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Romans 1- Total Depravity

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And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:23-25

Idolatry has always been a major issue with humanity. Even if you go through the history of Israel, they kept creating and worshipping idols. God would command them to repent and remove their idols, they would and then go back to worshipping their idols. Its no different today in the Church. There have been many idols created within the Church, many people have created a false Jesus into their own image. 

As the Apostle Paul says under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man” Are you worshipping the real Jesus Christ of the Bible? Or are you worshipping a false Jesus you have created in your own mind? That was created over tradition and false doctrine? If we are wrong about Jesus, doesn’t matter what we are right about!

The world loves to worship the creature rather than the Creator. We see this through everything, money, entertainment, sports, you name it, people have made an idol out of it. Eventually God has had enough, “God also gave them up to uncleanness or sinful desires, through the lusts of their own hearts” People love their sin more than they love God, eventually God will allow them to worship their sin. This is why you see the total depravity in humanity. 

People ask what is wrong with this world? What happened to society? This is what happened, God gave them over to their sins, the people act like human animals looking to please the flesh at any cost. Carnally minded and headed to eternal destruction, they have no care in the world, except to please the flesh. As Paul says “to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” sexual immorality, transgenderism, homosexuality, all fruits of the flesh

They have changed the truth of God into a lie, this is what we see from a Romans 1 society also. Total depravity has become normalized, there is no spiritual discernment because they rejected the true God for their own idols they have created. They served the creature more than the Creator. There only hope is to be Born Again in Christ and be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, to create a new heart and mind, the gospel must be preached! Amen!

Romans 1- No Excuse

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For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:20-22

The Word of God says “A fool says in their heart, there is no God” (Psalms 14:1) Many people today believe there is an easy escape from the wrath of God, to just pretend God doesn’t exist at all. They believe if they create crafty arguments to refute the existence of God, this will make them exempt of their sins. But don’t be deceived, God will not be mocked, what you reap is what you will sow (Galatians 6:7)

The Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the evidence of God’s existence is clearly seen in Creation, therefore we are without excuse on judgement day. The human idea that we can trick or persuade God in believing we didn’t know He existed is blasphemy. God knows the intelligent design of His creation reveals the Creator. All the Bible says “The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1)

One thing I would like to point out is that in the KJV translation, we see the reference to the “Godhead” this is a reference to the Triune God,  I find it interesting that “newer” English translations take out the reference to the Trinity. Among other scripture, because The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all part of Creation as they stated “Let Us Make Man in Our Image” (Genesis 1:27) So the Atheist who is made in the image of God, rejects and blasphemes his Father and Creator, we will be held without excuse on judgement day, as every knee will bow to The Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2)

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, this sums up the state of humanity. Ever since the garden of Eden, when man tried to be like God, to the tower of Babel, where man tried to reign like God, to today where man tries to eliminate God, we have become fools. Many in their depravity, deny the basics of common sense, that nothing can’t create anything. Yet the minds of the world, push this agenda to the masses, the scientific impossibility that nothing could become or create anything, this defies all science and common sense. This is why God considers these people fools, they are not being honest, because they love their sin more than they love God

Their foolish hearts have become darkened, and this describes the state of the world. The only way they can be enlightened is through Christ, they must become Born Again otherwise they will perish in their state of depravity, Amen

Romans 1- Wrath of God

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For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  Romans 1:18-19

Most people today want to just focus on the “Love of God” this is obviously everyones favorite attribute of God, if God didn’t love the world, He wouldn’t have given us His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16) He wouldn’t have created us in His image (Genesis 1:27) Gods love, grace, and mercy is beyond our human comprehension, where God demonstrated his love on the cross, even though we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

However we need to understand God is Holy (1 Samuel 2:2) God Hates Sin (Proverbs 6:16, Psalms 5:4) Therefor God can’t be in the presence of sin, since we all have fallen short and sinned (Romans 3:23) We because of our sin have been separated from God. But Christ on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, has reconciled us back to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) So understanding all of this, we need to understand just as God is Love (1 John 4:8) God is also Just (Deuteronomy 32:4) Therefor the Wrath of God will fall upon all repented people because of the wages of your sin (Romans 6:23)

So the problem with most people is even though they know God is Love, they don’t really Love God. If they truly loved God, they would repent of their sin and believe the gospel message of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15) But most, as the Apostle Paul reveals, they love the creature rather than the Creator. They love their sin more than they love God. And the apostate “Churches” are teaching today to remain dead in your sins, which ultimately rejects the love and sacrifice of Christ. “For if we willfully and deliberately continue to live in sin , after we have received the knowledge of truth, there remains no more sacrifice for us” (Hebrews 10:26)

As the Apostle Paul revels later in the epistle, “The wages is death” (Romans 6:23) The wrath of God will fall upon those who continue to reject the Holy Spirit and live in the flesh, which is an enmity against God. Notice Paul says “They suppress the truth in unrighteousness or their wickedness” They know they are living in sin, yet they love their sin more than they love God. Therefor they will eventually be given over to their lusts and be destroyed just as the fallen angels. 

