Praise God For His Righteousness And Faithfulness
BRD REFLECTIONS
Romans 3:1-20 and Psalm 123 (NIV)
(Benjamin Kan, Chairperson, Finance)
READ:
Romans 3:1-20, Psalm 123 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Paul wrote to the church in Rome comprising Jewish and non-Jewish Christians. They were in conflict because of changes in church practices and rituals during the absence of the Jewish Christians when they were forced to leave Rome for about 5 years by Emperor Claudius. Paul was trying to tear down the differences in opinions by pointing out that no one is righteous and only God is righteous. In verse 1, he questioned: “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?” Later, he concluded in verse 9: “Not at all!” and that no one is righteous, Jews and non-Jews alike, not even one. In fact, the Jews being entrusted with the very words of God, have greater accountability and yet they have failed to obey them.
In verse 20, Paul declared: “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” Only God is righteous and only because of God’s faithfulness, through the salvific death and resurrection of His Son, He cloaked with His righteousness those who have faith in Christ Jesus as their only Saviour.
APPLY:
I must always remember that only God is righteous. My righteousness is only from God which He has promised to give to all who trust and obey Him. I cannot earn my righteousness through my own efforts for it is given only by the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
DO:
In verses 10 to 18, Paul reminds me that we are all under the power of sin. To be able to live a righteous life and be an intentional disciple, I must seek God, to love Him with all my heart and all my mind and all my might and all my soul and to love my neighbour as myself by doing good, guarding my tongue and fearing God in whatever I do and wherever I go.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, Almighty God, thank You for Your great faithfulness and Your amazing saving grace through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please guard and guide all I do and say so that Your Name will always be glorified. Especially, guard my heart against selfish pride and my mind against foolishness. Bless all who have professed You as their only God and give them the strength and perseverance to live according to Your sovereign will. May all glory, honour and praise be showered upon You through my lips and heart all the days of my life for being Who You are and for the blessings and grace You have already showered on me. Praising You always. In Jesus’ Name.
