still have the same tone as Romans 14, Paul told us to bear with the failing of the weaks (in faith) (1), we should instead please them but on the same time building them up (2).
'spirit of unity' as in (5), how to achieve that?
accepting, being humble.
- accepting : we're holding on to what we believe, but we respect what other believers' belief too (Romans 14).
- being humble : 'we're a part of God's bigger plan'. 'who are we to judge?' 'The God that we believe accepts all of us' (Romans 14 & 15).
(30) an example of ppl praying together with you.
The rest of the book of Romans dealt with historicity issues, Paul's plan to go to Rome, etc as well as Paul's personal greetings to the ppl in the church of Rome.
== Romans review is concluded, wheeeeee! ==
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Romans 14
In this passage, we see 2 groups of people in the church. Paul called one group have stronger faith than the others, the other group have weaker faith than their counterparts (2), but none of them have the right to deem themselves better than the rest, let alone judge, for only God have the rights to judge (3, 4).
here also Paul mention some things that shouldn't be the cause of dispute: unclean food, sacredness of certain days, and so on. We're agree with this as we think the most important thing of being Christians is whether we're adhering to a correct doctrines, salvation by grace to faith, sanctification process and so on and so forth. As long we're agree with the same core values, we can live with whatever different way of living that we might have.
17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
Having said this, Paul also taught us not to be a stumbling block for the other folks who might not have the same way of thinking as us. For instance, if you think all food is clean, (Paul think the same way, 14) you'd still better not to eat all of those in front of other ppl who think otherwise (13), doing so will make your peers stumble (15) and this will annul whatever right thing that you do (23). But isntead whatever we do, should be aimed for mutual edification and peace (19).
here also Paul mention some things that shouldn't be the cause of dispute: unclean food, sacredness of certain days, and so on. We're agree with this as we think the most important thing of being Christians is whether we're adhering to a correct doctrines, salvation by grace to faith, sanctification process and so on and so forth. As long we're agree with the same core values, we can live with whatever different way of living that we might have.
17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
Having said this, Paul also taught us not to be a stumbling block for the other folks who might not have the same way of thinking as us. For instance, if you think all food is clean, (Paul think the same way, 14) you'd still better not to eat all of those in front of other ppl who think otherwise (13), doing so will make your peers stumble (15) and this will annul whatever right thing that you do (23). But isntead whatever we do, should be aimed for mutual edification and peace (19).
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Romans 13
first thing first, let's talk about the background or historical settings when Paul said these things. The background is a persecuted church, they were being persecuted because they're somewhat trying to establish their own kingdom (of god), we could imagine that back then they're starting to think of refusing to pay tax, and other civil responsibilities. These things irked Roman government and this brought out the said persecution.
It seemed that Paul sent this letter for three purposes:
1. cooling down the rage of a persecuted church (Romans 12:17 put that even clearer).
2. changing that church's mindset a bit on the concept of kingdom of God itself (you should keep on paying taxes, dummies!)
3. telling the church that instead of focusing on your rage, your refusal to pay taxes, etc.. channel that instead on doing what Christians are supposed to do.. and the end of days is near anyway (Romans 13:8-14).
It seemed to us, that the whole Romans 13 should be put into this context, and as such we don't think it has anything to do with bad government, good government, "if our government is really evil, does this mean that we are not allowed to struggle against it no matter what?" and such things. It's just not in the current context.
It seemed that Paul sent this letter for three purposes:
1. cooling down the rage of a persecuted church (Romans 12:17 put that even clearer).
2. changing that church's mindset a bit on the concept of kingdom of God itself (you should keep on paying taxes, dummies!)
3. telling the church that instead of focusing on your rage, your refusal to pay taxes, etc.. channel that instead on doing what Christians are supposed to do.. and the end of days is near anyway (Romans 13:8-14).
It seemed to us, that the whole Romans 13 should be put into this context, and as such we don't think it has anything to do with bad government, good government, "if our government is really evil, does this mean that we are not allowed to struggle against it no matter what?" and such things. It's just not in the current context.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Romans 12
NIV
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
>> In view of God's mercy... This has more to do with the follow up actions that you would do after God gave His mercy to you. Mercy is salvation related, mind you.
>> Sacrifice : You are sacrificing something. In the past, you are sacrificing your stock (fowl, etc). Now, you are sacrificing yourself. Life wouldnt be the same anymore, would it.
NASB
2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
>> 'world' = it is not as simple as 'going to the cinema', 'going to the discotique" etc. But it relates to what is wrong in God's view.
Lots of Christians degrade themselves to the old way of living, thus 'creating' law on their own.
In Corinthians, you are judged on your fruits, whether in the end it is constructive or not.
NASB
13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
>> saints = any believers. It's not saint nick with red clothes bringing stash of good stuff for yer kids.
NASB
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly Do not be wise in your own estimation.
We prefer this translation to the Indonesian one. The Indonesian version implies a collective action of Christians as a whole towards one another. NASB, KJV imply that you put one another on the same level, thus further comment on that verse.
NIV implies you to live in harmony, this conforms with the above.. You put any other else on the same level.. You'll live in harmony.
NASB
17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
NIV
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
KJV
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
>> The background of the book of Romans is a persecuted church, thus they had to *be careful* and on the same time be *respectful* to the things believed by most of people.
