner.")." Nacorda was abducted on last June 8 along the Maluso highway in Isabela [Basilan] together with 72 other civilians, 15 of whome were later killed, complained of the apparent double standard in negotiations for his release and those of foreign kidnap victims. Nacorda was obviously referring to the expeditious release of such foreign victims as Fr. Bernardo Blanco, American linguist Charles Walton and two kidnapped Spanish nuns. An Abu Sayyaf spokesman identified as "Black Ninja" maintained that they are demanding a P3-million ransom for the release of Nacorda, not P500,000.
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Church Responsibility
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There is something here that church members need to reflect on especially when we think of our practices in the church, in our church. We cannot say, "Sana naging foreigner na lang ako!" or "Sana naging Amerikano o Koreano ako!" or "Sana radio and TV celebrity ako" or "Sana naging sikat akong politiko!" or "Sana naging sikat din akong pastor o church leader!" Napakaraming "SANA" sa atin. Even in the movies, sa mga mahilig sa sine, a film is entitled, "Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko" starring Rustom Padilla, Dina Bonnevie and Alice Dixson.
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I was joking with some women of the church last Wednesday during the breakfast fellowship and told them, "Next week, baka kakaunti ang mag-a-attend." Some casually asked, "Pastor, bakit naman." And I told them, "Kasi, Kamuning ang host, at saka wala pa akong radio and TV program." So many times, many of our gatherings and church activities are determined by who will speak, who is in charge, and who is hosting.
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I'm not saying that this is entirely wrong but let us consider the after-effects. Why do many of our members leave our fold? One reason is this: We allow ourselves to be the mission field of other churches. We allow ourselves to be used by other groups in the guise of ecumenical endeavors. We allow ourselves to be manipulated by the programs of other churches, not they adjusting to our programs and activities. We have a lot of activities in church that need our attention and presence. We should not be surprised if even the president or an officer of our church organizations like the UMYF, the UMYAF, the UMM, the WSCS, and others attend a charismatic group and a fellowship meeting, avoiding our midweek services and vesper worship, or even our scheduled Bible study sessions. We have allowed ourselves to be confused by many preachers of different doctrinal persuasions. We are carried away by loud "Praise the Lord!" and deafening "Amens" and "Hallelujahs!" and raising our hands heavenward. We have not taken time to evaluate the messages and the shouts of emotions. We even have copied many of their ways in praying for the sick and exorcism; that almost everything around us seems to have a demon in it and is filled with evil spirits. That if you have not spoken in tongues your Christianity is wanting, and you do not have the Holy Spirit in you.
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Our Doctrinal Heritage
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We have a very rich doctrinal heritage in our church. In Paragraph 65, Section 1, Our Doctrinal Heritage, on pages 47-48 we find a section on Doctrine and Discipline in the Christian Life. The first paragraph of that section reads,
True Religion---"No motif in the Wesleyan tradition has been more constant than the link between Christian doctrine and Christian living. Methodists have always been enjoined to maintain the unity of faith and good works through the means of grace.... The coherence of faith with ministries of love forms the discipline of Wesleyan spirituality and Christian discipleship.---"The terms of membership in these societies [meaning Methodist societies - author] were simple: `a desire to flee from the wrath to come and to be saved from their sins.'---"Wesley insisted, however, that evangelical faith should manifest itself in evangelical living. He spelled out this expectation in the three-part formula of the Rules:---"It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their salvation,---"First, By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind....;---"Secondly: By . . . doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all . . . ;---"Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God (See Par.68).---"Wesley's illustrative cases under each of these three rules show how the Christian conscience might move from general principles to specific actions. Their explicit combination highlights the spiritual spring of moral action.---". . . . Wesley insisted that true religion is `the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus,' `the life which is hid with Christ in God,' and `the righteousness that [the true believer] thirsts after."---
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I would like to briefly deal with what Wesley had insisted about true religion. I would like to add here that this is true relation with God in Jesus Christ. That last paragraph gives the following: (a) That true religion is the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus; (b) That true religion is the life which is hid with Christ in God; and (c) That true religion is the righteousness that the true believer thirsts after.
