Bible Devotion

Day 1

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 14:13–23

1. This section begins with the word “therefore”.  What is Paul referring to, in telling us not to judge one another in Christ?

2. Instead of using our mind to judge others, what does Paul now ask us to resolve not to do with our mind?

3. Paul does agree that no food is unclean in itself. Why then should I be bound by someone’s incorrect opinion?  How would someone who is weak in faith in this respect be destroyed by my insistence in eating foods of all kinds?

4. Mull over v. 17 carefully:
a. Why is the Kingdom of God not a matter of eating and drinking?

b. However, in what way(s) might they become (or turn into) a matter of the Kingdom of God? (i.e. one of righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit)
5. In our case today, the eating of things once offered to idols may not be an issue. Can you think of similar (non-Kingdom) issues that may lead to the destruction of the faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ?

6. Try to sum up the exhortations in vv. 13-17 and see how we should serve (in the church) so that it will be pleasing to God. (Rom. 12:2)

7. Compare your answer above to vv. 19-21.  How does Paul’s conclusion in vv. 19-21 add to your answer above?

8. Are you the kind of Christian who cannot hold your peace, but seek to instantly correct (what you perceive as) erroneous views of others concerning the Bible (whether in a Sunday school class or a Bible study group)?  How might v. 22 speak to such an attitude?

9. However, Paul does not only exhort the “strong” believers, but the “weak” ones too in v. 23.  What is his exhortation to the weak? How may you apply it to your life?

10. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?


Meditative Reflection
Exercising Faith in Love

Paul certainly believes that “no food is unclean in itself” (Rom. 14:14), and he considers those who believe in the eating of food sacrificed to idols and the drinking of wine as strong believers, but repeatedly he urges them not to destroy those with weaker faith who believe otherwise.

It reminds me of what I heard years ago about the confession of a pastor.  He was invited to a dinner celebrating the baptism of a couple of new believers.  At the dinner, the pastor ordered a glass of wine, as was his usual habit.  The couple was very puzzled, in fact alarmed, and asked the pastor “Is it alright for Christians to drink?”  The seasoned pastor then gave his usual and convincing proofs from scripture that it is more than alright to drink in moderation; even Paul advised Timothy to take a little wine too to improve his health.  The couple was so glad to know that it was okay for Christians to drink, because both were former alcoholics.

But because they resumed drinking, they not only ended up in divorce, but one of them ended up in the psychiatric ward.  I am glad that the pastor was willing to share this testimony in public.  It has not only enabled me to understand Paul’s admonition, it has, I believed, prevented me from making the same mistake, that he made, in my own ministry.


Day 2

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 15:1–13

As Paul makes one final effort to exhort us to bear with the weaker ones in faith, he appeals to the example of Christ.

1. Psalm 69:9 is the prophetic word concerning Christ, the Messiah, in that He has received insults on God’s behalf for the sake of His Zeal for God’s house.   How does He then demonstrate that He does not seek to please Himself?

2. How may we emulate Christ then, according to 15:1-2?

3. How does Christ’s example teach us endurance?

4. How does Christ’s example provide us with encouragement?

5. According to v. 7, Christ has also demonstrated another example that we need to emulate.  What is it?

6. How does our unity (in one mind and one voice) bring glory and praise to God?

7. What then will a church divided and in conflict bring to the name of God?

8. According to the original wording of vv. 8-9, “on behalf of God’s truth” appears as parallel to “on behalf of mercy”.  Why does Paul refer to “God’s truth” concerning the circumcised (i.e. the Jews), but “God’s mercy” concerning the Gentiles?

9. In support of his teaching, Paul quotes from Psalm 18:49, Deut. 32:43, Psalm 117:1, and Isaiah 11:10.  With such clear prophetic words, why would the Jews discriminate against the Gentiles spiritually and how could the early Jewish Christians still look at the gospel as essentially a Jewish gospel?

10. How do Paul’s words of benedictions echo what the Kingdom of God is about in 14:17?

11. Of joy, peace and hope, which one means the most to you?  Why?

12. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Meditative Reflection
We were Weak Once

Over the years, I have had the privilege to lead Christian men and women to learn to pray through spending 24 hours to three days in a retreat center. We learned to pray the biblical way, spending time in reflection based on Scriptures and Scripture-based devotional materials.  I am grateful to see many of them being ushered to pursue greater intimacy with the Lord through learning to set aside time, away from the distractions of their usual environment, and free from the pressure of time and the tyranny of the next things.  However, invariably, those who come for retreat for the first time have a tough time really being still.  For those who realize that their prayer life needs to be drastically transformed, they would follow the materials, and make an effort to learn to read slowly, repeatedly and reflectively.  Given time, they are able to focus and concentrate, and be still.

