Verse 1: Paul identifies himself as a slave... The word "slave" brings to mind our own American History, where people owned slaves. We know a lot about what slavery entailed... To sum it up -- it's horrible. So it's hard for me to read how Paul called himself a slave of Christ Jesus and identify it as a good thing. The first definition of slave that is listed aligns with our American History version: "historical 1. a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them." But I feel like the second definition listed is more accurate to what Paul was trying to say: "a person who works very hard without proper remuneration or appreciation." Paul was not appreciated. He was imprisoned, held in a cell by himself, able only to write. He was not paid -- in fact he went greatly without. He lived a very difficult and trying life -- road blocks at every turn. How quickly we get frustrated and doubt with our tiny little difficulties -- if we were in Pauls' shoes, would we be able to display such loyalty and faithfulness to God?
Verse 5: Paul mentions that God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
- Privilege. I've never thought to use that term in relation to my faith. I've considered it a blessing. A gift. An honor. But privilege is so much better, so much stronger of a word to use! He didn't have to give us what he did. But he did - he gave us the privilege.
- Authority. When I hear that word, I think about "power" and "position." But really, it means here responsibility. Re-read that verse and replace "authority" with "responsibility." ....RIGHT?! We have a responsibility to share our lives and our living testimonies. God has given us the authority to share his good news of grace and salvation. We are allowed and should do so.
Verse 12: When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
I love this. Here is the great Paul, one of the most faithful apostles, who has such wisdom... If I were to be in Paul's presence, I would be in awe. I would feel so insignificant. I would admire his knowledge, his faith. I would feel unequal. Yet here is Paul, writing to the Roman Christians, who are like me (relatively new in their faith and small of their knowledge), affirming that he is no better than they -- that he looks forward to being with them so their presence and faith could encourage his! We need to remember that when we are with our groups, that we are to encourage one another in spirit and faith. That not one of us can't gain from these interactions. That when we go see a "big Christian speaker," that we need to minister to their needs just as much as they are ministering to ours. It underscores the importance of an equal relationship between Christians, a relationship of serving each other.
Verse 15: So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News
We need to be eager to serve. It should not be a "boring habit." We should be invigorated by the opportunities.
Verse 17: This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
From start to finish by faith. Not earned. Not by ceremony. Not by works. BY FAITH.
Verse 25: They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise!
I highlighted this in my Bible because I've done this. I've traded truth for lies to reinforce my selfish and wrong choices. I highlighted this because none of us are blameless. We all fall short. But we need to be steadfast against doing so.
Verse 26-32 discusses homosexuality and states that it is shameful and sinful.
I really really struggled with this passage. I struggle so much with how at odds are Homosexuality and God. I have so much deep deep love and care for the homosexual community. They are generally wonderful people that I enjoy being with (I say generally because all communities are generally wonderful. There are always exceptions in every community -- including mine!). And I struggle with the concept that being gay is a choice. I find that difficult to believe. I don't think anyone would willingly choose to be a way that is discriminated against, ridiculed, misunderstood, and alienated from God. And if people wouldn't willingly choose those things, then it wasn't a choice--they were born that way. But by the flip side, if a homosexual person was made homosexual (which would mean God made them that way), then why would God make someone who would naturally and organically be an "abomination" to him and would be "doomed" to Hell from birth? That would imply that God is evil. And I don't believe that either! ::Deep, Heavy sigh:: I don't know. I don't know what to think or what to know on this subject. It bothers me to my core. Reading this passage literally made me cry... I don't know what to do about it. I don't have a "side" on this except to love. I have no other choice except to not understand the dichotomy and to instead just love like Christ loved and let God handle it on his side of heaven.
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