Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much, in every way. For in the first place the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Will their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Although everyone is a liar, let God be proved true, as it is written, ‘So that you may be justified in your words, and prevail in your judging.’ But if our injustice serves to confirm the justice of God, what should we say? That God is unjust to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my falsehood God’s truthfulness abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not say (as some people slander us by saying that we say), ‘Let us do evil so that good may come’? Their condemnation is deserved!
Reflection
This passage challenges me to look at the difference my faith and behaviour makes to my present life. Some of the Roman church had fallen into entitlement and presumption, thinking that because of their Jewish background and privilege they were always going to be forgiven and blessed as God’s chosen people. They assumed sin really didn’t matter because it allowed God to be glorified more!
I read here about how important it is that life is lived in the fullness of all that God has for me, everyday. There is no ‘sleeping on the job’ when it comes to living a new life in Christ. I am blessed and filled with all that God has when I live alive in prayer, come afresh to worship Him each day and give Him glory through how I live in honesty and truthfulness. God, I believe, doesn’t actually need our worship or to be glorified. He is not dependant on how I live, but His heart is only longing for me to ‘get it’, to realise how much I am loved. My sin doesn’t bring Him more glory just because I then need more forgiveness. The Romans were missing the point and therefore missing the reason that Jesus died as the ultimate sacrifice. Forgiveness is gifted to us by the blood of Christ and to ‘mess’ with that doesn’t grow our hearts and minds into the mature people and the mature Church that brings God real glory.
My Saviour, Lord and King, to worship you daily is a privilege, a gift and a joy. Today I open my heart afresh and lay my life exposed in your presence. I settle myself in your throne room and drink your refreshing water. I taste the nourishment of your Word to me as I read. Lord, be in front, behind, above and holding my life, surrounding everything I do. Thank you for your never ending presence that strengthens and guides every day. Amen
St. Andrew's United Reformed Church - The United Reformed Church in Monkseaton and Whitley Bay
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