ARE WE READY?
Romans 1:18-32
If you
remember a couple weeks ago, we read in the first chapter of Romans that Paul
wanted to visit the church in Rome but had been unable to get there so far.
There is a distinct contrast between what was read two weeks ago and what we
read today. Why would that be? What we read in verses 8-17 was all positive and
empowering, but as Paul continued to speak to the church in Rome his message
took a complete turn from what he had just been telling the church. In the 8th
verse Paul told the church how their faith had been reported all over the
world. So why would he be suddenly telling the church in Rome God’s wrath is
about to be revealed? While the church in Rome was apparently an active and
vibrant place to worship, there are things going on in Rome that can potentially
test their faith. Satan was alive and well in Rome 2000 years ago and he is
alive and well in Illinois today as well. Paul was reminding them that a higher
power is obvious to everyone and yet there are those who are intentionally
ignoring the truth. Paul was reminding the church also about the fact that some
people believe they are smarter than God or they believe God simply does not
exist so you can forget about those religious nuts. Paul felt compelled to go
down a list of things that are contrary to God’s will and desire for God’s
people. Paul warns there are those who have chosen to worship what has been
created by God rather than the God who created everything.
Paul further
talks of how men and women are no longer being faithful to God by marrying a
man and woman but have engaged in inappropriate behavior, men with men and
women with women. Paul continues his warning since there are those who have
totally rejected God and he has allowed them to do whatever they feel is right.
When we look
at the examples Paul gave in verses 29-31, we see just how far from God some
are willing to go. Throughout it all Paul reminds the church that deep down in
their hearts they know what God expects but purposely and willing chose to do
what they want to do instead. In fact, in verse 32 we read “Although they know
God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death. They not
only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice
them. After Paul has said all of this to the church in Rome, I will ask the
question one more time. Why was Paul throwing all of this out there to the
church? After all, earlier in the 1st chapter he was praising the
church for its faith, so why would Paul do this? The reason is very simple.
Paul knew what the Christians in Rome was exposed to every day of their lives.
Rome was a booming center of everything at this time in history. You could see
and do virtually everything under the sun. Paul knew even the strongest of
Christians may have trouble resisting all the things Satan is throwing at them
in Rome on a daily basis. Paul wanted to make sure the Christians in Rome truly
knew what was in agreement with God and what was not. Paul felt compelled to
write this letter because he had not been able to share with the church in
person yet.
I am afraid
sometimes we are mistaken and believe the early church just grew and grew and
there were no distractions for them at all, which leads us to the church right
here and now. Is there anything for us to learn from what Paul was telling the
church in Rome? If Paul were here right now, would Paul be warning this church
about anything to be on the lookout for? As we think about the variety of
things Paul warned the church about how many are still valid problems facing
the world today? There is one saying that goes, “The more things change, the
more they stay the same.” Is that true when we look at what Rome was facing and
look at what Christians in America are facing today? When I look at those of
you here this morning and think of those who are watching elsewhere, I am not
sure if many of you would struggle with any of the things mentioned by Paul.
However, these are still examples of what the church is still dealing with in
society. There are so many things that are competing for the heart and soul of
everyone. It is your responsibility and mine to lift up God’s standards for all
to see. Not because we believe we are better than anyone else, but because we
want to see everyone have an honest opportunity at eternal life. We have a new
generation that is being pulled in ways that is making a relationship with
Jesus Christ very difficult to achieve. We as the church must find ways to
break through the lies and share God’s truth and God’s love. Virtually everything
mentioned by Paul are problems in today’s world as well as several others.
In Ephesians
4:15 we are encouraged to speak the truth in love. That is our goal; that is
our mission. I am so thankful for each one of you faithful brothers and sisters
in Christ. May we seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Through Christ we will
prevail! To God be all glory, honor and praise!
Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.
February 10 Executive Committee 7:00
Donation Box: Utilities
First Sundays: food donations for food banks
Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362
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Keep
in Your Prayers
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Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany
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Love
God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.
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