Good morning. Paul now gives what seems like a refutation to what
James said. What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to
the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works (uh-oh), he has
something to boast about, but not before God. What does the scripture say?
Abraham believed God (when He said that Abraham’s descendants would be as
numerous as the stars of the heavens), and it was credited to him as righteousness.
James also mentions this verse. He says that when Abraham offered up his son
Isaac on the altar, that faith was working with his works, and as a result of
the works, faith was perfected; and the scripture was fulfilled which says that
Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Christian
say they believe, but don’t act like it. Abraham did act like it. He was offering
up his only hope that his descendants would be as the stars of the heavens.
Back to Paul: now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor
(grace), but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in
Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. Father
thank You that we believed, and it was reckoned to us as righteousness. Help us
to show others that they need to do the same.
Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me
Good morning. Paul then gives a list of a lot of things that he has gone through as an apostle. I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. There could be many people that you listen to either in church or through the Internet or other means; but there was only one person (as a general rule it was a person) that lead you to Christ. Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. He was saying that just like a child imitates his or her father, they were to imitate him. He says that again seven chapters later. Since it is easy to forget some things about people we have not seen in a while, Paul says that he sent Timothy to them to remind them of his ways which are in Christ, just as he taught everywhere in every church. Some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. I shall find ou...
Comments
Post a Comment