DEVOTION
ROMANS
RESPONSE
Rom 8:31-39
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Just what is my response? Yes, God is for me, what an awesome thought, God is for me! Has anyone ever won a battle against the Almighty God of the all? So then who can win against me? Certainly not even Satan with any of his limited power can win against me, because God is for me! The question I have to ask myself is if God is for me, am I? Do I allow God to do battle for me against the forces of evil, or do I try to overcome those foes on my own power and strength? I know I am way too weak to accomplish the destruction of the forces of evil which wage a war against my very being, yet there I am, thinking I can do it. Why do I not allow God to work on my behalf? Why must I exclude Him? Why do I only go to Him when I have already failed and ask forgiveness for my failure? Why can’t I simply go to Him before the battle, letting Him do what He does? I know nothing can separate me from Him. He is completely connected to me in His strength and power. Oh Lord, help me allow you to be my sword, to be my shield, to be the rock of my salvation. Help me to look first to you in my hour of trial and temptation.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
purpose
DEVOTION
ROMANS
PURPOSE
Rom 8:28-30
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
NIV
It is an incredible thing to consider God, my Father works on behalf of me. He works for my good; He employs His power for my benefit. Now does that mean I am always going to be laying in a bed of roses? I think not! No, just because he works on my behalf, does not imply to me all will always be that bed of roses, but that God brings things into my life in order to improve me, in order to conform me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This may require a hardship from time to time, or a situation that is not entirely pleasant. When those do happen, how do I respond? Do I see them as God working in me on my behalf, giving me the opportunity to grow into the likeness of Christ? Or do I complain and grumble, asking for relief and that bed of roses? I must remember I have been invited by God to be His son and to be available for His purpose, not mine. He has called, or invited me, alone with all others, to be His and to be conformed into the image of Christ, it really is not about me, and it truly is all about Him. Lord Help me, empower me, enlighten my mind and heart to see your work in me and to understand your purpose.
ROMANS
PURPOSE
Rom 8:28-30
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
NIV
It is an incredible thing to consider God, my Father works on behalf of me. He works for my good; He employs His power for my benefit. Now does that mean I am always going to be laying in a bed of roses? I think not! No, just because he works on my behalf, does not imply to me all will always be that bed of roses, but that God brings things into my life in order to improve me, in order to conform me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This may require a hardship from time to time, or a situation that is not entirely pleasant. When those do happen, how do I respond? Do I see them as God working in me on my behalf, giving me the opportunity to grow into the likeness of Christ? Or do I complain and grumble, asking for relief and that bed of roses? I must remember I have been invited by God to be His son and to be available for His purpose, not mine. He has called, or invited me, alone with all others, to be His and to be conformed into the image of Christ, it really is not about me, and it truly is all about Him. Lord Help me, empower me, enlighten my mind and heart to see your work in me and to understand your purpose.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Help
DEVOTION
ROMANS
HELP
Rom 8:26-27
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
NIV
So often, as a human being, I do not ask for help from others. Is it pride which forces me into this condition? I can do it myself, I know how to do so much and if I do not know, I will teach myself, I will learn how, God gave me a brain, I should use it. All that is who I am, He made me this way, why should I struggle with myself and ask others for help when I cannot do something myself. Am I afraid of rejection, they will tell me they do not have the time or some other excuse and then I will find out they are not really friends. I do not know. But am I doing that same thing with the Spirit? I surely know He is my friend, no doubt about it, but I cannot help feel He will not help unless I ask. I must go to Him; I must know that I do not even know what to pray for at times. I want God’s will, I want to do want God wants, but there are times, Oh Holy Spirit pray through me for that which I should do. I absolutely need the Spirits help to not only guide me, but to pray for me, to intercede before the very throne of God for me. To have Jesus as my advocate is a wonderful thing, but here I see the Holy Spirit also serves as a second advocate, working, praying on my behalf, and doing so totaling and completely within the will of the Father. At times, I am sure I pray for things that may not be completely within His will, but the Spirit never fails to. Praise God for His Spirit.
ROMANS
HELP
Rom 8:26-27
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
NIV
So often, as a human being, I do not ask for help from others. Is it pride which forces me into this condition? I can do it myself, I know how to do so much and if I do not know, I will teach myself, I will learn how, God gave me a brain, I should use it. All that is who I am, He made me this way, why should I struggle with myself and ask others for help when I cannot do something myself. Am I afraid of rejection, they will tell me they do not have the time or some other excuse and then I will find out they are not really friends. I do not know. But am I doing that same thing with the Spirit? I surely know He is my friend, no doubt about it, but I cannot help feel He will not help unless I ask. I must go to Him; I must know that I do not even know what to pray for at times. I want God’s will, I want to do want God wants, but there are times, Oh Holy Spirit pray through me for that which I should do. I absolutely need the Spirits help to not only guide me, but to pray for me, to intercede before the very throne of God for me. To have Jesus as my advocate is a wonderful thing, but here I see the Holy Spirit also serves as a second advocate, working, praying on my behalf, and doing so totaling and completely within the will of the Father. At times, I am sure I pray for things that may not be completely within His will, but the Spirit never fails to. Praise God for His Spirit.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Hoping
DEVOTION
ROMANS
HOPING
Rom 8:22-25
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Is not this the hope of all people? It is at least my hope, and that I am assured. But I cannot help but think as a child, how I hoped I would get a certain something for Christmas from Santa. One year it was a gas station, oh boy, that was all my little mind could think about. I wanted that gas station more than anything in the whole wide world, and I what an awesome feeling it was to rip off that paper and find my gas station. But what happened, do I not hope for the redemption of my body with the same degree of anticipation? I surely should and even more so, yet why do I not spend every waking moment completely enveloped in that thought. How do I get so easily distracted by the things of this world, things which have absolutely no power to redeem my body, in fact, things that serve just the opposite. What does it mean to groan inwardly? I hate the things I do that I should not, I know how Paul felt, I do groan inside over my inability to remain completely pure and holy within my own power. I know I have the Holy Spirit to empower me, and if I seek his power I have it, and my hope is sure. I know I should be patient regarding the coming of my Lord, the redemption of my body, and the awaiting Glory, yet I yearn for it to come, hoping I can overcome, hoping I can be the man God desires me to be. Help me Lord. I want to tear open that wrapping paper now, and find the redemption I am hoping for.
