Thrive: Deeper

As we move into these last 5 chapters of Romans, the Theology that Paul has presented in Romans Chapter 1- 11, is what informs the actions we see Paul speak to now in Chapters 12-16. This is where Paul demonstrates that Doctrine is not separate from practical Christianity. Rather it is the force behind it. In light of what God has done, here is how we should live. Chapter 12:1-2 – Personal sacrifice. Chapter 12:3-8 – Sacrifice in the Church. Chapter 12:9-21 – Sacrifice in Relationships. Chapter 13: 1-14 – Understanding the times in which we live. Chapter 13:8-10 – Understanding leads to love for one another. Chapter 13:11-14 – Understanding leads to pleasing God. Chapter 14 - Unity in the church. Unity is more important than agreement on nonessential matters in the Christian life. Unity reveals LOVE as this is the only things that can bring together people who differ. Chapter 15 - We see Paul as a builder of the church, servant of the church, shepherd of the church, and Apostle of the church.

Romans Chapters 9-11 In this episode Matt and Stu will discuss: The Gospel and the Intersection between Responsibility (Human) & Sovereignty God (9:1-5) Gospel has always been based on election. (9:6-13) Gospel has always been based on Justice and Mercy (9:14-18) Gospel has always been based on God’s Sovereignty. (9: 19-29) The Pursuit of Righteousness based on merit. (9:30 – 10:4) As we move into Chapter 11, we see Paul shift from, what might seem a discouraging assessment of the Israel’s past and present spiritual life – to a amazingly positive assessment about Israel’s future – all Israel will be saved! Paul (New Testament) and the remnant of Israel (Old Testament) shows that God has NOT rejected his people. (11:1-10) God has delivered the Gospels to the Gentiles. (11:11-22) Praise is the natural response to God’s merciful plans for the salvation of the human race. (11:33-36) God is willing to harden the heart of those who are disobedient to his revelation - equally - God is willing to create conditions that motivate the wayward person to desire him.

Life in the Spirit makes us able to understand and endure suffering in our current context. Paul’s analysis of the present suffering and our future glory makes it clear that these cannot be compared to each other. All of creation is awaiting and anticipating this coming glory. We also groan and wait with perseverance for the coming glory. God’s help through the Spirit is available to us now. God’s help is an enduring promise; He has the ability to work all things for good and to see us through to the end of this age. The triumphant victory of life in the Spirit. We can know our future. We have the ‘verdict’ now. We can be certain of our salvation in Christ. The evidence that God is for us is the gift of Jesus Christ. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In this episode Matt takes us through the first part of Chapter 8 – vs 1-17. Paul’s letter to the Romans can be divided into three major parts: a presentation of the gospel (chapters 1-8), the place of Israel in God’s plan (chapters 9-11) and exhortations for Christian living (chapters 12-15). Chapter 8 comes near the end of Paul’s explanation of the gospel. It is the climax, and the truths that Paul shares here are so significant - No condemnation! / Life in the Spirit / Our response. When our lives are placed in Christ, then we share in his life, both the good and the bad. We share in his sufferings, in his death, in his righteousness and in his resurrection. As God’s children, we are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in who he is and what he has done.

We continue in the book of Romans working through Chapters 4-6. We cover: • The grace we receive because of God’s just faithfulness • Adams sin and how it resulted in us all being guilty before God • How the law showed (and shows) us the nature of sin more clearly • The difference between Adam and Jesus • God’s grace • How we can be set free from the hold of sin Romans 5:18-19 The result of one man’s sin was that everyone became guilty. So the result of one righteous act is that everyone can become righteous. And everyone can receive eternal life. Many people became sinners because one man did not obey God. So many will become righteous by the one man who obeyed God.

The book of Romans is the longest of the Apostle Paul's letters and is regarded by many people as his greatest. Romans contains Paul’s most complete explanation of the doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus Christ rather than by the law of Moses. Romans was most likely written while he was in Corinth on his third missionary journey, in A.D. 57 In this episode we cover: The Gospel as the Revelation of God’s Righteousness God’s Righteousness in His Wrath against Sinners The Saving Righteousness of God

This week, Matt takes a look at 1st Kings as we close out the reign of David and he hands on the throne of Israel to Solomon his son. In this episode we cover a lot of ground but focus on: Solomon building the temple . . . and also his palace. Through this time, David’s son Solomon, leads Israel to greatness and to a period of peace and prosperity. But, because he didn't obey God and got drawn away from the ways of God - even to the point of idol worship - he ends up leading Israel to a civil war and ultimately towards destruction and exile.

This week, Matt takes a look at 2nd Samuel as we pick up again our journey through the books of 1 & 2 Samuel. In this episode we cover a lot of ground but focus on: David's lament over the death of Saul, his crowning as King and then his triumphs as he takes back Jerusalem and reigns over all Israel. This is where the new dynasty begins and (in Chapter 7) we see the Davidic covenant, where God promises an everlasting Kingdom through the line of David. We also cover David's significant short-comings and sin. The denunciation from Nathan, and then the ongoing consequences of his sin throughout his family. Blessings or consequences follow every action, and this is clearly demonstrated here throughout 2nd Samuel.

You can follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv

The Complete C S Lewis Signature Classics (7 Volume Set) – ThriveToday Offer ONLY AVAILABLE TO SHIP WITHIN AUSTRALIA A beautiful compilation of inspirational writings, featuring seven classic works in one box set. The box set includes: ‘Mere Christianity’ ‘The Screwtape Letters’ ‘Surprised by Joy’ ‘The Four Loves’ ‘The Problem of Pain’ ‘The Great Divorce’ ‘Miracles’ Remember we cannot keep making these podcasts without your generous support! 1} Pray! Pray for God's blessing and direction. 2} Share! Please share your favourite episodes with someone who would be encouraged. 3} Give! Head over to our SUPPORT page and become a monthly supporter Along with helping us keep your favourite podcasts "on the air" you will also be invited to our exclusive private Facebook Supporters Group. You can bookmark, like and follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveTodayPage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivetoday.tv/