Pondering Romans 12:9-21

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Book-of-RomansYou can read the passage by clicking HERE.

In this passage Paul runs through about 20 different things that are on his mind as he thinks about the Roman church and how they relate to one another and to the watching world. He offers very little commentary on them which actually seems a bit unusual. Its almost as if he has a lot to say but very little time to say it so he just makes sure that they are at least down on paper. As I pondered, here are a few from the list (one at the beginning, one at the end) that stood out to me – with the commentary that Paul didn’t have time to say.

Verse 9 – “Hate what is evil.” – Why would Paul have to say something like this? Because, for whatever reason, as saints who are sinful people we are infatuated with evil. All you have to do to confirm this is to take a look at the TV that we watch. Crime shows seem to be the #1 viewing choice for believers as well as unbelievers. This, along with the pervasive sexuality that  seems necessary to draw an audience, has eroded our value system and blurred the lines between good and evil.  One of the #1 songs in the country this year is a case in point – the title says it all, Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. Evil is no longer evil – it is merely unwholesome, or inappropriate for minors, or “for mature audiences”. It seems to me that maturity would recognize what is evil and what is not. But this is not the case any longer. Nor was it the case in Paul’s day. Hence his admonition “Hate what is evil!”. Not “dislike evil”. Not “develop a distaste for evil.” Not “avoid evil.” Not tolerate it. But “HATE evil”. We will have to hate evil if we are going to have any chance with what verse 21 says…

Verse 21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” – It was Edmund Burke who said “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”. I will take this statement a step farther and say that “All that is necessary for evil to triumph in the world is for godly people to do nothing.” Evil will prevail in our world unless the people of God do something. It is up to us. Not good people – because Scripture tells us that no one is good. Not government – that certainly hasn’t helped to restrain evil. Not religion – if anything, religion has helped to perpetuate evil. Not an economic windfall for all nations – money is not the answer to a problem that plaques the souls of humanity. I sincerely believe that the only hope our world has is if the Body of Christ rises up and leads a gospel-empowered vanguard against the ubiquitous evil that saturates our culture.

But for that to happen, we must HATE evil.

Next Week’s Passage: Romans 13:1-7
Memory Verses: Romans 8:1-30

Brick #36 – Hebrews 11:6

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Untitled design“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

What if we really believed what we say we believe?

A few years ago I wrote a song that tried to describe what faith looks like in real life. It’s called Without Faith…

Faith is the assurance of the things you’re hoping for;

Faith is when you act upon the facts you can’t ignore;

Faith is when you wait upon the future that’s in store;

Faith is when you pray because you’re in a holy war.

Refrain:

And without faith it is impossible

To please our God who set us free

And those who say that they love Jesus

Must live and follow faithfully.

Faith is when you stand against the fears that are within;

Faith is when you’ve fallen down but rise to stand again;

Faith is when you boldly stand beside a fallen friend;

Faith is when you stand alone while others choose to sin.

(Refrain)

Faith is when you’re watching for the coming of the King;

Faith is when you lose your grip on all your worldly things;

Faith is when you’re not afraid of what tomorrow brings;

Faith is when you feel depressed but still you choose to sing.

A few questions to ponder:

  • It’s one thing to say that you believe. It’s quite another thing to live what you believe and to EARNESTLY seek Him. Are you an earnest seeker?
  • What does “faith” look like in your life?
  • What about your life right now is causing you to “walk by faith and not by sight”?

Pondering Romans 12:3-8

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Book-of-RomansYou can read the passage by clicking HERE.

Paul is talking to the church in Rome about “gifts of grace”. He wants them to focus on how they have been gifted by God – and not focus on what their gifts are not. We have a tendency to focus on how we are not gifted. We are generally pretty good at looking at others in the body of Christ and thinking we wish we had their skill set or talent or gift. I know I am at least. I’ve always wanted to be gifted musically, but alas, it is just not in my DNA. You can ask almost anyone.

Paul is encouraging us to use the gifts we do have. They are necessary to the body of Christ. If I choose not to use my gifts because I am not a musician then I am hurting the church.

I like what commentator Gib Martin says: “We will help each other most if we focus on whatever task God has set before us. We will become ineffective members of the body if we compare ourselves to other members or if we grumble about our role. God created us with certain gifts for certain jobs. Each job is absolutely crucial to our overall task of being Christ to the world. Every gift is a spiritual endowment from God meant to make and keep the Body of Christ healthy.”

Do you know how God has spiritually endowed you to serve the Body of Christ? If not, find someone who can help you  – because until you do you will feel sort of like an appendix – you know you are a part of the body but you are not really sure what or why you are there for.

Next Week’s Passage: Romans 12:9-21
Memory Verses: Romans 8:1-29

Brick By Brick-Colossians 4:5-6

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Untitled design “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

Why are these verses foundational to our faith? Because as believers we are charged with influencing the world with the gospel. That means that we must deal with people. And people aren’t always easy to deal with. Paul is talking here about how to deal with people who are outside the church and disengaged from the gospel.

