2022_07_06 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Romans 1-2
The letter to the Roman believers is powerful, compelling, intense, and challenging. Paul wants his readers to grow in their faith, deeply rooted in what is true and good. This is very different than the touchy/feely version of faith that we so often see around us today. Near the end of chapter 1, after describing the ways people had not been acknowledging God as their Lord, Paul said this, “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.” Romans 1:28.
It becomes very tempting for some to read this and go on a rant about the ungodliness of others which can quickly shift to condemnation of “those pagans.” Paul knew that could be coming, so he immediately gave the following warning, “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.” Romans 2:1
Keeping all of this in mind is important. Recently in my personal time with God, I read the following from Psalm 69:
“O God, you know how foolish I am;
my sins cannot be hidden from you.
Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me,
O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated,
O God of Israel.” verses 5-6 (NLT)
There are attitudes, values, and behaviors that God does not endorse or support. Period. Followers of Jesus need to be aware of these. We also need to also be aware of our own weaknesses and sinfulness so that we (1) can adjust our lives in a God-ward direction when we get off track, (2) are mindful that apart from Jesus, we would be lost in our sin and distant from God, and (3) remain humble and compassionate toward others who do not know God yet.
Like the Psalm writer, let’s ask God to help us humbly come to Him and ask for forgiveness and help with our own sinful nature so that we are good examples of faith and not a hindrance to it.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor