Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18; Romans 16; Lamentations 3; Psalms 34
Romans 16:25-27 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.
God has the power to establish you according to the gospel. He can set your feet on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ so that you cannot be moved. He does this by the preaching of Jesus Christ! This message was kept secret for thousands of years until Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Now we have the scriptures which reveal the mystery of salvation to all. What an incredible reality! The Creator has also redeemed us by the birth, life, death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus the Christ!
Just think of the privilege that you have living when you do! You have the mystery made manifest. You know more about the plan of God than the prophet Isaiah or the mighty Elijah did. You have the full revelation in God’s Word – the Holy Bible. The commandment of the everlasting God is that this mystery is now made manifest and all nations need to hear and obey the LORD. How will they hear and trust in Jesus? They will hear through the preaching of Jesus Christ as we take the message of the gospel to all nations.
The book of Romans is bracketed by an interesting idea: the obedience to the faith or the obedience of faith.
Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.
What is the obedience to the faith? It starts with people hearing the gospel and trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
When a person has trusted in Christ alone for salvation, then they are to be baptized and be taught all things that Jesus has commanded us. This is Christian discipleship.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Let’s make the mystery manifest by proclaiming Christ to the glory of God!
In Christ,
Rody