Scripture also reveals “God has made it plain or manifest to them” they know they are sinning against God, but believe God will turn his eyes from their sin. Don’t be deceived God will not be mocked, what we reap is what we sow (Galatians 6:7) Amen

Romans 1- The Church Part 2

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For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. Romans 1:11-15

As Born Again Christians there should be a desire for community among other believers, as the Apostle Paul says here “For I long to see you” Paul had a great desire to be in fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Rome, but was unable to at the present time due to his mission of spreading the gospel. However Christians should not forsake the assembly of each other (Hebrews 10:25) There should be an actual desire for community and fellowship.

You might ask Why? Why does Paul need to fellowship with this community? Why do you need to be a part of a Church? Well as Paul says here “that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift” Hopefully most know, if you are a Born Again Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, you have been given gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12) When you forsake the Church, you forsake sharing your spiritual gifts with the rest of the body of Christ. This is a very self centered attitude, the Church needs you just as you need the Church. Paul had a great desire to share his spiritual gifts with the body of Christ, as he continues to bless us today with his writings inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Another reason we need the Church for community, as the Apostle Paul says here “that I may be comforted together with you by mutual faith” When you become set apart in Christ, fellowship in the world becomes almost impossible. While the world has desires of the world, Christians have the desire of Christ. Your soul longs and earns for mutual fellowship among other believers. You won’t find spiritual fellowship outside of Christ, or the fellowship you find may lead you away from Christ. It’s important to be part of a community of Christ that comforts one another. As the Apostle Paul also says , we the Church are to “bear each others burdens” (Galatians 6:2) 

As I continually try to teach new believers, this Christian walk will be difficult, there will be persecution, there will be trials and testing. Nobody is going to survive this walk alone, you need the Church and the Church needs you. As Jesus said “those who endure to the end, shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) This is not going to be a easy walk, you need the Church!

The Apostle Paul again states “I don’t want you to be ignorant or unaware brethren (Church), I planned to come to you” The Apostle Paul continually had a strong desire to be with his brothers and sisters in Christ, why? “That I may have some fruit or have a harvest among you” We have a mission as the Church, to fulfill the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) It’s another blessing to see the spiritual fruit that is produced by an active Church sharing the gospel in their community and reaping a harvest for The Lord, Amen!

Romans 1- The Church

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First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you Romans 1:8-10

While many Christians view “Church” as optional or unneccessary, here we see the deep love the Apostle Paul has for the Church of Rome. It’s a demonstration of love when we understand the Church is a family of God, a spiritual community of believers and not an institution. When others become our spiritual brothers and sisters through The Lord Jesus Christ. Without this foundation, your walk as a Christian is in serious danger of being led to the broad road of destruction

The Apostle Paul begins with saying “I thank God through Jesus Christ for you all” Wow, what a beautiful statement, have you thanked God for the brothers and sisters in your life? Can you imagine your life without the Church? Think about this, its only because of The Lord Jesus Christ we are saved and united, if none of us were saved, there is a good possibility many of our paths would have never crossed. The unity of Christ is a powerful thing, I think its often reminded and demonstrated during the sacrament of Communion. We are all united together by one bread and one cup, a remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ and what He has already done for us all

So what influence does the Church have? Think about what the Apostle Paul says here “that your faith is spoken throughout the whole world” The Church of Rome was in the heart of the Roman Empire, the capital of paganism and wickedness. Yet the Church had a major influence on this wicked society, the Church of Rome was the salt and light Christ has called us to be, what influence does your Church have on your community? Is your Church involved in representing Christ in the community?

Another question is how often do you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ? As the Apostle Paul says here “I make mention of you always in my prayers” Instead of criticizing your brothers and sisters, are you praying for them? If your not happy with the state of the Church, are you praying for them? Are you praying for your Pastor and Elders? Are you praying for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your community? Prayer is a powerful thing, typically you can tell alot about someone’s spiritual life by their prayer life.

The Apostle Paul strongly desired to be with his brothers and sisters in Rome, his dedication to Christ and the Church ultimately led to him losing his life in Rome. Do you have a strong desire to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Keep praying for the Church to be the Salt and Light in your community, to produce fruits of the Holy Spirit, to make disciples of everyone in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen!

