Category: 罗马书

  • 黑夜已深,白昼将近(罗马书13:11-14)

    黑夜已深,白昼将近(罗马书13:11-14)

    黑夜已深,白昼将近

    罗马书1311-14文字稿

    杨全荣

     

    弟兄姊妹,周五晚上平安,我们今天来到《罗马书》13章最后一部分,从11节到末尾。

    大家一起读经

    13:11     再者、你们晓得现今就是该趁早睡醒的时候、因为我们得救、现今比初信的时候更近了。

    13:12     黑夜已深、白昼将近.我们就当脱去暗昧的行为、带上光明的兵器。

    13:13     行事为人要端正、好像行在白昼.不可荒宴醉酒.不可好色邪荡.不可争竞嫉妒。

    13:14     总要披戴主耶稣基督、不要为肉体安排、去放纵私欲。

    祷告:主啊,我们感谢你赞美你,你就是那活水的泉源,你让我们这些饥渴慕义的人能够喝了这活水就永远不渴。主我们感谢你,你用活水滋润我们,让我们枯干的生命能够重新得力。让我们在旷野,你能够流出江河。我们在干旱无水之地,你用你的生命流出活水,流在我们心里,我们感谢你。主啊,我们再次感谢你把《罗马书》赏赐给我们,让我们对于神的福音有更深的认识。让我们一个蒙恩的人、一个基督徒对于该有怎么样的生活,有更深的认识,我们感谢你。求你今天晚上再次借着罗马书13章跟我们说话,让我们更多地认识主你的旨意。好让你敲醒一切沉睡的灵魂,好让打开我们属灵的眼睛。因为黑夜已深、白昼将近。主我们仰望你,因为你就是那光明之子,我们也是那白昼之子,我们仰望你,感谢你。奉主耶稣宝贵的圣名祷告,阿们。

    十三章有三个部分:

    第一个部分,是从第1节到第7节,那里告诉我们要顺服掌权者,就是要顺服我们国家的法律,因为权柄是神给做官的,所以我们要顺服。

    第二部分就是从第8节到第10节,告诉我们,一个信主的人,应该怎么去看律法,不是国家的法律,是神的律法,他告诉我们律法的总纲就是爱,爱人如己就完全了律法,所以他告诉我们要爱人。

    第三部分,是今天我们读的这一段,11-14节,这一段是告诉我们主再来的日子近了,他说,黑夜已深,白昼将近。所以今天我们去思考的主题是——主再来的日子近了,越来越近。我们身为一个蒙恩得救的人,应该有什么样的预备,我们应该怎么去生活。我们的生活跟主的再来有什么关系,“主再来”的真理对我们基督徒在属灵的追求上有什么帮助,我们跟随主的人是否渴慕主的再来。

    好,今天是这个主题。

    11节说,“再者、你们晓得现今就是该趁早睡醒的时候”,我想弟兄姊妹去思考“再者”,就是说,除了前面说了,他还要说,为什么他要说到主的再来,他自己说到:黑夜已深,白昼将近。为什么他会这样说,因为前面他跟我们说,我们要爱人如己,可是保罗说还不够,还要等待主的再来,预备主的再来。为什么“爱人如己”不够呢?因为说到爱人,除了基督教,其他的社会团体、教育系统、其他宗教,也会叫人爱人,是不是?所以基督徒爱人很重要。可是还不够,还要“再者”——还需要爱神。基督徒跟其他不信主的人不一样,就是我们不单只是爱人,我们更要爱那救我们的神,我们的主耶稣基督,等候“主的再来”就告诉我们要爱神,爱主的人就会等候主的再来。

    弟兄姊妹,如果你真的爱主,你就会渴慕主的再来,因为主再来的时候,我们就会与主面对面。你想想,我们当初跟我们的爱人谈恋爱的时候,如果你真的爱她,你是不是渴慕她,早一点跟她见面,见到面可以在一起。他们不会希望那个我们爱的人迟迟不出现,如果我们真的爱她,我们希望她快快地回来,快快的与我见面。基督徒爱主就应该有一个同样的心态,盼望我们所爱的主能够快快地回来,好让我们能够与主面对面,这就是一个爱的盼望。他说,“再者,你们晓得现今就是趁早睡醒的时候”,他这里说“主的再来”这个主题,是一个非常重要的主题,如果你去过其他教会,不是每个教会都会教导主的再来。有很多基督徒,聚会好多年,还没听过主的再来的信息。他不知道主还要来,很多基督徒不知道。因为不知道,所以就没有预备。完全不知道有一天主真的会来,这一些教会的教导就有缺乏。

    保罗自己很重视主的再来的教导,在保罗写的13封书信里面,其中一封最早的书信就是写给帖撒罗尼迦教会的书信。这个教会刚信主一两年左右,他就写信给那个教会《帖撒罗尼迦前书》,整本书都是告诉弟兄姊妹主的再来。那本书的特点,每一章的结尾都是说主的再来。我为什么提起他,因为第一就是保罗对于一个只信主两年的教会,但是保罗已经在传讲主的再来。第二点,说到主的再来,在新约里面,特别是说到黑暗跟白昼有一个对比,他说“黑夜已深,白昼将近”,说到现在的时代,黑夜跟白昼,除了《罗马书》13章,另一章的经文,跟他平行的就是《帖撒罗尼迦前书》第五章,所以我们准备去看一下。那你可以做一个小小的笔记,说你读到这里的时候,如果你跟《帖撒罗尼迦前书》第五章比较,那你会有更全面的认识。

    我只想指出第五章的第12节,“5:1弟兄们、论到时候日期、不用写信给你们,5:2   因为你们自己明明晓得、主的日子来到、好像夜间的贼一样。”为什么不用写了呢,就是说保罗以前曾经教导过主的再来,他说我不用再写给你们,你们都知道了,你明明就晓得了。看到吗,“主的日子来到”对不对,如果你继续读的话,我们就会看见,第4节“弟兄们、你们却不在黑暗里、叫那日子临到你们像贼一样,5:5 你们都是光明之子、都是白昼之子”。《罗马书》13章,他跟我们说“白昼将近”,我们是白昼之子,我们不是属黑暗的,也不是属幽暗的。所以不要睡觉,像别人一样,总要警醒谨守。所以将《帖撒罗尼迦前书》第5章跟《罗马书》13章最后这几节平行地读,那我们会有帮助。所以,保罗说帖撒罗尼迦教会的弟兄姊妹,我不用跟你们说,你们都晓得了。

