Day 478 "Who Did the Sending?"

Passage: Romans 1:1c

...to be an apostle...

Devotion:

The word "apostle" from our passage today means "one who is sent out". For example, in Jeremiah 1:6-7 the Lord chose Jeremiah to be a prophet when he was just a young man, "Then I said, 'Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am a youth," because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.' "

Whether it is a prophet or an apostle, the Lord chooses us -- we do not choose ourselves for the role. God chose Jeremiah to be a prophet and He chose Paul to be an apostle. Later, in Jeremiah 23:32 the Lord spoke about false prophets: "Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit."

Today, we might question whether an apostle, prophet, or pastor comes into our lives because he or she is from the Lord -- with God's power and authority -- or of his or her own accord. Unfortunately there are too many in the ministry today who were not called or sent by God. So how do we know the difference? I think the answer is in the last phrase of Jeremiah 23:32, "...nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit." In other words, "They are in it for their own gain and as a result, lives are ruined by their falsehoods and reckless boasting." Once again, how do we know whether an apostle is sent by God or not? By the fruit. Disaster or salvation.

Questions to Ponder:

Have you been led astray? Did you miss the signs or ignore them? Were you told what you wanted to hear? For example, I personally have a problem with "prosperity teaching -- the name it and claim it philosophy" because by itself it is incomplete. To guard against being led astray by false or incomplete teachings, we would be well served to always place the authority of the written Word of God over the opinions of men. When listening to men, always ask: "Where is that in the Bible?"

Day 477 "The Right Perspective for being Called"

Passage: Romans 1:1b

...called...

Devotion:

I think one of the most classic illustrations of "being called" comes from the Old Testament story of Samuel (from 1 Samuel 3:1-10). If you recall, Samuel was working in the temple under Eli when one night the Lord called Samuel. Samuel ran to Eli and answered, "Here I am, you called me." But Eli said, "I didn't call you. Go back and lie down." The Lord called Samuel two more times, and each time Samuel ran to Eli thinking it was Eli calling him -- not recognizing the voice of the Lord. Finally Eli understood it was the Lord who called Samuel, so he instructed Samuel to answer right from his bed: "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

We can learn a lot about our own calling from Samuel as well as Paul's experience when they were called. Although different they are similar in many ways. For example, neither Samuel nor Paul recognized the Lord's voice when He first spoke. Samuel thought it was Eli, and on the road to Damascus Saul/Paul didn't know what to think (see Acts 9:5). Probably the most important example they both provide is the perspective from which they answered the Lord. Many of us think a "calling" implies something we must "do". While this is somewhat true the doing is not initially a task. The Lord was not calling "for" Samuel or Saul/Paul to do anything; rather He was first calling "to" them. This is a profound difference because before the Lord will instruct or direct us -- He requires our undivided attention, recognition of His person and authority, and willingness to obey.

To be called we need Samuel's perspective which he demonstrated when he replied: "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

Questions to Ponder:

In John 10:27, Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." So how do we know the Lord's voice? Through Scripture. By being in the Word (reading the Bible) we become familiar with the Lord -- we come to know Him -- so when He speaks to us we recognize His voice. Unfortunately, too many of us don't hear Him clearly because we're not familiar with His voice and as a result we regularly are led astray. However, there are three parts to this story: first -- recognizing His voice, second -- listening to what He says, and third -- our willingness to obey. It is not enough to just be hearers of the Word, we must also be doers. What is your perspective right now relating to the Lord? Would you know His voice? If so, when He speaks what will your answer be?

Day 476 "Choosing to be a Bond Slave"

Passage: Romans 1:1a 

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus...

Devotion:

The word "servant" is translated from the Greek word "doulos" which means "bond slave". Exodus 21:2-6 describes this practice: In Israel, a slave was required to serve his master for six years. In the seventh year he was set free. However, if the slave said, "No, I don't want to go free, I like it here," the master would then take him before a judge and pierce his ear with an awl, thereby signifying he had become "doulos" -- a slave for life.

I think it is interesting Paul used this graphic illustration to express his loyalty to Jesus Christ. He was a slave to our Lord, not because the Lord required it -- rather it was completely voluntary on Paul's part. Jesus loves us and He gave his life for us, but He won't make us His slaves. He desires a relationship with us; yet we must do it of our own accord: He will never force Himself upon us. Jesus said in Luke 13:34, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"

On the road to Damascus the Lord appeared to Paul: "Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?" Paul asked, "Who are you Lord?" He answered, "I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting." Paul replied, "What shall I do, Lord?" [King James translation] I have always thought Paul's response was so appropriate -- because just at that moment Paul became a bond slave to Jesus Christ.

Questions to Ponder:

What is your response to salvation? Is it "What shall I do Lord?" or something else? More often than not I hear prayers asking the Lord for stuff: help me out of this jam, I would really like a home out by the lake, or I need that promotion. We don't sound too much like bond slaves, do we? How about changing your prayers to Paul's: "What shall I do, Lord?"

Day 475 "Today We Begin Paul's Epistle to the Romans"

Day 475 "Today We Begin Paul's Epistle to the Romans"

Passage:

Introduction to the Epistle of Romans

Devotion:

Many years ago when I first became a Christian, my pastor at the time Jeff Walling (the man who led me to Christ) instructed, "the Epistle of Romans is perhaps the greatest book of the Bible and most complete presentation of the Gospel message -- you would do well to memorize it." Martin Luther once wrote about Romans, "the true masterpiece of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel, which is well worthy and deserving that a Christian man should not only learn it by heart, word for word, but also that he should daily deal with it as the daily bread of men's souls. It can never be too much or too well read or studied; and the more it is handled, the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes." Seventy-five percent of Bible teachers said that if they could teach from just one book, it would be Romans.

John Chrysostom, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley -- all led church revivals which changed history. What Book of the Bible influenced them most? That's right Romans! Chuck Smith was teaching through the Book of Romans in a Foursquare Church, when he realized he could throw off the yoke of religiosity, his life was changed and the "born again" revival of the 70's began. Calvary Chapel went from a little 25 person church in Costa Mesa to one of the fastest growing churches of all time, which now numbers in the tens of thousands. When Romans is read and studied -- revivals follow. The law of religion demands "Take responsibility, follow these rules." But a relationship with the Lord says, "Just respond, the work is done, the price has been paid." By responding to the Lord we'll always do more than we could ever do under the pressure of religion.

To say I am excited to begin our study would be an understatement! Thank you for joining me in the weeks and months ahead as we examine the teaching of Romans and look for ways to apply these principles to daily living.

Questions to Ponder:

My pastor (Dr. Tyler Guy) and I challenged each other to memorize the 12th chapter of Romans in two weeks -- we both succeeded. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to know a compete chapter by heart. The instruction and application of Scripture is simply priceless. If you commit to memorizing scripture -- Romans is a worthy place to start. Has your Christian life become a little dull lately? Perhaps it is time for revival.