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(a) Knowledge of God in Christ. Knowledge of God is knowing God personally. The names of the Christ as announced in the gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 1:21, 23) reveals the role and function of the Christ. It is reported that the virgin will have a son and he will be named "Jesus -- because he will save his people from their sin." And also, he will be called "Immanuel" (which means "God is with us"). These verses will give us a thorough knowledge of God in Christ. He is the Savior of his people and the God who is with us. If a man or a woman knows him as a Savior and as a God who is always with him, what other knowledge is needed? Christ is our Savior and our God!
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Listen to what Paul is saying in Romans 1:28-31,
---"Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They gossip and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others."---
(b) Life hid with Christ in God. Life hid with Christ is becoming a Christian. In John 3:15, that verse before the very famous John 3:16, we read, "Everyone who believes in him (meaning Christ) may have eternal life." This is the beauty of a life hidden in Christ and with Christ. Believing in him spells eternal life with God. It is also stated in John 3:21, "But whoever does what is true comes to the light in order that the light may show that what he did was in obedience to God." And in verse 36 of the same chapter in John we find that "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God's punishment."
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c. Righteousness that the believer thirsts after. Righteousness is the key word here, the righteousness that the believer thirsts after. We are also reminded of what Paul wrote to the Romans, Romans 6:18-23. He said,
Conclusion---"You were set free from sin and became the slaves of righteousness . . . . At one time you surrendered yourselves entirely as slaves of impurity and wickedness for wicked purposes. In the same way you must now surrender yourselves entirely as slaves of righteousness for holy purposes. "When you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. What did you gain from doing the things that you are now ashamed of? The result of those things is death! But now you have been set free from sin and are the slaves of God. Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him, and the result is eternal life. For sin pays its wage -- death; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord."---
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As professing Christians, we are enjoined to live a life that is not only meaningful to us as individuals but also to all persons around us, particularly our brothers and sisters in the faith. What could be more fitting than giving ourselves to the glory and honor of our Lord by our words, actions and testimonies.
As professing Christians, we are enjoined to live a life that is not only meaningful to us as individuals but also to all persons around us, particularly our brothers and sisters in the faith. What could be more fitting than giving ourselves to the glory and honor of our Lord by our words, actions and testimonies.
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All of us have something to do. All of us have something to share. All of us have something to live for, and that is the Christian life. The challenge is there in the words of the Lord: WHAT ARE WE DOING IN OUR LIVES. THEY SHOULD BE LIGHTS THAT SHINE BEFORE MEN THAT PEOPLE MAY SEE OUR GOOD WORKS AND GIVE GLORY TO OUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. My prayer for everyone is this: That the Lord will bless our witness and testimony in the midst of whatever things happening around us. AMEN.
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(Aldersgate Prayer and Praise Fellowship, July 27, 1994, 7:00 a.m., GSUMC)
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GOD'S GRACE GREATER THAN SIN
Text: Romans 5:12-21
Text: Romans 5:12-21
(A B.S. Presentation)
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Introduction
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We behold every day the truth of physical death. There is no day that death is absent throughout the world. You can check this fact from funeral homes, hospitals, census and statistics office, and the like.
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Some questions to ask ourselves and guide our discussion:
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1. What is death?
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2. What is physical death? Is there any other kind of death? What is that death? (Cf. Ephesians 2:1; Rev. 21:8)
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3. What is the difference between physical death and the other kind of death, or other kinds of death?
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Those who have died are no different from any other men and women in this world. They were born; they have lived their lives, and we behold and remember their earthly remains. They have traveled and finished their earthly life. Butwe can be very sure that not every man and woman had lived with faith in God. This makes the difference in the life of those who have believed and have followed the Lord Jesus Christ. This will help us appreciate the believer’s life in the light of Paul's letter to the Romans, Romans 5:12-21. (Read the text from any version.)
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Romans 5:12-21
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In this biblical passage the apostle Paul talks about Adam and Christ in contrast. Among other things, he talks about sin, about death, about God's free gift, about God's abundant grace, and about eternal life through Jesus Christ. Here we hear of the start of sin and death. In verse 12 we read, "Sin came into the world through one man, and his sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race because everyone has sinned."
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Think of the following questions:
.....1. What is sin?
.....1. What is sin?
.....2. What is God’s "free gift"?
.....3. What is abundant grace?
.....4. What is abundant life?