We must be wise – Wisdom is more than knowledge. It is the application of knowledge. But there are some things that are generally true about people that we need to keep in mind so that our actions can be wisely informed:

  • People need hope
  • People need encouragement
  • People want to live with purpose and joy
  • People are sinful

The more that we can understand people the better we can be at demonstrating the love of Christ to them.

We must be opportunistic – Pastor Mark Batterson says: “People who live in prayer mode see opportunities that other people don’t notice. People who don’t live in prayer mode are opportunity blind…. Prayer has a way of helping us recognize that what we might dismiss as human accidents are really divine appointments.” We must be prayerfully on the lookout throughout the day.

We must speak carefully and intentionally – We want what comes out of our mouths to draw people to Christ not repel them from Him. We forget sometimes just how powerful words are. Words can be inspirational. Words can change the course of history. Words can refresh the soul. But words can also devastate and kill. Speaking with grace and using language that is “seasoned with salt” means that we are being careful and intentional to use words in ways that move people to engage the gospel and find hope and joy in Christ.

We have what people need. Let’s allow our actions and our words to both speak loud and clear so that the gospel might triumph in our city and around the world.

Pondering Romans 12:1-2

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Book-of-RomansFor this familiar passage that is replete with ponderable phrases I am going to share my journal entries this week that took the form of prayers.

Monday
Father, I am grateful for your mercy. You have withheld from me what I deserve – your fierce wrath. And instead you have rescued me and given me LIFE. It only makes sense that I would then offer my life to You as a living sacrifice. It only makes sense that I demonstrate my gratefulness by offering my body as an act of worship. Today would You take my eyes, my mouth, my hands, my feet, my mind – and may I find joy in the offering.

Wednesday
Father I am grateful that many years ago you changed my heart from a heart of stone to a heart that beats for You. Would You continue the process now of transforming my mind so that I don’t conform to the patterns of this world but rather live a life of holiness that is pleasing and acceptable to You.
Thursday
Father, I confess that in many ways I have conformed to the patterns of this world. I have allowed the world to squeeze me into it’s mold rather than allowing Your Spirit to shape me and change me into the new creation that I am supposed to be. Today would You make me aware of areas where I have allowed this to happen and begin to wean me from my worldly ways so that in the years that I have left I will be a living sacrifice upon the altar of Your mercy and grace.
Next Week’s Passage: Romans 12:3-8
Memory Verses: Romans 8:1-28

Brick #34 – Matthew 9:36-38

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Untitled design36) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37) Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38) Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:36-38)

These verses tell us a lot…

About People– Jesus was surrounded by people everyday. But, to him, they were more than just faces in a crowd. They were individuals who had hurts and burdens and stress and worries. They were people that needed encouragement and comfort and hope. He described them as “harassed and helpless.” I think that is an apt portrayal of people in our world today. The dysfunctionality of so many families, the number of people who are dealing with addictions, the plethora of folks who suffer from depression – are all indications that we are a society of harassed and helpless people.

About Jesus – Jesus was compassionate. It was compassion that compelled Jesus to suffer the humiliation of the incarnation. It was compassion that compelled Him to feed the hungry and heal the sick. It was compassion that drove him to the cross. Compassion is more than feeling bad about someone. It is a gut wrenching feeling coupled with a constraining desire to make things better.

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read “Puppies For Sale.” Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner’s sign. “How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked. The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.” The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. “I have $2.37,” he said. “Can I please look at them?” The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?” The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn’t have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. “That is the puppy that I want to buy.” The store owner said, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.” The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.” The store owner countered, “You really don’t want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.” To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. The boy looked up at the store owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!”

We ALL need someone who understands! That’s Jesus and that’s why He  is a magnificent Savior. But it is not only Jesus…

About Us (His disciples) – Jesus is looking for followers who understand, who recognize the plight that people are dealing with, and who are impelled to do something about it. He is looking for laborers. He wants followers who are willing to be proactive. He wants ardent advocates who are willing to be part of a courageous vanguard that is not content to stay within the walls of the church but must take the risk of going out into the fields where the harvest is. He is looking for people with compassion!

He is looking for me to step up and step out. And perhaps He is looking for you as well.

Pondering Romans 11:33-36

Posted on by Shay Reyner

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Great theology leads to God exalting worship!

It is not uncommon for Paul in his epistles to get “sidetracked” and throw out something like these verses. As he thinks about God and writes about God and teaches about God it is as if he is compelled to worship God. The Book of Romans is the most theological of all the epistles that he wrote. Paul is thinking deeply about the ways of God and in doing so his soul is moved to exalt God.

2 takeaways from this passage for me this week:

1) Take time to think deeply about God – We do not do this very much as the people of God. It takes time. It takes intentionality. It means using our brain. But until we make this a regular practice we will most likely maintain our feeble faith and our walk with God will be fragile at best.

