Glory to Whom?
Text: Romans 15:14-21
Why do you live the way you do? Most in this world live their lives totally wrapped up in themselves. Sadly, Christians fall into this trap as well. The jobs we work, the places we go, the cloths we wear most of the time are influenced by what we want and not governed by the grace of God.
In Romans 15, Paul tells the church that he is persuaded that they are full of goodness, grace, and godliness. When people see you and get to know you, are they persuaded to follow Christ? In Heb. 6, Paul says that he is persuaded of better things concerning the church. Listen, it is not just about what you know but about the truth being lived out through you and I. God has so much more for us if we could just lean upon His grace.
Paul goes on to talk about the grace of God and why we have it. The purpose that Paul gives in Romans is for the service to the King. This purpose is echoed in Eph. 4:7. God gives us grace to serve. He also gives us grace to become heirs of Christ, Titus 3:7 and for salvation Titus 2:11. So, are you using the grace of God for yourself or for its intended purpose?
Then Paul gets into perspective and where the glory belongs. Again, it is so easy to praise ourselves and live to ourselves, but this is totally contrary to the scriptures. Vs. 17 Paul shows us the proper perspective can help us glorify the Father. Because Paul understood that all goes to Christ, he is able to not worry about himself and live a life to the Father. In closing, to whom are you living and using God’s grace?