Proverbs 15:9-33; Rom 1:8-17

Proverbs 15:9-33

Have you ever wondered about the reasons for death or destruction? These tragedies hold no secrets from the Lord. And so He surely knows the human heart. v. 11

My mother always encouraged us "look on the bright side." Little did I realize that this is a principle taught in Proverbs. "For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast." v. 15 So often our outlook and attitude make a huge difference in how we view our circumstances. This is not to say that real trouble does not come or that we shouldn't take it seriously, but MOST of the time we are better off to see opportunities instead of obstacles. We can almost always find some glimmer of hope even in the darkest times.

Then you have to love the little truisms sprinkled throughout Proverbs.

• A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. v. 17
• A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. v. 18
• Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother. v. 20
• The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. v. 28

Romans 1:8-17
Remember that Paul is writing a letter to the believers in Rome. Don't forget that Paul was a real man, and these Roman Christians were real people. He begins by telling them that he is thankful for them, that their faith is famous, that he prays often for them. He reiterates that he is serving God by spreading the Good News about Jesus. And he hopes to visit them and preach the Good News to their city. v. 8-15

Paul goes on to say that he is not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. Not that anyone would ever think that he was ashamed! The next sentence is very important: "It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile." Salvation is available to everyone who believes.

v. 17 "This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, 'It is through faith that a righteous person has life.'" This was the great truth that spoke to Martin Luther, "The just shall live by faith." Salvation is by faith alone. If we make any good works necessary for salvation, it is no longer faith ALONE. This truth is essential to biblical Christian doctrine. I must trust Jesus--that His death, burial, and resurrection satisfied God as payment for my sin. And so must you. Christ has finished His work, and my only job is to believe.