Monday 9 September, 2013
I love Romans and I think I may have read chapter 1 maybe 50 to 100 times in part or in whole, but in reading it this morning with fresh eyes, I have found new joy in reading it and I have learned to see an aspect of the Gospel in a fresh light.
The contrast that Paul makes in verses 16 to 19 actually underpins the rest of this chapter and I have missed this before, possibly because of the heading that was inserted after verse 17. (These headings were inserted quite recently in biblical history and we're not part of the original text)
Previously when I have read verses 17 to 32 I felt that Paul was emphasising the wickedness of humanity even though we should all be able to recognise our creator and do what is right.
The point that I feel like Paul is actually making here (that i an now reflecting on) is that the Gospel is the revelation of Gods righteousness AND his wrath (vs 17 and 18) and the second half of the chalet is not just referring to global humanity, but particularly those who have experienced his revelation and “suppress the truth” and continue to do what is wrong.
I am certainly not ignoring verse 20 here, but I feel that God has given me a new emphasis of this scripture through his living word.
Lord, help us to read the Scriptures with new eyes everytime we open your word.
Written by Justin Ware
Wow that is quite a significant new way of looking at that passage and a little scary. I will certainly be thinking about what you have said for the next few days!
Thank you Justin
What stuck me was Paul’s statement in v21 that “They knew God. But they didn’t honor him as God.”. This then leads us on a path further and further away from God. Paul continues in v21 “They didn’t thank him. Their thinking became worthless. Their foolish hearts became dark.”. This will continue to a life of depravity but for God’s grace as we find out further on in Romans.