Book Of Romans

“ Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? “

 

Let’s continue.

 

This statement Paul makes is the point in all this.

 

“ Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? “

 

While Paul was leading up to this, listing all their claims to be experts in spiritual instruction, he now turns it back on them, pointing out their hypocrisy.

The main reason Paul points out their hypocrisy is because of the fact that like Peter, Barnabas, the church in Galatia, and other followers of Jesus who went back to living under the Law living in hypocrisy, so did these Roman followers of Jesus.

In making this statement Paul was not criticizing them or anyone else who teaches against sin. Many evangelical church leaders today who condone sin, even using God’s grace as a copout excuse for living in sin, the myth that “God controls everything” also used as a copout excuse for living in sin and refusing to take responsibility for one’s own actions.

 

Just a reminder to those of you who have been reading me since 2005, as I said then I still say today, what I say to you I say to myself as well.

The things I say is from firsthand experience in knowing people, working side by side with people and talking to them on a one on one basis.

 

Paul gets down to brass tacks when he plainly says;

“ thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? “

Interestingly, Paul had to say to the born again christians at the church at Ephesus;

“  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. “   Ephesians 4:28

While stealing is quite obvious a sin, it is the next 2 sins that I want to discuss.

 

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? “

 

This is an interesting sin;

“ adultery ”

It comes in 5 categories and all are for sure sin…according to the Holy Bible.

1.) Adultery is sex outside of marriage.

Ezekiel said;

“ But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband! “   Ezekiel 16:32

2.) Adultery is the result for a spouse who is divorced for any reason except for fornication.

Jesus said;

“ But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:…“   Matthew 5:32

 

3.) Adultery is the result of anyone marrying a divorced person.

Jesus said;

“ …and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. “  Matthew 5:32

 

4.) Adultery is when a spouse divorces the other and marries another person.

Jesus said;

“ Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. “  Mark 10:11-12

 

Now here is the big one that most evangelicals choose to ignore.

 

5.) Adultery is lusting after someone.

Jesus said;

“ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. “   Matthew 5:27:28

 

So my friend, just as Paul pointed out the hypocrisy in these Roman followers of Jesus in teaching from the Law against sin but yet they themselves committing the same sin, don’t be condemning divorced people, excommunicating them from fellowship, looking down your nose at them as if a divorced person committed the unpardonable sin which it is not the unpardonable sin ( only blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the unpardonable sin according to Jesus ), when you lust after women upon looking at a woman, which is as much the sin of adultery as is divorce and remarriage.

God will judge His people and knows our heart.

“ For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. “  Hebrews 10:30-31

 

 

 

“ thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? “

 

The Greek word “ hierosuleis “ translated “ sacrilege “ means to rob temples.

It can also mean to commit sacrilege. Technically, robbing temples is obviously showing disrespect to what is sacred to God.

Webster defines the word “ sacrilege “ as - “ Violating something sacred to God or religion.”

It is interesting that even though Jesus is Himself the New Covenant, the New Testament and even though the temple was built under the time of the Law, He was still quite upset at the way people were disrespectfully treating the house of God.

“ And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. “   Mark 11:15-17

Notice Jesus would not allow anyone to bring any vessel into the temple.

“And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. “

Yes my friend, Mark did say;

“And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. “

My Dad was far from being a “ legalist “ but when I was a child, if he ever saw me showing disrespect in church he would let me know how he felt about it!   LOL

In today’s modern evangelical society, while I’m in church I see church goers bringing cell phones and even leaving them on, water bottles, coffee, energy drinks, standing out in the foyer talking to friends even after the service starts and entering the service whenever they feel like it, bookstores to sell products and make money, etc…

Now, to not do these things is not “ legalism “ as the church leaders would accuse those of being who believe these things are disrespectful in the house of God.

To do or not do these things I see in church nowadays, is not a matter of being legalistic.

It is a matter of what kind of relationship we have with the Lord.

Are we sacrilegious like these Romans Paul addressed this issue to or are we respectful to the Lord who saved us?

I know the age old excuse that the building is not the church!   LOL

I know it is those who belong to Jesus.

However, contrary to today’s modern evangelical philosophy about church, Jesus thought the temple was to be respected even in His day!

It is a matter of where our heart is.

 

I will continue with verse 23 in the next study.

 

Wayne Brown

“ And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. “

 

Let’s continue.

 

Just like with the Galatians, Paul was addressing hypocrisy among these Roman christians in verses 17-20.

While they were proud of certain characteristics about themselves, Paul was using these characteristics they bragged about to show them their hypocrisy.

