This week we're looking at Romans 3.
Seriously? Do you know anyone who would adapt this theology? Ludicrous right? Not so fast....! I think we see it more often than not. I don't know that anyone actually has the conversation with anyone actually using those words, but when we continuously pursue sin, instead of our Father, isn't that what we are saying?
Yes, this may sound a little over dramatized, but it's the reality of it. We cannot take the stance that by sinning, we actually highlight God's righteousness. I've actually heard people say, "Yeah, but God still loves me". So? So what? I love my son, but when he acts up, or is just plain bad... I get all up in his mix! LOL. You don't think that God is going to discipline us? You're crazy! Just because He loves us doesn't mean that he won't hold us accountable and discipline us. To actually suggest that by sinning, we showcase how righteous God is, and that it is unfair for him to punish us, is only kidding ourselves.
Well I am glad that God came for the Gentile and not just the Jew! I am glad that our faith allows us to be close to God.
ReplyDeleteAgain as I read this I think abour sin and habitual sin. I think we are only saved when we try to live a life right, but It is hard when I am confronted with those who know this, but think that their lifestyle should be considered okay. If they are hung up in one area habitually does that mean they have no hope of salvation? If they know what they are doing is wrong yet wont repent? I guess either way loving them is a good choice.
Wouldn't it be nice if our sin actually did highlight God and make more people come to Him, instead of confirming other people's beliefs that Christianity is a farce! When a so-called Christian is obviously living in sin, it makes everyone doubt them and their beliefs. What a bad representative. Jesus wants us to spread the GOOD news, people! Don't spread the sin! If you know what you're doing is wrong--don't do it! If you're afraid that it might be wrong--it probably is!
ReplyDeleteAnd to follow up what your saying Amy... if they are living in sin with no attempt to change, are they even really walking with Jesus? I agree with what you are saying... it makes Christianity look very bad.
ReplyDelete27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
ReplyDeleteI love what this says, because I think many unbelievers see Christians as "haughty" or "pompous" about their righteousness. Humility before God and man is the right answer. We know we have done nothing to deserve Christ's sacrifice, so why are we seen as people who are worthy of anything? I challenge myself and all of you today, this week, to present yourself humbly before your fellow man. Even if you think you are already, humble yourself more. I believe this is something that will draw unbelievers to us as it did for Christ, and allow us to share the gift we have been given which grants us access to the Father.
Unfair for him to punish us, dont believe God would ever see it that way. He will hold us accountable and with descipline. The word teaches that his hand is upon us to break us for his use not ours. I wonder sometimes if we dont feel the guilt of sin so much because we are in church, reading scripture, and doing good deeds. If we have no fear would any good be found?
ReplyDeleteI think that you have a point Danny. It is like we are saying to God "I am going to church, reading the Bible, doing good things for people so shouldn't that outweigh this sin and I don't need to feel gulty?", whatever that sin might be. But no one sin is greater or lesser in God's eyes than another. Sometimes the only way that God can get our attention and show His love is by discipline.
ReplyDeletePhilip this is something that I struggle with continuously. I confuse humility with becoming a door mat. Turning the other cheek to those that would criticize or try to deter me from doing what God would have me do. Humility is something that I find relieves me of the stresses of life. The more humble I make myself the less I'm in the way of others and more in line with my creator and what HE would have for my life. When I'm sinning or getting caught up in my ego that's when I am vunerable to the enemy's ploys and tricks. I seem to fall right into them every time but at least I can see it and turn from it.
ReplyDeleteGreat passage and thanks everyone for your comments.
I love how Paul clearly states that we are all unrighteous people. I don't know about you guys but so many times I look down on the "non-christians" and see myself above them. Even though I know that isn't true, I still fall into the "holier than thou so therefore I'm better" mentality. But, then Paul throws it out there that we're only righteous through Jesus' sacrifice and that the circumcised AND uncircumcised were saved through their faith in this. I look at something like that and realize how many times I've judged someone for how they "do" something. Whether the legalistic, "right" way (circumcision in biblical standards), or the radical, "different" way (those who had faith and weren't circumcised in biblical times). I tend to be a rule follower and think my way is the right way and everyone else is wrong. Uhh... obviously Paul knew many people like me and knew the way my sinful christian brain works. It blows my mind!
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts, everyone. Amy, I agree with you: if we know we are sinning then we shouldn't continue to live in our sin, believing that we are okay because we are "saved". However... many of our brothers and sisters are very immature in their faith. Many times they may see it, but not understand the ramifications of their actions. It's up to us, then, with love and compassion- not condemnation- to rebuke them, love them, and show them why what they're doing is wrong. And then, it is also up to us to walk with them to help them change that behavior by holding them accountable, praying with and for them, and then continuing to mentor them. Ultimately, this is a by-product of a lack of discipleship in our lives. The bible is soooo often misquoted. One of my "favorite" misquotes is when people say.... And the truth shall set you free... applying it to whatever they want, when dealing with talking about truth. But what Jesus said is, "If you hold to My teachings, then you will know my ways, and you will be my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."
ReplyDeleteSee, Jesus was saying that in order to know truth, and to live truth, you must first be His disciple. Being His disciple means that we continuously are learning and experiencing life transformation, ultimately seeing our lives being formed into His image.
All of that to say, Amy, You're absolutely right! They need to get their heads out of their butts and not live in their sin any more. And I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with what you said. So please don't think that that is what I am saying here. I'm just building on your conversation. The point I was trying to emphasize, though, is that we, as His committed disciples need to know how to help our brothers and sisters correct their mistakes. Because when I screw up...Which is often!, I need people to do that for me too.
Ya'll have some great thoughts...I am going to try and keep up.
ReplyDeleteHannah- to go off on what you said. It is very hard not to judge non-christians. But it is also very hard not to judge christians. That's why I think we need to keep eachother as fellow christians in check with our daily lives.
We are all sinners and we will all continue to sin...We can not be sinless due to our fleshly nature and the world we live in. But that's why I am so thankful Jesus came and we are forgiven of our sins. But God will one day judge us all.
Thanks Kendra! I totally agree to that and I hope that all of you will continue to keep me accountable when I judge others.
ReplyDeleteI loved that Erik said in one of his sermons, "Yes we are sinners and humans, but we can't use that as an excuse." I had used the "Oh, I'm a human..." excuse a million times and even though it's true, I can't use that as a reason. "God, I'm just a human, what do you expect?" Don't think I would get a good response! What Erik said really got to me because I'm a Christian who's supposed to stick out because I'm different, yet I'm using the "wordly" excuse.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
ReplyDeleteI think this stood out to me because we all know that there is nothing we can "do". We can never be worthy or good enough to deserve God's grace. Does this give us free reign to sin just because God knows we will...ummm NO, but it gives us the knowledge that when sin and temptation comes, we have a choice to seek God and turn away. Ask for His strength to not fall into that temptation. Erik said it best...He is big enough and strong enough to take it...you just have to give it all to Him.