Friday, 11 September 2026

Romans part 198 - Life in the Body 23

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Romans 13:3-4 For leaders cause no fear for good behavior, but for bad. Now if you do not want to fear the authority, do what is good and you will get his approval - for he is God's servant to you for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid - for he does not carry the sword for no reason; for he is God's servant, an avenger who inflicts punishment on the evildoer.

I want to focus on just one phrase today, "But if you do evil, be afraid." Did Paul forget about grace? No! Paul is remembering that there are consequences for sin. Grace removes the eternal guilt consequences of sin, but not the immediate physical consequences.

Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows in the flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But the one who sows in the Ruach will reap from the Ruach eternal life.

Doing evil is sin. 1 John 3:4 Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness - indeed, sin is lawlessness. The one true and living God is righteous all together and sin cannot come into His presence.

Isaiah 59:2 Rather, your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God. Your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear. But God sent His Son to heal that separation. We must receive the gift of Yeshua's sacrifice without doubting.

Jacob 1:2,7 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ... (ask in faith without doubt) For that person (who doubts) must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.

Our initial comment said essentially, sin and fear. The "flip side" of that is "be righteous and stand in faith." And what will those who believe with perfect faith receive? Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God. For the one who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Believe and walk in righteous obedience and receive your reward.