ROMANS
HOPING
Rom 8:22-25
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Is not this the hope of all people? It is at least my hope, and that I am assured. But I cannot help but think as a child, how I hoped I would get a certain something for Christmas from Santa. One year it was a gas station, oh boy, that was all my little mind could think about. I wanted that gas station more than anything in the whole wide world, and I what an awesome feeling it was to rip off that paper and find my gas station. But what happened, do I not hope for the redemption of my body with the same degree of anticipation? I surely should and even more so, yet why do I not spend every waking moment completely enveloped in that thought. How do I get so easily distracted by the things of this world, things which have absolutely no power to redeem my body, in fact, things that serve just the opposite. What does it mean to groan inwardly? I hate the things I do that I should not, I know how Paul felt, I do groan inside over my inability to remain completely pure and holy within my own power. I know I have the Holy Spirit to empower me, and if I seek his power I have it, and my hope is sure. I know I should be patient regarding the coming of my Lord, the redemption of my body, and the awaiting Glory, yet I yearn for it to come, hoping I can overcome, hoping I can be the man God desires me to be. Help me Lord. I want to tear open that wrapping paper now, and find the redemption I am hoping for.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Glory
DEVOTION
ROMANS
GLORY
Rom 8:18-21
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. NIV
Whenever I peer into myself, I see absolutely nothing which compares to the glory of God. Now, of course I am to reflect him to the world, and I hope that my life resembles his character in some way, but my life, our lives are nothing, but a vapor in comparison to the eternal glory of God. It certainly appears these verses explain to me, the whole world is watching and waiting for something to happen, but how can that be? If only the world would understand, that is those who refuse to acknowledge God as their God, the pagans, the unsaved, and the non-believers, that God is the creator of the Universe and of them. If only they would acknowledge the truth and knowledge of God he placed within them from the beginning of time. But still without their even knowing it they are waiting for the sons of God to be revealed. I am so glad the Holy Spirit was able to wade through all the junk in my life, all the confusion, all the defiance for organized religion and even for God himself. Where would I be if it was not for His gentle voice calling me from the darkness into His light? I am convinced I would already be dead, and condemned to perish if He had not gotten through my thick mind and dull, even perhaps dead spirit. My life would have amounted to nothing, and still even being one of His now, my life hardly compares to what it will be in eternity. Praise God, Glory to God in the Highest. I am so grateful He is God.
ROMANS
GLORY
Rom 8:18-21
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. NIV
Whenever I peer into myself, I see absolutely nothing which compares to the glory of God. Now, of course I am to reflect him to the world, and I hope that my life resembles his character in some way, but my life, our lives are nothing, but a vapor in comparison to the eternal glory of God. It certainly appears these verses explain to me, the whole world is watching and waiting for something to happen, but how can that be? If only the world would understand, that is those who refuse to acknowledge God as their God, the pagans, the unsaved, and the non-believers, that God is the creator of the Universe and of them. If only they would acknowledge the truth and knowledge of God he placed within them from the beginning of time. But still without their even knowing it they are waiting for the sons of God to be revealed. I am so glad the Holy Spirit was able to wade through all the junk in my life, all the confusion, all the defiance for organized religion and even for God himself. Where would I be if it was not for His gentle voice calling me from the darkness into His light? I am convinced I would already be dead, and condemned to perish if He had not gotten through my thick mind and dull, even perhaps dead spirit. My life would have amounted to nothing, and still even being one of His now, my life hardly compares to what it will be in eternity. Praise God, Glory to God in the Highest. I am so grateful He is God.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Son
DEVOTION
ROMANS
SON
Rom 8:12-17
12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation — but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. NIV
I think of all the validation of our heritage we do, and the importance we place on our forefathers, such as my Grandfather Carl Frederick Saurbier, born in Bremen Germany, and my Grandfather David Westerwelle of the Westerwelles of Southern Germany. I am the son of my father and as my son is already in the presence of God, I stand at the last of the line of my family name here on this Earth, save some cousin. Yet as important as these past men were to whom I am today, the one almighty Father has declared me to be His son. I have been claimed and named by God and as His son, and how powerful is that! Although only a limited amount of items were bequeathed to me by my Grandpa Saurbier and a few items passed on to me from my Grandpa Westerwelle, I have an untold fortune and future as a co-heir of Jesus Christ. I am a son of my Father, this now is my new identity, my new family name, my new heritage, my new lineage and it is this which I should place the greatest amount of importance upon. Yes, I have an Earthly beginning and history but I have a Heavenly ending and future as one of the sons of my Father, God almighty, creator of all things made. I will share in his glory, Hallelujah!
ROMANS
SON
Rom 8:12-17
12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation — but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. NIV
I think of all the validation of our heritage we do, and the importance we place on our forefathers, such as my Grandfather Carl Frederick Saurbier, born in Bremen Germany, and my Grandfather David Westerwelle of the Westerwelles of Southern Germany. I am the son of my father and as my son is already in the presence of God, I stand at the last of the line of my family name here on this Earth, save some cousin. Yet as important as these past men were to whom I am today, the one almighty Father has declared me to be His son. I have been claimed and named by God and as His son, and how powerful is that! Although only a limited amount of items were bequeathed to me by my Grandpa Saurbier and a few items passed on to me from my Grandpa Westerwelle, I have an untold fortune and future as a co-heir of Jesus Christ. I am a son of my Father, this now is my new identity, my new family name, my new heritage, my new lineage and it is this which I should place the greatest amount of importance upon. Yes, I have an Earthly beginning and history but I have a Heavenly ending and future as one of the sons of my Father, God almighty, creator of all things made. I will share in his glory, Hallelujah!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Belonging
DEVOTION
ROMANS
BELONGING
Rom 8:9-11
9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
NIV
Yes, it is true, I do belong to Christ. Yes it is true; I am not controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit. Yes it is true; the Spirit of God does live in me. But it is also true I have not yet been able to overcome sin completely. How can that be? My body is dead, but my spirit is alive. Does this mean I can separate the body and the spirit? I don’t think so, No I am a whole complete being, body soul and spirit, made in the image of God, by God and for God. I have been, my body, has been raised from the dead, the dead which was a result of being controlled by my sinful nature. This control was complete and total, having its way in every aspect of my life, but that is dead, it died because of sin, and now I have been raised from the dead, and made alive with Christ. I am now controlled by the Spirit, but even so, is he not strong enough to keep me from falling so often? How can I fall as often as I do, if I am controlled by Him? The point is the Greek does not use the word controlled, it merely states “in the body, or in the Spirit”. So, it seems to me, it is who do I have a relationship with, my body or the Spirit of God? Who do I live for, my body or the Spirit? I choose to live for the Spirit and He is making my body alive, or revitalizing my body through our relationship. This is a process which does take time, it is a journey, but I do belong to him and not to myself, that was my first step on a long journey, a journey that will take all my life here on earth to complete.
