Romans 10-11 explains that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not the law. Paul's desire is for Israel to be saved, but they have misunderstood God's righteousness. Salvation is available to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike.
In Romans 9, Paul expresses deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites who have not accepted Christ. He explores the concept of God's sovereignty and election, explaining that not all descendants of Israel are part of spiritual Israel.
Romans 8 offers encouragement by detailing the benefits of a life led by the Spirit. Christians are free from condemnation, adopted as God's children, and have the Holy Spirit to help and guide them.
Romans 7 discusses the struggle between our desire to obey God's law and our natural inclination to sin. It uses the analogy of a marriage to explain how believers are released from the law through Christ's death, enabling them to serve God in a new way through the Spirit.
Romans 6 addresses the misconception that grace encourages sin. Paul argues that believers, united with Christ in his death and resurrection, should consider themselves dead to sin but alive to God.
Romans 5 celebrates the benefits of being justified by faith, such as peace with God and hope in the glory of God. Paul explains that suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope.
Romans 4 uses Abraham's example to illustrate that righteousness is credited through faith, not works. Abraham believed God's promises, and it was counted to him as righteousness before he performed any religious rituals. Paul argues that the promise to Abraham extends to all who believe, not just to those who follow the Law.
Romans 3 declares that all people, regardless of their background, have sinned and fall short of God's glory. However, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are justified freely by God's grace. The Law of Moses exposes our sin but cannot save us; salvation is a gift received by faith.
Romans 2 challenges the idea of living a double standard, particularly among those who know God's laws but fail to follow them. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that God sees through hypocrisy, and it's not enough to merely know what's right; one must also do what's right.
Our host, John Mathews, explains that when people reject God's truth, they end up in a downward spiral of sin and chaos. Paul's letter to the Romans outlines how righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, not through our deeds.
In 2 Peter Chapter 1, our teacher John Mathews emphasizes that
believers have “Everything We Need” for a godly life through their
knowledge of Jesus Christ. He reassures us that Jesus’ sacrifice is
sufficient and that the teachings of the apostles provide us with all
the necessary guidance. Peter encourages Christians to lead lives
of virtue, knowledge, self-control, godliness and love, confirming
their calling and election. He also affirms the truthfulness of
Scripture, emphasizing that prophecy is not open to personal
interpretation but is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.
Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.
