Read Romans 3:5-8
To make a convincing argument or case it’s a good idea to anticipate and to deal with possible objections before they are raised. This is exactly what Paul does in Romans 3:5-8.
Someone could possibly argue that if our unrighteous lifestyle brings out and highlights God’s righteousness then He is unjust in judging us! Paul responds with a very strong negative (mh genoito in the Greek) which could be translated as a very forceful “God forbid!” Paul’s rhetorical response is to ask, ‘If that were so, how could God judge the world?’
Others may argue that if my lies and falsehood bring glory to God when He judges then how can He condemn me as a sinner? Paul argues that this is tantamount to saying that we should do evil so that good can come out of it. In fact, some were saying that this is exactly what Paul preached! The conclusion is damning: Their condemnation is well deserved! Paul, and for that matter God, has no time for such ridiculous arguments.
These kinds of counter arguments to God’s judgement are the type of arguments we would expect from non-believers and mockers. But the sobering reality is that God is speaking to the church, not to non-believers. He is anticipating these objections from within the church!
The bottom line is simple. There is no argument against God’s judgement. It will prove to be fair, right and perfectly just. No one will have an answer to sway or explain away God’s judgement. That means that each one of us must be ready to face God’s judgement and there is only one way to be ready.
As will be revealed next week, we can only be ready by placing our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who lived a perfect life for us and died under the curse of God for our short fall. He suffered as our substitute and wore the full judgement of God in our place. When we place our faith in Jesus, God accepts the payment made by Jesus on our behalf and transfers His righteousness to our account. God then agrees to deal with us as though we are perfectly righteous. Even more so, God chooses to adopt us into His family as beloved children. God lavishes us with love and abides with us when we place our faith in Jesus. Have you placed your faith in Jesus?
Prayer:
Given today’s reading jot down your own prayer points:
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your church’s service on Sonday would be glorifying to the Lord and edifying to the saints even though it’s a difficult topic coming up. Pray that the preacher would be well prepared and Spirit filled. Pray this too for those involved throughout the entire service.
¥ Pray that you would have opportunity to share the love of Christ with unbelievers in your world. Pray that your testimony to Christ would bring many to Him in repentance and faith.
Placing our faith in Jesus includes our head, heart and hands. We make the decision in our head, love Him in our heart and serve Him with our hands because of all He’s done for us.
1. What does it mean to put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. A non believer comes to you and says, ‘I want to put my faith in Jesus, what should I do?’ How do you respond?
3. What should you do when the above person has put their faith in Jesus?
Discipleship Moment For Girls
Intro: Relationships can cause us the most pain and the most joy in life. They are hard work but with the right kind of work, they fill us with immense joy.
Share: your own experience of a relationship that was positive and one that was negative. Share how you relate to God.
Read James 4:7-8
In what ways can we draw near to God?
In what ways does the devil tempt us?
In what ways can we resist the devil?
What does it mean to wash our hands?
How can we purify our heart?
Pray together; for a growing relationship with God.
Discipleship Moment For Boys
Intro: We all need good mates because mates can lead us on good or bad roads. God wants to be more than our mate, He wants to be our best ever friend and King.
Share: your own experience of a good mate and a bad mate.
Read James 4:7-8
In what ways can we draw near to God?
In what ways does the devil tempt us?
In what ways can we resist the devil?
What does it mean to wash our hands?
How can we purify our heart?
Pray together; for a growing relationship with God.
No comments:
Post a Comment