Layered gelatin dessert with strawberries, lime slices, whipped cream, cherry, and mint on a plate
Bible, Conformity, Holiness, Holy, Holy Spirit, Romans, Scripture

DO NOT BE CONFORMED

ROMANS 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

When I was growing up, my mama used to make Jello with fruit or nuts and cheese in it (I know that sounds gross, but as a kid I loved that). She had this plastic bowl that had a replaceable bottom section that contained different shapes and designs. She would mix up the Jello concoction and pour it in that bowl to set. After it had jelled, she would dump it out on a plate upside down so that bottom shape would show. I thought that was the neatest thing.

Why am I talking about Jello molds? Because our word today we are going to look at in Romans 12:2 can be illustrated by my story. Paul says, “do not be conformed.” The Greek word is suschématizó. That’s a long word, I know. Let’s break it down. It comes from sun (joined close together, inseparable) and schema (exterior shape or form). Put those two together and you get a word that means to “conform to the same pattern.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance).

APPLICATION

Paul is warning us to not take on the shape of the world around us. We are to not allow the world to shape our thoughts and actions, like that Jello mold did to the Jello that was poured into it. Suschématizó is only used one other time in 1 Peter 1:14. “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,” Peter goes on to tell us what, or should I say Who, should shape us. “15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.’” In other word, let holiness shape you!

Let me ask you a question. What is shaping your actions and behavior? What is influencing your decisions and lifestyle? There are so many worldly pressures on us today. We feel the pressure to live like the world. We are told to pursue riches and pleasure. No! That is not our pursuit as a follower of Christ. We have to allow the Spirit to lead and guide us in our daily life. That should be the mold we pour ourselves into.

Take today and examine the things that are influencing you. Allow God’s Word to shape you into the image of Christ. Our prayer should be that all the world sees in us is Jesus. His glory should be on full display for all to see. The things of this world will not last. Only the things of God will continue. My mom’s old Jello molds are a thing of the past. Those Jello molds she made are long gone. But the Jesus mold will last forever. Pour yourself into it.

Shape me and mold me, Lord, to look more and more like Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Holy, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service, Worship

SPIRITUAL SERVICE OF WORSHIP

ROMANS 12:1

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

We will be celebrating Memorial Day on May 25th here in the U.S. It’s a day set aside as a federal holiday to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. There will be wreaths laid at gravesites, memorial services held, and there will be barbecues and parties. Why did those individuals we are honoring lay down their lives for our country? Because they loved the U.S.A. and the freedom it stands for. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.

As Paul begins this section of his letter to the Romans, he leaves the doctrinal teachings and dives into the practical application. These two sections are joined by the infamous “therefore.” Because Paul had said all those things in chapters 1 through 11, he can now tell us how to use that knowledge in our walk with Christ. He begins by telling us to present our “bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.” The old dead sacrificial system was gone for a Christian. They are now a living sacrifice for Christ, holy and set apart.

APPLICATION

I want to focus on the last phrase of this verse, though. Paul writes “which is your spiritual service of worship. Let’s break that down a bit. The Greek word translated as “spiritual” is logikós – “(‘divinely reasonable’) is constantly necessary in making acceptable offerings to the Lord. These produce a ‘seamless’ life in which every decision (action) can have profound, eternal meaning, even in earthly ‘setbacks’ or suffering.”(HELPS Word-studies) That’s a mouthful, I know. The point is this word describes a divine action on our part. All our actions should be framed that way.

The phrase “service of worship” is actually just one Greek word. The Topical Lexicon defines that word, latreia, and says it, “draws a direct connection between the outward acts of worship prescribed by God and the inward posture of the heart.” Oh, that’s good. Paul is saying any action we take, even a sacrificial one should be motivated by our heart.

Back to my opening example. Some of those who lost their lives in defense of our country died from accidents or friendly fire. Others willingly chose to throw themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Their action was motivated by their heart. They loved their brothers or sisters enough to sacrifice themselves to save them. Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? We should be willing to do the same, if called upon to do so. Are you? What have you got to lose? When you leave this life, you enter heaven. Who doesn’t want that?

Father, I believe I am willing to lay down my life if called upon. Give me the courage to follow through.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Creation, Creator, Eternity, Glory, Romans, Scripture

FROM, THROUGH AND TO

ROMANS 11:36

“For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

Let’s make something perfectly clear. Everything is from God. This whole universe rests in the palm of His hands. He placed the stars (all of them in all the galaxies) in place. Paul drives that point home in the last verse of Romans 11.

Paul’s use of these three prepositions (from, through and to) was not just a random thought. There are deep theological truths here. Here is what one commentary said about this verse. “All things are from God (primal cause), in so far as all things have proceeded from God’s creative power; through God (ground of mediate agency), in so far as nothing exists without God’s continuous operation; for God (final cause), in so far as all things serve the ends of God (not merely: the honour of God, as many think).” (Meyer’s NT Commentary) That’s pretty good, huh?

