Romans 1:1
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”
Many people will separate themselves from many things because of something they want to do. An athlete will stop eating certain foods because they want to perform at their peak ability. A young couple will separate from friends because they love each other and want to get married. In both of these instances, the purpose of separating was so that they could do something better.
1 Corinthians 9:18
“What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may
make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in
the gospel.”
Power and position is a privilege, not a right. The Apostle Paul totally understood this principle when he said, “…I abuse not my power in the gospel.” He understood why he had the power he had, and he understood Who gave him this power. Paul’s desire was always to keep his power and position in proper perspective.
Romans 9:20
“Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the
thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?”
There is a misconception among many that it is okay to question God as to why He is allowing something in your life. I have heard people say that God doesn’t mind a Christian asking Him, “Why?”. Those who say this and believe this say that God understands our weakness, which He does, so that makes it okay to question the providence of God.
1 Corinthians 7:16
“For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband?
or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?”
What does a person do when they are married to someone who is not saved? That is one of the lessons that God is teaching in this chapter. God would later deal with a saved person getting married to an unsaved person, but He had to deal with people who were in a mixed marriage. God knew that there would be many times when a person who was already married would get saved, but their spouse is still lost.
The 4/02/17 FBC Hammond bulletin is up at Baptist City.
The 03/26/17 FBC Hammond bulletin is up at Baptist City.