However, I am very anxious about those who think that their prayer life is good, and yet it is obvious to me that they do not have the ability to be still and be alone with God for an extended period of time.  They would scan through the materials as if they are reading the fine prints of an insurance policy.  As a result, while others are able to learn and benefit greatly with their time of solitude with God, they remain fixed in their way of approaching God more with their mind and less with their spirit.

However, my anxiety reflects my impatience with them, forgetting that it has taken years, or rather decades, for me to learn to be still, to learn that “being” is far more important than “doing”, to learn to read slowly, repeatedly and reflectively, and to learn not only to pray, but also to listen.  And yet, what took years for me to learn, I expect others to learn overnight.  Somebody puts it well — I am like a former drug addict who has taken years to rehabilitate, and yet expect other addicts to recover instantly.

Day 3

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 15:14–21

1. Do you detect a change of tone in this passage?  What do you think is the reason?

2. Since Paul is a minister of the gospel, why does he feel the need to almost apologize for the boldness of using rather harsh words of admonition in the previous chapters?  What does it say about Paul?

3. How can we learn from him as we minister to our brothers and sisters with boldness?

4. Paul uses the language of a priest (v.16), presenting a sacrifice to describe his ministry to the Gentiles. With these, he echoes the language used in Romans 12:1-2.
a. Have you ever thought of your ministry as being the offer of a sacrifice to God?

b. If you are a Sunday School teacher or someone with whom God has entrusted His people, how does this priestly language remind you in terms of the sacredness and importance of your ministry?
5. vv. 18-19 is a “clumsy sentence”, but Paul has not been speaking “anything other than what Christ has wrought through him by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit, to bring about obedience of the Gentiles” and this “seems to be the simplest and most natural way to understand it” (Cranfield, 738).  As much as it affirms the authority of Paul’s previous admonitions, how does it also reveal the integrity of Paul’s ministry?

6. Paul now gives us some insight into a priority of his ministry:  He strives to go where Christ has yet been known.
a. Is it right for Paul to set his priority this way?

b. Is it prideful of him to not wish to build on someone else’s foundation?  Why or why not?

c. Do you think Paul should stick to (remain in) one location instead of being an itinerant apostle?  Why?
7. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Meditative Reflection
All on the Altar

Romans 12:1-2 are perhaps two of the most quoted verses in the Book of Romans, and a powerful exhortation for us to give all of ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord.  But Paul’s use of a priestly duty to sacrifice continues in Romans 15:16 as he applies his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles as part of his duty at the altar.  I invite you to reflect on the lyrics of the following hymn and ask yourself this question — “Is my all on the altar of sacrifice laid?”

ALL ON THE ALTAR
Refrain
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

1
You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

2
Would you walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will,
To be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.

3
O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

4
Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.
Elisha Hoffman, 1839-1929

Day 4

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 15:22–33

1. Why does Paul say that “there is no place for me to work in these regions”?  What “work” is he referring to? (15:23)

2. Why does he want to go to Spain?

3. What does he desire to achieve by stopping over in Rome?

4. However, he has decided to go to Jerusalem first.  What are the purposes for his Jerusalem journey?

5. We understand that numerous warnings have been given to Paul concerning his journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4, 11). Why then would he insist on going?

6. Sensing the danger ahead, Paul appeals for help from the Roman Christians:
a. What is his appeal?

b. Why does he say that his appeal is by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit?

c. What is meant by joining him in his “struggle” in prayer? (Gen. 32:22-32)

d. Asking to be rescued from the unbelievers is understandable. But, why does he also ask that his service be “acceptable to the saints” there (v.31)?  What does it say about his relationship with the disciples of Jerusalem? (Refer to Acts 21:20-22.)
7. Reflect on the donations by the church in Macedonia and Achaia:
a. Why do they feel the urge to send money to the saints in Jerusalem?

b. Why is it only for the poor among them?

c. Do you agree with Paul’s reasoning in v. 27?  Why or why not?

d. What can you learn from the above?
8. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Meditative Reflection
Mutual Intercession

It is interesting to read of Paul’s own travel plans and desires. In going to go Spain, his reason is probably because it is a mission front and has yet to be reached by the gospel of Christ.  As to Rome, which already had a well-established church, Paul’s desire to visit there is made obvious by the long list of “beloved” greetings of people whom he definitely wishes to see again, not the least would be Priscilla and Aquila, his long-time co-laborers in Christ.  But now, he goes to Jerusalem and through the many warnings by the Spirit, he knows that he will face quite severe persecution there. As much as he longs to share in the suffering of Christ (Phil. 3:10), he also knows that he himself cannot bear it alone, so he asks the church in Rome to join him in his “struggle by praying to God” for him (Rom. 15:30).