ROMANS
BELONGING
Rom 8:9-11
9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
NIV
Yes, it is true, I do belong to Christ. Yes it is true; I am not controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit. Yes it is true; the Spirit of God does live in me. But it is also true I have not yet been able to overcome sin completely. How can that be? My body is dead, but my spirit is alive. Does this mean I can separate the body and the spirit? I don’t think so, No I am a whole complete being, body soul and spirit, made in the image of God, by God and for God. I have been, my body, has been raised from the dead, the dead which was a result of being controlled by my sinful nature. This control was complete and total, having its way in every aspect of my life, but that is dead, it died because of sin, and now I have been raised from the dead, and made alive with Christ. I am now controlled by the Spirit, but even so, is he not strong enough to keep me from falling so often? How can I fall as often as I do, if I am controlled by Him? The point is the Greek does not use the word controlled, it merely states “in the body, or in the Spirit”. So, it seems to me, it is who do I have a relationship with, my body or the Spirit of God? Who do I live for, my body or the Spirit? I choose to live for the Spirit and He is making my body alive, or revitalizing my body through our relationship. This is a process which does take time, it is a journey, but I do belong to him and not to myself, that was my first step on a long journey, a journey that will take all my life here on earth to complete.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Being Stubborn
DEVOTION
ROMANS
BEING STUBBORN
Rom 8:5-8
5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. NIV
Being stubborn usually carries the implication of something not as good as being flexible, or open minded. But here it is, right up front in my face. Here is one issue for sure God wants me to be stubborn about. I need to have my mind set on living according to the Spirit, no open mindedness here at all. In fact the way I do have my mind made up, the Greek word actually implies, the way I am inclined to think, or the inclination of my mind, is the way I live. Now, this is quite different then slipping once and a while and doing something I shouldn't,yes this is quite different. Here I see I am the one who directs the content and direction of my mind. If my lifestyle is one of continually being engaged in sinful behavior, no doubt, I have made my mind up that is the way I want to be. On the other hand, if I live in a way that desires to do that which pleases God, then I have made up my mind to engage in that type of behavior. It is my mind which determines which, as I think so am I. So if I allow myself to think about the wrong things, then I will engage in those things, and thus I will have become hostile to God and not his friend. No, I must be stubborn about this, I must insist my mind think about the good and Godly things, and I must be extremely stubborn with myself, not with others, but myself. Now, I know, this verse says I need to allow the Spirit to control my thinking, yet I must retreat to the Greek once again to really grasp the whole meaning here, that it is again my stubbornness of having my mind made up, that I have an inclination toward the Spirit’s voice, which means I must still my mind, in order to hear the voice of God. If I am facing away from a friend, it is difficult to hear him whisper to me, but if I am face to face with him and intent on hearing his words then I will. I will remain stubborn, I want to hear God.
ROMANS
BEING STUBBORN
Rom 8:5-8
5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. NIV
Being stubborn usually carries the implication of something not as good as being flexible, or open minded. But here it is, right up front in my face. Here is one issue for sure God wants me to be stubborn about. I need to have my mind set on living according to the Spirit, no open mindedness here at all. In fact the way I do have my mind made up, the Greek word actually implies, the way I am inclined to think, or the inclination of my mind, is the way I live. Now, this is quite different then slipping once and a while and doing something I shouldn't,yes this is quite different. Here I see I am the one who directs the content and direction of my mind. If my lifestyle is one of continually being engaged in sinful behavior, no doubt, I have made my mind up that is the way I want to be. On the other hand, if I live in a way that desires to do that which pleases God, then I have made up my mind to engage in that type of behavior. It is my mind which determines which, as I think so am I. So if I allow myself to think about the wrong things, then I will engage in those things, and thus I will have become hostile to God and not his friend. No, I must be stubborn about this, I must insist my mind think about the good and Godly things, and I must be extremely stubborn with myself, not with others, but myself. Now, I know, this verse says I need to allow the Spirit to control my thinking, yet I must retreat to the Greek once again to really grasp the whole meaning here, that it is again my stubbornness of having my mind made up, that I have an inclination toward the Spirit’s voice, which means I must still my mind, in order to hear the voice of God. If I am facing away from a friend, it is difficult to hear him whisper to me, but if I am face to face with him and intent on hearing his words then I will. I will remain stubborn, I want to hear God.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The choice
DEVOTION
ROMANS
THE CHOICE
Rom 8:1-4
8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. NIV
Now, this is something I think I might be able to live by, the Spirit of life. It certainly seems to me, that I am faced with the simple fact God will not condemn me because I have agreed to accept Christ into my life. It was Jesus who lived and fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law, and therefore if I am in him, I too have already fulfilled them. I surely cannot do that within my own power and abilities. I surely have to understand I am not capable at all to live up to the standards set forth in the law. I must admit to myself, no matter how hard I try I cannot and therefore I am subject to the condemnation of the law, which proclaims me to be a sinner, and thus punishment by death is my end. But wait, there is more, it is not over, I can choose to live by the Spirit. The law could not set me free from the punishment of death, in fact, it caused that result in me, and so I really was left with the only intelligent decision to make, choose life over death. I am so relieved I made that choice, having to face death, and I must admit, I do not believe in eternal torment, but having to face the second death, the end of existing, was an unbearable thought. Praise God for sending Jesus, Praise God that Jesus did it completely right and was sinless and thus was able to become sin for me. Praise God I am saved.