 

“ And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, “

 

Paul might have been saying this in a humorous sort of way to make a point.

He knew they were believers in Jesus Christ, followers of Jesus Christ and saved by their faith in Jesus but while claiming to be instructors in showing others the way to live they themselves weren’t living up to their standards of teaching.

 

Jesus clearly said this about the Pharisees;

“ Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. “   Matthew 15:12-14

It is interesting to me that Jesus taught His disciples not to even attempt to show certain people the error of their ways.

Jesus just said;

“ Let them alone: “

My friend, Jesus never taught those who follow Him to beg anyone to believe in Him.

Never beg anyone to come to Jesus or repeatedly attempt to convince them they need Jesus.

Jesus Himself never begged anyone to follow Him!

Jesus clearly said to do this if anyone rejects your witness;

“ And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. “   Mark 6:11

 

“ a light of them which are in darkness, “

These Roman christians knew Jesus’ declaration about those who follow Him as being the light of the world.

Jesus said;

“ Ye are the light of the world… “            Matthew 5:14

 

“ An instructor of the foolish, “

Paul said this about the Galatian christians;

“ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? “    Galatians 3:1-3

A fool is a person void of common sense, judgment…a silly person.

A fool is not necessarily an uneducated person.

There is such a thing as an educated fool.

Festus, who knew Paul was one of society’s most highly educated people said this about Paul when Paul was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ;

“ And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. “    Acts 26:24-25

Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ know Paul was obviously not a fool as Festus said Paul was.

Paul was not in danger of going to hell because he called the Galatians foolish or in what he said in the verse of our study;

“ An instructor of the foolish, “

or when Paul said;

“ Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: “ 1 Corinthians 15:36

even though Jesus said;

“ …but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. “    Matthew 5:22

To be honest with you, I do not know what Jesus meant here nor do I know to what extent He meant this because He did start out by declaring;

“ But I say unto you,... “  Matthew 5:22

If this is a concern to you and feels the same as cussing and cursing to you, which is something hopefully as a born again christian you would not do, then do not call anyone a fool.

If this or anything else bothers your conscience at all, do not do it.

Do not ever go against your conscience, especially if your conscience is toward God.

 

Fortunately, a fool is not without hope.

James said;

“  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. “   James 1:5-7

Always keep this in mind…a “ smart mouth ’ is not a wise person. That is all he or she is…a “ smart mouth.”

A “ smart mouth “ is a fool.

 

 

“ a teacher of babes, “

Paul called the Corinthian christians babes;

“  And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. “        1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Peter said;

“ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. “   1 Peter 2:1-3

 

 

“ which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. “

The Greek word “ morphosin “ translated “ form “ means appearance, formation, form.

It seems that Paul compares their instruction and spiritual leadership to that of a facade, since he adds;

“ in the law. “

Paul warned Timothy about people;

“ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. “   2 Timothy 3:5

Paul was obviously not promoting the Law as having the truth and something to live by.

Paul told the Galatians;

“ Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. “  Galatians 3:24-25

 

The point in all this that Paul is making is that teaching and living by the Law while claiming to believe in Jesus Christ does not mix.

If we teach both the Law and Jesus then our instruction is a façade, having only a form of truth and godliness with no power.

My friend, we are not under the Law.

 

I will continue with verse 21 in the next study.

 

Wayne Brown

“ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

 

And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; “

 

For those of you who are new to my Bible study, I welcome you to read my series on Bible prophecy.

So far, I have completed seventeen parts.

The texts are entitled Revelation - Part One and so forth, through Revelation - Part Seventeen.

Enjoy!

 

Let’s continue.

 

“ Behold, thou art called a Jew, “

 

Paul wrote to these born again followers of Jesus Christ in the city of Rome.

Whoever led them to salvation in Jesus Christ was for sure a believer in Jesus Christ. Many of these Romans, like those in Galatia were once of the Judaistic faith and someone led them to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul got wind of them and wrote this letter that we are studying.

Obviously according to Paul’s strategy in discussion in the many verses to come, he is aware that even though these Romans converted in their heart to Jesus Christ, much like those in Galatia, Peter, Barnabas and others, many were returning to the Law of Moses for assurance of salvation in getting to Heaven.

Thankfully, since I got saved when I was about 8 years old, I had nothing in my prior life to return to that I fantasized would give me the assurance that would get me to Heaven when I died physically.

All I have ever known in my heart is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Therefore, doubting in my heart that Jesus is enough alone in Himself to get me to Heaven when I die was, is and never will be an issue.

Even though I have never met Jesus in person, He is just as real to me as my little wife is to me.

