Tuesday 30 December 2025

Psalm 1

Background
The word 'faith' is often used to describe the human response to God. For Christians, faith is in an understanding of God as creator, redeemer, sustainer.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is written to a church where he has never set foot. He needs to clarify upon what foundation stones his own faith is based. For Paul, when introducing himself to this church, he is clear and certain: Jesus Christ, God’s son “was descended from David according to the flesh”(v. 3); “declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead.”(v. 4) In a few short verses, Paul makes it absolutely clear – not a shadow of doubt – that Jesus has all the divine credentials to be served, to be followed, to be obeyed – and to be loved.

Therefore, in the context of our readings this week about 'The Word Incarnate', the opening six verses of Paul's letter to the Romans establish that Jesus was indeed seen by Paul as the embodiment of God, the son of God. This is the basis of his faith. It is this same faith that becomes the DNA for his majestic letter as it embraces the great themes of sin, salvation, peace, freedom, hope, mystery, devotion, community and mission. All these are underpinned by Paul’s faith in Jesus as God made flesh; but implicit in everything that Paul writes is his encouragement for all followers of Jesus to match their faith in God with their everyday worship and actions. Put another way, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” (v. 17)

Faith in a loving, merciful and continually gracious God will inevitably inform our behaviour towards others and to the created order. And as we behave responsibly (perhaps keeping the Fruit of the Holy Spirit [Galatians 5:22-25] in mind), so we embody our faith in Jesus. Paul seems to be so keen for such re-circulation of faith when he writes in verse 15, “hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” (Romans 1:15)

In the words of the hymn 'Christ our king, before creation' (StF 318), “Make us humble in believing, and, believing, bold to pray, 'Lord, in us your aim achieving, come and reign in us today.'" What might such faith enable us to do faithfully for Christ this very day?

To Ponder:

• If someone were to address you as a 'saint', how would you react? Would your faith be strengthened and emboldened? Or not?
• If you were arrested for being a Christian, in the words of Pentecostal minister Arthur Burt, "Would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
• What is it, in your daily living, that speaks to others of your faith in Jesus Christ? Words? Actions? Body language?

Prayer
In my life today, may others be aware of God’s living grace. Amen.

Bible notes author: Michael King
Michael is a Methodist local preacher in Salisbury and was Vice-President of the Conference in 2012/2013.