    现在他跟罗马的弟兄姊妹也是说同样的事,你看罗马书13章第11节“再者、你们晓得现今就是该趁早睡醒的时候”。亲爱的弟兄姊妹,我现在要把这一句话变成一个问号问你们,你们晓得吗?你晓得吗,王弟兄?李姊妹,你晓得吗?晓得什么呢,主的日子越来越近了,我们晓得吗?我们晓得主越来越近了吗?还是我们晓得主来的时候还是很远很远,可能我一生都不会看到主的再来。他可能离我很远很远,这个事情跟我一辈子都沾不上边,跟我一点关系都没有。如果我们觉得主还是很久很久没有来,那我们就要警醒。那就表示什么呢,表示我们在睡觉,因为我们在睡觉,我们不知道主人要来了。

    主耶稣曾经用一个比喻讲说他的再来,他告诉我们,有一个主人他出远门去。他出去了之后,他就叫他的仆人去管理他的家。有一个仆人就是忠心地管理,另一个仆人觉得主人久久都不会回来,先不管吧,等他近了我们才管吧。他还没来的时候我去吃喝玩乐,我就偷懒,我就不做仆人该做的事,家里乱乱的也不管,主耶稣很严重的警告我们。现在他说黑夜已深,白昼将近。黑暗越来越深,经文说“你们晓得现今就是趁早睡醒的时候”,有许多基督徒真的不知道主再了,在睡觉,灵里睡觉,没有这个敏锐感,不知道主的再来。

    睡觉有什么特点呢?一个睡觉的人,我想到有三个特点:一个睡觉的人,第一,睡觉就是对身边的事情没有什么感觉。如果你睡了,身边发生什么事,你孩子在旁边做什么,我们不知道,我们对身边的人事物,因为我们的听觉、视觉,我们所有的感觉都迟钝了,都好像要shot down,对身边的事情没有什么感觉,很迟钝。就属灵来说,就是属灵不敏锐,不知道,看不见我们身边发生的事。近的说看不见我们身边,我们的家人,我们的朋友,教会的弟兄姊妹。远的说我们看不见这个世界在发生的事情,我们根本没有一点概念,它跟主再来有什么关系。主再来的时候真的很近了。

    主说当无花果开花结果的时候,开花发旺的时候,主来的日子就近了,主已经在门口了。无花果树是预表着以色列从主前586年被巴比伦亡国,之后有2000多年,这个国家一直都没有复国,直到1948年,70年前以色列复国了。弟兄姊妹,这个不是开玩笑,有2000多年的时间,以色列没有复国。主耶稣说当无花果开花发旺的时候,主就在门口了,以色列已经复国了,我们不要沉睡。主这里说,我们现在是趁早睡醒的时候,不要睡觉。睡觉的人不知道旁边发生什么事。我们看新闻,每一个发生的事都跟主来的日子有直接的关系。和我们身边的人会有直接的关系,这是第一点。

    第二点就是,睡觉的人防御能力很低。就是我睡觉了,旁边有一个小偷进来,他要捅我一刀,我完全没有防御能力,捅了我之后,我才知道,睡觉的人就是这样。当仇敌就是撒旦,他要攻击、诱惑、迷惑我们,我们还不知道,我们还是睡觉,我们没有任何的能力去反抗。这是第二点。

    第三点就是睡觉的人,表示他是个懒惰的人。你发现懒惰的人常常睡觉吗?我发现现在很多人,很多年轻人,或者很多基督徒,喜欢一天到晚坐在电视机面前看电视,看完就睡觉,睡觉睡到晚上,买外卖、看电视,打游戏,再去睡觉。不要做懒惰人,属灵来说,就是很多基督徒不愿意追求主。以为我已经信主了,我已经有天堂的入门券了,我可以睡觉了,可以打游戏机,打麻将了。

    相对的,一个等候主来的人应该是怎么样的呢,就像帖撒罗尼迦前书告诉我们,刚才我们读过,帖撒罗尼迦前书第5章,他说,“所以我们不要睡觉、像别人一样、总要儆醒谨守”,所以我们都理解,所以我们不要睡觉,他这个是跟罗马书一样的,因为罗马书告诉我们为什么要儆醒谨守。因为睡着人在夜间睡,但我们是属乎白昼,我们是白昼之子。我们不应该睡觉,因为我们是属于白天,我们不应该活在黑暗里面。睡觉就好像跟黑暗联上了关系,圣经说,睡觉是在夜间里睡。我们却不是黑夜之子,我们是白昼之子,所以还是要我们警醒。什么是警醒?警醒就是醒过来,不睡觉。什么是警醒?你可以用一个名词,一个人惊醒的人,他是一个什么人呢,他是一个守望的人——watchman守望者。以前的城堡和以色列的城都有城墙,城墙是用来防御的墙,墙上面有人要仰望,城都是造在高山上。当敌人来的时候,有人来攻打的时候,他能够看见敌人来了,他是第一次看见有人来了,所以他能够跟别人报告。守望的人就是对属灵的事敏锐的人,就是不睡觉的人,睡觉的人对属灵的事不敏锐,守望的人就是对属灵的事敏锐的人。

    那个睡觉的人,身边发生什么事,我们都不知道,我们要用心的眼睛,看见属灵的事。我们守望,我们站起来,站在高塔上,看见前面的敌人什么时候进来,好让我们能够知道去装备。当我们不知道敌人在五尺、十尺、一米、两米,也不知道有多少敌人来,我们一点都不知道,因为我们全部在睡觉。其实敌人已经冲到门口了,要冲进城墙了,我们还不知道,因为我们还在睡觉。所以说我们要清醒,就是醒过来,这是第一点。第二点,睡觉的人,刚才我们说他一点防御能力都没有,敌人砍一刀,他就倒下遇害了。可是警醒的人,他能够借着祷告、守望、防御,为自己,为自己的家,为神的家守望、祷告,这个就是警醒该有的表现。第三个,刚才我们说,睡觉的人是一个懒惰的人,那警醒的人就不是一个懒惰的人,警醒的人是一个殷勤的人,警醒的人愿意忠心地服事主,等候主来的人。

    忠心的服事主,我们知道我们蒙恩,是神白白赐恩给我们。罗马书3章告诉我们,是他流的宝血,使我们白白能够称义,是耶稣基督作了挽回祭,好让人能够显明神的义。哥林多后书5章告诉我们,让他无罪的成为罪,代替了我们,我们是白白称义了。可是现在圣经很清楚地告诉我们,我们不要睡觉,称义的人就已经是白昼之子,白昼之子就不应该睡觉。如果我们读福音书,我们就会常常看见主用许多的比喻,他告诉我们不要睡觉,要醒来。

