Friday, April 15, 2016
Romans ~ III. The Unrighteousness of All People (1:18;3:20) A. Gentiles (1:18-32) B. Jews (2:1;3:8)
Romans 1
18 But God shows his anger from heaven
against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
19 They know the truth about God because he
has made it obvious to them.
20 For ever since the world was created,
people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can
clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So
they have no excuse for not knowing God.
21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t
worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish
ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.
22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became
utter fools.
23 And instead of worshiping the glorious,
ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds
and animals and reptiles.
24 So God abandoned them to do whatever
shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading
things with each other’s bodies.
25 They traded the truth about God for a
lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator
himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
26 That is why God abandoned them to their
shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and
instead indulged in sex with each other.
27 And the men, instead of having normal
sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful
things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within
themselves the penalty they deserved.
28 Since they thought it foolish to
acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do
things that should never be done.
29 Their lives became full of every kind of
wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious
behavior, and gossip.
30 They are backstabbers, haters of God,
insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they
disobey their parents.
31 They refuse to understand, break their
promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.
32 They know God’s justice requires that
those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet,
they encourage others to do them, too.
Romans 2
1 You may think you can condemn such
people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are
wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge
others do these very same things.
2 And we know that God, in his justice,
will punish anyone who does such things.
3 Since you judge others for doing these
things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same
things?
4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind,
tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you
see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
5 But because you are stubborn and refuse
to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For
a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will judge everyone according to what
they have done.
7 He will give eternal life to those who
keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God
offers.
8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath
on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live
lives of wickedness.
9 There will be trouble and calamity for
everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the
Gentile.
10 But there will be glory and honor and
peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the
Gentile.
11 For God does not show favoritism.
12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed,
even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s
law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it.
13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t
make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.
14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s
written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even
without having heard it.
15 They demonstrate that God’s law is
written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse
them or tell them they are doing right.
16 And this is the message I proclaim—that
the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret
life.
17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying
on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him.
18 You know what he wants; you know what is
right because you have been taught his law.
19 You are convinced that you are a guide
for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness.
20 You think you can instruct the ignorant
and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives
you complete knowledge and truth.
21 Well then, if you teach others, why
don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?
22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery,
but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen
from pagan temples?
23You are so proud of knowing the law, but you
dishonor God by breaking it.
24No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles
blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has
value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no
better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.
26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law,
won’t God declare them to be his own people?
27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep
God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but
don’t obey it.
28 For you are not a true Jew just because
you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony
of circumcision.
29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is
right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the
law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with
a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Romans 3
1 Then what’s the advantage of being a
Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision?
2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of
all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.
3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but
just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?
4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is
a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right
in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”
5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness
serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it
unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of
view.)
6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair,
how would he be qualified to judge the world?
7 “But,” someone might still argue, “how
can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and
brings him more glory?”
8 And some people even slander us by
claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such
things deserve to be condemned.
Proverbs 20
Proverbs 20 (New International Version)
Proverbs 20
1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.
3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?
10 Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.
11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
20 If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man [a] ; it searches out his inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
Proverbs 20
1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.
3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?
10 Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.
11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
20 If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man [a] ; it searches out his inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.
Revelation 11
Revelation 11 (New International Version, ©2010)
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses
1 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 They are "the two olive trees" and the two lampstands, and "they stand before the Lord of the earth."[a] 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
7 Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.
11 But after the three and a half days the breath[b] of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.
The Seventh Trumpet
15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever."
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
18 The nations were angry, and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name, both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses
1 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 They are "the two olive trees" and the two lampstands, and "they stand before the Lord of the earth."[a] 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
7 Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.
11 But after the three and a half days the breath[b] of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.
The Seventh Trumpet
15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever."
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
18 The nations were angry, and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name, both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
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