Introduction

A man once received a letter from the bank warning him about his overdue payments. He ignored it. Then came a second and a third—each one a stronger warning. Eventually, his assets were seized. He had no one to blame but himself.

Romans 1:18-32 is God’s warning letter to humanity, showing what happens when people reject Him. It explains how turning from God leads to moral and spiritual decay and ultimately, judgment.

Background & Context

The book of Romans was written by Paul to the church in Rome. It systematically explains the gospel, beginning with the universal sinfulness of humanity. In this passage, Paul describes how people suppress the truth about God, leading to a downward spiral of sin and divine judgment.

Key Points

1. The Rejection of God Leads to Darkness (Romans 1:21-23)

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” (v. 21)

• People reject God, not out of ignorance, but by choice.
• This rejection results in foolish thinking and spiritual blindness.
• Sin begins when we fail to glorify God and give thanks.

👉 Application: Ask yourself, “Am I honoring God in my life, or am I living as if He doesn’t matter?”

2. The Consequence of Sin: God Gives Them Over (Romans 1:24-28)

“Therefore God gave them over to vile impurity…to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper.” (vv. 24, 28)

• Three times in this passage, it says “God gave them over.”
• This is a terrifying reality—when people persist in sin, God lets them go their way.
• Sin enslaves, and without God’s intervention, it leads to complete moral corruption.

👉 Application: Repentance is the way back. God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

3. The Depth of Human Sin (Romans 1:29-32)

“They are filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil…” (v. 29)

• Paul lists a series of sins that result from rejecting God.
• Sin is not just about “big” things; it includes greed, deceit, arrogance, and disobedience.
• Worse, some not only sin but also approve of sin in others (v. 32).

👉 Application: Are we tolerating sin in our lives or justifying it in our culture?

Practical Application

1. Recognize the danger of ignoring God. Like the man who ignored the bank warnings, ignoring God’s truth leads to destruction.
2. Examine your heart. Is there any area where you have rejected God’s authority?
3. Repent and turn back. Romans 2:4 reminds us that God’s kindness leads to repentance.

Conclusion

Romans 1 is not just about judgment—it’s a wake-up call. If we turn to God, there is hope and restoration. God’s desire is not to condemn but to bring us back to Himself.

Call to Action: Will you surrender every part of your life to Him today?

Sin to Avoid (Red – None Highlighted)

• No specific sins were highlighted, but from Romans 1:1-10, we can infer:
  • Neglecting our calling – Paul emphasizes that we are set apart for the Gospel (v.1). Ignoring or resisting God’s purpose for us is a danger.
  • Lack of faith and obedience – The passage calls for obedience that comes from faith (v.5), implying that disobedience is a sin to avoid.

Promise to Claim (Yellow)

• “He promised” (v.2) – God’s Gospel was foretold and fulfilled in Christ. His promises are trustworthy.
• “Received grace and apostleship” (v.5) – We have received grace for our mission.
• “Loved by God and called to be His holy people” (v.7) – A powerful promise of God’s love and calling over our lives.

Example to Follow (Green)

• Paul’s identity and mission (v.1-5) – He exemplifies servanthood, apostleship, and being set apart for God.
• “Faith is being reported all over the world” (v.8) – The Roman believers set an example of faithfulness that others noticed.
• “Constantly I remember you in my prayers” (v.9) – Paul models persistent prayer.

Command to Obey (Orange)

• “God’s will, the way may be opened” (v.10) – Seeking and submitting to God’s will in our plans.
• Living out our calling – Paul was set apart and reminds us to embrace our own call.
• Praying for others constantly (v.9) – A direct action to follow.

Practical Keywords (Pencil Notes)

• “Receive grace” – We must recognize and walk in God’s grace.
• “Church’s true witness” – Living as a testimony of Christ.
• “To pray through” – Perseverance in prayer.
• “Heart to share & burden” – Passion for evangelism.

Introduction:

Life often presents us with situations where we lack the resources to move forward—just like the wedding at Cana where the wine ran out. But when we follow Jesus’ instructions without questioning, we witness His power. John 2 teaches us the importance of obedience, faith, and recognizing the presence of Jesus in our daily struggles.

Background & Context:

John 2 records two significant events:

1. Jesus’ First Miracle – Turning Water into Wine (John 2:1-12)

   • Jesus attends a wedding in Cana with His mother and disciples.
   • When the wine runs out, Mary presents the problem to Jesus, and despite His initial response, she instructs the servants to obey Him.
   • The servants follow Jesus’ command to fill the jars with water, which He miraculously turns into wine.
   • This was the first sign that revealed His glory, leading His disciples to believe in Him.

2. Jesus Cleansing the Temple (John 2:13-25)

   • Jesus visits the temple in Jerusalem and finds it being used for commerce.
   • In righteous anger, He drives out the merchants and declares that His Father’s house should not be a marketplace.
   • When questioned, He refers to His resurrection, saying, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
   • His disciples later recall this and believe in His words.

Key Points:

1. Obedience Without Questioning (John 2:5-7)

• Highlighted Example to Follow (Green): “Do whatever He tells you.” (v.5) & “They did so.” (v.8)
• Mary instructs the servants to obey Jesus, and they do so without questioning.
• Practical Application:
  • Obey blindly, no questioning (as noted in the margin).
  • When God gives a command, trust that He knows the outcome.
  • Small steps of obedience lead to great miracles.