As it turns out, he was severely beaten and was almost killed by the Jews in Jerusalem. It is by the grace of the Lord that he was spared, and I believe that it was also a result of the intercession of the saints, including the Roman believers.

Paul was beaten by the Jews only to be rescued at the last minute by the commander of the Roman army. Then he faced the assassination plot by some 40 Jews and was escorted to face trial after trial, ending with the journey to Rome as a prisoner.  Yes, it is not the way he had planned or hoped for, but nonetheless, God granted him the desire to go to Rome at last.  His prayer ha was answered, and he would be seeing all these beloved co-laborers of his.  Paul knew that the church in Rome indeed prayed for him and their wish was also granted.

It is indeed a great privilege to know that you are loved by your brothers and sisters and that they are willing to participate in your struggle in prayers.  

Over the years, I have promised sincerely to pray for others who obviously were counting on my faithful intercession.  At times, I have failed to remember them, especially when the list of people who needed my prayers has grown.  Knowing both the importance of faithful intercession and my own forgetfulness, I have designed a weekly chart for intercession (see the last page of this weekly devotion). By scheduling people and ministries into my daily intercession time slots, I have been able to be more faithful in my promise to pray, but more importantly, I have been able to have the privilege of participating in the struggle of the people whom I love through prayer.


Day 5

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 16:1–16(I)

Paul sends a list of greetings to the brothers and sister in Rome.  It shows that many who left by the Emperor’s decree have returned to Rome.  But his personal greetings also give us a glimpse into the life of the early church.  We shall be reflecting on this passage today and tomorrow:

1. Can you list the greetings to the house churches within the church in Rome?

2. Can you count how many individual names and names of family are within this list of greetings?

3. How does the fact that Paul chooses to greet so many of them personally speak to you?

4. Do you know how many of these being greeted are women?* What does this tell you about the ministry and status of sisters within the early church?

5. Who are those commended by Paul for being hard working?  Is there anyone in your church that you can commend for their hard work?

6. Who are those whom Paul call beloved or dear?  Why does Paul call them beloved instead of commending them for other virtues?

7. Two names stand out as famous households:  Aristobulus and Narcissus.  The former is believed to be the brother of King Herod Agrippa I and he died in ad 48 or 49, and the latter is believed to have served the Emperor Claudius but committed suicide just before Paul wrote the letter to the Roman Church.  They were probably non-believers and their families had come to Christ. Why would Paul greet these households?

8. It is worth noting that many noted scholars believe that Rufus is the son of Simon of Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus (Mk. 15:21).  For Mark to have made mention of Rufus  indicates that he was known in the early church community.  What then can you make of Paul’s special greeting in v. 13?

9. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

*Note:
While some of names could not really be identified historically, these are presumably names of women: Priscilla, Junia, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis (and of course, Mary).

Meditative Reflection
Paul - A Model Minister of the Gospel

Normally we would frown as we come across a passage in the Bible that is full of names, but the list of names written at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is  very interesting and informative.  While it is not helpful to speculate on some of the names, like Mary (Rom. 16:6), the listing of 26 individuals, two “families” and several “house churches” has provided invaluable insight for us into the life of the early church.  But, it is equally telling about what kind of minister of the gospel Paul is.

Paul has so many co-workers that he could call dear friends, beloved, fellow-prisoners, and many of  them are women.  It proves that Paul is far from being a chauvinist.  Indeed, he is such a people person that he is loved by many, like the elders of Ephesus who wept as they bid Paul farewell. (Acts 20:37)

Indeed, too, Paul is not just a preacher of words, but a doer of what he preaches.  His life is an open book for all to see (Acts 20:18), and he is not just sharing words, but his life also with all the believers he ministers to. (1 Thess. 2:8).

And, as gifted as he is, he is no lone-ranger.  He demonstrates to us that no leader should act on his own, but should surround himself with close friends for support, encouragement and accountability.

