III. Jesus Has Big Plans for All Who Receive His Good News
His people will be called oaks of righteousness (v. 3). These massive tree; stand strong and tall through the decades, giving beauty and shade to all who come near. The "tree planted by the waters" of Psalm 1 comes to mind -- faithful, beautiful, and fruitful.
His people will be called priests of the Lord. (v. 6) A priest stands before God in prayer on behalf of the people, then goes to the people in witness on behalf of God. 1 Peter 2:9 calls the people of God "a chosen race, a royal priesthood."
His people will be called ministers of God (v. 6). A minister or servant carries out the will of the Master. Jesus said, "I do always do the things that are pleasing to the Father" (John 8:29). That's the standard. "What will you have me do?" were the opening words of Paul's discipleship (Acts 22:10) and are to be ours every day of our lives. His people will be called offspring whom God has blessed. The very fact that we are the children of God is the greatest blessing of all (1 John 3:1). Without the constant inner witness of God's Spirit that we are the children of the Almighty (Rom. 8:16), we could think ourselves presumptuous to make such a claim. Yet, this is what being a child of God means.
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As oaks, standing tall and strong in a world where unfaithfulness is the rule; as priests, interceding with God for man and bearing witness to man for God; as servants, working that the will of God be done on earth; as children, bearing His name and inviting others into the family. No wonder people were so glad to see Jesus. He took the broken of society and turned them into giants and champions. He still does this today whenever we look to Him in faith. (Joe McKeever)
Fourth Sunday of Advent (B)
December 22, 2002
Glory Forever
Romans 16:25-27
As the day of Christmas approaches, and we celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus, I can think of no better response than that of Paul in Romans 16:25-27 -- an overflow of praise. Though our hearts may be heavy with concerns, we can look to this season with great hope and encouragement. The Lord has come, and those who trust in Him have great security. For our God is able.
The apostle comes to the end of this great epistle to the Romans. He has made clear from the beginning that we were a desperate people apart from Christ. We were in debt with no possible escape by our own merit. But those who trust in Christ for salvation have that debt erased, for Christ satisfied the necessary payment with His life and death. And through Christ we have peace with God having been justified (Rom. 5:1). Because Christ came to this world and lived in perfect righteousness, those who trust Him escape the wrath of God and, instead, are adopted in His family and become recipients of His blessings.
This is reason to rejoice indeed. Our God has come to save us. To Him be glory forever!
I. To Him who is able to establish You (vv. 25-26)
In verses 17-20 Paul gives his audience a final warning. There are those who will cause dissensions and hindrances. Watch out for them; don't listen to their foolish self-centered pursuits. What they have to say is contrary to God's word. He is rejoicing over their obedience and exhorting them to be innocent of evil. And in his final Words he overflows with praise to the One who is able to establish them.