APPLICATION

This verse is very similar to a verse in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In Colossians 1:16 we read, “for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” That pretty much covers it, right? It was all created by, came through Him and is for Him.

In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul writes this thought again, “yet for us there is only one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” I really like that last phrase, “and we exist through Him.” Don’t forget that! We exist because of Him and through Him. I pray each day that my actions will only be what He wants to do through me. I don’t always do that, but that is my prayer.

So, as Paul concludes this chapter (I know, I know, there were no chapters in his letter), we find ourselves giving praise to the only true God. The last phrase of today’s verse is such a great way to finish this thought. May we all join Paul when he says, “To Him be the glory forever. Amen” Everything we do should bring Him glory. It is all for Him! Praise Him!

We praise You, O Lord, for all You have done, are doing and will continue to do for us.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Answers, Bible, God's Will, Job, Prayer, Requests, Romans, Scripture

NO CLAIM ON GOD

ROMANS 11:35

“Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM, THAT IT WOULD BE PAID BACK TO HIM?”

Last week in our small group at church, the teacher asked us what prayer meant to us? We had a lot of answers given. Some said confession while others said communication. One person said worship. For many it’s the time when they ask God for stuff and some even claim they deserve it. We can never presuppose anything toward God. He doesn’t answer to us, but He is always listening.

Today’s verse seems to be a reference to Job 41:11 which says “Who has been first to give to Me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the entire heaven is Mine.” Albert Barnes says this about today’s verse. “This is the sense in which the apostle uses the word here. Who has, by his services, laid God under obligation to recompense or pay him again?” There is nothing you can do that will obligate God to do anything. Let’s think about that for a minute.

APPLICATION

Well Carl, if that is true, why do I keep doing all this stuff to try to please Him and curry favor? That’s a very good question. Why are you doing that? You did nothing to earn your salvation, and you can nothing to keep it. Hear me out! The work on the cross was all that was necessary for you to receive the gift of salvation once you turn and follow Jesus. All the good stuff you do as a Christian is simply out of obedience because you love God, not to get loved by Him.

In Exodus 19:5 we hear the Lord say, “‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;’” And I love Psalm 24:1, “A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, the world, and those who live in it.” One more verse about God’s right to all. In Psalm 50:12 we read, “‘If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and everything it contains.’”

When you pray, spend more time listening than talking. Allow the Holy Spirit Who dwells within you to speak truth to you. There is nothing wrong with asking God to answer a prayer request. In fact, He tells us to do that (John 15:7; 16:24). But always approach the throne room of God with humility acknowledging His glory and honor. Watch how God works through that.

Thank You, Lord, for hearing our requests when we come to you in humility and with a bowed heart.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Wisdom, Gossip, Knowledge, Mind, Romans, Isaiah

THE MIND OF THE LORD

ROMANS 11:34

“For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?”

President Trump has a lot of people around him who advise him on world events and matters of security for the nation. There is no way any President can have the knowledge to make all the decisions necessary to rule the nation effectively. He depends on his cabinet members and others to give him wise counsel. Whether he accepts their counsel or not is another matter. But that is what they are there for.

Unlike the President, the Lord does not need counselors to advise Him on how to rule. In today’s verse, Paul refers to Isaiah 40:13 which reads, “Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?” You may know people who think they could do that. Wrong! No man is able to do such. Thinking you can is pure foolishness. Paul, of course, is referring to all he has just shared about God’s plan for salvation involving the Jewish nation rejection of Jesus which led to the gospel being shared with the Gentiles.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of the last few chapters of Job where God answered Job and his friends. In Job 38:1-3 we see this. “1 Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind and said, 2 ‘Who is this who darkens the divine plan by words without knowledge? 3 Now tighten the belt on your waist like a man, and I shall ask you, and you inform Me!’” I really like that last verse. “Tighten the belt on your waist like a man.” In other words, buckle up big boy.

We can trust God’s wisdom and knowledge, judgment and ways, as we saw in yesterday’s verse. If you ever find yourself doubting God, just know that is the deceiver whispering in your ear. I think of Proverbs 18:8. “The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.” The devil doesn’t have to get you stop believing in God. He just plants a seed of doubt to get you to stop trusting.

Don’t you love James 3:17? It speaks of God’s wisdom which he grants to us. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.” I bet President Trump would like more of that kind of wisdom from his advisors. I pray we all seek that kind of wisdom.

You are the only wise God and I praise You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Judgment, Knowledge, Romans, Scripture, Wisdom

BURSTING OUT IN JOY!

