Simple lessons from Romans – part 2
Romans 1:7 – We are called to be saints
To all … called to be saints
We are called to be saints (set apart, consecrated). This may put some pressure on believers, but the truth is that we have a responsibility as followers of Christ. We have to decide to set ourselves apart for God. This doesn’t mean that we need to move to a monastery, but that we shall live our daily lives in such a way that we have God in mind in everything we do, say or think, and as a result, please God. It sounds like a tough task, but this is possible to achieve if we turn our worship style from religious practices to a daily relationship with Jesus.
Romans 1:20 No Excuse
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
There is a theory that postulates that the universe was created basically out of nothing in a process they call the “Big Bang.” For some people it is easier to believe in this theory than to believe that God created the world.
Is it possible that the perfection of all the systems that comprise the human body were created by accident? Is it possible that insects with “no intelligence”, such as ants and the bees, are so organized just by accident?
Just take a look at the sky; take a look at a newborn; take a look at nature. Is it possible that all these came out of nothing? No. All this perfection, all this beauty was created by God.
Would you believe if someone told you that the computers were created out of nothing? No way! Computers have evolved from the original versions, but not by themselves. Surely it has taken a lot of time, knowledge, and work for people to turn computers into what they are today. If we think computers are complex, how does it compare to the complexity of the universe?
I don’t know if God used a big explosion to create the universe, but one thing I know: the universe wasn’t created by accident, and it didn’t evolved without intervention, it required the hand of God.
Moreover, there is a theory that states that “energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.” The universe was created by preexisting energy: that energy was supplied by God.
v20 expresses that God’s qualities are seem through the creation. The message is basically: “how can we doubt the existence of God when we look at the creation?”
Romans 1:18-19,21-32 The results of not accepting the truth of God
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
It doesn’t matter what atheists say, we are surrounded by so much evidence that there is no way to deny the existence of God. There is no excuse. According to v19 the truth of the existence of God has been plainly revealed.
Those who try to suppress this truth become recipients of the wrath of God (v18). This might sound as a punishment somewhat out of proportion. But, lets consider the facts. These people knew God, but
- didn’t glorified God (v21)
- didn’t gave thanks to God (v21)
- exchanged the glory of God for images of created beings (v23)
- exchanged the truth of God for a lie (v25)
- worshiped created things rather than God (v25)
- they do ungodly things and approve of those who practice them (v32)
The result:
- God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts
- God gave them over to shameful lusts
- God gave them over to a deprived mind
The bible is very detailed about the results of rejecting God (v26-31). No more discussion is required. I will only say one more thing: “He who has ears, let him hear.”
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