King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Strength To Stand
For: Tuesday November 23, 2010
Chapters: Romans 14-16
Click Here to Read Or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-23

Details of Today's Chapters: An account to God, hope in God, weakened through infirmities, the joy of salvation for all, Paul finishes his letter to the Romans, and acknowledges some of the people he met.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
As a Christian, we are constantly subject to criticism by others, attacks by Satan, or temptation to pull us away from God pretty much in some form on a daily basis. It can be exhausting and very weakening to the spirit and our faith and that is why we can not take our eyes of Jesus. The Bible says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” - Galatians 5:1. All those things that like to creep back into our lives hold us bondage, while we can not overcome them on our own, we can overcome them through Christ who set us free the second we put our faith and trust in Him to save us from hell. Praise God!

As Paul winds down his letter to the Romans he speaks on a issue that is being debated between the churches, food. Some were taught to follow the tradition of the Jews to only eat foods that God first deemed as clean, some abstained from eating meat, while some ate everything. Here is Paul's response, “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand...Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.” - Romans 14:1-4,13.

The word disputation means debate, Paul is telling them not to debate over what they choose to observe, but rather make sure that they know the Gospel. I grew up Catholic so, I was taught not to eat meat on Friday's and before Easter I had to give up something for lent and could not eat meat on Wednesday's too during that time. While I am no longer a Catholic I do not have to follow these observances any longer, but every year I still give up something for Jesus. The truth is, none of those observances would have mattered when I was not saved and now they to not matter because I am saved. I am no longer subject to following the season of lent, but I think of it as a time to reflect on the year and the amazing things that God has done for me and the things I need to improve on. If we are not saved, nothing we do matters, God does not acknowledge anything we do for Him unless we are saved. Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:22,23.

Paul continues, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” - Romans 15:5-7. Paul confirms what I just talked about, we need to likeminded, meaning that no matter what we observe we need to believe in and receive Christ as our Savior. Why is this so import? Paul explains, “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.” - Romans 15:18-21.

What Paul is saying is that the Gentiles are getting saved, not by what they observe or do, or even have read from the Bible, they are being saved because they believe in Christ. When we as Christians, minister the Gospel to those who do not know Him, it is the Holy Spirit that works through us and helps them understand it. We do not have to know a bit of Scripture to be saved or preach the Gospel, we just need to believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and that He saved us when we prayed and asked Him to save us. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” - Romans 10:9. It's that simple.

Paul warns us that we are observe all who say they are Christians and avoid any who believe the Gospel to be anything other than the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Remember, you are not saved by what you do for God, but by your faith in His Son. “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 men. 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.

If you remember our lesson a few days ago, this verse will sound familiar to you “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.”, it confirms what we learned from the very first book of the Bible, that Satan will pay for deceiving Eve and causing all of mankind to be born into sin. If you did not read the lesson, here is the link, http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study/the-splendor-bliss-of-heaven.

While we can not avoid the things that weaken our spirit and faith, we can overcome them through Christ. He is our strength and gives us the power to stand against all evil. Alone we are powerless, but with Christ we can do all things. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13. Praise God!

Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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