ROMANS
THE CHOICE
Rom 8:1-4
8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. NIV
Now, this is something I think I might be able to live by, the Spirit of life. It certainly seems to me, that I am faced with the simple fact God will not condemn me because I have agreed to accept Christ into my life. It was Jesus who lived and fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law, and therefore if I am in him, I too have already fulfilled them. I surely cannot do that within my own power and abilities. I surely have to understand I am not capable at all to live up to the standards set forth in the law. I must admit to myself, no matter how hard I try I cannot and therefore I am subject to the condemnation of the law, which proclaims me to be a sinner, and thus punishment by death is my end. But wait, there is more, it is not over, I can choose to live by the Spirit. The law could not set me free from the punishment of death, in fact, it caused that result in me, and so I really was left with the only intelligent decision to make, choose life over death. I am so relieved I made that choice, having to face death, and I must admit, I do not believe in eternal torment, but having to face the second death, the end of existing, was an unbearable thought. Praise God for sending Jesus, Praise God that Jesus did it completely right and was sinless and thus was able to become sin for me. Praise God I am saved.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Powerless
DEVOTION
ROMANS
POWERLESS
Rom 8:1-4
8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. NIV
Why in the world would I want to subject myself to anything that was powerless? Yet here in lies the situation with many of my fellow believers. I believe I used to think the same way, that all those rules and regulations were there to keep me in line, to subject me to a certain format of living, to control my thoughts and actions in such a way that would make me appear to be a “good Christian” as well as make me feel “guilty” if I did not conform to them. I think I was actually in bondage to those rules, chained to them, unable to move forward with and for God. But I see here and agree those rules, the law as well as all those man devised rules are powerless to save me from death, if fact all they really serve to do is condemn me to death. I certainly am not offering myself to the actions of seeing how many of them I can offend, or break, or ignore for that matter, I am simply acknowledging to myself I cannot meet all those requirements, I am incapable of being a perfect human being and thus I am truly in need of a savior. Because I do not live for the accomplishment of the law or rules, I can. Because I have given my life to Christ, I can. He met all the righteous requirements and because I am in him and he is in me, I have as well. I am not condemned by them anymore; no I am a free man, to move forward and with my Lord
ROMANS
POWERLESS
Rom 8:1-4
8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. NIV
Why in the world would I want to subject myself to anything that was powerless? Yet here in lies the situation with many of my fellow believers. I believe I used to think the same way, that all those rules and regulations were there to keep me in line, to subject me to a certain format of living, to control my thoughts and actions in such a way that would make me appear to be a “good Christian” as well as make me feel “guilty” if I did not conform to them. I think I was actually in bondage to those rules, chained to them, unable to move forward with and for God. But I see here and agree those rules, the law as well as all those man devised rules are powerless to save me from death, if fact all they really serve to do is condemn me to death. I certainly am not offering myself to the actions of seeing how many of them I can offend, or break, or ignore for that matter, I am simply acknowledging to myself I cannot meet all those requirements, I am incapable of being a perfect human being and thus I am truly in need of a savior. Because I do not live for the accomplishment of the law or rules, I can. Because I have given my life to Christ, I can. He met all the righteous requirements and because I am in him and he is in me, I have as well. I am not condemned by them anymore; no I am a free man, to move forward and with my Lord
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Me Too
DEVOTION
ROMANS
ME TOO
Rom 7:14-25
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. NIV
What can I say, I know exactly how Paul feels as he expresses this reality, but I also must remember, it is not Paul alone who pens these words, but the mighty Spirit of God who has impressed upon him to write. God does know my heart, much as he proclaimed that David was a man after his own heart and yet David was anything from a perfect example of a man free from sinning. No, God does know me, and knows I desire to do that which pleases him, but fail because of the awfulness of my human nature. Granted I should never make a provision for myself, my old self, granted I should never be satisfied with those things I should not do, but do. Granted I should desire to be a Godly, holy person, in relationship with my Lord and doing that which pleases him the most. But I also must face the reality which is declared in these verses. I will not be perfect! Professing perfection, complete freedom from acts of sin, would simply be an act of sin in itself, spiritual pride, not counting lying, and being a whitewashed tomb and that is one of the worst, if I could number them in an order. How do I reconcile this behavior, I do not, but I have to recognize it is there. To deny it, to hide it from myself, for I cannot hide it from God, does more harm to me, then to deal with the reality openly and willingly before my Lord. So there it is, I am a human being, weak, and in desperate need of the free gift God offers, eternal life through faith and faith alone in his Son Jesus Christ.
ROMANS
ME TOO
Rom 7:14-25
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. NIV
What can I say, I know exactly how Paul feels as he expresses this reality, but I also must remember, it is not Paul alone who pens these words, but the mighty Spirit of God who has impressed upon him to write. God does know my heart, much as he proclaimed that David was a man after his own heart and yet David was anything from a perfect example of a man free from sinning. No, God does know me, and knows I desire to do that which pleases him, but fail because of the awfulness of my human nature. Granted I should never make a provision for myself, my old self, granted I should never be satisfied with those things I should not do, but do. Granted I should desire to be a Godly, holy person, in relationship with my Lord and doing that which pleases him the most. But I also must face the reality which is declared in these verses. I will not be perfect! Professing perfection, complete freedom from acts of sin, would simply be an act of sin in itself, spiritual pride, not counting lying, and being a whitewashed tomb and that is one of the worst, if I could number them in an order. How do I reconcile this behavior, I do not, but I have to recognize it is there. To deny it, to hide it from myself, for I cannot hide it from God, does more harm to me, then to deal with the reality openly and willingly before my Lord. So there it is, I am a human being, weak, and in desperate need of the free gift God offers, eternal life through faith and faith alone in his Son Jesus Christ.
Monday, April 19, 2010
But For The Law
DEVOTION
ROMANS
BUT FOR THE LAW
Rom 7:7-12
7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet." 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. NIV
Well, it makes perfect sense to me, or does it? If only there had never been a law in the first place I would not be aware that anything I do or have the desire to do would be an offense to the Holy God who established that law. If only he would have left me alone to enjoy the pleasures of living anyway I wanted to without any reason to think it was not a good way. But that is not the case; God did establish the law and this law served the purpose of making me aware of the horrendous style of my life. Maybe God thought that if he gave me these laws, I would see the goodness of them and abide within their framework, but no, they just pointed out how bad I really was and that instead of looking forward to life, I could only see death because of not being able to accomplish all of his law. So do I agree with the Word? Of course I must, because the law does show me I am a terrible unrighteous, unholy, unjust person, and it is, in fact, holy and righteous and good. So do I apply that same principle to all the rules and regulations of the denominational writings? They are righteous and good because they point out how bad I am? Do I fool myself into thinking they are there so I can abide within their framework, in addition to the framework of the law God established? I can do neither, but they both accomplished the same result, showing me I need Jesus and praise God for that!
