1:4 - Like Paul talked about in II Thessalonians, speculation about what you don't know is a waste of time. Why should we sit around arguing over little things that we don't have the answers to, when we know the kind of lives God has called us to live. Wasting time on stupid arguments, is not good stewardship of the life that God has given you.
1:5ff - And what is the purpose behind most theological arguments? In almost every one, the argument was not about guiding someone towards the truth, it was about who was right and who was wrong...it was about pride and ego. I've seen people argue out of anger and drive wedges between fellow Christians, which I'm sure is exactly what Jesus wanted is to do with the scriptures (That was sarcasm if you didn't pick up on that.)! Paul says our aim is to speak love into the lives of the people we talk to...heated debates don't usually do that.
1:9 - Interesting thing to think about. The law is not a burden for the God followers, because they already know right and wrong...they are trying to live it out and the law is a helpful guide. The law exists truly for the godless rebels who do not know any better. The law offers them a chance to see they are destorying their lives and turn away from the path they are headed down.
1:12-13 - I love the fact that God saw a blasphemous persecutor of Christians and called him into His service. There is hope for rebellious sinners like us - YAY!
1:16 - God shows mercy to the sinful, because as they turn their lives around...they become a picture of the love and grace and patience of God. Redemption is beautiful, because it is the ultimate form of evangelism. Nothing speaks to the love and power of God as much as miraculous life-change.
1:20 - "Handed over to Satan." This seems to be one of those instances that calls for tough love. I imagine that Paul called these people out and tried to hold them accountable, but they probably rejected his words and continued to live however they wanted. Eventually Paul gave up on them and allowed them to reap what they had sown. His only hope is that as they are brought to their knees by the deception and sinfulness involved with a life of rejecting God, that they will come to their sense and turn back.
3 comments:
Msg 5 - The whole point of what we're urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God.
If we all actually had love that was not contaminated by self interest, would there be any needs among us? That would be living a Christ led life. Wish we all loved each other more this way.
Until that time – with the Spirit’s help – keep trying.
Peace,
j
"nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies..."
i think this is what i do.. I know there isn't an end to information, so I'll never completely understand my decisions in the sense of learning everything to make decisions
so.. devote yourself to learning more about God and love others?
It really brings joy to my soul when I hear about the gospel's effects on Paul's life. From where he came from to what the Lord did in his life. Even moreso, it was Paul's sin that gave him even more credibility when he spoke on this matter. This is not to say that Paul needed to be as sinful as he was, nor that it was the best way. In turn, it actually speaks to the majesty of Christ who is able to take any situation, so long as it's a willing heart, and use it to most efficiently glorify His name. Thank you God!
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