Category Archives: Scripture

Bible, Helplessness, Jesus, Scripture, Strength, Sufficiency, Weakness

HELPLESS

ROMANS 5:6

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Nothing is more depressing than to be helpless to change a situation that you desire so deeply to see changed. Without going into any detail, my wife and I are in that situation. We have been dealing with something for quite a while now that we are powerless to change. It’s out of our control. Now, we could choose to wallow in our self-pity and get mad or depressed. We have chosen (even though it is very hard) to lay it down at the feet of Jesus and let Him handle it. After all, whatever is over our head is under His feet.

The word Paul uses here translated as “helpless” is asthenés which comes “from a ‘without’ and sthenos, ‘vigor, strength’ – properly, without vigor, living in a state of weakness (depletion).” (HELPS Word-studies). Paul, knowing the futility of the law or the futility of the Gentiles’ gods, says we were all helpless, devoid of the ability to save ourselves. We need a Savior.

APPLICATION

I love the fact that God takes us in our weakness, saves us and then uses us. Look at 1 Corinthians 1:27, “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,” Isn’t that awesome? You see, it’s not about our strength or our ability. You’ve heard it said, “God doesn’t want our ability. He wants our availability.”

Not only does Christ take our weakness, our inability to save ourselves, but He also commands us to help others who are weak. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” As we know the strength of Christ in our own lives, we are to be quick to pass that along to others who are weak and helpless.

My wife and I are expecting our sixth grandchild in a few weeks. She will be born a helpless baby, totally dependent on her parents to feed, clean and protect. She won’t be able to walk for many months. She won’t feed herself for a long time. But as her parents and her grandparents care for her in her weakness, she will be getting stronger. Christ takes us in our spiritual infancy and strengthens us. He does not judge our immaturity. He builds on it. Today thank the Lord for your weakness which necessitates His strength.

Lord, I give You praise that in my weakness, You are my strength.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Affection, Bible, Holy Spirit, Love, Poured Out, Scripture

POURED OUT

ROMANS 5:5

“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

It’s easy to pour out your love on someone who loves you back, isn’t it? For instance, our grandson is one of the most affectionate little ones I have ever known. He loves to give hugs and kisses. We have so many pictures and videos of him expressing his love to his mama or Nana. He even gives me hugs and kisses, especially after a morning walk or when we are snuggling watching some car videos.

Why am I talking about my grandson? Well, duh, he’s my grandson. Lol. No, the reason is as much as I pour my love into my grandson, it does not come close in comparison to how much the Lord pours His love into us. Paul says it so well in today’s verse. Reread the verse again – “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” You won’t find many other words in Scripture that give as much hope as that.

APPLICATION

The verb used here for “has been poured out” is ekcheo. Strong’s defines it as “gush forth, pout out, shed, spill.” This is the same word used in Matthew 26:28 when Jesus said, “‘for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.’” The verb in today’s verse is in the Perfect tense which means it happened in the past but has lasting results. That’s important. God’s love was poured out on us and has continued and will continue through the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

One of my favorite uses of ekcheo is found in Titus 3:6. Look at 3:5-7 to get the full picture. “5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Well, Glory!

The next time you shower your loved one (spouse, child, grandchild) with affection, think about how the Lord is showering you with His love. He will never stop loving you. He will never stop surrounding you with His presence. His Holy Spirit indwells you, if you are a follower of Christ. Enjoy His embraces.

O Lord, I love to feel Your presence in my life through the power of Your Spirit. Thank You for pouring Yourself into me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Character, Perseverance, Proven, Scripture, Trials, Tribulations

THE REST OF THE STORY

ROMANS 5:4

“and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;”

Have you ever read a good book and stopped short of the finish? Why would you do that? Why not see how it ends? I love to read, but I don’t do it enough. I have a couple of favorite Christian fiction authors that keep me riveted. I could read their stuff all the time. When I finish their latest book, I am looking forward to the next one. But I have never stopped short of the finish.

Today’s verse gives us the next part of the story that Paul began way back in 5:1. Yesterday’s verse was kind of the cliffhanger. He told us to celebrate tribulations because it brings perseverance. Today Paul goes further into proven character and then right back to hope. The Greek word dokimé is translated as “proven character” here. It can mean proof, ordeal, proven worth or test also. The word implies character that is built through testing. That’s what God does in our lives.

APPLICATION

We see dokimé used in 2 Corinthians 8:2. Let’s back up to 8:1 to get the context (that’s always important). “1 Now, brothers and sisters, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.” Here dokimé is translated “ordeal.” But look what it produced – abundance of joy and wealth of liberality.

