Some notes from Heinz Schrader's preach, Doxology.
“Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” - Romans 16:25-27
- There is a day coming, when, because of Jesus’ blood, you will see God. You won’t fall to your face because you won’t be able to stand. You’ll be undone.
- God is restoring.
- “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ…” This verse highlights our Christian crisis. Paul is insisting that we must escape the premature satisfaction of things that seems to be the promises – this gospel goes beyond sin management and a privatised experience. Beyond a Sunday church experience.
- Our problem is we don’t really need strength from God – we find it absolutely everywhere else but don’t stop to ask why we’re fatigued. And is that fatigue because of the gospel or everything else.
- Everything Paul writes here has to do with the gospel.
- God strengthens you according to the gospel… You will not find strength outside of this.
- Why are we not overcoming our sins, and struggling to find meaning? We’ve been disconnected from the purpose of this letter to the Romans… We are saved, justified, adopted, set free, with a promise of future glory (saving & persistent faith – Romans 4), all unto the OBEDIENCE OF FAITH. All with a view to being a people unto God – who look different to the world.
- The Beatitudes is the response to the question, “What kind of community does it take to bring about the transformation of a people more and more into the image of Jesus Christ, living differently amongst the world?”
The Obedience of Faith
- You have to believe there is a life beyond salvation
- God is still a commanding God – perfectly righteous in the commands He issues.
- It will always have to do with Jesus & His gospel
- He strengthens you to bring about the obedience of faith.
Walking with Him
- He wants you to have a walk with Him that is so satisfying that that dream saps everything – you realise what you were made for.
- When you think of the word ‘church’ you struggle to make place for yourself in this kingdom. We have a place for the minister, preacher, whoever leads the life groups. We’ve reduced the gospel to seven roles.
- God wants us to crave Him so much that we pine for him – we get lovesick and cry out for Him. If God is the all-satisfying God, surely the mistake is not on His side?