Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 4, 2025
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 1. This chapter covers Paul’s mission to proclaim the gospel and unite Jewish Christians and Gentiles Christians in the church. He shares his regular prayer for the Roman church, encouraging spiritual growth and the importance of obedience in prayer. The passage also covers the wrath of God against unrighteousness, showing how sin suppress the truth by worshipping creation instead of the Creator.
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Understanding God’s Plan Through Jesus
Paul’s letter to the Romans emphasizes that the work of Jesus was always central to God’s purpose. This was not a secondary or backup plan; rather, Jesus was at the heart of God’s intentions from the very beginning. The entire narrative of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, points to this reality. All of the Old Testament prophecies find their fulfillment in Christ—His birth, life, death, and resurrection. By conquering death and the grave, Jesus affirmed that God’s plan was always for redemption through Him. As you reflect on these truths, consider whether you have truly entrusted your heart and life to Jesus. Does your daily life genuinely reflect the faith that you profess to have?
Faith and Obedience: Inseparable Partners
In verse 5, Paul makes it clear that authentic faith is demonstrated through obedience. Faith that lacks obedience is empty and powerless. Ask yourself: Do you claim to have faith, yet hesitate to live out that faith through obedience to God’s teachings? Are there areas in your life where you justify or defend your choices, even when they clearly contradict God’s instructions?
Equality in God’s Eyes
Paul teaches that everyone stands on equal ground before God. No one is greater or lesser; we are all viewed equally by Him. As a result, we are called to pray for, encourage, and share life with one another. Reflect on your relationships: Do you avoid fellowship with people who are different from you? Do you find yourself judging others based on ethnic background, status, lifestyle, or personality traits, considering some better or worse than yourself?
Prayer and Obedience: Responding to God’s Direction
In Romans 1:13, Paul reveals that he had prayed to visit Rome, but God did not allow it at that time. This highlights that prayer is essential in our relationship with God, but it must be coupled with obedience to His answers—even when those answers differ from our desires. A true life of faith means submitting to God’s direction, regardless of our expectations. Consider: Have you ever prayed for something and sensed God leading you in a different direction than you wanted? How did you respond to His guidance?
The Challenge of Surrender: Overcoming Pride
Admitting our need for a Savior can be difficult, but we cannot save ourselves. As the saying goes, “Pride goes before the fall.” To follow Christ, we must surrender our selfish desires and die to ourselves. While believers may endure suffering on earth, we are promised eternal glory later. The world, however, encourages us to seek glory now, which stands in opposition to God’s call for self-denial and obedience. Reflect on your own life: In what ways has pride prevented you from fully surrendering and obeying God?
Living by Faith Versus Living in Unrighteousness
Scripture teaches that the righteous will live by faith, but those who choose unrighteousness will face God’s wrath. Unrighteousness blinds people to the truth, and anything that takes precedence over God becomes idolatry. The world offers many distractions—lust, sex, money, careers, material possessions, coveting others’ lives, vanity, social media, addictions—that can easily take God’s place in our hearts. Examine your life: Is there something that has become more important to you than your relationship with God? If so, it’s not too late. Turn to God, seek holiness, and let go of what you are holding onto so tightly. Embrace the life found only in Jesus, which is far more valuable than anything this world can offer.