Romans 5: Do You Hope In The Glory Of God?
Verse of the Day: (V2) “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
1. The Glory Of God (V1-2)
V1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
Apostle Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit encouraged the Christians in Rome to have the hope in the glory of God in spite of the heavy persecution by the Romans. Though the Christians suffered much yet they had the peace with God and the faith in God, that God was with them to comfort and encourage them through all their sufferings.
V2 “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
2. The Love Of God (V3-13)
V3 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”
The Christians rejoice and glory in our suffering for Christ’s sake because we believe that through suffering our faith and patience shall be strengthened. Indeed, when we believe, trust and hope in God, the love of God immediately sends His Holy Ghost into each of our hearts to comfort and encourage us as we go through life storms and struggles.
V5 “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
3. The Grace Of God (V14-21)
V15 “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”
In the beginning when God created Adam, He commanded Adam that he could eat all the fruits of the trees except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet Adam chose to eat the forbidden fruit, and as a result, the entire human race fell into sin. However God has a redemption plan for mankind. As one man had offended God, by God’s love and grace, He sent another man, His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Whosoever believes in Jesus shall never perish in hell, but have everlasting life with Him in heaven.
V16 “And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, I trust and obey You and hope in Your glory now and forever.
Romans 4: Do You Have The Faith Of Abraham?
Verse of the Day: (V16) “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,”
1. Steps Of Faith (V1-12)
V2 “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.”
Abraham would never be justified by his works before God because there was nothing perfect in his works. He was justified before God because he walked the steps of faith in God. It was also not his circumcision that justified him, as he was justified before his circumcision. It was his faith in God that truly justified him. Therefore everyone whether we are Jews or Gentiles is justified before God when we believe and have faith in God.
V12 “And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.”
2. Righteousness Of Faith (V13-15)
V13 “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.”
Abraham was righteous before God because he had faith in God and not because he obeyed God’s law. Man can never be righteous because he can never obey the entire law. God’s law is meant only to point man to his sins and man is only justified by faith in God.
V15 “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”
3. Strong In Faith (V16-25)
V16 “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,”
God chose Abraham as the father of all nations because he was strong in faith. When God promised Abraham that he would have a child, he believed in God. Though he waited for many years until he and his wife were too old to have a child, yet he still believed in God. Finally God gave him and his wife a son. Indeed, there is nothing impossible with God.
V20 “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to have the faith of Abraham.
Romans 3: Do You Have Faith In God?
Verse of the Day: (V3) “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?”
1. The Faith Of God (V1-8)
V1 “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?”
Apostle Paul explained to the Jews that even though they were supposedly God’s chosen people and practised circumcision, yet they could never be God’s chosen people if they had no faith in God. In fact, God would freely accept the Gentiles as His chosen people if they had faith in Him. Hence, though the Jews had an advantage over the Gentiles, because they were chosen of God to be a testimony for Him, yet they would still be condemned to fiery hell, if they had no faith in God, and chose to rebel and disobey God.
V3 “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?”
2. The Fear Of God (V9-20)
V9 “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;”
Paul reiterated that even though God chose the Jews to be His people, and gave them His law to lead and guide them, yet they feared not God. However, God never gives up on them as He has a redemption plan through His Son, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. During the Old Testament, God saved the people, whether they were Jews or Gentiles, when they repented their sins and believed by faith the coming of the Messiah, the Saviour of the world, who would die for their sins. During the New Testament, and until today, God saves us, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, when we repent our sins and believe by faith that the Messiah came and died and shed His precious blood for our sins.
V18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
3. The Glory Of God (V21-31)
V23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
We are imperfect, unholy and we can never fully obey God’s law, and we certainly come short of God’s glory, holiness and perfection. It is God’s amazing grace, abundant mercy and everlasting love, and not our work or obedience to His law, which saves us from fiery hell and promotes us to pearly heaven, if we truly repent our sins and have faith in Him.
V24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I have faith in You, and that I shall live for Your glory.
Romans 2: Who Is Our Judge?
Verse of the Day: (V3) “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”
1. The Judgment Of God (V1-3)
V1 “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
Apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit warned the Christians never to judge one another because they were all sinners saved by God’s grace. Only the perfect God can judge His imperfect people. No one, not even the Jews, can escape God’s judgment, unless he repents of his sins, and believes and receives the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour.