While I am careful not to trust everyone who publicly verbally proudly claims something like what is usually said to manipulate and impress an audience of listeners such as the most commonly said phrase - “ God told me this “, or “ God showed me this “, etc…, I did have an interesting moment one night.

Sometimes during the night when I wake up, I will reach over and lay my hand on my Bible that I always keep next to the bed on a table and tell the Lord that I love Him.

One night, someone set down on the bed beside me and laid his hand on my shoulder. I could not raise up to see who it was as it seemed I was not allowed to see who it was.

I felt safe as I pondered who this was and what was going on.

I realized quickly that whoever it was, was doing the same with me as I do when I lay my hand on my Bible and tell the Lord that I love Him.

I would not be surprised if the person who did that was the Lord Jesus Himself.

The face was not clearly visible but it seemed obvious to me it was the Lord.

 

For me, Jesus is enough to get me to Heaven.

I do not need Jesus plus anyone or anything else.

According to Jesus’ own words, if I do not believe in Him alone as sufficient for my salvation in getting me to Heaven, I will go to eternal hell when I draw that last breath in this life.

My Dad believed this about Jesus and when he died he died peacefully.

I’m so proud of my Dad. I watched him draw his last breath and he had peace and contentment in his face.

My Dad was not afraid to die.

I wish I knew others who are not afraid to die.

His faith was strong in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his soul.

When I was a child my Dad told me - “ Memorize the words printed in red.”

By this he meant to believe what Jesus said.

While my Dad was not a perfect human…neither am I. Anyone who knows me will vouch for this fact.  LOL!

As a matter of fact, as many people as I know, I know no one who is perfect.

I personally know many who are like the hypocrite Jesus decribed;

“ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. “    Luke 18:9-14

 

Like my Dad did, I have to rely on the righteousness of Jesus Christ to get me to Heaven.

I do not have enough good works to get me there.

I personally know born again christians who believe in their heart that just because they have not sinned like other people have or as bad in their eyes as others have done, this fact is what will get them to Heaven.

Therefore, Jesus is null and void in their faith. Jesus is not necessary.

They believe it is their own self- righteous life of not being divorced, never drank wine or any alcoholic beverage, never smoked, never went to a bar, though they might admit they lusted and got turned on by women outside their marriage but never actually went to bed with any of them behind their spouse’s back and so on, this abstinence from these sins is what will get them into Heaven.

They claim to be saved but in truth it is their own self-righteousness that they trust will get them to Heaven…not Jesus.

This was the problem with many of the Romans as was with the Galatians, Peter, Barnabas and others.

The major problem was that of circumcision. Those who were once of the Judaistic faith, even though coming to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, came to a point in their faith in which they decided Jesus alone is not enough for their salvation.

They believed they had to be circumcised in order to make it to Heaven.

Paul discussed the problem with returning to the Law in that if they believed circumcision alone was enough for salvation, then according to the very Law they trusted to get them to Heaven they would have to obey everything else within the Law…which was spiritually and physically impossible.

Paul tried to point out that even if the Law could save us, circumcision alone was not enough.

The Law had much more to fulfill and obey…not just circumcision.

 

Paul said;

“ Behold, thou art called a Jew, “

Paul said this about himself;

“ I am verily a man which am a Jew,“  Acts 22:3

But Paul never went back to Judaism like many of the Romans and Galatians did.

In a sense these Romans were trying to live both in the faith of Jesus Christ and the Law.

Even though Paul said they rested their faith in the Law;

“ and restest in the law, “ 

Paul did acknowledge that they also believed in the gospel;

“And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, “

This phrase Paul said;

“ the things that are more excellent, “

is the same as the writer of Hebrews described Jesus;

“ Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. “   Hebrews 1:4

and also referring to Christ;

“ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. “  Hebrews 8:6

and also when Peter said;

“ For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.“   2 Peter 1:17-18

 

The more excellent things these Romans knew and believed even though they were taught in the Law.

“ being instructed out of the law; “

 

Paul is trying to rattle their cage.

He is pointing out the hypocrisy of claiming to believe in the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ and claiming to be a spirtitual leader of other people while still clinging to the letter of the Law.

To get the whole picture of what Paul is saying we must continue with the following verses.

 

I will continue with verse 19 in the next study.

 

Wayne Brown

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; “

I want to welcome those of you who are new to my Bible study.
You will find that I mostly use the KJV - King James Version.
I do use other versions as well and have no problem with it.
I would encourage you to read my text on - “Which Bible Should We Read?”

Let’s continue.

