who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” (Romans 4:18)

In this section of Romans Paul uses Abraham as an example of one he was justified by faith. If we expect to be forgiven of sin and have a relationship with God, we must emulate the faith of Abraham. (vs 16)

God had made a promise to Abraham to multiply his seed, specifically through his wife Sarah. The son born to them and his descendants were to be heirs of the land of Canaan. However, there was a problem. Sarah, now 90 years old, was barren. (Genesis 17:17)  Never-the-less, Abraham still believed in the promise of God.

Here Paul notes a relationship between faith and hope. "Hope" is an expectation of the future. "Faith" is the basis of such an expectation. Faith is in a person. Hope relates to an anticipated event. Hope is strengthened by confidence in the one who has made the promise.

There is a hope that is based on human experience. A child anticipating a gift, a bride anticipating a wedding, a family anticipating a vacation are all examples of such hope. Abraham’s hope was not based upon human experience, but on the promises of any eternal, and powerful God. He believed in a God who “gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did”. (vs. 16)  Abraham’s assurance is based upon his faith in the immutable promise of a supreme and Almighty God.

But, Paul says Abraham “contrary to hope, in hope believed”. Abraham and Sarah up to this point are childless. She is 90 years old and he is 100 years old. The promise of a son seems to be beyond all hope of fulfillment. Still, Abraham took God at his word. He believed all that God said, and anticipated the fulfillment of the promise.

The same God who brought life to the dead womb of Sarah also brought life to the dead tomb of his own son, Jesus Christ. (Vs. 24) We also have every assurance that God will make good on this promises.

If we limit our hope to earthly expectations we will become discouraged. But in the God of Abraham we have a hope that is sure and steadfast, and an anchor of the soul.

By George Slover 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  (1 Peter 4:10)

There is an urgency in Peter’s exhortation because the end is near. (vs.7) In light of this event, he urges the disciples to active service.

First, God calls everyone to get involved. Though these saints are deemed to be of a low state in the world (1 Peter 1:2; 2:11), God elevated them to a special work. Every Christian has a gift. Each disciple has a ministry. By walking in the Spirit, they must reflect the Divine graces of God: faith, hope, and love. All have a gift from God.

Second, there are a variety of gifts. The word "manifold "means variegated or many colored. While there is one body, it has many members. “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?” (1 Corinthians 12:17) So, like our human body, various members of the body of Christ serve in various ways. Every member has an important function. When every member is focused on mutual help, the body functions to its full capacity.

Third, Peter reminds us that we are stewards of God’s grace. Thus, none of the things over which we have control belong to us, but belong to God. The joy, comfort, hope, and peace of God we're not given for self- absorption, but to lead us to serve others. Divine blessings mean Divine obligations.

Fourth, we are instructed to minister to one another. The local church does not have a single minister, but a plurality of ministers. Everyone has a gift, and everyone has a ministry. It is through mutual service that we can be strengthened in God. 

Surely, if we would more fully appreciate how richly God has blessed us, if we could really grasp the length of eternity, we would be motivated to greater diligence as ministers of the manifold grace of God.    

By George Slover     
 

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:10) 

The crucifixion of Christ, the Savior is a fundamental foundation of Christianity. It was fitting or necessary for one, like him, who was sinless to die to accomplish God’s mission of redemption. By God’s grace, Jesus, his son tasted death for this purpose. 

By the offering of his son, God brought many sons to glory. Jesus is the “son of God”. Those redeemed by him are “sons of God”. What a marvelous blessing for us to be able to call the Creator of heaven and earth "our Father”. (Matthew 6:9)

If God is our father, then Jesus is our older brother. Jesus, the Savior is not ashamed to call those who have received his forgiveness his brethren. (vs.11) The idea of a brother represents a fellowship of love, and family. How wonderful to think this familial relationship was made possible by the death of God’s own son.

The New Testament describes this blessed state with various terms. Those who are God’s sons are “adopted”. (Ephesians 1:5) Though not belonging to God, nor deserving, God willingly claims the sinner as his own. As God's son they become heirs of God's marvelous promises. “Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:7)

Finally, the text says it was “fitting for God to bring many sons to glory”. This salvation originates with God and glorifies him. God so identified with man, so fixed his eyes on him, that he could not leave a man in his lost state, but desired to call them his sons!

God is calling you from your helpless state of sin to this an exalted position. Will you receive him?

By George Slover

 

He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.”"  (Prov. 17:19)

The Scriptures say a lot about loving your brother, about making sure that he comes first in your preferences, that he is accorded the kind of respect and honor he deserves, even when you disagree with him.  It is true that we may need to correct the wrong done by my brother, but such is not a license for me to fuel my ego or bolster my reputation.  Before criticizing carefully examine your motives.  It’s people who are important, not your own satisfaction.

Allow me to suggest three points to consider before you open your mouth.  First, before you say something about someone, be sure its true.  It is dangerous to repeat unverified information.  Second, before you say something about someone, examine the reason for saying it.  Abraham Lincoln once said, “"Don’t criticize before you know you can help”."  Third, before you say something about someone, remember how Jesus said, “Do unto to others as you would that they should do unto you.”  If you don’t want your name slandered, don’t be guilty of slandering others.

The tongue is hard to control.  It requires tremendous concentration.  However, if we fail to tame the tongue it can kindle all kinds of fires.

George Slover

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

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