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Paul was referring to Adam who disobeyed God's command. It was Adam's disobedience that brought sin and death. It was Adam's disobedience that led to man's being drawn away from God's best intentions for creation. Verse 15b states "that many people died because of the sin of that one man." But "God's free gift is not like Adam's sin . . . . God's grace is much greater, and so is his free gift to so many people through the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ" (cf. Romans 5:15).
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Question: What is grace?
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"God's free gift" and the "sin of Adam" have a big difference. The judgment, "GUILTY" is intended for the "sin of Adam" which means the sin of man; but after so many sins comes the undeserved gift of "NOT GUILTY!" Paul argued further: "It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ."
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Question: What do these passages mean?
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...1. "It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man."
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...2 "How much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ."
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...3. "All who receive God’s abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ."
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One great fact is gleaned here: For every sin committed, a corresponding free gift of grace much bigger than what was committed is ready for the sinner. It is in accepting this free gift that leads to being put right, to being justified, to being forgiven. This is stated in John 1:12, "But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power [or authority] to become children of God." Paul, expressing his belief, declared in Romans 5:18-19,21: "So then, as the one sin condemned all mankind, in the same way the one righteous act sets all mankind free and gives them life. And just as all people were made sinners as the result of the disobedience of one man [Adam], in the same way they will all be put right with God as the result of the obedience of the one man [Jesus]. . . . So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so also God's grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
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Conclusion
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This piece of testimony from the apostle Paul is evident today. We behold the remains of those who have died, who, by the disobedience of Adam, experienced death, physical death. But thanks be unto God, many have believed and obeyed God; they had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior; they had lived lives surrendered to the Almighty. We look forward to that day "when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as the blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. For what is mortal will be changed into what is immortal; what will die must be changed into what cannot die. So when this takes place, and the mortal has been changed into the immortal, then the scripture will come true: `Death is destroyed; victory is complete.'" (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54)
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SET FROM THE POWER OF SIN
Romans 6:1-14
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Introduction
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In our attempt to appreciate the Lenten Season, today being the third Sunday in Lent, we continue to reflect on the life, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this we come to the point of relating our human life into the spiritual real of our relationship with God. My topic tonight, for that matter, is a conti-nuation of my reflection this morning during the English Service. We will deal with this in a different yet similar perspective. Based on Romans 6:1-14 let me talk about the followers of Jesus Christ as "Set from the Power of Sin."
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Romans 6:1-14
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What do we learn from the fact that based on the letter of Paul to the Romans we are dead to sin and yet we are alive in Christ. It is more or less a change of status before the eyes of the world and before the presence of God. I am sure we have some lessons to learn. In this first half of the chapter we consider the following: (1) there is the power of sin hovering over us; (2) there is the fact of sin engulfing us; and (3) there is a Christ giving us freedom from this sin. We will consider each one briefly.
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1. There is the power of sin hovering over us. Sin comes in different shades and aspects. So the apostle Peter was brave enough to say that everyone must "be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings" (I Peter 5:8-9). Sin is just around to tempt us. We might not be able to detect it at first because it could be very appealing to our senses. Sometimes the best venue is when someone will say, "Oh, its just a little thing. No one will ever notice it." To say it in some secular way, people will say, "Subok lang. Patikim lang. Kaunti lang naman." Then, if it becomes often it forms into a habit, then finally you are hooked! Many people will realize it a little bit late, and presto, they can not leave it anymore. Sin has become a part of their system. Where does addiction start? It is on a small and very insignificant way. But you are there!
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The ways to overpower sin are suggested by Peter himself. We need to "resist" the devil openly, that is resisting any sign of sinfulness even at the mere signal. And secondly, we need to stand firm in the faith. We need to be strong in our faith in God. There is no substitute in believing and following Christ.
