Having Therefore These Promises Dearly Beloved ... Let's Move On To Perfecting Holiness In The Fear Of God - Part 2041

"... which was made of the Seed of David according to the flesh, and declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations; for His Name; among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-5)

Many times we read a scripture that can take us off in varying directions. For me, the scriptural passage above is a perfect example. Within each point, there are a number of verses that can offer additional clarity. As we know, God is not the Author of confusion. Just as the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost were in one accord, we also have the means to achieve the same understanding. Of course, this requires those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith to study their Bibles to show themselves approved unto God, so that we are not ashamed, and similarly, that these can rightly divide the Word of God. (II Timothy 2:15) But I digress.

On the Seed of David:

"Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the Lord." (I Kings 2:33)

"Hath not the scripture said, "That Christ cometh of the Seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" (John 7:42)

"Remember that Jesus Christ of the Seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel ..." (II Timothy 2:8)

On the Spirit of holiness:

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (II Corinthians 7:1)

On the resurrection from the dead:

" ...but they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage." (Luke 20:35)

" ...being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (Acts 4:2)

"Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?" (I Corinthians 15:12)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (I Peter 1:3)

On apostleship:

" ... that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." (Acts 1:25)

"... by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His Name!" (Romans 1:5)

"If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." (I Corinthians 9:2)

"(For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)" (Galatians 2:8)

On obedience to the faith:

"... 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:" (Romans 16:26)

" ... among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ!" (Romans 1:6)

Meditate upon these things for Paul would not have us ignorant . Nor would he want us to be ashamed for the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. He is our Lord God and Saviour and He has given us His purpose for life while we were still in our mother's womb.

Stand in the offering plate.