Nicholas Thomas Wright, a 20th century expert on the New Testament, writes in a commentary that Romans is "...neither a systematic theology nor a summary of Paul's lifework, but it is by common consent his masterpiece. It dwarfs most of his other writings, an Alpine peak towering over hills and villages. Not all onlookers have viewed it in the same light or from the same angle, and their snapshots and paintings of it are sometimes remarkably unalike. Not all climbers have taken the same route up its sheer sides, and there is frequent disagreement on the best approach. What nobody doubts is that we are here dealing with a work of massive substance, presenting a formidable intellectual challenge while offering a breathtaking theological and spiritual vision." I look forward to the mountain climbing.
We start in Romans 1:16 that reads, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..."
Paul knew of the power of Christ's Word and its ability to transform lives; it transformed his on the road to Damascus when he became one of the most notable disciples of Christ ever. We need to have this same knowledge and belief. We know that we gain strength from Christ, from others in the Church as part of the Body of Christ, but do we really believe that power comes from the gospel? If we don't have this firm belief rooted in our soul, then we may very well be a barrier to others since this will be evident in our dealings with non-Christians.
From Proverbs 13:21 we read, "Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous, good shall be repaid."
Does this sound familiar? Check out Luke 6:31 that says, "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." We have a part in helping others realize "the golden rule" in that by treating others the way we want to be treated, we are providing to them the good that they have shared with us. Solomon shows his wisdom and how it came from God; Jesus says it again for us in how to treat one another.
Stay righteous, that is, stay on the right path toward God.
Blessings to all
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