Romans 15:14 ... the 4c's

Good morning, Five Minute Families. We just completed our September marriage retreat, and as fall progresses we will be welcoming grieving individuals during a support group meeting once a week for six weeks and during a weekend grief retreat. Please pray for the families who were here deepening their marital relationships and for those who are mourning the loss of their spouses. We are moved by the juxtaposition of those two aspects of our ministry here at CVR. We celebrate God’s design for marriage, and we mourn with those who mourn their lifetime loves. Yet, in all aspects of life, we seek to glorify the God of the universe who gives our lives purpose. With that in mind, today's five minutes will focus on Romans 15:14: “And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.”The Scriptures are full of wisdom, encouragement, and application for life both present and eternal. Today this scripture fulfills those points very well. A former professor of mine, Dr. Robert Kellemen, illuminated this verse several years ago, pointing out God’s “4 C's" within this verse. Those are community, character, content, and competence. So, how can we as Five Minute Families take these points into our relationships? In our traditional five-point format, let us encourage you through the aspects of Romans 15:14 opening with that which is preeminent. 1. Christ. Nothing starts with without Christ. Many focus on the salvation He brings, which, of course, is a great gift and a great sacrifice He has done for us. Because of that sacrifice we have new life, now and forever. Romans 15:14 highlights not only some of the benefits but also the reality of our newness in Christ. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, these next 4 points are yours. 2. Community. Just as Paul writes to his audience of believers, he highlights our connection in community. Brothers and sisters. The community of believers goes beyond our immediate families. It's those Christ-followers in our church, the church down the street, the church across the country, and the church around the world. There will be times that you may feel alone, but God is always with us and His saints are there for you as well. Together, in Christ, we are strong! 3. Character. God just said that you are "full of goodness." Let that sink in. Take out your Bible and read it for yourself. Meditate on it. Goodness in yourself? Think back to our first point. Christ. He provides our goodness, and the work of salvation gives us the opportunity to do the right thing as we follow God's Word in our lives. We have the choice to put on the character of Christ. 4. Content. We are also described as "filled with all knowledge." Just the thought of that seems overwhelming because I feel that I am very lacking. With so much to learn, it can seem too much to even fathom. God is not saying that you are omniscient like Him, but we have access to Him, the God of the universe, who created all things and knows all things. When we study His word, our eyes can be opened to who God is and who we are to Him. The Scriptures provide everything for life and godliness. Pray and ask. Seek and you shall find. Listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you. 5. Competence. Our last point today, but certainly not the end of the amazing wonders of God because He never ends. As the scripture says, we are "able to admonish or instruct one another." We can teach others these wonders of God. We can warn of the dangers of the unrighteous life and encourage righteousness. We know bringing the good news of God into our homes can be difficult, but remember that you are not alone. Even Jesus was rejected by His hometown but He didn't give up. Your life changed in Christ, and that witness is powerful. Your opportunity to shine for Christ and show the grace of God to others is not a maybe but a yes. You can because Christ did.To you who hear this message, take this scripture to heart. If you don't know the love of God through Christ, we would love to help you know Him more and pray for you. To you who are believers, take this scripture home. You can because Christ did. As a Christian, you are a child of God. You have a new nature and new nurture. We pray that you go forth in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ to reflect His goodness and knowledge. Share Him with the community He has around you, especially your family. Thank you for sharing your time with us. Find out more about our ministry at clearviewretreat.org. Go in the grace of Christ and be blessed.