Philemon- The Mediator

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If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Philemon 1:17-20

Again we read the Apostle Paul continues to plead with the Church to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. It’s believed that Onesimus stole from Philemon and then fled to Rome to hide. It’s there when he had a divine meeting with the Apostle Paul and gave his life to Christ. However even as God is willing to forgive us, people are not so easy or willing to forgive, including the Church.

The Apostle Paul as the Shepherd of the Church, basically becomes the mediator between Onesimus and the Church, Paul is basically saying this “If you consider me a brother in Christ, then receive him (Onesimus) as a brother in Christ” (v17) Paul is vouching for Onesimus, remember Paul was in the same predicament when he first got saved, we were in the same predicament when we got saved, don’t forget the grace and mercy God has allotted to you!

Paul even goes one step further “anything he (Onesimus) has done wrong or owes you, put in on my account” (v18) Paul is saying “if your holding a grudge against Onesimus because he stole money or property from you, don’t worry about it, I will personally repay you.” We know when it comes between people and their money, things get very personal. But Paul is pleading with them , let it go, I’ll make everything right.

Now as we read this interaction, can you imagine being in Onesimus shoes, having an Apostle of Christ, fighting for you, standing for you, even when you don’t deserve it. Being totally redeemed and justified, even when we don’t deserve it, this is a true demonstration of the gospel, of the grace and mercy of God being demonstrated by the Holy Spirit.

This whole interaction reminds me of our salvation story, we were Onesimus, we were guilty sinners but Christ not only forgave and redeemed us before our Heavenly Father, but Christ is our mediator, and justifies us before the assembly of saints. We were washed by the blood of Jesus and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, this is our salvation story!

So just like the Prodigal Son came back home, we can also repent and be forgiven by Christ, come back home to our Father in Heaven, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name Amen

Philemon- Set Free

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I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? Philemon 12:16

As we continue to work through the epistle to Philemon, we see the Apostle Paul continue to praise Onesimus. Remember he was the slave of Philemon, who actually stole from him and then fled to Rome where he ran into Paul. Onesimus became saved by the preaching of Paul and the Holy Spirit, now the Apostle Paul is ready to send his brother back to the Church , to serve there

These words really jump out at me as we ponder the text, the Apostle Paul says to Onesimus “no longer a slave/servant, but above a slave/servant, a beloved brother” This can be taken in a literal and spiritual sense, Onesimus is no longer a slave to Philemon, but now through Christ he is a beloved brother. But also in a spiritual sense, as before Christ we were all slaves to sin, but Jesus Christ has set us free!

As the Apostle Paul also said “You have been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:18) As The Lord Jesus said “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36) We should all be able to relate to Onesimus, most of you will say “but I was never a slave to anyone” this was the same response the Jews gave to Jesus. However when we understand our spiritual depravity, we understand we were all slaves to sin. But Jesus Christ has set us free , and we are now a Child of God

As the Apostle Paul says to the Church regarding Onesimus “Receive Him” Why? Because he has been washed by the blood of the lamb, he has been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, he is a new creation in Christ. He is not the same person he used to be, we should remember this as the Church. Receive your brothers and sisters in Christ, the ones our Heavenly Father called. Remember you were once a slave also, but you have been set free by your Lord and God Jesus Christ

Another thing to ponder, the Apostle Paul says “perhaps he departed for awhile for this purpose” (v15) God will use what was meant for our destruction for His glory, we all have pasts, but God has called us at this moment and time for His glory and for the purpose of the Church, you have been set free in Christ, no longer a slave but a brother and sister Amen!

Philemon- Forgiveness

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Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Philemon 1:8-11

Everyone of us has a past, every saint before they came to Christ was a sinner. This is something we need to remember as the body of Christ. While there may be brothers and sisters who have a more colorful past than you, they have been washed and redeemed by the blood of Christ also, they have become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:7) The Apostle Paul is a great example of this himself, as he went from persecuting the Church to leading the Church.

And just as when Paul became saved, the Church at first was hesitant to accept him. (Galatians 1:23) This is the same story here for Onesimus, we need to remember this letter is being written to Philemon. As we learned from earlier in the letter , Philemon was a very wealthy man who actually hosted the Church in his house. As with many wealthy people , Philemon also employed servants, or owned slaves. Onesimus who was a slave/servant for Philemon stole from him and then fled to Rome, apparently Onesimus had an encounter with the Apostle Paul while in Rome. During his time in Rome, Onesimus became Born Again, saved in Christ.

The Apostle Paul here in this letter briefly describes the encounter “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains” (v10) Perhaps Onesimus became arrested while he fled in Rome and met Paul there in prison. As many of you probably have encountered or experienced, many people come to Christ while they are in prison, when they reach the lowest point of their life and have alot of time to think about their life. Of course it doesn’t hurt when you are in jail with one of the greatest preachers in world history.