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
>> In view of God's mercy... This has more to do with the follow up actions that you would do after God gave His mercy to you. Mercy is salvation related, mind you.
>> Sacrifice : You are sacrificing something. In the past, you are sacrificing your stock (fowl, etc). Now, you are sacrificing yourself. Life wouldnt be the same anymore, would it.
NASB
2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
>> 'world' = it is not as simple as 'going to the cinema', 'going to the discotique" etc. But it relates to what is wrong in God's view.
Lots of Christians degrade themselves to the old way of living, thus 'creating' law on their own.
In Corinthians, you are judged on your fruits, whether in the end it is constructive or not.
NASB
13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
>> saints = any believers. It's not saint nick with red clothes bringing stash of good stuff for yer kids.
NASB
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly Do not be wise in your own estimation.
We prefer this translation to the Indonesian one. The Indonesian version implies a collective action of Christians as a whole towards one another. NASB, KJV imply that you put one another on the same level, thus further comment on that verse.
NIV implies you to live in harmony, this conforms with the above.. You put any other else on the same level.. You'll live in harmony.
NASB
17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
NIV
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
KJV
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
>> The background of the book of Romans is a persecuted church, thus they had to *be careful* and on the same time be *respectful* to the things believed by most of people.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Romans 11
Root -- --genetic, abraham
Branches -- genetic + gentiles
Christianity = tree
tree is salvation mechanics
engraft = something foreign is engrafted to the tree
1-25 genetics
26 israel spiritual nation
Branches -- genetic + gentiles
Christianity = tree
tree is salvation mechanics
engraft = something foreign is engrafted to the tree
1-25 genetics
26 israel spiritual nation
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Romans 10
- Israelites are zealots for God, but their belief is not based on faith, thus they're not really saved.
did they have their chance to change? yes, see rom 10:8, 10:21.
"Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."[i] 19Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
"I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;
I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding."[j] 20And Isaiah boldly says,
"I was found by those who did not seek me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."[k] 21But concerning Israel he says,
"All day long I have held out my hands
to a disobedient and obstinate people."[l]
- 10:4For (D)Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to (E)everyone who believes.
1. Christ exemplified a human who can 100% adhered to the law.
2. terminated the law.
- 2 path to salvation (a bit speculative):
1. you obey the law 100%, (romans 10:5) or
2. you accept christ
wanna obey the law 100%? be my guest.. and send my best regards to the original sin guy if you meet it along the road :)
did they have their chance to change? yes, see rom 10:8, 10:21.
"Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."[i] 19Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
"I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;
I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding."[j] 20And Isaiah boldly says,
"I was found by those who did not seek me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."[k] 21But concerning Israel he says,
"All day long I have held out my hands
to a disobedient and obstinate people."[l]
- 10:4For (D)Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to (E)everyone who believes.
1. Christ exemplified a human who can 100% adhered to the law.
2. terminated the law.
- 2 path to salvation (a bit speculative):
1. you obey the law 100%, (romans 10:5) or
2. you accept christ
wanna obey the law 100%? be my guest.. and send my best regards to the original sin guy if you meet it along the road :)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Romans 9
1-33
Discussing what is the meaning of "Israel" now.
"Israel" bukanlah Israel dalam artian keturunan orang2 Yahudi, soalnya Israel saja by definition tidak lah di-trait melalui Yakub, tapi melalui ishak (7).
Now about pre-destination and fore-knew.
This is what we're thinking right now:
1. from the beginning, God already knew what way that you will pick based on your free-will, what kind of life that you will choose to lead based on your free-will.
2. now you come into being, you choose your path, you decide everything... *the* decision is yours solely, the catch is God already know whatever you would choose ;)
even if you decide becoming a bum by not choosing anything... God already knew that you will decide to become a bum anyway.
3. in a sense, you are pre-destined to be saved, or not be saved... and this ... 'selection' if you will, is God's sovereignity. the freewill is still there (see above) though.
This is a bit confusing 'course.. But the freewill, the predestination, the fore-knew still fit nicely somewhat.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." (Rom. 8:28-30, NASB)
33: stumbling stone
this is Jesus, and this passage applies to the jews who still waiting for their messiah.
Discussing what is the meaning of "Israel" now.
"Israel" bukanlah Israel dalam artian keturunan orang2 Yahudi, soalnya Israel saja by definition tidak lah di-trait melalui Yakub, tapi melalui ishak (7).
Now about pre-destination and fore-knew.
This is what we're thinking right now:
1. from the beginning, God already knew what way that you will pick based on your free-will, what kind of life that you will choose to lead based on your free-will.
2. now you come into being, you choose your path, you decide everything... *the* decision is yours solely, the catch is God already know whatever you would choose ;)
even if you decide becoming a bum by not choosing anything... God already knew that you will decide to become a bum anyway.
3. in a sense, you are pre-destined to be saved, or not be saved... and this ... 'selection' if you will, is God's sovereignity. the freewill is still there (see above) though.
This is a bit confusing 'course.. But the freewill, the predestination, the fore-knew still fit nicely somewhat.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." (Rom. 8:28-30, NASB)
33: stumbling stone
this is Jesus, and this passage applies to the jews who still waiting for their messiah.
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