In Philippians 2:22 Paul uses dokimé to describe Timothy whom he was sending to the church there. Paul says that Timothy had proven himself loyal to the gospel by serving alongside him on those arduous missionary journeys. Surely, Timothy suffered with Paul. Surely, Timothy was in great danger many times himself.

Are you proven? Have you gone through the fires of trials in your life and come out on the other side proven by God. I can tell you there is no feeling like it. Coming out of a hard time knowing that it was Jesus Who carried you through is lifechanging. He hardens you to other trials you face. He prepares you through adversity to face life’s challenges. Yes, there is more to the story in each of our lives. How will you choose to face them?

Lord God, You are always faithful to see me through the hard times through which you prepare me for my future journeys.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Hope, Rejoicing, Scripture, Trials, Tribulations

ARE YOU SUFFERING?

ROMANS 5:3

“And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;”

If you ever hear someone say they celebrate tribulations, you will probably call someone to pick them up for a psych evaluation. We just don’t think that way, especially when we are in the midst of a hard time. We complain, whine and bellyache to anyone who will listen. We could be singing that old Hee Haw song, “Doom, Despair and Agony on me.”

So, when Paul writes that we should rejoice (same word used in 5:2) in tribulations just like we rejoice in hope, that sounds kind of crazy. Who in their right mind celebrates the hard times? Remember who is writing this. Paul had seen his fair share of hard times, hadn’t he? I want to share Paul’s list of sufferings for you to understand that he knew what he was talking about. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 Paul says, “23 Are they servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift at sea. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”

APPLICATION

How does your hard times compare to that? And through all that Paul can still write “celebrate in our tribulations.” That Greek word translated “tribulations” could be translated “between a rock and a hard place.” It’s the Greek word thlipsis. Often when you go through these hard times you feel there is no escape. You begin to lose hope. But Paul says to celebrate them the same way you celebrate hope.

I’ve been through some hard times in my life, emotionally and physically. I have learned that you have to choose to rejoice in them only because you believe in the end result. As Paul says, they “bring about perseverance.” Isn’t that a good thing? We all want to persevere, but we don’t want to go through the stuff that builds it.

We will see in tomorrow’s verse that Paul will come back full circle to hope. Let me encourage you to go ahead and take a look at 5:4. I don’t want to leave you hanging here on tribulations. They have their purpose. Otherwise, God would not allow His children to go through them. See you tomorrow.

Father, I praise You for the trials that come my way that build perseverance into me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Access, Bible, Faith, Grace, Jesus, Justification, Scripture

FULL ACCESS

ROMANS 5:2

“through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.”

I have stayed in a few Airbnb rentals and have for the most part thoroughly enjoyed them. It so different than staying in a hotel. Sure, you don’t have housekeeping dropping by to make your bed or freshen your towels, but you have a lot more room and privacy. But to get in that Airbnb you have to have either a key or a code. Without that, you will not reap the benefits of your reservation.

Paul tells us we have access to our eternal home in today’s verse. The word translated “introduction” is prosagōgḗ which comes “from prós, ‘with, towards’ and ágō, ‘come’ – properly, come towards (near); have access (approach), with intimate (face-to-face) interaction (note the prefix pros). All three occasions of prosagōgḗ (‘interactive access’) refer to ‘having audience (direct access) with God’ (J. B. Lightfoot, MM).” (HELPS Word-studies)

APPLICATION

Prosagōgḗ is only used two other times, both in Ephesians, where it is translated “access.” Personally, I like that translation better. In Ephesians 2:18 Paul writes, “for through Him (speaking of Jesus) we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” Christ called Himself the door, didn’t He? He opens the door for us to come to the Father. He is the only door to Him. There is no back or side entrance.

We see prosagōgḗ used again in Ephesians 3:12, “in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.” Did you catch that? Paul writes “confident access.” We can approach the throne boldly because of our justification through Jesus. That is worthy of a shout of praise, isn’t it?

We have access by faith into grace. We have access to the Father because of Jesus. And we have confident access through faith in Him. So, why do we tiptoe around acting so unsure of our salvation. You have been given the key. You have the code to unlock the access. You can enter into the place that Jesus has secured for you. It is so much better than an Airbnb. It will never be closed to you. Hallelujah!

Father, I thank You for the access I have to my eternal home through Jesus Christ by Savior and Lord.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Justification, Justified, Peace, Scripture

PEACE WITH GOD

ROMANS 5:1

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

You hear a lot about peace today in regard to peace between nations or other groups. Peace in the Mid East is always in the news. Peace between Ukraine and Russia has been prayed for by many. Peace deals are made and broken all the time. It is very hard for men to live in peace with each other. The slightest thing can bring an end to decades of peace. When will it all end?

