Romans 16

The Revelation of the Mystery

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Romans 16:25-27

These verses are a doxology to the Lord. Words of a hymn or praise to Him. What about the mystery? There is the revelation of the mystery, and that revelation is how the Gentiles can be saved by God, only partly, and mostly the whole counsel of God.

There is much in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is revealed to us through the knowing of Christ such as the Incarnation of God – God became flesh and dwelt among us, The Trinity – the Holy Triune God. God becoming Man that He might die for His enemies, then to be buried, then to prove it all He is raised from the grave, which proves that all that He said, and taught is truth (Romans 1:4). It also proves all the words of Moses, the prophets, and the wisdom books of the Old Testament.

I am thankful that He has revealed Himself to me through His Spirit, by the Old and New Testaments.

If you will call on the name of Jesus through faith, believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and He rose from the dead you will be saved (Romans10:9-10).

Expressing Praise to The One Who Is Worthy

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the Everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” Romans 16:25-27 (KJB)

As I read the apostle’s doxology to the epistle to the Roman Christians I thought of the Doxology our Church sang to open every Sunday morning worship service when I was a child.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

We ought to always praise and worship the Lord Most High.  He alone is worthy.

Love Exposes Sources of Division

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  For your obedience is come abroad unto all. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:17-20  (KJB)

This is not dealing with the “love” the world professes; love and accept everybody, approving of all that they do – you know the verse most like to use, “Judge not, lest you be judged”.

The verses from Romans are dealing with division caused by those who are in ministry for power, popularity, and profit.  Love confronts evil of division; it never tolerates it; especially within the Body of Christ.

Some thoughts on this matter:

*There are people in some churches, or even who seek out churches where they can cause division; by teaching false doctrines, by the error of Balaam, ie., causing others to fall, etc..
*The one who teaches the truth of God’s Word and the gospel, and who labors for God and the people of God, and the ministry is not the source of division. The ones who come in trying to bring in heresies, and division are truly the dividers
* Unwillingness to be taught, false teaching, hatred envy, going outside God’s guidelines causes division in the local Church. An unwillingness to cooperate with godly leadership; a malicious, slanderous spirit and tongue are sources of division. The loving leader will expose, and correct those who are trouble makers within the Church.
*Do that which is good in the local Church. Be wise toward evil, its way and its harm.
*Grace is the element that sets Christianity apart from world religions.