It is believed Paul probably wrote this letter around 58-60A.D.
Paul was on his third missionary journey.
He was in the house of Gaius.
He wrote this while in Corinth and probably sent this letter to Rome by a born again christian woman known as Phebe.
Paul wrote;
” I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: “ Romans 16:1
Phebe was a servant in the church of Cenchrea to the women of the church.
Cenchrea was located on the sea coast near Corinth.
Imagine this woman, this sister in the Lord Jesus Christ carrying the letter Paul wrote to the Romans that would become so widely read and discussed, criticized and challenged by both the religious and the secular world for centuries to come.

 

Obviously, the Catholic church claims that Peter started this church in Rome.
The Bible does not indicate that Peter even made it to Rome. If he had, surely the Bible would have said so.
Paul just said about whoever started this church;
” Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: “ Romans 15:20
I cannot with valid basis argue whether Peter started this church or not.
Scripture does not even reveal to us whether the one who started the church at Rome was an “apostle".
Obviously it was someone who believed in Jesus since Paul said to them;
” Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. “ Romans 1:6-8
Paul already had friends in Rome that he acknowledges in Romans chapter 16.

 

The book of Romans has had great influence on people.
1.) Romans influenced Augustine in his conversion to Jesus in 386A.D.
2.) For Martin Luther, Romans was a “gateway to Heaven.”
3.) John Wesley was converted to Jesus while listening to Martin Luther’s preface to Romans.

 

The church at Rome comprised both Jews who were converted to Jesus and Gentiles who were converted to Jesus.

 

Paul for sure identifies himself as the author of this book.
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,”

 

Paul was once known as Saul.
Jesus called him Saul;
“ …Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?“ Acts 9:4

 

Paul was a Benjamite, born in Tarsus… in Asia Minor.
Paul was also a Pharisee educated in Jerusalem.
He was also a Roman citizen.
Paul was once a persecutor of born again Christians, those who followed Jesus.
Paul became a born again christian.
Luke wrote about Paul quoting Paul saying;
“Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. “ Acts 22:1-5

 

Paul became a preacher and writer of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
” And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. “Acts 9:20

 

As far as canonization of the Scriptures, the letter to the Romans was placed at the beginning of Paul’s letters.
Probably because of the doctrinal content within.
The book of Romans does the following;
1.) Romans teaches of God’s wrath against sin
2.) Romans declares the world to be guilty of sin
3.) Romans teaches that the world needs to be forgiven of sin and needs salvation through Jesus Christ.
4.) Romans teaches how God deals with Jews and gentiles.
5.) Romans teaches even though no human being is good there is a way to be righteous and that is through faith in Jesus Christ.

 

In studying Romans we will learn about the Biblical doctrines of election, being chosen, predestination and eternal security. Let’s not forget the Biblical truth that Israel is “God’s chosen” and most of them still ended up in hell and will. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples was also “chosen” and still ended up in hell.
In studying Romans we will learn that salvation and continued salvation hinges on faith and continuance in the faith.
In studying Romans we will learn that the Law does not save a soul but faith in Jesus does.

 

Paul said he was;
” called to be an apostle,”
The Greek word “apostolos” translated ” apostle” means an ambassador of the gospel, a commissioner of Christ, a delegate, one who is sent.
If there are any “apostles” today, they would clearly be recognized in their proclamations and witnessed and confirmed by God‘s Holy Spirit in us.
A true “apostle” would not be embarrassed or ashamed to preach that Jesus is the only way to Heaven since obviously he or she would be sent of God to proclaim this truth about Jesus.
Since the gospel of Jesus Christ includes everything listed here;
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. “ 1 Corinthians 12:27-28
then obviously a church leader who would deny or reject anything in this list would be a fraud.
I will continue with this soon.

 

Wayne Brown

  

“ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. “

 

 

 

Let’s continue.

 

“ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. “

 

Paul said a lot in this statement.

 

The Greek word “ krupta “ translated “ secrets “ means private, concealed, hidden, secret.

 

Solomon said this long before Paul did.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  “   Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Notice even back then, Solomon said;

“ whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  “

Paul said the same thing in the New Testament.

“ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. “    2 Corinthians 5:10

Like Solomon, Paul also said;

“ whether it be good or bad. “

While Solomon directed his statemen to human beings in general, Paul directed his statement primarily to those of us who follow Jesus Christ, those of us who are born again.

As I have said before, people who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who could have received God’s forgiveness of sin and could have escaped eternal damnation in hell because of what Jesus did on the cross, will be judged for all their sins…sins they could have been forgiven for had they believed in Jesus Christ.

Whatever good they did in life will lessen their torment in hell, even though they will still be there forever with no chance of escape.