Even though we may never have true peace on earth, we are promised “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” What a promise. But that peace hinges on what Paul wrote about in the previous verse (4:25) – our justification. In fact, Paul starts out today’s verse saying the same thing. He says, “having been justified.” That’s an Aorist Participle Passive. Thank you, Carl, that really blessed my heart. Now, hang on. You need to understand the Aorist tense. It is an action that is completed in the past completely without any focus on how long it will last. In other words, it’s one and done! Praise the Lord.

APPLICATION

The other verb in today’s verse is the simple Greek word for “have.” The importance of this verb is that it is in the Present Indicative Active. Present tense means it is ongoing. So do you get the picture here? We were justified through the blood of Jesus when we accepted Him as our Savior and Lord. Because of that completed action, we now have lasting peace with the Father. How much better can this get?

I can’t help but think about that song that says, “I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul…” Let me ask you this morning if you have that peace. If you decided to place your trust in Jesus and follow Him, He has given you that peace. Do not let anyone or anything rob you of that peace that is eternally yours. Nothing can take that away from you. It’s His promise to you, and we know He does not break His promises.

One more thing! Notice Paul wrote “peace with God.” Paul knew that when you have that you also have the peace of God. What’s the difference? Peace with God, as I said, is done by the justification of our sins through Jesus. Peace of God is what you receive in your heart and soul as a result of that. Jesus told us, “Peace I give to you.” We have the peace of God when we receive peace with God. They are intertwined. Just rest in it.

Father, You are the One Who give us peace through Your Son Jesus. I will enjoy that peace.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Eternal Life, Justified, Raised, Resurrection, Scripture

FINISHED WORK

ROMANS 4:25

“He who was delivered over because of our wrongdoings, and was raised because of our justification.”

My dad always taught me to finish the job completely. My first lesson in that was mowing the grass. He said the yard wasn’t complete until all the pinecones were picked up and the trim work was done (this was before we had weed eaters). He also taught me that a car wasn’t cleaned completely until the tires were clean. He compared that to wearing a nice suit but dirty shoes. He was all about getting the job finished well.

Jesus finished His job completely. Paul states as such in today’s verse. He wasn’t just “delivered over” for our sins. He was also “raised because of our justification.” His resurrection finished the job. His shed blood paid the price for our sins, and His resurrection gave us the promise of eternal life. What a complete work that was and still is.

APPLICATION

The verb used here for “delivered over” is paradidómi. In Matthew 10:4 it is used to describe Judas Iscariot. “Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.” The Topical Lexicon says this about this word. “Whether used of a traitor, a judge, an apostle, or God Himself, the word always carries the sober idea that what is ‘delivered up’ passes irrevocably into another’s control.” What does that say about God’s actions described in today’s verse? God did not betray Jesus. He willingly gave Him up to death to satisfy His own wrath on mankind.

But God always has a plan, a perfect plan. He also raised Jesus up. The verb used for “raised” is egeiró which Strong’s defines as “to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. Rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence) — awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up.”

Now, to be clear, Jesus didn’t just go to sleep on that cross. He died. He gave up this life on earth only to be raised by His Father to defeat death and the grave. As followers of Christ, we too will defeat death and the grave. How? Through our justification in Christ! We give up this life on earth and pass directly to a better life with Christ eternally. Thank You, Lord!

I give You praise for all You have done in and through Your Son, Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Holy Spirit, Promises, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

JOIN THE CLUB

ROMANS 4:24

“but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,”

Most clubs you join require you to agree to a certain code of conduct and make a commitment to hold up the stated values of the club. I was part of a civic club years ago and was expected to attend weekly meetings and other events sponsored by the club. I dropped out because it took way too much time away from my family and ministry. They were good people doing good things, but it just wasn’t right for me.

By believing in Jesus and following Him, we are made part of God’s club, so to speak. Let me share some thoughts from Albert Barnes on this verse. “The main or leading truths that God has made known to us are, that he has given his Son to die; that he has raised him up; and that through him he is ready to pardon. To put confidence in these truths is to believe now. Doing this, we believe in the same God that Abraham did; we evince the same spirit; and thus, show that we are the friends of the same God and may be treated in the same manner. This is faith under the gospel and shows that the faith of Abraham and of all true believers is substantially the same and is varied only by the difference of the truths made known.”

APPLICATION

I know that was a lot to digest so go back and read it again. I’ll wait…ready? What Paul is saying and what Barnes is interpreting is we belong to God just like Abraham. Abraham believed to the extent to what God disclosed to him. We believe to the extent to what God discloses to us. We have one huge benefit over Abraham, though. We have the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, to speak in us through the Father.

