Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

If believers would more spend time in self-examination than to keep an eye on the shortcoming of others, there would be needful peace and harmony amongst the body of Christ. The believer is precious in God’s sight. The Apostle Paul is moved by the Holy Spirit to instruct believers so that they become better Christians. Be rid of that critical spirit rather have a poverty of spirit as Jesus taught.

Matthew 5:3-4 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

The resulting blessings are given in Matthew 5:7-8 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

The Apostle Paul is exhorting the church in Rome to receive such Jewish converts into their fellowship even though they may not be a fully practising Christian. The reason given is that God has received such a one. We are not to reject him. Rather, to give them time to understand the faith more fully. Meanwhile, extend to them the right hand of fellowship, accord to them Christian love and kindness though there are these differences. Be willing to accommodate them.

The Apostle Paul cites the example when one believer eats everything whilst another believer whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. In such cases, believers are exhorted not to judge one another nor treat each other with contempt or reject one another.

Thank God for every care taken to foster Christian unity. It is so needful and glorying to God as the church presents a concerted effort to reach the lost, those who are outside Christ and looking to see true peace and joy on earth through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people. Amen.

The believer is called to be vigilant to guard against yielding to sin. The Apostle Paul is exhorting the believer by a command from God to personally take charge of his life that it be guided by God’s Word and His Spirit. He makes a contrast that the believer cast off every work of darkness and walk in the light, in holiness.

The word “strife” speaks of contention and quarrels and “envy” speaks of a discontented and resentful spirit aroused by someone’s quality and possessions. The believer is to be contented with his lot in life trusting his all-wise and all-powerful to bestow what is best for him. These are sins of the flesh.

The believer is to cherish the freedom that he has received being freed from the bondage of sin through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ and to keep himself pure for he has been redeemed by a great price paid as the Apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 2:1-5 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).

Let your life not be filled with riotous conduct and drunkenness. Rather, be sober! Do not be engaged in nightlife, partying through the night in a drunken stupor. To be addicted to the consumption of alcohol. The Lord’s return draws near and be careful not caught off-guard, suffering obvious loss. Be warned.