    现在我们看一个比喻,路加福音12章,35节到48节里说到的主人和仆人之间的关系。36节“自己好像仆人等候主人、从婚姻的筵席上回来。他来到叩门、就立刻给他开门。主人来了、看见仆人儆醒、那仆人就有福了。”弟兄姊妹,有没有看到,警醒守望的仆人有福了,因为主人快要回来了。主人回来,有两个可能,他发现我们的时候,这里说有一个是37节,仆人儆醒、那仆人就有福了。警醒的仆人是什么样的呢?下面42节,“谁是那忠心有见识的管家、主人派他管理家里的人、按时分粮给他们呢”。这个就是警醒的仆人,这个就是忠心又有见识的管家。主人说什么,他忠心,不懒惰,不睡觉。他殷勤地服侍神,不但如此,他有见识,他知道怎么样去服侍主,按时分粮给家里的人,家里的人需要什么,神家需要什么,神家有什么问题,主人叫我们去做的,她就去做,主人没有叫我们去做的,我们就不去做。

    可能这个主人是一个大园户,她派了一个仆人管理厨房,派了另一个仆人管理他的卧室,再一个仆人管理他的孩子等等,每一个仆人有自己的工作,忠心于主人的差派,这样子的人呢,当主人回来时就有福了。主什么时候来呢?要等候,“或者二更天来、或是三更天来、看见仆人这样、那仆人就有福了。”,我们不知道,这个主人很聪明,我们的主也很聪明,当主说明哪一天他要回来,我们就懒惰,反正主还没来。可是主就不跟我们说,什么时候回来,就是让我们觉得,分分钟他都可能回来。这个故事要比喻的是,说到这个仆人不知道什么时候主人回来,所以总是警醒,结果有什么赏赐呢?44节“我实在告诉你们、主人要派他管理一切所有的”。

    我们再看,不单只有这个仆人,还有另外一个仆人,那个仆人说什么呢,45节“那仆人若心里说、我的主人必来得迟,就动手打仆人和使女、并且吃喝醉酒”。反正他还有一阵才来,我为什么要这么殷勤呢,要这么勤奋地读圣经呢?为什么要聚会?为什么要传福音呢?为什么要行得像白昼之子呢?反正主人还有很久才来。我不如去吃喝醉酒,好好享受吧。他就“动手打仆人和使女、并且吃喝醉酒”,殊不知“在他想不到的日子、不知道的时辰、那仆人的主人要来”。突然主人回来了,他顿时就傻掉了。且要“重重的处治他、定他和不忠心的人同罪”。这是一个很重的警告,主在福音书里面说了很多这种类似的比喻。其实主就是跟保罗说的一样,叫我们不要睡觉,不要睡觉,醒来,弟兄姊妹、基督徒醒来。有许多基督徒在睡觉,不知道做基督徒该做什么,不知道我们有什么责任,不知道我们的主,世界的主,万王之王,我们是他的仆人,他有一份工作给我们,我们不知道,我们在睡觉,我们在偷懒,我们在吃喝玩乐。保罗在罗马书13章,其实就是要劝勉和警告我们,黑夜已深、白昼将近,我们要醒来。

    我们回到罗马书13章,他说为什么要醒来呢。他说,因为“因为我们得救、现今比初信的时候更近了”他说了三个字值得我们重视的。一个是“初信的时候”,一个是“现今”,出现了两次,现今就是现在,第三是“更近”,更近是还没有来,不过将要来了。这里他给我们说了我们救恩的三个部分:

    初信的时候就是我们当初信主的时候,我们蒙恩得救,我们的灵重生了,约翰福音第三章讲述了。

    然后我们跟随主,我们的灵要成长,我们的生命在成长,圣经用另一个词——成圣。就是我们在成圣的时候,就是现在正发生的事。

    最后是将要发生的事,是罗马书823节“等候得着儿子的名分、乃是我们的身体得赎”。那是将来的事。我们的灵魂体完全得救,这就是全备的救恩。他劝勉我们不要睡觉,要醒来,他来的日子近了。

    他说到黑夜已深白昼将近,他说到黑夜,是说到这个世界的系统,这个世界的这个系统,晚上是越来越黑,越来越深,他说到这个世界的属灵光景,就是越来越黑暗,人的心理距离越来越远。如果我们只是用我们的肉眼看这个世界,我们会有一个幻觉,我们觉的科技发达了,我们的道德水平提升了,我们的生活指数提高了。现在孩子6岁学的比我以前16岁学的还要多很多,我们觉得什么东西都提高了,我们觉得这个世界是越来越好。但圣经告诉我们,与我们看到的相反,圣经告诉我们世界越来越黑暗。黑夜是描述这个世界越来越黑暗,这个黑暗圣经里有许多的描述。当主耶稣第一次来的时候,也有这样的描述。马太福音4章,在加利利的这些犹太人,马太福音41516节,他说,“『西布伦地、拿弗他利地、就是沿海的路、约但河外、外邦人的加利利地。那坐在黑暗里的百姓、看见了大光』”圣经用这样子的形容词来形容失丧的人——黑暗里的人。这个是跟保罗在以弗所书2章告诉我们是一模一样的。“你们死在过犯罪恶之中、放纵肉体的私欲、随着肉体和心中所喜好的去行、本为可怒之子、和别人一样.”马太福音第4章告诉我们,“坐在黑暗里的百姓、看见了大光”。说有光出现,这个光就是生命的光,就是世界的光,这个光就是约翰福音第1章告诉我们,有光来到世界,世界却不接受光。这个光就是主耶稣,主耶稣就是光,照亮这个黑暗的世界,可是这个黑暗的权势却不接受光,那是约翰一书告诉我们的。

    当我们读旧约圣经最后一篇《玛拉基书》的时候,他给了我们一个预言,最后1章第2节“但向你们敬畏我名的人,必有公义的日头出现、其光线有医治之能。你们必出来跳跃如圈里的肥犊。”这个预表400年后出来的这个太阳,公义的日头出现。主耶稣第一次出现的时候,光照在黑暗,黑暗却不接受光。这个黑暗的权势一直都在,他越来越暗,可是他最后的结局已经定了,就是这个光、主耶稣,这个黑暗将会被主耶稣完全的打败,就是在十字架上的时候,主耶稣战胜了这个黑暗。可是在时间上,这个黑暗还是越来越深,直到有一天这个公义的日头,它会好像明亮的晨星出现。

    在圣经,有一个描述叫明亮的晨星,当天很晚很晚的时候,天就会很黑,当你往上看的时候,你就会发现天上的星有一个是最明亮的。这个明亮的星,是用来描述主耶稣的,当世界越来越败坏、黑夜越来越深沉了,可是有一个盼望,你有一个盼望,这个就是主耶稣。整本圣经的结束《启示录》,你看很有趣啊,整本旧约的结束,他告诉我们,有公义的日头可以医治我们,整本圣经的结束,启示录2216节“我耶稣差遣我的使者为众教会将这些事向你们证明。我是大卫的根、又是他的后裔.我是明亮的晨星。”当世界越来越败坏、黑夜越来越深沉了,可是有一个盼望,你有一个盼望。好像不义的人逍遥法外,基督徒受逼迫的时候,好像我们没有盼望的时候,我们不知道,主耶稣基督出现了。

    整本圣经结束的时候,圣灵和他的新妇都说“来,我们等候那个明亮的晨星”,我们的主人他要来,而且他说他来的日子近了,就在门口了,所以弟兄姊妹,我们不要睡觉,不要睡觉,白昼已近,我们应该怎么样啊,警醒!我们应该做什么呢,警醒!