Abraham’s promise of a nation was birthed through his son, Isaac. Our promise of a promised eternal home was birthed through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son to prove his faith. God sacrificed His Son to give us faith. Abraham dwells now in heaven as one of the righteous dead before Christ. We will dwell in heaven one day because of the righteousness of Christ.

So many similarities between us and Abraham, between our faith and his. Yes, we share the same God. And yes, because the Father and the Son are One, we share the same Savior. His came through his faith in Jehovah. Ours comes from our faith in Jesus, His Son. I can’t wait to meet Abraham one day. I wonder if he knows that song about the seven sons of Abraham, lol.

Lord, I praise You for giving me full access to the heavenly club You have established through Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Alone, Bible, Righteousness, Scripture, Self-righteousness, Vanity

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU

ROMANS 4:23

“Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him,”

In 1972 Carly Simon released a song entitled “You’re So Vain.” You may have heard it. The chorus says, “You’re so vain; You probably think this song is about you. You’re so vain (you’re so vain). I bet you think this song is about you, don’t you, don’t you?” Vanity is thinking the world revolves around you and that all that happens good in your life is because you deserve it.

Abraham was not vain. He knew the righteousness which was bestowed on him by the Lord was not because of anything he had done or could do. And he knew that God’s promises were not for him alone. They would be passed down to future generations through his son. We will see in tomorrow’s verse the second part of this thought. But just looking at today’s verse, I want you to see that it is not all about you.

APPLICATION

We were saved for a purpose. Our salvation comes with instructions – go share this with someone. Pass it on. Lead someone else to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Take the “Roman Road” and walk with someone to understand those verses and give their life to Christ. Your salvation is not all about you. God has saved you and enlisted you in His army. Stand and fight!

In the July 2025 assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, after he stood up with a bloodied ear, he was surrounded by Secret Service agents. But through the mass of bodies, he shoved up his fist and shouted, “Fight, fight, fight!” He wasn’t giving up because he knew the election wasn’t just about him. Now, I’m not trying to be political here. I’m just giving an example. Things that happen in our lives are not just about us. We can affect hundreds of people by our reaction to events, including our own salvation.

What kind of effect are you having on others? Maybe you’re one of those who think it’s all about you. I have known a few narcissists in my life, none of which were very pleasant to be around. Take an inventory of all that God has done for you. Then find a way to share that with others. Most importantly, find a way to share your faith with someone this week one-on-one. Be honest and share your struggles. But don’t leave out the best part – He is always there.

Lord God, I know it is not about me. You came to give Your life for others, and I should lay down my life for them as well.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Promises, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture, Therefore

THEREFORE

ROMANS 4:22

“Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

You have probably heard some preacher say, “When you see the word “therefore” in the Bible, always look to see what it is there for.” Well, in today’s verse we have a “therefore.” It is the little Greek conjunction dio which can be translated as “for this reason,” “therefore” or “wherefore.” A conjunction connects at least two thoughts. In our case today, it connects the thoughts of the preceding verses with this thought in verse 22. Because of all Paul just said, this is true.

Once again, Paul quotes from Genesis 15:6, “Then he believed in the LORD; and He credited it to him as righteousness.” We saw this quoted earlier back in 4:3 and 4:9. This is the third time Paul quotes Genesis 15:6. Do you think it is important? Paul is nailing home the point that Abraham didn’t do anything to earn that righteousness. It was given to him before circumcision. God simply chose him and cut covenant with him. God made him righteous and Abraham himself.

APPLICATION

The same holds true for us. If you want to see just how much “therefore” means to us, look at 2 Corinthians 4:16. Paul uses dio again here. “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.” Let me tell you, that verse hit home with me. My old body is wearing down. I have a little pain in my lower back right now, which is new for me. But this verse says that is to be expected. However, my inner man is renewed daily. How sweet!

In our spiritual walk with Christ “therefore” makes a big difference. For instance, Christ died for my sins, and I have acknowledged that and have decided to follow Him. THEREFORE, I am His child and will live with Him in eternity. That’s a big “therefore,” isn’t it? Just like Abraham, I did nothing but step out in faith. Because of that I am reckoned as righteous in God’s eyes.

The next time you are reading through the Word and run across a little conjunction like dio (therefore, for this reason, wherefore), pause and really look what it is pointing you back to. Context is key in any study of Scripture. God’s Word is truth from the first word to the last. Therefore – you can trust it. You can place your faith in that.

Father God, I am grateful Your Word is so rich and so powerful. It gives me the “therefore” I need at the right time.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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