Paul won’t spend much time in this letter explaining how God saved us. He gives more attention to that in his other letters. But the understanding that underlies this whole letter is that we have a God who saves – a God who speaks for our good. And that explains why we listen to his voice, with trust and with joy...
Is the coming of Jesus affecting us the way that it should? Do we have the right expectations? Do we have the right response?
It’s not as though the idea of love existed eternally, and then God came across it at some point and learned to love. No, love has its definition and existence in God. Love exists, because God exists.
God doesn't say, "Love, so that I will love you." But he says, "Love, because I have loved you."
God has brought you, and me, and all of us together to receive the gospel fully, and to advance the gospel further. This is the fellowship we’ve been called into with one another. This is what gospel partnership is.
Who will be able to present you to God as one who is guiltless, and righteous? How will you respond to the suffering servant of God?