ROMANS
BUT FOR THE LAW
Rom 7:7-12
7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet." 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. NIV
Well, it makes perfect sense to me, or does it? If only there had never been a law in the first place I would not be aware that anything I do or have the desire to do would be an offense to the Holy God who established that law. If only he would have left me alone to enjoy the pleasures of living anyway I wanted to without any reason to think it was not a good way. But that is not the case; God did establish the law and this law served the purpose of making me aware of the horrendous style of my life. Maybe God thought that if he gave me these laws, I would see the goodness of them and abide within their framework, but no, they just pointed out how bad I really was and that instead of looking forward to life, I could only see death because of not being able to accomplish all of his law. So do I agree with the Word? Of course I must, because the law does show me I am a terrible unrighteous, unholy, unjust person, and it is, in fact, holy and righteous and good. So do I apply that same principle to all the rules and regulations of the denominational writings? They are righteous and good because they point out how bad I am? Do I fool myself into thinking they are there so I can abide within their framework, in addition to the framework of the law God established? I can do neither, but they both accomplished the same result, showing me I need Jesus and praise God for that!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Released
DEVOTION
ROMANS
RELEASED
Rom 7:1-6
7:1 Do you not know, brothers — for I am speaking to men who know the law — that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3 So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man. 4 So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. NIV
It would surely seem a simply concept to grab a hold of, I am no longer married to the law, not because the law died, but because I did. It would also seem rather impossible for me to be married to both the law and the Lord thus being an adulterer in a certain sense. I suppose for the sake of self discussion, whenever I yearn and yield to some of the ways of the world, I could be committing adultery, but here it is all about the law. If I am trying to live according to the law, the law which would certainly include any set of written rules and regulations such as those devised by various denominations, I am certain to fail. Besides, how can I do that if I am dead, dead to them anyway? This is what I am reading here in these verses. So then I can have nothing to do with the law and all of its restrictions, for in doing so, all I can ever produce is death. But because I died and was released from that relationship I can have nothing more to do with it. I was raised from the dead so I could have a new relationship with God and thus because of it, I can produce that which is for Him. This is truly living by the Spirit, reading his Word, listening to His voice and allowing myself to be influenced by Him in such a way I reflect his character to others. Now, should I just live any way I like? Should I go ahead and do anything I want to? No, not at all, I should live according to the law of love and all that encompasses. But this is certainly not living by the law of men, but rather of God.
ROMANS
RELEASED
Rom 7:1-6
7:1 Do you not know, brothers — for I am speaking to men who know the law — that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3 So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man. 4 So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. NIV
It would surely seem a simply concept to grab a hold of, I am no longer married to the law, not because the law died, but because I did. It would also seem rather impossible for me to be married to both the law and the Lord thus being an adulterer in a certain sense. I suppose for the sake of self discussion, whenever I yearn and yield to some of the ways of the world, I could be committing adultery, but here it is all about the law. If I am trying to live according to the law, the law which would certainly include any set of written rules and regulations such as those devised by various denominations, I am certain to fail. Besides, how can I do that if I am dead, dead to them anyway? This is what I am reading here in these verses. So then I can have nothing to do with the law and all of its restrictions, for in doing so, all I can ever produce is death. But because I died and was released from that relationship I can have nothing more to do with it. I was raised from the dead so I could have a new relationship with God and thus because of it, I can produce that which is for Him. This is truly living by the Spirit, reading his Word, listening to His voice and allowing myself to be influenced by Him in such a way I reflect his character to others. Now, should I just live any way I like? Should I go ahead and do anything I want to? No, not at all, I should live according to the law of love and all that encompasses. But this is certainly not living by the law of men, but rather of God.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Bottom LIne
DEVOTIONS
ROMANS
THE BOTTOM LINE
Rom 6:19-23
19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV
In the business world companies concern themselves with the bottom line, which is the end result of profit for the sum of energy expended. Others have certainly said you will reap whatever you sow, using the farmer as their example. Now the application arrives for my own being, as outlined in the last portion of chapter 6. The old self, having been a slave to sin was receiving its fare due, it’s bottom line for the energy expended, death. For most people in that condition it would seem not a very good deal. Death does not appear to be the best bottom line for the life of any person. I believe most individuals spend a great deal of time, energy and money in an effort to achieve some level of fame and fortune within the span of their life time, yet if in the condition of the “old self, a slave to sin, their bottom line is death. When I turned away from sin, and turned to God, and if any others do that as well, then the bottom line changes dramatically and the profit margin has increased beyond the ability to count. Who can count the profit of eternal life? Who actually knows the extent of eternal life? Who can fathom the magnitude, the enormity of such a thing as eternal life? However, one thing I know for sure, it outweighs death by so much there could not be a scale large enough to balance the difference, nor a calculator big enough to figure the number, and in a world so consumed with the best possible bottom line, why wouldn’t anyone choose eternal life over death? I am certainly glad I did!
ROMANS
THE BOTTOM LINE
Rom 6:19-23
19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV
In the business world companies concern themselves with the bottom line, which is the end result of profit for the sum of energy expended. Others have certainly said you will reap whatever you sow, using the farmer as their example. Now the application arrives for my own being, as outlined in the last portion of chapter 6. The old self, having been a slave to sin was receiving its fare due, it’s bottom line for the energy expended, death. For most people in that condition it would seem not a very good deal. Death does not appear to be the best bottom line for the life of any person. I believe most individuals spend a great deal of time, energy and money in an effort to achieve some level of fame and fortune within the span of their life time, yet if in the condition of the “old self, a slave to sin, their bottom line is death. When I turned away from sin, and turned to God, and if any others do that as well, then the bottom line changes dramatically and the profit margin has increased beyond the ability to count. Who can count the profit of eternal life? Who actually knows the extent of eternal life? Who can fathom the magnitude, the enormity of such a thing as eternal life? However, one thing I know for sure, it outweighs death by so much there could not be a scale large enough to balance the difference, nor a calculator big enough to figure the number, and in a world so consumed with the best possible bottom line, why wouldn’t anyone choose eternal life over death? I am certainly glad I did!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Free at Last
DEVOTION
ROMANS
FREE AT LAST
Rom 6:15-18
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. NIV
Indeed this surely has been the answer I have been looking for all along, I am set free from being a slave to sin, and I now have become a slave to righteousness. But wait, I am still a slave, so how have I been set free? I remember the old Bob Dylan song “you have to serve somebody, you either serve the Devil or serve the Lord, but you have to serve somebody”. Could he have hit the nail on the head? I really am not free to simply just be, to “do my own thing” so to speak, would that not be serving self? And if my heart is deceitfully wicked, well then I certainly would not be serving the Lord, I might say I was serving the Devil. It is a matter of offering my “self” to something, or someone in this case and I must decide who. Oh sure, I accepted Christ and Oh sure I can say I am “saved” and act in all the right ways on the outside where everyone else can view my “good deeds” but what about on the inside, where it really counts? If I am truthful with myself, can I really face the truth about myself? Have I, am I lying to me? Do I tell myself I am a good Christian, hoping to be that which I hope to be? If I have been set free from sin, then I am free. Could this be the set free from original sin, but not personal sin? That is have I been set free from the condemnation of the sin I was born with because of Adam and yet have to struggle with the freedom of the sin I commit because of my weakness and inability to resist certain temptations? Yet these verses do direct my attention straight to that point. I must offer myself to one or the other. It is my choice and I choice righteousness. I have been set free!