Now the Apostle Paul is appealing to Philemon and the Church, to reinstate Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ. Notice how Paul begins this “for loves sake I rather appeal to you” (v9) As Paul has instructed us “Forgive others because God has already forgiven us” (Ephesians 4:32) We as brothers and sisters in Christ need to remember to forgive each other also, and remember our sins have forgiven so we should forgive others their sins.

The Apostle Paul then makes an interesting statement to the Church “who (Onesimus) once was unprofitable for you (Church) , is now profitable for you (Church) and me” (v11) The Apostle Paul is not only telling the Church that Onesimus has become Born Again in Christ, but you guys need him! How many people are needed by your local Church that the Church has rejected? Remember to forgive one another because Christ has forgive us, Amen

Philemon- The True Church

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I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Philemon 1:4-7

Again as we work through the Epistle of Philemon, we see the importance of the body of Christ, the community of believers. Don’t view Church as a building or something you do, understand the Church is You and your brothers and sisters in Christ. The Church is the family of God united by the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ. This is not an organization you just become a member or run like a business. This is the living and breathing body of Christ.

The first thing we notice , as the Apostle Paul says here “making mention of you always in my prayers” it’s important that we pray for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the model of the early Church, are we still doing this today? While many will take the time to gossip about fellow brothers and sisters, do you pray for them? Do you make mention of their name before The Lord? 

Another thing we notice is the encouragement and refreshing we get when we gather together as the body of Christ. As the Apostle Paul says here “hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward The Lord Jesus and toward the saints” It’s inspiring when you see a Church that truly loves one another and truly loves The Lord Jesus Christ. Many Churches claim Love, but do they demonstrate the fruits of Love? Remember Jesus said “Love God and Love Neighbor” (Luke 10:27) Do you love the Lord and love your brothers and sisters as you love yourself? 

The next thing the Apostle Paul points out “that the sharing of your faith may be effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in You in Christ Jesus” A true that truly loves God and each other, will be an effective Church to preach the gospel. A false Church will always preach a false gospel, as Jesus said “You will be known by your fruits” (Matthew 7:16) In order to be effective ambassadors of Christ, we need to live for Christ, we can’t be a hypocritical Church. The world is watching you, more than they are reading their Bibles. Be the Salt and Light you were called to be (Matthew 5)

When you see a real Church being led by the Holy Spirit it becomes contagious, its an encouragement to other believers. As the Apostle Paul says here “we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have refreshed by you” To be in the presence of true believers is a refreshment for our souls. May we continue to pray for one another, love one another as Christ has loved us, and be the Light and Salt in Christ, Amen

Philemon- Fellow Laborers

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Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Philemon 1:1-3

The Church , the Body of Christ, is made up of many people, many parts, (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12) all coming together to serve, worship, and build a community together. This epistle to Philemon is a great example of this, while Timothy was being trained to be a Pastor/Elder of the Church, Philemon provided his house as the building for this Church.

These simple things can be overlooked alot, when people provide for the Church, its a blessing for everyone in the Church. You don’t need to be the Pastor or Elder of the Church , to serve the Church. It can be as simple as cleaning or doing maintenance of the building, serve by leading Sunday School or participating in worship music. Everything we do is for the glory of God, there is no task that is too little when you are serving The Lord

Notice the Apostle Paul views Philemon as “our beloved friend and fellow laborer” even though Philemon wasn’t a preacher, Paul regarded him as an equal laborer in Christ. This is how we should view all our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Jesus said “Anyone who wants to be the greatest in the Kingdom of God, must be the servant of all” (Matthew 20:26) 

The Apostle Paul mentions “to the church in your house” it’s clear Philemon is hosting the Church in his own house. It appears Philemon could have been a wealthy man and was using his money to provide for the Church. These blessings will not go unnoticed by God. While many of the people might not know, how the building is being provided, God knows! 

But a second point I want to make about this, it was common practice in the early Church to worship in houses due to persecution and restrictions by their governments. You don’t need to worship in a fancy building to be called a “Church”, the Ekklessia is the body of Christ, the people not the building. Many Churches are spending too much time and money on their building and not the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) I know alot of Christians, who believe you have to only worship in a particular building or they won’t worship outside of their building, this becomes idolatry. Beware not to make your building an idol before God, we are the temples of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, (1 Corinthians 6) wherever you are there is the Church!

I will end with the words of the Apostle Paul “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” Live in peace with the grace of our God with your fellow servants, the Church, the body of Christ, your co-laborers in Christ, Amen!