Better Than Answers!

Have you ever asked someone a question to which they responded with a statement rather than an answer? Were you frustrated? Did you think they did not hear your question? Or were you so focused on your question that you did not pick up on the purpose of the statement made in place of an expected answer? Sometimes questions are asked to which there may be no answer. Other times questions are asked to which no answer is really needed if certain truths are grasped as they are shared. This is the style in which Paul sometimes wrote. He would ask a question, but then go on to make a statement rather than answering the question. It seems what Paul was trying to convey was, "forget the question and focus on the reality of GOD'S VIEW."

Note an example of this in Paul's letter to the church at Rome.
"(33) WHO SHALL BRING ANY CHARGE AGAINST GOD'S ELECT? It is God who justifies. (34) WHO IS TO CONDEMN? Christ Jesus is the one who died -- more than that, who was raised -- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." ( Romans 8:33-34 ESV)

Did you catch who Paul said brings charges against us? Did you read who it is that condemns us? I didn't either.

Note these two verses also from the New Living Translation.
"(33) Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself. (34) Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us." ( Romans 8:33-34 NLT) [© 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

Rather than answering his own questions Paul wanted his readers (including us) to focus on GOD'S VIEW of those in Christ. What should it matter what others might charge when God has justified us. And why even try to list those who may condemn us for our stand on God's principles when it is Christ Who has freed us from condemnation and continues to intercede on our behalf.

Earlier in this chapter Paul had encouraged. . .
"(1) THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." ( Romans 8:1-2 ESV)

Regardless of the world's view, let us be encouraged by the reality of GOD'S VIEW! It is GOD'S VIEW which counts anyway!

Have a great day ACCEPTING FACTS BETTER THAN ANSWERS!
Carl

-----------------------
[This focus was originally sent 04/07/1999 (edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

.

See other teEn-MAIL on God's View