ROMANS 11:33

“Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

There are few moments in our life when we can just burst out in expressions of joy – birth of a child, salvation of a loved one, seeing someone get baptized. Even a memorial service for a dear saint can be a joyous occasion. When that happens to me, I usually start singing. Nothing expresses joy to me like a good song lifted to honor our Lord.

I found Romans 11:33-36 on YouTube set to music. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts92YumnSao. I can just see Paul singing out these verses, can’t you? He was overwhelmed with the riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge, His judgments and ways. As I explained in yesterday’s blog, these last four verses of Romans 11 is simply an expression of praise based on all the things Paul has just told us about salvation for the Jews and the Gentiles. Amazing truths.

APPLICATION

Can you give God praise today for His wisdom? In 1 Corinthians 1:19-25, God tells us how His wisdom is different than the world’s wisdom. In fact, when you compare the two, the world’s wisdom seems foolish. Only God has true wisdom. And because He does, His knowledge goes well beyond description. Science is consistently baffled by how this world is put together. They try to explain things with their knowledge, but it to falls far short. The all-knowing God is the only source of true knowledge. Proverbs 1:7 tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Paul goes on to say God’s judgments are unsearchable. The Greek word used there is only used once here in today’s verse. It means “impossible to fully investigate, no matter how great the effort.” You can dig and dig and dig and still not figure God out. David tells us in Psalm 51 that God is justified when He judges. Never doubt that.

Finally, Paul refers to God’s ways by saying they are unfathomable. The Greek word used is found here and in Ephesians 3:8 to describe the riches of Christ. The Topical Lexicon says, “Anexichniastos expresses the idea of something so profound that it cannot be tracked, measured, or fully mapped out by human reason.” Listen, dear one. Stop trying to figure God out and just give Him praise for all He has done for you. Amen?

O Lord, I praise You for Your wisdom, knowledge, judgments and ways. You are truly unsearchable!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Caught, Disobedience, Enslavement, Mercy, Romans, Scripture, Sin

ENCLOSED IN SIN

ROMANS 11:32

“For God has shut up all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all.”

I love to hunt, as you probably know if you follow this blog. And I love to watch hunting videos. There are thousands of those out there. You can watch videos about deer, turkey, bear, geese, ducks and wild pigs. That last group is a destructive bunch. They can destroy a crop in the field overnight. Some farmers have resorted to catching them by luring them into a pen which automatically shuts. I love watching a huge herd of them enter and get caught. They go wild at first and then they just settle in and keep eating that bait.

Why in the world am I talking about catching pigs? Because there is a word that is used in today’s verse which can be illustrated by that story I just told. Paul uses the Greek word sugkleió, which means to conclude, enclose or shut up. This verse is the concluding verse of the subject about the Jews and the Gentiles that Paul has been writing about for a quite a while. The remainder of chapter 11 is an eruption of praise. I can’t wait for those verses.

APPLICATION

“The verb (sugkleió) carries the idea of shutting in together, hemming in on every side, or confining within fixed limits. In biblical usage the confinement can be either literal (fish in a net) or metaphorical (humanity under sin or the Law). Each occurrence portrays an intentional act of God that precedes a gracious purpose.” (Topical Lexicon) We see this word used in Luke 5:6 where we read, “And when they had done this, they caught a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to tear;” The word “caught” is sugkleió.

The word is used again in Galatians 3:22. “But the Scripture has confined everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” I am reminded of Romans 3:23 here, as it relates to this verse. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We have all been shut up into sin. Why did God allow that? To show us mercy. To show us our need for a Savior.

Much like those pigs who went crazy at first and then settled down and kept eating the bait, we too act the same. We may initially try to get out of the sin that has shut us up. But if we do not turn to the One who can release us, we will settle in and continue to eat the bait of sin. I prefer freedom in Christ. Hallelujah, I have been set free from the bonds of sin. How about you?

Father God, thank You for setting me free from the pigpen of sin I had entered.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Calling, Gospel, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

BECAUSE OF YOU

ROMANS 11:31

“so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.”

Occasionally in life we may receive a blessing because someone else has been blessed. For instance, what if someone close to you receives a huge financial blessing only to turn around and bless you with part of that blessing. You only received that because they had received something. Because they were so grateful for what they had received, they wanted to be a blessing to others. I have been the recipient of such gifts in the past and have done the same myself.

In today’s verse, Paul continues to show the connection between the Gentile believers and the Jewish nation. I just love this verse. Don’t you? Look at how Barnes describes this. “Through the mercy, that is, the compassion or deep feeling of the converted Gentiles; through the deep and tender pity which they would feel for the blinded and degraded Jews: the gospel should be again carried to them, and they should be recalled to the long lost favor of God. Each party should thus cause salvation to come to the other – the Jews to the Gentiles by their unbelief; but the Gentiles, in their turn, to the Jews by their belief.”

