DAY 008: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – ROMANS 3-4

January 7, 2024

ROMANS 3-4
Click here for the reading
DAY 008: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

During today’s journey, we continue with our study of the book of Romans, we look at faith and righteousness. The theme of faith, as some surmise, is not limited to the New Testament. That’s right, the theme of faith is throughout the Old Testament too. In today’s reading, the Apostle Paul sets forth the distinction between works and faith.

Take a few minutes to ask God to guide you through our study of Romans 3-4. Read Romans 3-4. Let’s journey!

As you read today’s reading, keep in mind the overall context of the book. This letter was written by the Apostle Paul, to the Romans, approximately 30 years after the ascension of Jesus Christ. Several years earlier, the Jews (Jews and Jewish Christians) had been forced to leave the city of Rome by the emperor. Following the emperor’s death, the Jews began returning to the city. This letter came to the Roman church at a time of change. A great amount of tension existed between Jewish Christians and Gentiles. Jewish Christians insisted that the laws of Moses, including circumcision and dietary restrictions, must be followed in order to gain salvation. Gentiles were reluctant to abide by the strict Jewish laws. One of Paul’s goals in this letter is to relieve the tension that exists between the two groups.

Romans 3-4: As you read through the chapters for today you will learn several things. One of those things is that being obedient to the law, the Ten Commandments, Mosaic law, and ordinances cannot make you righteous in God’s sight. God’s love is a gift given freely to all believers and nonbelievers alike. God’s salvation and promise of eternal life is also a free gift given to the believer alone. The Apostle Paul tells us that righteousness cannot be earned: it is a gift. We are made righteous by loving Him through faith: No other way. The evidence of our faith is shown by obedience to the Ten Commandments, Mosaic Law, and ordinances because we love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is an outward expression of the new creation we become when we live by faith. It is our faith in God that allows Him to see us as righteous. (Romans 3:1-4:25)

Read chapters 3 and 4 and consider these questions: What is righteousness? What is the difference between faith, works, and righteousness? It may be difficult to contrast the three in light of the society in which we are inundated with the principle of earning.

Godspeace!