2) Take time to worship throughout the week – Our worship should not be limited to a service on Sunday. As we spend time in God’s Word and in His presence through prayer we should take the time to exalt the One who is above all gods and who has graciously brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Thinking about God should lead us into worship of God.

May we be “sidetracked” this week just as Paul was.

Next Week’s Passage: Romans 12:1-2
Memory Verses: Romans 8:1-27

Brick #33 – Isaiah 41:10

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Untitled design“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This was a promise that was given to God’s chosen people Israel. It is not a promise for those who have not been chosen by God.  In other words, unbelievers have reason to fear and tremble. When they see craziness happening in the world they have reason to be scared. When their lives get turned upside down they have reason to be anxious. When they anticipate standing before the Almighty Righteous Omnipotent God they should be terrified.

But not those who know the Lord. This verse gives us several reminders why we can endure whatever comes our way with faith rather than fear.

1) God is with us! – This is one of THE great promises of Scripture. It is a promise that the Lord reiterates again and again. It is a promise that we need to daily remember because, quite frankly, often life can be a bear.

2) The Lord is OUR God! – He is not God of the unrighteous. His promises are effective for HIS people, not for everyone in general. And as we review biblical history we can see how God has demonstrated His faithfulness to His people again and again – and take heart. And be encouraged. And be emboldened. And be reassured.

3) God will strengthen us and help us and uphold us! – Just as we can be sure that God is with us,  we can also be sure that life will be difficult at times, that tragedy will happen, that heartache will come our way. This is the effect of living in a fallen world. But we can also know that, without a doubt, God will be with us through it all. He will give us the strength to endure. He will comfort us when life seems more than we can bear. He will walk us through the valley of the shadow of death.

This is a BRICK worth pondering!

Pondering Romans 11:11-32

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Book-of-RomansI’ve got a few takeaways from this passage, which admittedly raises as many questions as it answers.

1) I am very grateful that God has chosen by His grace to rescue me and give me life in Jesus Christ. And as someone with a Jewish heritage this passage excites me because it indicates that God yet has great plans for His chosen people. Despite their rebelliousness and disbelief He has not given up on them. Perhaps God also yet has great plans in mind for me.

2) This passage also reminds me that as my loving Father, God will not give up on me either when I disappoint Him and act out in deceitful, duplicitous ways. Check out this Our Daily Bread article by Herbert Vander Lugt…

In a moment of exasperation, a father told me that if his son continued in his rebellious ways he was going to disinherit him and try to forget him. But I knew that father well. Although he was angry, hurt, and disappointed, I was sure he would never quit loving his son and longing for his conversion.

Good parents cannot forget how they cared for their children as infants, how they helped them take their first steps, and how they shared with them in both happy and painful growing-up experiences. But when children choose a sinful lifestyle, even good parents, after repeated pleas and warnings, may have no choice but to let them go their own way. Parents will do so with broken hearts and with the undying hope that their prodigal will one day return.

In Hosea 11, God is portrayed as Israel’s Father. Because the nation had disobeyed, He had pleaded with them and chastened them time and time again. Yet they refused to change their ways. Finally, God withdrew from them and let them learn the hard way. Yet even then, He could not and would not completely abandon them. One day He will draw them back to Himself (Romans 11:26-27).

God loves His children today with that same kind of tough love. What a wonderful heavenly Father!

At times we spurn our Father’s love
And choose a sinful path;
Yet He will not abandon us,
Though righteous in His wrath. —D. De Haan

God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

Next Week’s Passage: Romans 11:33-36

Memory Verses: Romans 8:1-26

Brick # 32 – 1 John 2:15-17

Posted on by Shay Reyner

Untitled design“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

I readily admit that I enjoy life in this world. I would even say that I love my life in this world. I love my family. I love my friends. I love my house. I love Mama Linda desserts. I love a really good movie. I love naps. I love a captivating book. I love The Masters golf tournament. I love Chick-Fil-A.

I also love God. I love His Word. I love His Church. I love my Connect Group. I love authentic, soul enthralling worship.

So perhaps you see my dilemma. Does my enjoyment of this world mean that the love of God is not in me?

Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile asks the question this way and then answers his own question: “How do we know whether we truly love God instead of the world?  We know we love God and not the world when we deny our fallen motivations and desires and seek God’s way of living and God’s glory in everything.” He adds, “We cannot love the world correctly until we love the Father completely.”

In other words, until I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength I will not be able to love my family as I ought to. Nor my friends. Nor for that matter Chick-fil-A. So if I really want to get the most out of this world and and enjoy it to the utmost then it behooves me to love God with a determined fierceness that makes my love for this world pale in comparison.

In John 14:15 Jesus says “If you love me you will obey my commands.” So I can actually gauge the degree to which I love God but my willingness to do what He says. If I choose to love and enjoy things in this world that God tells me not to, then I do not love God. But… if I seek God tenaciously, and doggedly pursue His will then I can enjoy the things of this world that He created in a way that I would not be able to otherwise.