Today’s passage: Romans 16:25-27
Helpful thoughts:
- God is the one who provides our strength to stand (To be established in the faith) We are the ones who need establishing. And the message through which our strengthening comes is the gospel.
- This verse brings the letter full circle from Romans 1:16-17.
- The gospel truths and message are all throughout the Old Testament. Their fulfillment and specificity are revealed in Christ and therefore also in the New Testament. The “mysteries” have been revealed in Christ.
- Obedience is a fruit of faith. Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-10).
- Making obedience the prerequisite to faith and eternal life is the “wisdom” of man (To the glory of man) and this world, and it is foolishness with God.
- Obedience which results from faith is the wisdom of God. This brings God glory (And joy to man) forevermore.
Questions to consider:
- After reading through this letter to the church at Rome, how has your understanding of the gospel grown? What is the gospel? What must we do to be saved? What did God do to save us?
- If a person thinks his obedience will “save” him, what has he missed? How could you use the book of Romans to point him to the truth?
- How does the gospel and our salvation bring glory to God? If we were left to ourselves, what glory would there be for us to obtain in truth? Why is God’s glory our greater joy?