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2. There is the fact of sin engulfing us. Sin is not the product of imagination. It is a fact. What are the things to signal us of its existence? The second letter of Peter can give us some guidance. First, it is expressed in a denial of the existence of the sovereign Lord (2 Peter 2:1); that there is no God; that Jesus is only a myth. Also, when a person follows his own "shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute" (2 Peter 2:2). Some signals are also evident when there is arrogance, slander, blasphemy, and lustful desires. There is the fact of sin around us. We must not take sin for granted. We have to face sin and defeat it with the strength we have in Jesus. How do we do it? Peter has some suggestions in his second letter, 2 Peter 1:5-8,10-11 when he said,
---"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to per-severance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and
unproductive in your know-ledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."---
3. There is a Christ giving us freedom from this sin. There is freedom waiting for every one who comes to the Lord. Paul in his letter to the Galatians, Galatians 5:1, 11, said,
---"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. . . . You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."---
Jesus suffered in our stead at the cross at Calvary. He suffered for us. It was prophesied long years before Jesus was born, in the book of Isaiah, about the "suffering servant". In Isaiah 53:4-6 we read,
This is a clear manifestation of the freedom that Christ has given us. We are set free by the Lord from the power of sin.---"Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace
was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on himthe iniquity of us all."---
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Conclusion
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As we continue our remembrance of Jesus’ life and passion, the lessons of life must be learned. Allow me to recapitulate the lessons we have considered: (1) there is the power of sin hovering over us; (2) there is the fact of sin engulfing us; and (3) there is Christ giving us freedom from this sin. These lessons could be validated only by a person who has that faith in our Lord, in Christ who died for us, and in our God who blessed us with salvation. May God bless us all. AMEN.
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NO LONGER SLAVES OF SIN
Romans 6:1-14
Romans 6:1-14
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Introduction
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During the Lenten Season the Christian world is encouraged to reflect on God’s mission to the world in Jesus Christ, the world where sin has taken roots, flourished and bore fruits. Human beings, though they are created in the image of God, have become slaves of the world’s sinfulness. In this world, to borrow the apostle Paul’s words in the earlier chapter of his letter to the Romans,
---"As it is written:
‘There is no one righteous, not even one;
there is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.’ - Romans 3:10-12, NIV---
Paul added in Romans 3:23, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Paul was citing Psalm 14:1-3 at this point, and he is declaring one great fact: men have become slaves of sin. This morning, in our meditation, let me share you my belief that we can be free from this sort of slavery in sin, hence the topic, "No Longer Slaves of Sin" based on Romans 6:7.
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Romans 6:1-14
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Paul’s basic theme in his letter was God’s plan of salvation, and righteousness for all people. This plan of God includes justification, sanctification and spiritual security. The first six chapters talk about righteousness, faith, peace, joy, and being alive in Christ through baptism. We can learn several lessons from the passage: (1) grace abounds; (2) union with Christ exists; (3) there is life in Christ; and (4) there is freedom.
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1. Grace abounds. When Jesus as a human being was introduced into the world, John said that he was "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). John continued to declare, "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. . . . Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:16, 17b). Going back to the letter to the Romans, grace abounds but this should be no reason that men should go on sinning. We can be sure, however, that in God’s grace there is a blessing, there is truth, and there is forgiveness of sins. That grace is undeserved. That grace is a gift that needs to be accepted. Then men will be justified, and creation will be sanctified because of God’s grace. Paul proclaimed in his letter to the Ephesians,
---" . . . in the coming ages he (meaning Jesus) might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:7-9).---
2. Union with Christ exists. If an individual accepts God’s grace and he responds in faith through baptism, he is united with Christ in his death and in his resurrection. By a person’s response in faith and surrender that person will live a new life. A relationship is established, that of a child and a heavenly Father. It is also proclaimed that as many as those who received Jesus, God has given them the right to become his children, and they are born of God (cf. John 1:12-13). Union with Christ becomes a reality.
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3. There is life in Christ. Basically, life in Christ is the quest of each believer. We want to experience life in the Lord. We want to see the fulfilment of God’s promises in our lives. Life in Christ here is not only in this world; there is a greater reality based on his promise that they who die in the Lord will live again. We could understand this as the resurrection or the beginning of a life of eternity. It was Jesus who said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Not to forget the gist of John 3:16, it is stated "that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal (or everlasting) life." Christ has that life, and he wants to give that life to all who follow and believe him.
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4. There is freedom, In the passage we are closely considering, Romans 6:6-7 states: "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin -- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." There is freedom in Jesus’ death. There is freedom in being united with Christ in baptism and in faith. There is freedom in his sufferings and in his resurrection. For this, we should not be slaves of sin any longer.
