June 15, 2010
Romans 1
Pastor John Edwards
Some years ago, the Holy Spirit rocked my world with a study of “cultural” vs. authentic Christianity. I’m taken there again as I read the first chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, especially verses 18-32.
The topic of “righteousness” (authentic Christianity) is woven throughout the Book of Romans, contrasting:
- A personal sense of being “good enough” vs. obedience to the absolute standard of God’s Word
- Reliance upon our own “wise” response to circumstances vs. asking God for His wisdom
- Holding enough contact with the things of God to feel satisfied vs. pursuing God through His Word for daily meaning and purpose
Paul wrote about it this way (verses 21-23a); “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images…”
“Images” scream for attention in our lives too. No carved animals are objects of worship…that would be too obvious. Instead, the images appear as an ever-growing list of must-do or must-have “priorities.” Under their daily attraction, a book called the “Holy Bible” remains in a briefcase, on a shelf or coffee table. “Demands” replace prayer. It’s a form of Christianity that is subjected to (and watered down by) a culture that encourages us to believe that we are “OK” - righteous in ourselves. That’s a dangerous way to live.
By contrast, authentic Christianity subjects our daily lives to the first priority – vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Since He is the One who is truly righteous, He invites us to exchange what Author Charles Hummel calls “The Tyranny of the Urgent” for freedom in Him.
Now that’s real life!
Did you know? Pastor John has been a public address announcer in six sports, including 12 years of UNC Charlotte basketball and the first two seasons of the former NBA Charlotte Hornets.
