Romans 12:9–21 is characteristically Pauline—a large passage of Scripture that denies the interpreter a neat and tidy outline. Multiple reasons exist for why this passage is hard to organize, but, however organized, it is an excellent passage to give us general guidance in order to live the Christian life. Let’s explore how Paul puts it… Read More »
A spiritual gift is a God-granted ministry to each member of the body of Christ in order to edify its members. There are a variety of gifts (each member with his own gift or combination of gifts), but this variety is united in purpose—to edify the church. They are granted by the Triune God—the Spirit,… Read More »
Romans 12:1–2 is a fun text to study. It’s easy to notice three imperatives that guide the passage (present, do not be conformed, be transformed) and also two sets of three descriptors—one for “sacrifice” (living, holy, acceptable) and the other for “the will of God” (good, acceptable, perfect). In short, this passage teaches us to… Read More »
The wisdom of God’s Word encourages us to prosper on earth but not as an end unto itself. This world and its goods are passing away, but we are to be faithful with what we have until we win our heavenly rest. Our eyes will see Christ, and our true treasure in heaven will finally… Read More »
Christmas Day comes once a year, and for Christians, this day means something more than traditions and gifts, as wonderful as those things can be. Christmas reminds us of the birth and thus in incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He became flesh to die for you and me. Hebrews 10:5–10 reminds us of these… Read More »
For anyone who wants to go back and read my summaries on all of Romans 9-11, click the links below. Enjoy! God’s Faithfulness, Election, and Israel (Romans 9:1–13) The God of Sovereign Justice (Romans 9:14–24) Prepared for Glory or Destruction: By Whom, When, and How? (Romans 9:22–23) Righteousness: Accomplished in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:1–4) The… Read More »
Romans 11:28–32 closes Romans 11:11–32 and all of Romans 9–11 with a summary of God’s present and future dealings with Israel. Romans 11:28 describes God’s present posture towards Israel. On the one hand, He is at enmity with Israel. God has hardened Israel, and she has rejected Christ and the gospel. This enmity is “for… Read More »
Romans 11:25–27 provokes many questions for the interpreter of Scripture, including the phrase “And in this way all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:26), which one commentator calls “the storm center in the interpretation of Rom. 9–11.”1 What follows are a summary of many of those questions, as well as a summary of answers for… Read More »
Romans 11:16–24 memorably illustrates Israel’s future salvation in two ways. First, Paul speaks of “the dough offered as firstfruits,” something which eventually becomes “the whole lump” (Romans 11:16a). Second, he speaks of “the root” and its outgrowth, “the branches” (Romans 11:16b). He then expands this second illustration to include Gentiles as well (Romans 11:17–24). What… Read More »
Ever since its inception, Israel has never been a fully believing nation. Some of the Israelites were believers, however. Abraham has always had a spiritual offspring among his physical descendants (Rom 9:6–7). Even in the darkest chapters of Israel’s history, so it is today—“there is a remnant” (Rom 11:5; cf. 11:3–4). Generally speaking, however, Israel… Read More »