    罗马书13章说,我们当脱去暗昧的行为,带上光明的兵器,所以他告诉我们,我们要脱下,还有我们要带上。脱下什么呢,脱下暗昧的行为,带上光明的兵器。一个蒙恩得救的人,也有可能活在在一个黑暗的行为里面。所以保罗劝我们,我们要把它脱下来,这个跟保罗在以弗所书4章告诉我们,我们要脱下旧人同样的概念,我们要做这个动作——脱下旧人。所以罗马书告诉我们,我们现在不在律法之下,都在恩典之下,但我们可以犯罪吗,断乎不可。

    我们要脱下这些黑暗的行为,脱下还不够,我们还要带上光明的兵器,这就跟以弗所书4章告诉我们的内容一样。我们要脱下旧人,然后穿上新人。这是我们在经历里面,经历的生命彰显在我们里面,虽然我们知道我们在基督里一切都是新的,旧事已过一切都是新的,我们有了新人的地位,可是我们要有一个经历,虽然罗马书6章告诉我们,我们已经与基督同死同埋葬,同复活。

    旧人已经同基督同钉十字架,那个是我们的地位。我们的旧人是与基督同钉十字架了,可是我们天天还背着这个旧人。所以我们要脱下这暗昧的行为,我们要带上光明的兵器,他提了一个字,“兵器”,这里就给我一副图画,什么图画呢,打仗、当兵,当什么兵啊?基督的精兵!弟兄姊妹,我们都是基督的精兵,神选召你作他儿子的精兵,这个是我们的地位,我们有一个当兵的地位。在这里给我们一个图画,就是一个当兵的图画。帖撒罗尼迦前书15章告诉我们,我们要警醒、谨守。什么是谨守呢,谨守就是当兵,这个就是以弗所书6章里面告诉我们,那个穿着全副的军装的军人。穿着真理的腰带,以信心当盾牌,用圣灵当宝剑,穿着福音的鞋子,以救恩当头盔,这个军人的图画,打仗的图画。你知道吗,神召我们去打仗,这个是我们的地位,现在我们要拿起的兵器,明白吗,我们有这个地位。可是我们拿起这个兵器,这是圣经里多次跟我们说的,神把地位给我们,我们只要愿意让神作,我们就可以得到神的这个应许,建立在我们生命里面。

    他说带上之光明的兵器,当兵的人,做基督的精兵,最重要是做什么呢?基督的精兵,这一句话是提摩太后书里面出现的,在24节说,“你要和我同受苦难,好像耶稣基督的精兵,凡在军中当兵的,不将事物缠身,好叫那招他当兵的人喜悦”,当兵的要做的就是在乎召我们当兵的那个官长,我们要讨他的喜悦。他说什么,我们做什么,你们当兵,我们打仗,他说拿起光明的兵器。什么是拿起光明的兵器呢,他下面跟我们说了一个要,三个不要,那个是拿上光明的兵器的表现。一个要,要行事为人端正,好像行在白昼。行事为人端正,好像是白昼之子。其实帖撒罗尼迦前书已经告诉我们,我们是白昼之子。

    可是我们常常不像白昼之子,你明白吗,我觉得好像一个国家的国王。他在路上看见我们,原本我们是乞丐,他在路上见到我们,把我们捡回来,他说你现在是公主。把弟兄拣回来,你现在是王子,已经给了你的地位跟身份的,你就是这个国家的公主,跟王子。弟兄,你是这个国家的王子,姊妹,你是这个国家的公主。什么国呢?天国,是神给了我们这个地位。可是我们常常还是像那个乞丐,她虽然知道自己是王子跟公主,可是他常常活的就像乞丐,他穿的不像公主和公子。他说话,哎呀,王子怎么会这样子说话啊,它的言行举止一点不行,一点都不像王子。可是他是不是王子呢?国王说他是王子的。可是他要像王子,我们是白昼之子,所以我们要像白昼之子。

    什么是白昼之子呢?脱去黑暗的行为,穿上光明的兵器,他说行事为人要端正,好像行在白昼。然后他说了三个不可。不可什么呢,第一,不可醉酒、谎言,第二,不可好色、邪荡,第三,不可嫉妒、竞争。当我们拿上光明的兵器的时候,我们就会有这个表现,我们就会活得好像光明之子,我们就不会去醉酒,这里醉酒说到身体上喝多酒了,醉了,那个是不好的见证,因为醉酒的人不清醒,比睡觉的人更麻烦,因为你叫他,他不知道,他还不会乱做事。喝醉酒的人,他以为他醒了,可是其实他不知道,还以为他醒了。他说,不要荒筵醉酒。而且不只是身体不要醉酒,而且我们的灵里也是。我们要被圣灵充满,以弗所书告诉我们,要被圣灵充满,我们不要醉酒。醉酒就是被酒精麻木,麻醉我们,让我们失去知觉,让我们对于属灵的事不敏锐,我们不要醉酒。你记得刚才我们读的路加福音12章那个恶的仆人,他做的几件事,一个是他打别的仆人,他吃喝玩乐,然后他醉酒。他不知道、不觉得主会回来,他觉得太远了,保罗说不要醉酒。他说第二个不可好色邪荡,帖撒罗尼迦43节,他说神的旨意就是要我们成为圣洁,远离邪恶。远避淫乱,不要把我们放在试探里面,所以我们要警醒,就不要看一些在黑暗里面、世界里面宣传的东西,包括黑暗的小说、黑暗的电影、黑暗的电视剧、黑暗的刊物、黑暗的网站,这些都不是属我们的。

