Reflection on Romans

Here’s my reflection on Romans lessons :-

Do not Judge

In Romans 14, the subject on eating meat versus vegetarianism. Paul admonishes Christians not to pass judgment on others for eating meat or for eating only vegetables.  Passing judgment divides the church.  Paul further reminds us that we all belong to Christ and we will all stand before the judgment seat of God and to give an account of ourselves to God.  Therefore, I am reminded that my responsibility is to live a life that pleases God; not to serve ourselves, but to serve Him and the church.  Committed to live according to the Sermon on the Mount is my responsibility.   When I am faced in a hopeless situation, I should tune my attitude and commit the situation to God.  I should have faith in God’s power to change the other  "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4).  It is inevitably that we evaluate the deeds of other but we need to be very careful with our judgements.  We should consider our weaknesses and sins carefully before we make harsh judgments on others.  How can we condemn someone else when we may have bigger problem? 

The Power of Gospel

We have all sin and fall short of the glory of God.  Christ came to redeem us.  He is presented as a sacrifice of atonement and we are justified by his grace through faith.  Paul says that we are powerless to change.  Indeed, when I was a young believer and I sin against God,  I tried to deal with my weakness using my strength.  I tried to make it right and when I felt less guilty, I would then go back to God.  However, I forgot that I am powerless to change except the power of the gospel.  When we sin, we should first go to God and allow God to deal with our weakness because the Gospel has the power to transform sin.  God has shown his willingness to forgive all who put their faith in Christ.  Therefore, having been justified by faith, I cannot boast my work but the mercy of God in my live. 

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Nothing Can Separate Us From the Love of God

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?   We shared about the love of God and we pondered whether Romans 8:35 - 39 refers to our love for Christ or Christ love for us that is inseparable .   I knew that God’s love for us is consistent for He is everlasting God; He never change.  It is easy to show love and affections to God when things are bright and smooth.  However, our love for Christ cannot be always consistent.  It may compromise when we are in suffering, in hardship and perhaps in persecution.  I take heart that nothing can separate us from the love of God.  Though God does not spare us from calamities in this life,  He promise that His presence and love will always be with us.  Paul also says that that the "sword" will not separate us from the love of Christ; he meant that even if we are killed we are not separated from the love of Christ.

Submission to the Authorities                 

I learnt through discussion that submission is an act of denial to self – our rights and submitting is done out of respect for God – not because the authority was great or right or the person is a better man or woman.  In fact, it has nothing to do with the character of the person in authority.  It does not matter whether or not I feel what the person is doing is unjust.  Just as Christ submitted to God; He has set a good example for me to follow.  I can submit to my authority though my emotion say otherwise.  When we do the right thing, our emotion will catch up later.