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Conclusion
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In our reflection of the sufferings and death of Jesus during this Lenten season, the four lessons we have mentioned must be considered very seriously. Let me state again that "grace abounds in Jesus" in that there exists "union with Christ." There is life in our Lord and we gain freedom from the sinfulness of the world. The mission of God through his son, our Lord Jesus is manifest in our lives because we are "no longer slaves of sin." God be praised! May God bless us all. AMEN.
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THE DECLARATIONS AND THE BELIEVER
Romans 10:8-13
Romans 10:8-13
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Introduction
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The Lenten Season is one of the more significant seasons in our Christian calendar because it brings us back to some deep meditations and reflections about the life, suffering and death of our Lord. It is commonly referred to as the season of the Passion of the Lord.
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Today let me invite you to reflect with me on a passage from the letter of Paul to the Romans, Romans 10:8-13, and think about the different declarations. I have entitled tonight’s message as "The Declarations and the Believer" based on that six verses in that chapter of Romans.
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Romans 10:8-13
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After mentioning God’s anger and mercy, Paul talks about the Gospel and the faith of the Israelites and the Gentiles related to being put right with God. And then, he went on to discuss salvation for all. When Paul said, "Whoever obeys the commands of the Law will live!" (Rom. 10:5) he was citing a passage from Leviticus 18:5, and he was emphasizing something on obedience. But when Paul mentioned something about being put right with God he cited a passage from Deuteronomy 30:12-14. He said,
The Declarations---"But what the scripture says about being put right with God through faith is this: ‘You are not to ask yourself, "Who will go up into heaven?"’ (that is, to bring Christ down). Nor are you to ask, "Who will go down into the world below?"’ (that is, to bring Christ from death). What it says is this: ‘God’s message is near you, on your lips and in your heart’ -- that is, the message of faith that we preach. If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved" (Romans 10:6-9).---
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Then the declarations about salvation and about being put right with God were mentioned: (1) it is by our faith [v.10a]; (2) it is by our confession [v.10b]; and (3) it is by our call [v.13]. These are the things that men should have in their journey of faith in order to be put right with God, to be saved, and to inherit eternal life. These declarations are very basic in the life of the believers. We will consider them briefly.
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1. It is by our faith (10:10a). The declaration states that "it is by our faith that we are put right with God." Faith is the key to the realization of being put right with God. In the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 6 we are given a very significant reminder, or a very stern warning. The verse states: "No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him. Notice that that faith revolves around faith in God, His existence and His rewards for faithfulness. Also, in the letter of Paul to the Ephesian believers, the apostle said, "For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
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2. It is by our confession (10:10b). The second declaration is this: "It is by our confession that we are saved. . . . If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved" (10:10b, 9). This confession is not done to men or to anybody else. It is addressed to God. The other aspect of confession, which is at this point comes from the individual himself, is a declaration that "Jesus is Lord!" and the declaration that God resurrected Jesus from the dead. It is actually the essence of proclaiming the Lord and the power of God in resurrecting the hopeless. Another aspect of confession is found in 1 John 1:8-10 that states,
These verses are very clear as regards confession. It is confession of our sins to God alone who has promised to do the right thing for us -- forgiveness of our sins and purification of all our wrongdoing. Confession is striking a close relationship with your God for the forgiveness of sins.---"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing. If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God,
and his word is not in us."---
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3. It is by our call (10:13). The third declaration is reminiscent of the prophet Joel’s words, "But all who ask the Lord for help will be saved" (Joel 2:32). Paul paraphrased that statement by saying, "Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved" (10:13). It is distinctly obvious that man should call out to the Lord for help. That call could be expressed in our prayers, petitions, and appeals to God. This is also one of the expressions of faith in God -- calling for help. The end result as stated by Joel and reiterated by Paul is "salvation." The significant implication here is that salvation is given only by God. What a declaration!
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Conclusion
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God’s acts are summarized in two basic Christian heritages: (a) bringing Christ down from heaven is the point of Incarnation; and (b) bringing Christ up from death is the case of Resurrection. God did these as mentioned in Deuteronomy -- to the Israelites by way of the call of Moses; and now to the whole world by way of the mission and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. These are two basic doctrines that must be known, understood and appreciated by every believer. Those who believe and follow Christ should remember the significance of the two -- Incarnation (which we celebrate a Christmas), and Resurrection (which we celebrate as Easter).