    我们是白昼之子,我们是王子和公主,我们还看那些黑暗的东西做什么呢?他说不要好色邪荡,不要放纵情欲,不要把自己放在试探里面。当然这些包括所有淫乱的东西,比如婚外情当然不行,甚至我们思念里面的淫乱都不行。他说你看见这个女人不是你的老婆,你想歪了就是犯了淫乱,主的定义是这样。不要觉得只有弟兄会犯,姊妹也会犯,有的姊妹爱看爱情小说,里面那个男主角好厉害,又英俊又潇洒,又爱女人,又有钱,慢慢地变成一个他的偶像,然后有一个思想的淫乱,等她老公回来,不会给好脸色。这些其实是淫乱,而且现在很多肥皂剧啊,慢慢慢慢地看,一集、两集、三集、四集、五集、十集二十集三十集,你会慢慢进入那个状态,你觉得你是里面的女主角,那个是我的男主角,你不知不觉爱上了他,这是会发生的事,这个是主的定义,不是我夸张。主说的,你想的东西,对于主来说,主觉得我们是犯了淫乱。

    我们拿上光明的兵器就不要做这种事,还不要竞争,不要妒忌。不要妒忌弟兄的才干,不要妒忌那家的孩子学习比我们的孩子好,不要妒忌那个姊妹比你漂亮,不要妒忌这个弟兄比你殷勤。我们要赞美神,教会有弟兄有姊妹站起来服侍神,我们喜乐,我们欢喜。孩子们都要学习啊,何况是我们大人啊。不要妒忌,不要竞争。然后他最后结束的时候告诉我们,这是这一段经文的一个总结,也是里面最重要的一句话,他告诉我们,14节,“总要披戴主耶稣基督,不可为肉体安排,去放纵私欲”,我想弟兄姊妹注意的就是这一句话,总要披戴主耶稣基督。在原文里面“披戴”这个字是跟12节里面“带上光明的兵器”,那个“带上”是同一个字。我在想,什么是光明的兵器呢,读以弗所书6章的时候,他跟我们讲很多东西,真理、信心、圣灵、神的话、福音。看帖撒罗尼迦前书第5章,他告诉我们,信望爱,这些东西都是我们的兵器,可是他告诉我们光明的兵器要带上,真正能够让我们战胜黑暗的,就是要披戴主耶稣基督,因为以弗所书6章所说的所有的这些兵器,都是指向主耶稣基督,是神的话,基督的话,是对基督的信心,是基督的福音。

    穿上主耶稣基督,所以我们要脱下旧人,脱下暗昧的行为,带上光明的兵器,披戴主耶稣基督。在圣经里说到“披戴主耶稣基督”。加上以弗所书4章,一共说了3次啊,在加拉太书里他告诉我们,我们受浸了,我们就披戴基督,当我们信主受浸,我们就穿上基督作义袍。所以当天父看我们的时候,他再也看不见我们的罪,他只看见耶稣。这个是我们地位,神给我们了,我们已经穿上耶稣了,我们有这个地位。可是现在这里是说我们要有这个实际,我们要披戴基督穿上新人,带上光明的兵器,因为我们是白昼之子,我们是基督的精兵,我们是主人的仆人。我们活着就应该像那白昼之子,因为我们的主就是明亮的晨星,他就是世界的光。只有佩戴基督,我们才能靠着他得胜,战胜所有黑暗的权势,好让神在地上能够彰显。

    基督的得胜,让神的工作能够借着教会,能够成就在这个慢慢迈向死亡、黑暗的世界,求主怜悯我们,用这些话开我们的眼睛,让我们看见我们的身份是多么的宝贵,也激励我们,让我们不要做睡觉的人,而要做警醒的人。

    我们一起低头祷告:

    主啊,感谢你的话是多么的丰富,你激励我们,你鼓励我们,你叫我们这些沉睡的人能够醒来。我们要醒来,我们不愿意做那个恶仆,我们不愿意做一个睡觉的人,我们不愿意做一个醉酒的人。主啊,求你施恩给们。我们知道,我们靠我们自己的老我,我们的旧人,我们真的是活在放纵私欲的肉体、恐怖的光景当中,求主施恩给我们,让我们能够佩戴基督。我们靠着基督,我们带上光明的兵器,我们能够在这黑暗的时代,我们能够活得像白昼之子,有皇子的身份,有公主的身份。不但如此,也有王子和公主的实际,感谢主赞美主,愿你得着更多的人,愿意仰望主的再来。

    我们盼望主你快快的来,我们盼望那天与你面对面的那一天,好像保罗说的与主同在好的无比,我们盼望的事。同时我们也有一点忐忑,因为我们觉得我们可能好像那个懒惰的仆人,等你来的时候,主啊,不知道我们能不能够交帐,求你怜悯、恩待我们,求你敲醒你的教会,敲醒这些沉睡的灵魂,叫醒我们,让我们能够做一个忠心又良善的仆人,感谢你,奉耶稣基督宝贵的圣名祷告,阿门。

  • Romans 15 – The Life of Body of Christ

    Romans 15 – The Life of Body of Christ

    • Strong believers ought to consider weaker believers (v1)

    1. Do not please ourselves, please others instead, like Christ (v3, Ps 69:9)
    2. Do not cause our weaker brothers to stumbles (14:21)
    3. Do not despise our weaker brothers (14:2)
    4. Accept one another, like Christ (v7)
    5. We do this to with hope to build up (14:19), not to tear down (14:20) our brothers up so they can be edified (v2) and become more mature spiritually.
    • We live to glorify our God (v6)

    1. When we treat each others according to God’s will, God is glorified (v7)
    2. God has lessons for each one of us to learn, no matter where we are spiritually.
    3. The bible is our compass of conducts in life
      1. God gives us perseverance and encouragement through scriptures (v4,5)
      2. Many examples of life changed in this bible
      3. God has changed us
      4. God will change the weaker members as well
    • Christ ministers to both the Jews and Gentiles (v8-9)

    1. These scriptures show that salvation is not exclusive to Jews, God has gentiles in mind in the beginning
      1. v9 is a quote from 2Sa 22:50, Ps 18:49
      2. v10 is a quote from Deut. 32:43
      3. v11 is a quote from Ps 117:1
      4. v12 is a quote from Isa 11:10, Rev 5:5, Rev 22:16
    2. God’s principle – Jews first, Gentile next
    • Paul’s ministry (v16-33)

    1. He was a minister of Christ Jesus, a priest of the gospel of God, (v16), preached the gospel of Christ everywhere he went (v19).
    2. Paul’s ministry is to preach places where Jesus has not be preached, he used Isa 52:10 (v21) to back up his action.
    3. Paul’s was longing to have fellowship with the believers in Rome (v23)
    4. However he was delaying his trip to Rome because of his duty to deliver some funds to the Jerusalem’s church (v26)
    5. Gentiles believers are indebted to the Jews because the gospel came from Jews (v27)
    6. Paul acknowledged he needed the prayers of others (v30)
  • Romans 14 – When Christians Disagree

    Romans 14 – When Christians Disagree

    Believers could disagree on nonensentials and still maintain Church unity

    St. Augustine:”In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity”

    We must welcome or receive whom the Lord received. (v1,v3,15:7)

    • All Christians where bought by the precious blood of the Lord
    • When we accept our brothers and sisters, we bring praise to God (15:7)
    • We are all at different spiritual maturity on our walk with the Lord, some are stronger than the other. However the more mature christians must not despise the less mature christians, the less mature christians must not judge the more mature christians (v3).