V3 “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”
2. The Goodness Of God (V4-23)
V4 “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
Paul reminded the Jews that even though they were supposedly God’s people, yet God could still condemn them to fiery hell, if they refused to repent of their sins and believed in Him. God’s salvation is extended to anyone whether he is a Jew or a Gentile when he repents his sins and receives the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour. Indeed it is not man’s goodness or work, or just hearing God’s Word, but it is God’s goodness and mercy, and obeying His Word, that leads a man to true repentance, and God’s great salvation.
V13 “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”
3. The Name Of God (V24-29)
V24 “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”
Paul sharply rebuked the Jews that they had failed to be God’s holy people in witnessing to the Gentiles. Instead they lived in sins and blasphemed God’s holy name. This is why God only justify the faith of those whose hearts are inwardly circumcised and purified by His Word, and not the outwardly circumcised Jews who refuse to repent of their sins.
V29 “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that only You are my Judge as You are my perfect Saviour.
Romans 1: Do You Have The Power Of God?
Verse of the Day: (V16) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
1. The Power Of God (V1-19)
V15 “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”
Apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit boldly declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ even though at that time the Romans were heavily persecuting Christianity and the Christians. Paul was ready not only to preach the gospel but he was ready to suffer and even die for the gospel’s sake. He knew that only the gospel of Christ, which was the power of God could save precious souls, whether they were Jews or Greeks, from fiery hell to pearly heaven, if these souls would truly believe in Jesus Christ.
V16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
2. The Truth Of God (V20-25)
V24 “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:”
Even though God creates man, yet man refuses to acknowledge the truth of God that God is his Creator, and he is a creature created to conform God’s image and holiness. Instead man deceives himself, and abuses his own body, and chooses to worship himself than God. He commits all kinds of evil deeds and immorality to satisfy his own lust and depravity. Therefore the holy God has to judge man for all his sins and wickedness.
V25 “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
3. The Judgment Of God (V26-32)
V30 “Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents.”
There is nothing new under the sun. As in the time of Apostle Paul, today we also witness all kinds of evil and wickedness, including children disobeying their parents. Man not only commits these evil deeds but he commits them with pleasure. Hence the judgment of God shall be upon man unless and until he repents of his sins, and believes in Jesus Christ.
V32 “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I have Your power as I believe and trust in You.
Acts 28: Will You Preach To The End?
Verse of the Day: (V31) “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
1. Prayed (V1-16)
V3 “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.”
All in the shipwreck including Paul managed to swim to shore on an island called Melita. There they were well treated by the natives. However, while Paul was gathering sticks and putting them on the fire, he was bitten by a viper. But God saved his life, and they thought that he was a god. So when the father of their leader was sick, they called Paul to heal him. Paul prayed to God, and God indeed healed the leader’s father. Paul then prayed and healed many who were sick before he departed with the rest of them to Rome.
V8 “And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
2. Persuading (V17-29)
V23 “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”
When Paul was in Rome, though he was under house arrest, he managed to speak to the chief of the Jews as well as the Jewish community. Paul persuaded them in great length that the Way or the Christians were truly Christ’s followers who believed that Christ is the Son of God. However, some chose to believe in Christ, while others rejected Christ.
V24 “And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.”
3. Preaching (V30-31)
V30 “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,”
Before God allowed the Roman emperor to behead Paul because he was a Christian (though he was innocent), yet Paul did not waver but kept preaching God’s kingdom and gospel during his house arrest as well as in the Roman prison to the very end of his life.
V31 “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to preach Your kingdom and gospel to the end.
Acts 27: Who Do You Serve?
Verse of the Day: (V23) “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,”
1. Sail (V1-20)
V1 “And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.”
Apostle Paul, a Roman prisoner, together with other prisoners, set sail to Italy, under the command of Julius, a centurion. The prisoners would be in Italy to be judged and sentenced by Caesar, the Roman emperor. Whenever Paul went, God was with him. Even though Paul was a prisoner yet Julius treated him well and Paul was refreshed during the voyage. However, they met a terrible storm, and they had to cast out everything on board the ship. The storm continued, and all hope vanished, and they all thought they would die.
V20 “And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”
2. Serve (V21-40)
V22 “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.”
In the midst of hopelessness, Paul stood up, and encouraged them that God was with them. Paul shared his testimony that he belonged to God and he served the true God. He assured them that God’s angel had spoken to him, and that they should not fear for their lives, for they would all be saved on an island, though the ship would be badly damaged.
V23 “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,”
3. Save (V41-44)
V43 “But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:”
Indeed, God never fails in His promises as God brought all of them safely onto an island. In fact, as the badly damaged ship anchored near the island, the soldiers decided to kill all the prisoners as they thought that they would swim to shore and then escaped. However, the centurion desiring to save Paul, commanded the soldiers to spare all the prisoners.