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From the passage in Romans (10:5-13) we have considered, we can learn the following lessons:
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1. Men have all the possibilities of being saved. There is the fact of SALVATION, and this confirms also the sinfulness of men.
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2. Men will never be disappointed if they call to God. There is the fact of ASSURANCE, and this confirms that God is ready to listen to all his creation.
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3. Men are the basic reasons for the incarnation and resurrection. There is the fact of LIFE and DEATH of the Lord, and this confirms the truth of the coming of the Messiah.
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4. Men, from their crooked and unrighteous ways, could be put right with God and be cleansed. There is the fact of JUSTIFICATION, and this confirms the certainty of becoming a new creation.
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5. Men, by their faith in the Lord and obedience to God will receive and enjoy salvation. There is the fact of REWARD, and this confirms the reality of the promises of God.
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The declarations of God’s truthfulness are laid. We have salvation, assurance, life, justification and reward from the Lord. All of these should become realities in our journeys of life. AMEN.
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LIGHT AND DARKNESS
Romans 13:11-14
Romans 13:11-14
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Introduction
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Our passage today is a part of a pericope that talks about duties and obligations of persons towards one another (see Romans 13:8-14). But let me focus our attention to the last four verses of chapter 13 of the letter of Paul to the believers in Rome. Based on these four verses let us talk about "Light and Darkness."
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Romans 13:11-14
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The last paragraph in this chapter is premised by the thought that "the time has come . . . to wake up from sleep" (v.11a). There is also that idea that when we wake up from such sleep the moment of salvation comes nearer than it was when we first believed in the Lord (v.11b).
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From these last verses in chapter 13 there are several things we should do in relation to light and darkness: (1) let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark [v.12a]; (2) let us take up weapons for fighting in the light [v.12b]; (3) let us conduct ourselves properly [v.13]; (4) let us take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ [v.14a]; and (5) let us stop paying attention to your sinful nature satisfying its desire [v.14b].
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1. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark (v.12a). What is "the dark" referred to in this verse? These are the things that are done in wickedness and disobedience. Can we see any parallelism between "darkness" and "evil things"? They are exactly the opposites of "light" and "righteousness". Paul, in this passage, is appealing to all people to "stop doing the things that belong to the dark"; in other words, anything that belongs to the enemy of God, the evil one.
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2. Let us take up weapons for fighting in the light (v.12b). In Ephesians 6:10-20, the apostle Paul talks about the whole armor of God -- to be able to stand against the Devil’s evil tricks (cf. v.11). In verse 12 of that chapter it is stated that "we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age." Then Paul mentioned the following:
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a. Truth - the belt around the waist.
b. Righteousness - the breastplate.
c. Readiness to announce the good news of peace - the shoes.
d. Faith - the shield.
e. Salvation - as helmet.
f. Word of God - as the sword which the Spirit gives.
b. Righteousness - the breastplate.
c. Readiness to announce the good news of peace - the shoes.
d. Faith - the shield.
e. Salvation - as helmet.
f. Word of God - as the sword which the Spirit gives.
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Paul, however, reminds that believers should do all these things in prayer, asking for God’s help; that everyone should pray on every occasion as the Spirit leads; that all should be alert and never give up; that all should always pray for all God’s people.
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3. Let us conduct ourselves properly as people who live in the light of day (v.13). In doing this every believer of the Lord should remember the following: no orgies or drunkenness; no immorality or indecency; and no fighting or jealousy. This is conducting our lives in the spirit of the light that Christ has given us.
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4. Let us take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ (v.14a). What are the weapons of the Lord? In so many instances "prayer" was mentioned. And in the temptation account or event, Jesus used the "scriptures" as weapons to overcome the devil’s wishes.
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5. Let us stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires (v.14b). Men have their own sinful nature. Romans 1:28-31 mentions several aspects of the sinful nature. Listen:
---"Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, gossip and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. They know that God’s law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them."---
Conclusion
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From all of these we learn lessons about living in the light and living in darkness. In conclusion, let us be reminded of the following: let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark; let us take up weapons for fighting in the light; let us conduct ourselves properly as people who live in the light of day; let us take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ; and let us stop paying attention to our sinful nature and satisfying its desires. AMEN.
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