    God alone judges us(12:19,v10)

    • Do not judge others, because the judging will put an stumbling block to our brothers and sisters (v13). God alone judges us (12:19,v10). Instead of judging, we should make every effort to do what things that edify others (v19,15:2).
    • Judgement seat (v10) – BEMA (Greek)
    • Our are our Lord’s servant, not servant for each other. We are accountable directly to the Lord (v4,v12). Our judgement cannot make others stand, only God can make others stand.
    • v11 is a quote from Isaiah 45:23. When Christ returns, everybody will acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

    Everything that we do, we do for the Lord, because we belongs to Him (v8)

    • The Lord looks into our heart, when we honor Him in our heart, He is pleased.
    • We ought to give thanks to the Lord when we see Christians are honoring our Lord. (v6)
    • Pay attention to how many times the Lord, or Christ is mentioned in this chapter(God:10T,Lord:9T,Christ:3T).

    The right way to serve God – Give up our rights for the benefits of others (v18)

    • Serving in the Kingdom of God is to obey to the Holy Spirit and live a righteous, peaceful and joyful life. (v17)
    • Because of our love to brothers and sisters, our choose to willingly give up what we deserve if that distressed them or cause them to fall.(v15,v21). i.e: food, books, movies
    • We do this not by our own strength, God Himself gives us endurance and encouragement (15:5)

    Do not force your conviction on others (v22-v23)

    • When God convicts us something is wrong, we should avoid it. Everything that does not come from faith is sin (v23)
    • However, if that is not clearly forbidden by God’s word, do not force our conviction on others
  • Romans 13 – Living out Christ in society and relationships

    Romans 13 – Living out Christ in society and relationships

     Living out Christ in society                                                       

    • Authorities were created by God (v1, 1 Peters 2:13 – 15)
    • Learn to live under under authority because God is ultimate authority, (v1)
    • Submitting to the authorities is submitting to God.(v2)
    • What occurs when God and man’s authority oppose each other?
    • God’s authority always higher than man’s (Act 5:29)
    • Daniel and his prayers to God (Daniel 6:13)
    • Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to worship idol (Dan 3:18)
    •  God uses rulers for good as his servants (v4)
      • Nebuchenezzar and Cyrus
      • Rulers may still do things that displease God.
    •  Disobedience to authority can lead to punishments (physical) or effect our conscience (spiritual)(v5)
      • Conscience – (1 Titus 1 : 5, 1 Cor 10:25-29)                
      • Pay taxes because it is required of everyone. (v6-7)                                         
      •  Jesus paid taxes
      • Jesus submitted to authorities.

    Living out Christ in relationships

    • Law (the commandments had 2 sections) 1st part was concerning God, the 2nd was concerning man (Luke 10:27)
    • Love is fulfillment of the law (v8)
    •  Loving your neighbor is a commandment summed up by the commandments of God. (v9)
    •  Jesus fulfilled the law also (Matt 5:17)            

    ConclusionLive the kind of life that honors Jesus

    • Now is the time to live out the life of Jesus (v11)
    • The time of Christ’s return is near, are you ready? (v12)
    • How should we live? (v13-14) When people look at us, they should see Jesus.
  • Romans 1-12 – Key Message on Each Chapter

    Romans 1-12 – Key Message on Each Chapter

    Romans 1-8 Becoming a Christian

    Romans 1: Introduction

    Gospel is about Jesus Christ (v3)

    Jesus was prophesied in the Scriptures through the prophets(v2)

    Work of the Gospel is for the Jews And for the Gentiles(v14)

    Gospel is power of God to save Jews and Gentiles(v16)

    God’s righteousness

    God righteousness (v17,20) 

    Man’s unrighteousness (Gentiles)

    Suppress the truth (v18)

    Worship of idols (v24)

    Perversion (v26)  

    Evil deeds:wickedness,evil, greed, depravity, envy,murder,strife,deceit… (v29)

    Romans 2: God’s Judgment

    God’s judgment has basis, man’s judgment leads to condemnation(v1-2)

    God judges all, Jews and Gentiles alike(v9,v11)

    Judge through Jesus Christ (v16)

    Unrighteousness of the Jews

    Jew’s have law, but did not obey the law(v13)  

    Circumcision of the heart, not of the flesh defines real righteousness (v25-29)

    Romans 3: Unrighteousness of All

    Jews and Gentiles alike have all fallen short(v8-9,v23)

    Law cannot save Jews, law makes us aware of sin (v20)

    Justification (Principle)

    Through Jesus Christ(v22, 24)

    By faith (v27-31)  

    Romans 4: Justification (Illustrated)  

    Abraham credited as righteous because of faith(v3)

    Righteousness credited to someone who believes(v5)

    Circumcision came after he was credited as righteous(v9—10)

    Gentiles credited with righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ(v23-25)

    Romans 5: Fruits of righteousness

    Past was wrath of God, after justification, peace and joy(v1-3)

    Jesus died while we were sinners, not because of what we had to offer(v6-8)

    Saved from God’s wrath because of Jesus’ death

    Sinful nature

    Sin entered through Adam, before the law(v12)

    Sinful nature in us, therefore all of Adam’s descendants die(v14)

    Jesus gives life, his death deals with the sinful nature(v16,18-21) 
    Romans 6: Baptism: Death, Burial and Resurrection, Sanctification

    Died with Christ(v3)

    Buried, raised to a new life (v4)

    Death: To Sin(v11), to self(v12)

    Alive in Christ (v8)

    Freed from Sin, slaves to righteousness(v18-23)

    Romans 7: Importance of death

    Death, through Christ, brings freedom from the law.(v1-6)

    Law of sin

    Natural law that works in us.(v21-23)

    Romans 8:  Law of the Spirit

    Holy spirit against the law of sin and death (v1-3)