Day 6

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 16:1–16(II)

Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila, Andronicus and Junias are mentioned by Paul in more detail (vv. 1-2; 3-5 and 7).  We shall be reflecting on them in greater details today:

1. Phoebe: She is the first deaconess mentioned by name in the church (Lenski), and her church in Cenchreae is about 8 miles from Corinth where Paul writes this letter. She is probably the bearer of this letter (on her business trip to Rome, it is believed):
a. How special is she as a believer?

b. How special is she to Paul?

c. What is her contribution to the early church?
2. Priscilla and Aquila: Read Acts 18 to reacquaint yourself with this missionary couple:
a. How special are they as believers?

b. How special are they to Paul and even to Apollo?

c. What is their contribution to the early church and the Great Commission as a lay-couple?

d. Why would Paul mention Priscilla before Aquila?

e. How should you emulate them?
3. Andronicus and Junia: As Paul’s relatives, they are Jewish with Greek and Latin names, respectively.  
a. How special are they as believers?

b. How special are they to Paul?

c. What is their contribution to the early church and the Great Commission?
Note:
We do not exactly know when and where they were in prison with Paul.  In this verse, Paul uses the term “apostles” in a more general sense.
4. What can you learn about the early church from this list of greetings, especially from these five individuals above?

5. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Meditative Reflection
The Church in Rome - A Model Church of the Gospel

Yesterday, I was sharing about how the long list of names of people greeted by Paul allows us to understand what kind of a minister Paul is, but the list also gives us insight into the life of the early church, especially the church in Rome:
a. A multi-ethnic church: The list of names includes Greek names, Latin names and Jewish names.  This gives us such a great picture of the reality of the gospel — a gospel for all peoples.  The church in Rome does not just preach a gospel of reconciliation; they practice it by breaking down cultural and ethnic barriers and become one in Christ.

b. A gender equal church:  Many people, Christians included, think that Paul is a chauvinist because of his stand on the covering of hair by women and other strong language he used to maintain order in the church.  The truth of the matter is that he treats men and women equally in Christ.  He even greets Priscilla before her husband Aquila.  He sends greetings to many women in Rome and commends them for their work in the Lord.  And Phoebe, in particular, is being addressed as a deaconess.  The early church, especially this church in Rome, is truly color-blind and gender-blind.  All are equal in Christ.

c. A lay-driven church:  It is obvious that most, if not all of these saints greeted by Paul, are lay-people, having their own professions and their own families.  But together, they form the key leadership group of the church, not necessarily with any official capacity.  Many even open their homes for gatherings.  Priscilla and Aquila are prime examples, as they themselves have their tent-making career.  But wherever they go, they carry the gospel with them, and they even disciple important figures like Apollo (Acts 18:26).  Now that Emperor Claudius’ decree to drive away the Jews has lapsed (because of his death in A.D. 54), they returned to Rome and opened their home as a house church.

Day 7

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 16:17–27

1. Now we come to the very end of this long letter:
a. Spend some time to reflect on the main issues addressed by Paul in this letter.

b. Can you tell why he has to write this letter?
2. Now, what kind of warning does he end with and why?

3. Judging from the main contents of this letter, who are these people he is warning against?
a. What effect do they have on the church of God?

b. Why are they apparently quite effective?

c. What is their motive according to Paul?

d. How should the believers treat them?  Why?

4. Paul has some choice words to admonish the believers in v. 19.  What do these phrases mean?
a. Wise about what is good

b. Innocent about what is evil
5. Do you find v. 20 odd?  Why or why not?
a. Whose feet is Paul referring to in v. 20?

b. Why does he refer to God as the God of peace in this context?
6. The final benediction is rather “loaded”:
a. To Whom does Paul give glory?

b. What is God able to do concerning the believers?

c. Why does Paul refer to Him as the only wise God?

d. According to you, how is God’s wisdom revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ?

7. Use this doxology to give praise to God as you come to the end of the study of this letter.

8. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Meditative Reflection
Inter-Faith Business

These days, in the name of tolerance, many Christian ministers or believers join in inter-faith services for what is often considered a good cause.  I have no doubt that God will not hear the prayers offered in the name of idols or false gods.  But when it comes to the prayers offered by Christian ministers in such a setting, would God hear, especially when His servants even shy away from invoking the name of Jesus in their prayers?

I was once leading a prayer in a Christian setting, attended by Christians of many different denominations, and I prayed very explicitly in the name of Jesus and I received less than enthusiastic “Amens”, as most other leaders prayed their “synagogue prayers” (meaning prayers that only addressed God without invoking the name of Christ).

I wonder how Paul would react in such settings!

As Paul draws his lengthy epistle to the Roman church to a close, having argued passionately for justification of faith and absolute equality before Christ of Jews and Gentiles, he concludes once more with strong words against the teachings that are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He admonishes the believers in Rome to watch out for people who preach such heresies and to “keep away from them” (Rom. 16:17).

I have no doubt that Paul would not condone such so-called inter-faith services, because as he puts it in 2 Corinthians 6:15, “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”

No, Paul is not advocating that we should not be associated with non-believers, or “we would have to leave the world” (1 Co. 5:10), but he is against condoning teachings and beliefs that are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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