This is why both Solomon and Paul made it clear that both kinds of works will be judged;

“ whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  “

“ whether it be good or bad. “

Interesting enough, according to Jesus, there will be people who will suffer worse in hell than other people will.

Likewise, there will be followers of Jesus who will be rewarded more than others in Heaven.

 

My Dad said about himself, “ I will be in Heaven but I will probably only be a hair on Jesus’ rear end.”

My Dad knew that it was his faith in Jesus and that alone that would get him into Heaven, but as far as status and rewards in Heaven, he did not think he earned much.

According to the Holy Bible, salvation and entrance into Heaven is not earned.

According to the Holy Bible, rewards in Heaven are earned.

Again, this is why Solomon and Paul made it clear about both kinds of works;

“ whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  “

“ whether it be good or bad. “

 

In the verse of our study, Paul clearly said;

“ God shall judge the secrets of men “

 

In accordance with Paul’s statement, I want to say a few things so I will not be guilty of the common evangelical “ pick and choose “ method of interpretation in establishing church doctrine or guilty of preaching only certain Bible verses that fit to my theology while rejecting other Bible verses that do not go along with my theological and/or philosophical views…as is commonly done.

 

While Jesus commended the christians at Ephesus for testing and examining church leaders who claimed to be called of God and placed in their position by God, who were found to be liars;

“ I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: “   Revelation 2:2

there are church leaders who actually are called of God and truly placed in their position by God.

Those who actually are called of God and appointed to their position are to be respected, obeyed and prayed for.

“ Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. “  Hebrews 13:7

 

“ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. “   Hebrews 13:17

 

“ Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. “   Hebrews 13:17

Yes, the Lord will judge frauds and liars in church leadership but He will also judge those who are not in places of church leadership who do not obey, respect and pray for those who are truly called of God and placed in church leadership by God.

Always remember what Paul said;

“ God shall judge the secrets of men “

This applies to everyone, even those of us who follow Jesus Christ.

While Paul did say about born again christians;

“ And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. “  1 Corinthians 6:11

Paul also said about born again christians;

“ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. “   Colossians 3:25

 

Again, remember what Paul said;

“ God shall judge the secrets of men “

 

While Jesus promised forgiveness for our sins just by believing in Him;

“ But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,…“         Matthew 9:6

Jesus also said;

“  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. “   Matthew 12:36

 

And if we think we can gossip about someone behind their back and it will never be known…?

Jesus said;

“ For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.  “   Luke 12:2-3

 

Always remember what Paul said;

“ God shall judge the secrets of men “

 

Instead of being critical of government leaders, especially hating a President just because he is black, Paul said;

“  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. “    1 Timothy 2:1-2

 

“ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. “   Romans 13:1-2

 

Peter said;

“ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.  “   2 Peter 2:10-11

 

 

Always remember what Paul said;

“ God shall judge the secrets of men “

 

Check out this part of the verse of our study;

“ by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. “

 

Paul could make this claim about himself in saying.

“ my gospel. “

but he did include Jesus in his statement;

“ by Jesus Christ “

 

Paul warned about “ other gospels “ being preached;

“ But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. “       2 Corinthians 11:3-4

 

“ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: “   Galatians 1:6

Unfortunately within evangelicalism today, there are multiple gospels.

 

Always remember what Paul said;

“ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. “

 

If we are arrogant enough to go through our life as a born again christian thinking we have never done anything wrong, or fat chance perhaps one or 2 things we think we might have done wrong, thinking that it was always someone else who did us wrong but we never did them wrong, or even know we have done wrong and secretly kept it hidden from other people, or if we have done good works and kept our good works secret as the Lord taught us to do, Paul said;

“ Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. “      1 Timothy 5:24-25

 

 

Always remember what Paul said;

“ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. “

 

 

I have to say, even if I fail the test of fire when my own works are judged when I stand before Jesus Christ;

“ Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. “   1 Corinthians 3:13-15

 

it will just be nice to be in Heaven where I will not have to anymore endure being the target of someone’s jealousy, hatred, envy, backbiting, to be lied about and lied to, criticized, gossiped about behind my back, unfairly evaluated and falsely accused.

Heaven will be a far nicer place to live than this earthly life has been!

Why would we cling to this life in an attempt to live here forever, rather than go to live with Jesus in Heaven?

And as far as what living in Heaven is all about…it is about being with Jesus!

Jesus said to those who love Him;

“ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. “    John 14:3

 

That my friend, is what Heaven is all about!

“ that where I am, there ye may be also. “ 

 

I will continue with verse 17 in the next study.

 

Wayne Brown