    Live according to the Spirit, heirs to God’s glory (v9 – 17)

    Future Glory

    Adoption as sons (v23)

    Body redeemed (v23) 

    With God forever(v28-39) 

    Romans 9 – 12 Answering questions about Israel

    Romans 9: God’s sovereignty

    Natural children, descendants of Abraham (v 6)

    Children of the promise, God’s real children(v8 – 10)

    Election to glorify God (v11-18)

    Esau and Jacob as example

    Israel’s unbelief

    Pursued the law, missed out on grace, stumbled when it came to Christ(v32-33)

    Romans 10: Israel’s deeds 

    Pursued the law, but did not see God’s righteousness. (v3)

    Christ is the end of the law(v4)

    Faith come from hearing the Gospel(v17)

    Romans 11 : Israel’s remnant

    Romans 12- 16 Living as  a Christian

  • Romans 11 -The Future of Israel – God did not reject His people

    Romans 11 -The Future of Israel – God did not reject His people

    Paul uses 5 witnesses to demonstrate God’s plan for the future of Israel

    1. Paul (11:1)
      1. Paul from the tribe of Benjamin
      2. Paul conversion was mentioned 3 times in Acts (Ch 9,22,26)
      3. Israel will be saved like Paul – they will see Jesus, repent and believe (Zech 14:4, Acts 1:11, Rev 1:7)
      4. Zechariah 12:10-13:1 – talks about how Israel will be saved
    2. Prophet Elijah (11:2-10)
      1. Elijah’s story – 1 King 19
      2. Thought he was the only faithful Jew left, God’s told him there were 7000 more (1 King 19:18).
      3. Only the remnant will be saved (Rom 9:27, Isaiah 10:22-23)
      4. saved by grace, not works (v6) just like Abraham (Rom 4:1-5). Israelites were trying to get saved works (Rom 9:30-33)
      5. the rest of the Israelites were hardened, just like Pharaoh’s (v7).
      6. v8 – eyes could not see, ears could not hear – from Isaiah 29:10 and Deu 29:4
      7. v 9 – 10 – quoted from Ps 69:22-23
        • table become a snare and a trap – blessings turn into burdens and judgement
    3. Gentiles (11:11-15)
      1. Israel tragedies – they fall (v11),they loss (v12), they were rejected (v15)
      2. Because Israel failed, salvation came to Gentiles (v12, see Acts 13:46)
      3. God promised Gentiles would be saved (Rom 9:25-26), He kept His promise. God will also keep His promise to the Isralites
      4. One day Israel will experience “fullness” (v12) and “acceptance” (v15)
    4. Patriarchs (11:16-24)
        • Dough (v16)
          • From Num 15:17-21
          • God accepted the founders of Israel – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in spite of their sins, God must accept the rest of the batch
        • Olive Tree
          • Olive tree is a symbol of naton of Israel (Jer 11:16-17)
          • Branches broken off – unbelieving Jews (v17)
          • wild olive shoot (Gentiles) grafted into the tree to share the life of the tree. Grafted in is not natural (v24)
          • Usually it is a cultivated branch is grafted into a wild tree
          • We gentiles must not boast (v18-21), otherwise gentiles will be cut off, and Jews will be grafted into their own alive tree (v24)
    5. God (11:25-36)
      1. God’s timing
        • Israel will be saved and experience fullness (v12) when the full number of Gentiles has come in (v25)
        • “until” in NT (Matt 23:39,Luke 21:24, Ps 110:1) – in end times Israel will be saved
      2. God’s promise (v26)
        • Quoted from Isaiah 59:20-21
        • All Israel who is alive when Jesus 2nd coming will be save
        • More on this topic pls read Isiah 60, Zechariah 12-13
      3. God’s covenant (v27-28)
        • Although Israelites are enemies of the Gospel, God will not break His covenant with their patriarchs.
      4. God’s nature
        • God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable (v29)
        • God’s unchanging nature (Mal 3:6)
        • The lack of faith of men do not change God’s faithfulness (Rom 3:3)
      5. God’s grace (v30-32)
        • God has mercy on disobedience gentiles, God will has mercy on disobedience Jews
      6. God’s wisdom (v33-36)
        • Paul quoted Isaih 40:13 and Job 41:11 to end Roman 8 with praises – He praised God for His wisdom, knowledge, judgments and mind. To God be the glory forever! Amen
  • Romans 10 – Israel of Present

    Romans 10 – Israel of Present

    Overview:

    Chapter 1 – 8: God’s perfect salvation plan for man
    Chapter 9 – 11: God’s plan for Israel

    •     Chapter 9 – Israel of Past
    •     Chapter 10 – Israel of Present
    •     Chapter 11 – Israel of Future

    Chapter 12 – 16: Life of Christians

    Chapter 10 – Israel’s Present Rejection

    Paul moved from God’s sovereignty in chapter 9 to human responsibility in chapter 10.

    Reasons for Israel’s Rejection

    • They did not feel a need for salvation (v1)
      • Israel is looking for the messiah that can save them from Rome, not from their sins
    • They were zealous for God (v2)
      • Ever since returning from Babylonian Captivity, the Jews have been practicing the Laws and worship only God. So in their mind, they think by their own righteousness they can be saved.
      • They have a zeal for God, but according to the truth (v2)
    • They were proud and self-righteous (v3)
      • They seeks their own righteousness, not God’s righteousness
      • But Rom 3:20 tells us that by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in God’s sight
      • Only by believing in Jesus, we can satisfied God’s righteousness (v4, Jesus is the end of the law for righteousness)
    • They misunderstood their own Law (v4-13)
      • The law is the tutor that lead us to Christ (Gal 3:24)
      • Jews observed the laws but rejected the Messiah.
      • Believers are no longer under law but under grace (Rom 6:14)
      • The requirement of law is fulfilled in believers who walk according to the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:4)
      • Paul quoted Moses, Isiah and Joel
        • Moses
          • Lev 18:5 (Rom 10:5) – Although the Jews observed the law, they only do it outwardly. God is however is looking into their heart (Deut 6:6)
          • Deut 30:12-14 (Rom 10:6, 8) – The “word” is the Gospel of Jesus Christ – the word of faith. We don’t need to go to heaven or abyss to find salvation, it is accessible to all us.
        • Isiah
          • Isiah 28:16 (Rom 9:33, 10:11) – Salvation is by believing – by faith
        • Joel
          • Joel 2:32 (Rom 10:13) – no different in condemnation (Rom 3:20-23), no different in salvation

    The Remedy of their Rejection (v14-17)

