God Keeps Us from Stumbling

Paul closes the letter of Romans out in his traditional way. He gives thanks to the fellow Christian brothers and sisters who supported him throughout his ministry. In verses 21-25 he mentions Timothy as a fellow worker who has been with Paul since his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1). Timothy is a young Jesus loving pastor that Paul in several references calls him “fellow worker” (Romans 16:21), “my true son in the faith” (1 Tim 1:2) and as “my dear son” (2 Tim 1:2). Although there is no biblical evidence that Timothy was Paul's son, it is clear that Paul had a father–son type relationship with him. Tertius mentioned here is the scribe that documented Paul’s preaching and instruction to the Roman church. Others who have been given mention are Gaius, Erastus and Quartus. These are some of the ones who support Paul and Timothy on their journey.

In verses 25-27 Paul writes the doxology (from Gk. doxología, dóxa “praise” and lógos “utterance” - An expression of praise to God) and recounts some of the themes in the letter to the Romans. Paul reminds us that it is God who is the one who establishes us according to the gospel that Paul has been preaching. This gospel is centered on Jesus Christ. It is through this gospel that we see and hear about the revelation of Christ. The revelation of who Christ is, what sacrifice He has made for you and me to establishing a sound relationship with His Father in heaven. Paul shows how Jesus is the son of God through the scriptures by way of prophecy. When we read and understand the scriptures and share the full depth and breadth of the word of God sharing who Jesus is to others then the whole world will be exposed to the mystery and secrets of God’s word and the assignment Jesus has been given to accomplish by His Father.

Paul often reminds us of our responsibility to always put God first in our lives and to glorify God for all things. It is through our faith in Jesus and our obedience to God that we will establish our place in the kingdom of heaven. Without God and Jesus in our lives we become worldly. What that means is we prioritize, chase and establish what the world deems to be the most important relationships according to the world’s standards, but not God’s standards.

Our goal as Christians is to live for eternity in the kingdom of heaven with the Triune God. The only way we can do it is through hearing and believing God’s word. Through our belief and the Holy Spirit who resides in us we start to live the godly principles that are spelled out in His word. These principles become easier each day to live by as long as we focus on God (Jude 24). Our role in the Christian community is to share the relationship we have with God to others enabling others to experience the same opportunities we had in making a clear cut choice in following Jesus.

There are so many scriptures that tell us to live a more righteous life by putting God first and relying on Him to provide our every need (Matthew 6:33; Exodus 20:3; Colossians 3:2; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:24) are just some examples of how we are to trust in the Lord, seek the Lord, love the Lord, delight in the Lord, and serve the one master, the Lord. It is very clear that God is a jealous God and He wants our hearts and our minds. His blessing are never ending and He wants to bless us with His holy gifts so we may live with Him. When we put God first He will keep us from stumbling and through our relationship we are presented faultless before our king.

My prayer is that we would recognize the opportunity that God is given to each one of us and that we would live the life He has laid before us. To live more righteously preparing ourselves to live for eternity with the triune God in the kingdom of heaven. I pray we honor you Lord with all our hearts, minds, soul and strength. Jude 25 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.