ROMANS
FREE AT LAST
Rom 6:15-18
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. NIV
Indeed this surely has been the answer I have been looking for all along, I am set free from being a slave to sin, and I now have become a slave to righteousness. But wait, I am still a slave, so how have I been set free? I remember the old Bob Dylan song “you have to serve somebody, you either serve the Devil or serve the Lord, but you have to serve somebody”. Could he have hit the nail on the head? I really am not free to simply just be, to “do my own thing” so to speak, would that not be serving self? And if my heart is deceitfully wicked, well then I certainly would not be serving the Lord, I might say I was serving the Devil. It is a matter of offering my “self” to something, or someone in this case and I must decide who. Oh sure, I accepted Christ and Oh sure I can say I am “saved” and act in all the right ways on the outside where everyone else can view my “good deeds” but what about on the inside, where it really counts? If I am truthful with myself, can I really face the truth about myself? Have I, am I lying to me? Do I tell myself I am a good Christian, hoping to be that which I hope to be? If I have been set free from sin, then I am free. Could this be the set free from original sin, but not personal sin? That is have I been set free from the condemnation of the sin I was born with because of Adam and yet have to struggle with the freedom of the sin I commit because of my weakness and inability to resist certain temptations? Yet these verses do direct my attention straight to that point. I must offer myself to one or the other. It is my choice and I choice righteousness. I have been set free!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Dead or Alive
DEVOTION
ROMANS
DEAD OR ALIVE
Rom 6:8-14
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So, here I am, a dead man, but I am a dead man walking, not stuck in some box six feet under the soil. So how can I be dead? Because I died with Christ, is the reason and surely even though he died physically, I did not. So then my death was of the self. That is the person I was, the things I thought and did, as we say, the old self, the former self, the original self, the self who was born with original sin and engaged in personal sin as a lifestyle. That is who is dead, yet that is who is alive! No, I am a new self, a self who is alive with Christ, in a spiritual sense, at least. My physical being is still alive, and will die as well, but my spirit is alive with Christ, and death no longer has mastery over me as well. If this is the case, then those who are not alive with Christ, do they have to be concerned about not only a physical death but also a spiritual death, what does that mean? Yet the real truth of this verse, in context, does deal with self and sin. If the old, original self was both guilty of original and personal sin, then this new self must not be. If I am not longer living for self, then I surely must be living for God. That does sound good, but why do I still struggle with self? This is a question I must continue to ask myself daily.
ROMANS
DEAD OR ALIVE
Rom 6:8-14
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So, here I am, a dead man, but I am a dead man walking, not stuck in some box six feet under the soil. So how can I be dead? Because I died with Christ, is the reason and surely even though he died physically, I did not. So then my death was of the self. That is the person I was, the things I thought and did, as we say, the old self, the former self, the original self, the self who was born with original sin and engaged in personal sin as a lifestyle. That is who is dead, yet that is who is alive! No, I am a new self, a self who is alive with Christ, in a spiritual sense, at least. My physical being is still alive, and will die as well, but my spirit is alive with Christ, and death no longer has mastery over me as well. If this is the case, then those who are not alive with Christ, do they have to be concerned about not only a physical death but also a spiritual death, what does that mean? Yet the real truth of this verse, in context, does deal with self and sin. If the old, original self was both guilty of original and personal sin, then this new self must not be. If I am not longer living for self, then I surely must be living for God. That does sound good, but why do I still struggle with self? This is a question I must continue to ask myself daily.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Who is my Master
DEVOTION
ROMANS
WHO IS MY MASTER
Rom 6:5-7
5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. NIV
How many times can I ask myself this question? How many times within the context of this chapter 6 of Romans can I see the principle which defines how I am to approach my relationship with Christ and the result it is suppose to produce? Can I not simply serve myself, or must I either choose to serve sin or Christ? Is serving myself serving sin? I think so, therefore I must choose to do away with self in order to serve Christ and therefore be freed from sin. I must be united with him in a way that is like his death, that is, I must think of myself as being dead, I am, the person who served sin, no longer alive, and if that is true I certainly cannot serve a dead man, can I? But I also am united with him in his resurrection, a new me, a glorified me, a different form of me, a form of me that has been freed from the old form of me who was a slave to sin. So then I have to ask myself, if I have been freed from that old self, that old form of me who was a slave to sin, why then do I still find myself engaged in some form of sin? Why have I not become a perfect human being, in the exact same form as Christ, who I am united with? If my old self was crucified, died and was buried then am I a grave robber? Have I resurrected that old self? Or is all this metaphorical and both forms of me still actually exist within and thus that war which wages within is the result of me arguing with myself as to which master I will serve?