    • Paul quoted Isiah 52:7 and Nahum 1:15 (Rom 10:15)
      • Isiah 52:7 – Future – Return of Christ
      • Nahum 1:15 – Past – Destruction of Assyrian Empire (Nineveh)
      • Rom 10:15 – Present – Jews redemy of their rejection is in hearing the Word of the Gospel and believing in Jesus Chris
    • Paul quoted Isiah 53:1 (Rom 10:16)
      • also quoted by John 12:37-41
    • v14-15 is God’s calling to send out missionary to reach the unsaved – both Jews, and gentiles

    The Results of their Rejection

    Three results, three OT quotes

    • Israel is guilty (v18)
      • Ps 19:4 (Rom 10:18)
        • Ps 19:1-6 God reveals Himself in creation
        • Ps 19:7-11 God reveals Himself in His word
      • Israel has the history and words from God, but they chose not to believe
    • The message goes to the Gentiles (v19-20)
      • Deut 32:21
      • First Jews, then gentiles (review Jesus ministry, Acts. Rom 1:16, 2:9, 10)
    • God still yearns over His people (v21)
      • Isiah 65:2
  • Romans 9 – God’s Words do not fail

    Romans 9 – God’s Words do not fail

    Overview:

    Romans 12- 16 : (Application of Christian life)

    Romans 9 – 11 : Israel as a way to answer questions raised from  Romans 1- 8

    Question: Did God’s words fail?

    Paul brings up issue of Jews being cut off from Christ. (v3),

    But what about God’s promise to Israel: (v4), Jer 31:33

    • Adoption as sons,Divine glory,Covenants,Law,Temple worship,promises

    Answer: God’s words did NOT fail. (v6)

    Man failed when we did not see the fullness of God’s words.

    Promise vs Not of the Promise

    • Isaac was a child of promise, but Ishmael and the rest of the siblings are not. (v6-7;Gen 17; Genesis 25: 1-2)
    • We are not “natural children” of Abraham.
    • We who believe in Christ are children of a promise also.( John 1:12, Rom 11:11-21)

    God’s election ( God’s will vs. Human Will)

    • God’s choice is not based on what a person does.(v11)
      • Illustrated by Jacob and Esau
        • Jacob vs Esau –
          • Esau was eldest, and should receive blessing
          • Jacob desired what Esau was willing to give away
        • God sees inside the heart of man
      • Illustrated by Christ dying on the cross
        • Christ died on the cross while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8)
    • God is sovereign
      • Israel was chosen not because they were great – Deut7:7-8
      • We humans cannot complain against God (v20)
      • God’s will always superior to man’s
      • Pharaoh as an example (v17-18, Ex 9:16)
        • Pharaoh’s hardened heart showed more of God’s glory
      • God allows object of wrath to show mercy (v22-23)
        • Through sin, we see God’s power and glory manifested as he is victorious over sin.
      • God allows evil if it means that it serves his purpose (Gen 50:20)
        • God does NOT do evil, he allows evil to occur
          • Also, God intends for evil to occur, nothing is beyond his control. (Rom 8:28)
    • God elected before the creation of the world. (Eph 1:4, 2:10, Jude 4)

    Conclusions

    • God promises us that if we believe we become his children
    • God is sovereign
    • God allows evil but God does not do evil
    • God cannot be blamed for the failures of man (James 1:13-14)
    • God made this promise before creation
  • Romans 8:18-39 – Bring many sons into glory with Christ

    Romans 8:18-39 – Bring many sons into glory with Christ

    • The suffering we experienced is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us (v18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
    • Gen 3:17 tells us the ground was cursed because of Adam’s sin. Romans 8:19-21 further elaborates that the whole creation was under cursed. The creation has been living as slavery, suffers the pains of childbirth in this corrupted world after the fall (v21,v22)
    • The creation has been waiting for the glory of the children of God to be fully revealed, when it happened, the creation will be set free (v19, v21)
    • Three groaning
      • whole creation – because they are no free, living in a corrupted world (v22)
      • believers – because we still living in a body that will eventually die (v23)
      • Holy Spirit – He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, according to the will of God the father (v26, v27)
    • When the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (v28)
    • What should we do to be conformed to the image of Jesus?
      • Love God (v28)
      • Live according to the Holy Spirit (v5-v6)
    • God’s eternal will is to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ, who is the firstborn among many brethren (v29), God’s eternal will is bring many sons into glory (v30)
    • God’s complete plan of salvation
      • Externally, our body will be redeem (v23)
      • Internally, we will be mold into the image of Jesus (v29)
    • Not only the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, Jesus also intercedes for us (v34)
    • Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God (V31 – V39)
      • Notice 5 questions: (v31,v32,v33,v34,v35)
      • The answer is NO. Because we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ who loves us (v37)
  • Romans 8 – Flesh vs. Spirit

    Romans 8 – Flesh vs. Spirit

    Key Verses from Chapter 1 to Chapter 6:

    1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

    1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written. “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

    1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness

    1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

    2:16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

    3:10 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one;”

    3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

    3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

    4:3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

    5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

    5:19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous

    6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

    6:5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection

    6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

    6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Review of Chapter 7 – Will vs. Law

    • Paul has the will to do good but he could not
    • The reason was because the law of sin has him under bondage
    • Will is the determination/desire (inner power) of man, law is a natural power
    • Law is always on, will of man is only on sometimes, eventually man get tire
    • sin is not just matter of conduct, sin is a law. When we realize this, victory is not far away
    • Eventually law overcomes will, will of man could never overcome law of sin
    • “I” is mentioned 31 times

    Chapter 8 (v1 – v17) – flesh vs. Holy Spirit

    • A higher law can overcome a lower law
    • The law of Spirit of live in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death (v2)
    • Chapter 5:12 – 6:23: In Adam vs. in Christ (objective, position)
    • Chapter 7:1 – 8:39: In the flesh vs. in the Spirit (subjective, practical experience)
    • Verse 3 – 4
      • Jesus has done for us (v3) – Jesus died for us, and our old self died with Him, thus we no longer live by our flesh
      • the Holy Spirit will do for us (v4) – walk according to the Holy Spirit
        • works of flesh vs. fruit of Spirit (Gal 5:19,22)

     

    In flesh In Spirit
    • those who are according to the flesh set their mind on the things of the flesh (v5)
    • death (v6)
    • hostile toward God (v7)
    • cannot please God (v8)
    • must die (v13)
    • requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us(v4)
    • those who are according to the Spirit set their mind on the things of the Spirit (v5)
    • life and peace (v6)
    • will live (v13)
    • sons of God (v14)
    • heirs with Christ (v17)
    • glorified with Christ (v17)