V44 “And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I serve You, the true and living God.
Acts 26: Are You Almost A Christian?
Verse of the Day: (V28) “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
1. Accused (V1-27)
V2 “I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:”
Apostle Paul, the accused, happily testified before king Agrippa, and Bernice, his wife, and Festus, the new Roman governor, and other leaders present, of his testimony. Paul shared how he was brought up as a Pharisee, and had persecuted the Christians, until one day, God spoke to him on the way to Damascus. The Lord blinded him and then healed and called him to be His preacher of the gospel to the Jews and mainly the Gentiles. In short, Paul obeyed God’s heavenly vision, but was instead falsely accused by the Jews.
V19 “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:”
2. Almost (V28-29)
V28 “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
So near yet so far. king Agrippa almost became a Christian, but he was not a Christian. Why? Agrippa was almost persuaded, but he rejected Christ. Many in this world may have heard the gospel and are almost persuaded like Agrippa, but deep down in their hearts, they have unbelief in them. Paul would be most glad to lead Agrippa and others present to the saving grace of Christ, but he did not have the opportunity to do so. Instead, Paul replied to Agrippa that he desired that he and all who had heard the gospel would totally be persuaded in believing in Jesus. Indeed, though Paul was a suffering prisoner yet he was bound for glorious heaven because he believed in Christ. In contrast, though Agrippa was the glorious king, yet he was bound for fiery hell because he rejected Christ.
V29 “And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”
3. Appealed (V30-32)
V31 “And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”
Agrippa and Festus believed that Paul was innocent and should not be in prison or even sentenced to death. However they could not release Paul as he had appealed to Caesar, the Roman emperor. Indeed, it was God’s will that Paul should appear before Caesar.
V32 “Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I am a totally persuaded Christian bound for heaven.
Acts 25: Is Jesus Alive?
Verse of the Day: (V19) “But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”
1. Agrippa (V1-18)
V13 “And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.”
The Jewish King Agrippa, and Bernice, his wife, paid a courtesy visit to Festus, the new Roman governor, and found out the unresolved issue of Apostle Paul, who had been kept in the Roman prison for more than two years. Agrippa then told Festus that he would cross-examine Paul, after Festus told him that Paul’s charges were more on superstition than criminal in nature and he could not sentence him to death as the Jews had expected it.
V18 “Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:”
2. Alive (V19-21)
V19 “But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”
Festus believed that the Jews’ main charge against Paul was that he kept claiming that Jesus was alive, while the Jews rejected his claim. However, when Festus suggested to Paul that he be sent to Jerusalem to be judged again by the Jews, Paul immediately declined, as he knew that he would be killed on the way to Jerusalem or in Jerusalem. Paul then requested Festus to let him appeal to Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor.
V21 “But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.”
3. Augustus (V22-27)
V24 “And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.”
Festus agreed to let Agrippa cross-examined Paul before he sent him to Caesar Augustus. Indeed, God preserved Paul’s life so that he could share the gospel to all, namely, the leaders of the Roman Empire – the chief captain, the governor, and the emperor. Though the Jews wanted Paul dead, yet God preserved him until His appointed time of death.
V25 “But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I believe in You, and that Jesus is alive forever.
Acts 23: Do You Have A Good Conscience?
Verse of the Day: (V1) “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
1. Conscience (V1-10)
V1 “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
Though Apostle Paul sincerely shared that he had a good conscience before God, the high priest commanded his people to strike Paul’s mouth. The high priest already judged Paul to be guilty even before the trial because Paul was a threat to their religious power and influence. However, there was a great dispute among the people as some were for Paul as they believed he was from God, while others were against him and plotted to kill him.
V9 “And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”
2. Cheer (V11-15)
V11 “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”
The Lord stood with Paul, and cheered and encouraged him, when almost everyone was against him. However, there was a group of Jews who were secretly plotting to kill Paul in order to stop him from hindering their religious power and influence over the people.
V12 “And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.”
3. Captain (V16-35)
V16 “And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.”
God led Paul’s nephew to hear of the plot, and he went to the prison to tell Paul. Paul then told his nephew to inform Claudius, the chief captain, about it. Claudius believed Paul’s nephew, and wrote to Felix, the governor, about it. As Paul was a Roman citizen, Felix agreed with Claudius that Paul should be sent to Caesarea to be tried by the Romans.
V35 “I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to have a good conscience before You now and forever.