ROMANS
WHO IS MY MASTER
Rom 6:5-7
5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. NIV
How many times can I ask myself this question? How many times within the context of this chapter 6 of Romans can I see the principle which defines how I am to approach my relationship with Christ and the result it is suppose to produce? Can I not simply serve myself, or must I either choose to serve sin or Christ? Is serving myself serving sin? I think so, therefore I must choose to do away with self in order to serve Christ and therefore be freed from sin. I must be united with him in a way that is like his death, that is, I must think of myself as being dead, I am, the person who served sin, no longer alive, and if that is true I certainly cannot serve a dead man, can I? But I also am united with him in his resurrection, a new me, a glorified me, a different form of me, a form of me that has been freed from the old form of me who was a slave to sin. So then I have to ask myself, if I have been freed from that old self, that old form of me who was a slave to sin, why then do I still find myself engaged in some form of sin? Why have I not become a perfect human being, in the exact same form as Christ, who I am united with? If my old self was crucified, died and was buried then am I a grave robber? Have I resurrected that old self? Or is all this metaphorical and both forms of me still actually exist within and thus that war which wages within is the result of me arguing with myself as to which master I will serve?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Truely New
DEVOTION
ROMANS
TRULY NEW
Rom 6:1-4
6:1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. NIV
It always seems to amaze me how I cannot fully understand how it is I am truly a new creature in Christ. Or is it simply I now live a new life in him. This idea of saying “no to sin” does have a whole lot of merit. I did live my earlier life, before Christ was a part of me, free from any restrictions on my thoughts or actions. However, now that I died, metaphorically, with Christ and was raised from the dead a new person, I no longer live void of restrictions upon my thoughts and actions. I now live to serve and please my Lord, at least that is how it should be, but I fail to live up to those expectations and in doing so, how do I reconcile myself with this verse of scripture? Did Paul actually live completely free of sin? Has any man or woman lived completely free from sin, other than Christ? Or is it simply a matter of having the right intentions? I intend to live this new life, to have my thoughts and actions agree with God’s Word. I intend to study His Word and apply the truths to my own being, to incorporate them into my mind, soul, body and spirit. I desire to be a man after his own heart. I want to be the man God desires me to be. However, no matter how intense my intentions, I still fail. No, it must be more than Godly intentions, it must be actuality. I must ask myself; who is in control of me, God or me? Is this failure, this sin, I experience simply the old life resurrecting itself, or it is truly dead? It is, and I am living a new life, Praise God! This new life is a journey, one I now travel with God, growing and learning, listening and allowing Him to guide and direct my thoughts and actions. But, still I must make a conscience decision to live this new life. The rest of these verses in chapter 6 surely lead me to this point.
ROMANS
TRULY NEW
Rom 6:1-4
6:1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. NIV
It always seems to amaze me how I cannot fully understand how it is I am truly a new creature in Christ. Or is it simply I now live a new life in him. This idea of saying “no to sin” does have a whole lot of merit. I did live my earlier life, before Christ was a part of me, free from any restrictions on my thoughts or actions. However, now that I died, metaphorically, with Christ and was raised from the dead a new person, I no longer live void of restrictions upon my thoughts and actions. I now live to serve and please my Lord, at least that is how it should be, but I fail to live up to those expectations and in doing so, how do I reconcile myself with this verse of scripture? Did Paul actually live completely free of sin? Has any man or woman lived completely free from sin, other than Christ? Or is it simply a matter of having the right intentions? I intend to live this new life, to have my thoughts and actions agree with God’s Word. I intend to study His Word and apply the truths to my own being, to incorporate them into my mind, soul, body and spirit. I desire to be a man after his own heart. I want to be the man God desires me to be. However, no matter how intense my intentions, I still fail. No, it must be more than Godly intentions, it must be actuality. I must ask myself; who is in control of me, God or me? Is this failure, this sin, I experience simply the old life resurrecting itself, or it is truly dead? It is, and I am living a new life, Praise God! This new life is a journey, one I now travel with God, growing and learning, listening and allowing Him to guide and direct my thoughts and actions. But, still I must make a conscience decision to live this new life. The rest of these verses in chapter 6 surely lead me to this point.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Timing is Everything
DEVOTION
ROMANS
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Rom 5:6-8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
NIV
Although many great men of God have determined this right time as a moment in history when mankind was at its worst and it was the best time to have God show his love and redemptive power by sending his Son, I cannot help but to think of this as the exact right time in my life. It was a time when I was powerless to save myself from the inevitable end of my human life. The fact is, I was doomed. It was a time in my life when I was certainly looking away from God. This was no doubt a time when I would not say, but surely was a sinner. I would not admit it but I was an enemy of God. Now being that, God knew it was the exact right timing for him to intervene in my life and bring about the conditions in which he introduced himself to me. His timing was perfect; even though professed all the above, I was ready and open to his invitation. He always operates at just the right time.
Thank you Lord for loving me so much even though I did not love you, and refused to accept anything about you. Thank you Lord for being as kind and forgiving to such a person as who I was. Thank you father for your Son. Thank you for being on time.
ROMANS
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Rom 5:6-8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
NIV
Although many great men of God have determined this right time as a moment in history when mankind was at its worst and it was the best time to have God show his love and redemptive power by sending his Son, I cannot help but to think of this as the exact right time in my life. It was a time when I was powerless to save myself from the inevitable end of my human life. The fact is, I was doomed. It was a time in my life when I was certainly looking away from God. This was no doubt a time when I would not say, but surely was a sinner. I would not admit it but I was an enemy of God. Now being that, God knew it was the exact right timing for him to intervene in my life and bring about the conditions in which he introduced himself to me. His timing was perfect; even though professed all the above, I was ready and open to his invitation. He always operates at just the right time.
Thank you Lord for loving me so much even though I did not love you, and refused to accept anything about you. Thank you Lord for being as kind and forgiving to such a person as who I was. Thank you father for your Son. Thank you for being on time.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Character
DEVOTION
ROMANS
CHARACTER
Rom 5:3-5
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
NIV
Indeed, this is at the front of any meditation upon these words; it is not about my life, but his. To apply any of this to me, the suffering has to be because of Jesus, not because of me. This suffering is better described as pressure put upon me is some way, such as in Matt 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” There is also another condition in which this pressure is applied such as in James 1:2-3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,(or temptations) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Under these kinds of conditions it gives me the opportunity to stand firm and not waver in my convictions regarding Jesus and if I can do that it will prove what kind of person I really am. Not my personality, but my character, the person I am inside, the one only God can truly see. I must ask myself am I really the same person no matter what the circumstances I find myself in. Am I the same person when I am with unbelievers as I am when I am with fellow believers? Does my personality reflect my character, or does my character reflect my personality? Does the real me stand up all the time, no matter the outcome?
