The Book of Romans

I am now in Romans. I have a new perspective on Romans after reading Acts first because Paul wrote the book of Romans and Acts documents his journey, where his journey was concluded. Paul has a special love for the church of Rome because he was a Roman citizen.

What I like most about God is that he meets me where I am at. The book of Romans is definitely meeting me where I am at in my journey through life. I did not realize it would have such a practical impact on me because it is known for it's deep theology and the majority of Christian doctrine is based on Romans.

Like everyone, I struggle with issues of sin. (Romans 6, 7, 8) Romans talks about the struggle of the flesh verses the spirit (Romans 7). He also talks about our thought life and how even our thoughts can trip us up. (Romans 7:21 - 8:8) Rom 7:23-25. "But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." Thank God, he can break the bondage. Sometimes, I feel discourage because I can't seem to get a handle on my thought life. But the answer is here. Even Paul struggled with his thought life according to this passage.

I love Romans 4:7-8, which says, "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord." I do have something to be joyful about. I remember a time where I had NO joy in my life. I had my girls, but my joy had been snuffed out. I was in a bad place emotionally and was struggling in my life. The good news is God has forgiven my disobedience to him.

Although I sometimes still struggle, God does help me when I choose to be obedient to him. Lately, I have been struggling in my mind more than I would like to admit. Not only does Paul explains the power of sin, he provides a solution to having victory over bondage. Romans 8:5-6 says, "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirt. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace." I do feel at peace when my thoughts are focused on God and what he is doing in my life. I feel "lighter" when I am doing what is right.

I would like to conclude with Romans 12:2, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." I love this. God will transform my mind. When my mind is clear, I can hear God's voice. When I am disobedient and my thoughts are not where they should be, then I don't hear God speaking to me. God makes me a new person when I am obedient.