2. Trust in God’s Timing (John 2:4)

• Sin to Avoid (Red): “My hour has not yet come.”
• Sometimes, we try to rush God’s plan, but He works in His perfect timing.
• Practical Application:
  • Be ready for blind obedience but trust in His divine timing.
  • God’s delays are not denials—they prepare us for greater things.

3. Follow God’s Instructions, Not Human Reasoning (John 2:7-8)

• Command to Obey (Orange): “Fill the jars with water.”
• The servants could have questioned why they were filling water instead of getting more wine, but they obeyed.
• Practical Application:
  • Obey even when it does not make sense.
  • Faith means following God’s direction despite circumstances.

4. Righteous Zeal for God’s House (John 2:14-17)

• Sin to Avoid (Red): “Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” (v.16)
• Jesus showed His passion for holiness and reverence in worship.
• Practical Application:
  • Guard your heart against making faith a business or routine.
  • Worship should be pure, free from distractions and personal gain.

5. Believe in the Words of Jesus (John 2:22)

• Promise to Claim (Yellow): “Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.”
• His disciples remembered His words after His resurrection.
• Practical Application:
  • Recall → Reconnect → Believe (as written in the margin).
  • Regularly read and meditate on Scripture so faith is strengthened.

6. Jesus Knows Our Hearts (John 2:24-25)

• Sin to Avoid (Red): “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.”
• Jesus discerned true faith from superficial belief.
• Practical Application:
  • Live with sincere faith, not just external appearances.
  • Seek a genuine relationship with Jesus, not just miracles.

Practical Application Summary:

✅ Obey God without questioning.
✅ Trust His timing in all situations.
✅ Follow His instructions even when they don’t make sense.
✅ Keep your worship pure and reverent.
✅ Recall His words and believe His promises.
✅ Examine your heart—do you truly follow Christ or just seek His blessings?

Closing Thought & Call to Action:

John 2 teaches us that miracles happen when we obey, faith grows when we recall His words, and true worship requires holiness. Like the servants who obeyed without question, are we ready to follow Jesus completely?

➡️ Challenge: This week, commit to an act of obedience even if it doesn’t make sense—God may be preparing a miracle in your life!

Introduction

John 1:1-18 is known as the prologue to the Gospel of John, presenting Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) and highlighting His divinity, incarnation, and mission on Earth.

Background and Context

• Author: The Apostle John, an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry.
• Purpose: To reveal Jesus as the divine Son of God, the Light of the world, and the source of grace and truth.
• Setting: Written to both Jews and Gentiles to help them understand Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Key Points

1. Sin to Avoid:

   • John 1:11 (in red): “He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”
   • Point: The danger of rejecting Jesus and failing to recognize Him as the Son of God.

2. Promise to Claim:

   • John 1:12 (in yellow): “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.”
   • Point: Anyone who receives Jesus can become a child of God and be part of His family.

3. Example to Follow:

   • John 1:14 (in green): “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth.”
   • Point: We should embody grace and truth as Jesus did.

4. Command to Obey:

   • John 1:17 (in orange): “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”
   • Point: Live by grace and truth, as Jesus demonstrated in His life.

Practical Application

• Recognize and Receive Jesus: Avoid rejecting Jesus, instead receive Him and acknowledge Him as Lord.
• Claim Your Identity: Embrace the promise of being a child of God through faith in Christ.
• Follow Jesus’ Example: Strive to live a life full of grace and truth in all your interactions.
• Live by Grace: Extend God’s grace to others, living out the truth of the Gospel.

Introduction

The concept of the Messianic Rule—Christ’s sovereign reign—extends across history, impacting the world in the past, the present (including the church, family, and individual lives), and the future, including the Millennial Kingdom. Understanding His rule gives us hope, direction, and purpose as we align ourselves under His divine authority.

1. The Messianic Rule in the Past

• Prophetic Anticipation: The Old Testament foretold the coming of the Messiah as King.
  • Isaiah 9:6-7 – “…And the government shall rest on His shoulders…”
  • Psalm 2:6-8 – God declares His Son as King over the nations.
• Earthly Ministry: Jesus came as the prophesied King but was rejected by many.
  • John 18:36 – “My kingdom is not of this world…”
  • Matthew 4:17 – Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

2. The Messianic Rule in the Present

a. In the Church

• Christ is the Head of the Church, leading through His Word and Spirit.
  • Colossians 1:18 – “He is also the head of the body, the church…”
  • Ephesians 1:22-23 – All things are under His feet.

b. In the Family

• Biblical family structure reflects Christ’s authority.
  • Ephesians 5:23 – “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church…”
  • Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

c. In the Individual’s Life

• Christ reigns in the hearts of believers, guiding and sanctifying them.
  • Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ…”
  • Romans 8:14 – “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

3. The Messianic Rule in the Future (1000-Year Reign and Beyond)

• Christ will establish a literal kingdom on earth for 1,000 years.
  • Revelation 20:4 – “And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
  • Zechariah 14:9 – “The Lord will be king over all the earth…”
• His eternal rule continues in the New Heaven and New Earth.
  • Revelation 21:1-3 – A new creation where God dwells with His people.

Practical Application

• Submit to His Rule – Let Christ govern every aspect of your life.
• Live as Kingdom Ambassadors – Represent His rule in your family, workplace, and church.
• Prepare for His Coming Reign – Walk in holiness, knowing His Kingdom is both now and coming.

Conclusion

Christ’s rule spans all of history—from prophetic anticipation to His present reign in the church and individual hearts, culminating in His glorious Millennial Kingdom. We are called to submit to His lordship today, anticipating His future rule with joy?