APPLICATION

While today’s verse is specifically talking about Gentiles ministering to Jews, this verse applies to every believer’s responsibility to share the good news to unbelievers. Our blessing of salvation should be shared, not hoarded. We are commanded in Matthew 28:18-20 to go and make disciples of all nations. That command is still in force, isn’t it? There are still so many Unreached People Groups (UPGs) out there. And the days are hastening to a close.

Keith Parks, the former President of the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board, once said that if God has not specifically called you to stay home, He has called you to go. His point was and the point still is that we should know our calling. Every believer has a calling which involves being a witness. Whether that is to the waiter and waitress who serves your meal or to an unreached tribe in the Amazon rainforest.

Don’t hoard your blessing. Pour out the knowledge and joy of your salvation. As you do, you will find your cup overflows. God will continue to fill you with joy unspeakable. Does He promise every person will receive it? No! Paul experienced that. Many of the Jews who heard him share about Jesus were not swayed to believe. But he remained faithful to tell the story. Keep sharing!

Lord, thank You for the greatest blessing. Help me share it with others so they too may be blessed.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Mercy, Repentance, Romans, Scripture

SHOW ME MERCY

ROMANS 11:30

“For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience,”

Do you remember the childhood game of “Mercy”? Two kids would face each other and raise both hands toward the other person, palms facing them. Then you interlock your fingers with palms touching (this was definitely a pre-covid game, lol). Each person would try to bend the other’s fingers back until they cried, “Mercy!” It could be quite painful. I don’t know if kids still play that or not.

Unlike that childhood game, God doesn’t bend our fingers back until we cry out for mercy. He shows us mercy the moment we cry out to Jesus. The Greek word used here for “shown mercy” is the verb eleéō. Do you remember what mercy is? Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Because of our disobedience, we deserve judgment and hell. But because of our confession of sin and obedience to Christ, we have been shown mercy.

APPLICATION

I think the application for us is obvious. Obedience equals mercy. Disobedience equals no mercy. I have a nephew who chose to illustrate mercy to his oldest child when she was small. She had been disobedient about something and when caught, her dad took her in his lap and said, “You know what you did deserves a spanking. But I am going to show you mercy.” He didn’t realize her younger brother was watching all of this and listening. A few days later the brother disobeyed and was facing a spanking. When the dad took him in his arms, he cried out, “Show me mercy! Show me mercy!”

Are we that way? Do we disobey God and then cry out for mercy? That’s not what God does. He extends mercy because of our repentance and confession of sin. Strong’s Concordance says this word “expresses the active bestowal of mercy – an outward movement of compassion that alleviates misery.” Have you been miserable before? I can recount a few times in my life that has been the case.

The Hebrew equivalent of eleéō is racham (to show compassion). Can you think of a few times that was what the Lord did for Israel? Time and time again, we see that shown by God to the nation of Israel when they repented and sought His face. All we need to do today is the same. We need to seek His face. He is listening and actively ready to show us the mercy we desire.

Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy shown to me even when I don’t deserve it.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Covenant, Irrevocable, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

IRREVOCABLE

ROMANS 11:29

“for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

When I hear the word “irrevocable” I think about a legal contract. Those come in all forms and have different components. One kind is an irrevocable trust which is defined as “a legal arrangement where the grantor permanently transfers ownership of assets to a trust, managed by a trustee for beneficiaries, which cannot be easily changed or terminated.” This is meant to be a permanent arrangement.

Paul uses the Greek word ametamelétos here and one other time in 2 Corinthians 7:10. It is not used anywhere else in the New Testament. The word comes “from a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of metamellomai (change of heart or mind); irrevocable — without repentance, not to be repented of.” Another source I looked at said, “The adjective conveys an unalterable state—an action, decision, or outcome that will never be rescinded or lamented. In Scripture it serves to highlight either the unwavering character of God’s purposes or the settled peace that accompanies genuine repentance.”

APPLICATION

The use of it in 2 Corinthians 7:10 really applies to us. Just look at what Paul writes here. “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Our repentance for salvation is a one-time event that cannot be revoked. Isn’t that amazing? Just as His covenant with Israel is irrevocable, so is His covenant with us. Hallelujah!

God is not some fickle god who changes his mind whenever he wants. God knows exactly what He is doing and why He is doing it. He doesn’t have to rethink His decisions or actions. Everything He does is irrevocable because He is just and holy. Because He is those things, we can trust Him to never abandon us or cast us aside.

You may have entered into some agreements which you thought were irrevocable. Take marriage, for instance. What God designed to last a lifetime often ends in divorce. No agreement that is manmade is irrevocable. Only God’s agreements are. Have you entered in that agreement with Him? He promises to always be with you and protect you. He will see you through those hard times He allows to make you more like His Son. Trust His irrevocability!

I am eternally thankful that my covenant with You is binding forever.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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