ROMANS
CHARACTER
Rom 5:3-5
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
NIV
Indeed, this is at the front of any meditation upon these words; it is not about my life, but his. To apply any of this to me, the suffering has to be because of Jesus, not because of me. This suffering is better described as pressure put upon me is some way, such as in Matt 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” There is also another condition in which this pressure is applied such as in James 1:2-3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,(or temptations) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Under these kinds of conditions it gives me the opportunity to stand firm and not waver in my convictions regarding Jesus and if I can do that it will prove what kind of person I really am. Not my personality, but my character, the person I am inside, the one only God can truly see. I must ask myself am I really the same person no matter what the circumstances I find myself in. Am I the same person when I am with unbelievers as I am when I am with fellow believers? Does my personality reflect my character, or does my character reflect my personality? Does the real me stand up all the time, no matter the outcome?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Path
DEVOTION
ROMANS
THE PATH
Rom 5:1-3
5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
NIV
There is without question a great work of God at the very core of these words. True, I have need of exercising my faith. I must go beyond the reality of what I can see, smell, taste, hear, and touch. I must go beyond those senses which give me the view of a reality in which I currently reside. I must use this faith; use it as a bridge to cross over from the reality of the dark city of sin in which I resided to the city of light and life. I had to step out and cross over to sit down at the table and sign the peace treaty with God. And when I did, and still do, having accepted the work of Christ on the cross for me, I was justified and I have peace with God. I am no longer his enemy and no longer can expect this wrath but rather have signed this treaty and now have peace. With this treaty and peace I have gained access to his divine influence in my life. A wonderful picture of the path we all should travel floods my mind. Now this is certainly something to rejoice about, being in the divine presence of my Lord and Savior, and as I am, I will continue to have the hope he is glorified.
I will rejoice in the hope he will have glory in the final outcome. At least that is want I tell myself, but the real question is: will I, when things may not be going well with me? I must answer that question in the next verses.
ROMANS
THE PATH
Rom 5:1-3
5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
NIV
There is without question a great work of God at the very core of these words. True, I have need of exercising my faith. I must go beyond the reality of what I can see, smell, taste, hear, and touch. I must go beyond those senses which give me the view of a reality in which I currently reside. I must use this faith; use it as a bridge to cross over from the reality of the dark city of sin in which I resided to the city of light and life. I had to step out and cross over to sit down at the table and sign the peace treaty with God. And when I did, and still do, having accepted the work of Christ on the cross for me, I was justified and I have peace with God. I am no longer his enemy and no longer can expect this wrath but rather have signed this treaty and now have peace. With this treaty and peace I have gained access to his divine influence in my life. A wonderful picture of the path we all should travel floods my mind. Now this is certainly something to rejoice about, being in the divine presence of my Lord and Savior, and as I am, I will continue to have the hope he is glorified.
I will rejoice in the hope he will have glory in the final outcome. At least that is want I tell myself, but the real question is: will I, when things may not be going well with me? I must answer that question in the next verses.
Friday, April 9, 2010
What isn't is
DEVOTION
ROMANS
WHAT ISN’T IS
Rom 4:17
the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were
NIV
What an incredible thought, to be in relationship with God who has the ability to call things that are not as though they were, is almost beyond my understanding. Yet I think of the fact he spoke all this, I live in, into existence from nothing. The Lord my God can make the dead alive, he can call nothing to something. So, how do I relate this to me, of what value, what lesson do I glean from this profound truth within this verse? Could it be that he calls me something I am not? Could it be he calls me righteous when I am truly not? If righteousness is the quality of state of being righteous, and righteous is acting in an upright, moral way, having virtue or being virtuous, then surely the only way God calls me thus, is because I believe him, it is because of what Jesus Christ did on that cross for me, and the fact I believe that is true, because of faith, not because I am actually righteous, not because I actually have the ability to walk one hundred percent of the time pure and holy, without failures, without sin.
God calls me that which I am not.
Thank you Lord, for your love and your forgiveness and your grace and mercy
ROMANS
WHAT ISN’T IS
Rom 4:17
the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were
NIV
What an incredible thought, to be in relationship with God who has the ability to call things that are not as though they were, is almost beyond my understanding. Yet I think of the fact he spoke all this, I live in, into existence from nothing. The Lord my God can make the dead alive, he can call nothing to something. So, how do I relate this to me, of what value, what lesson do I glean from this profound truth within this verse? Could it be that he calls me something I am not? Could it be he calls me righteous when I am truly not? If righteousness is the quality of state of being righteous, and righteous is acting in an upright, moral way, having virtue or being virtuous, then surely the only way God calls me thus, is because I believe him, it is because of what Jesus Christ did on that cross for me, and the fact I believe that is true, because of faith, not because I am actually righteous, not because I actually have the ability to walk one hundred percent of the time pure and holy, without failures, without sin.
God calls me that which I am not.
Thank you Lord, for your love and your forgiveness and your grace and mercy
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Faith or Law
DEVOTION
ROMANS
FAITH OR LAW
Rom 4:13-15
13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
NIV
So then why do I endeavor so diligently to observe all the rules and regulations of the Christian way of life? Is this not a form of law? Is this not making my reward in Heaven, or for that matter, my entrance into Heaven a condition of my being obedient? If that is true, then what is faith? Have I accepted this word as meaning the type of religion I am, or do I see this faith as simply the act of believing such as Abraham did? He believed God for the absolute impossible. Now that is faith, and so instead of being so concerned about whether I do or don’t do, I really need to believe God, I really need to trust God. Now of course I know I should truly try my hardest to live as he has instructed me, but I must not make that lifestyle into a law which I am in chains to, no I am simply a man, a flawed one at that, who believes God. Jesus has set me free, and once he has done that, I am free indeed. I should not put myself back into bondage to these rules and regulations that bind my faith like chains bind a prisoner to his cell. The law only shows me I am a sinner, and I that I cannot keep it, and I should experience his wrath, but faith tells me I can and I have experienced his grace.
ROMANS
FAITH OR LAW
Rom 4:13-15
13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
NIV
So then why do I endeavor so diligently to observe all the rules and regulations of the Christian way of life? Is this not a form of law? Is this not making my reward in Heaven, or for that matter, my entrance into Heaven a condition of my being obedient? If that is true, then what is faith? Have I accepted this word as meaning the type of religion I am, or do I see this faith as simply the act of believing such as Abraham did? He believed God for the absolute impossible. Now that is faith, and so instead of being so concerned about whether I do or don’t do, I really need to believe God, I really need to trust God. Now of course I know I should truly try my hardest to live as he has instructed me, but I must not make that lifestyle into a law which I am in chains to, no I am simply a man, a flawed one at that, who believes God. Jesus has set me free, and once he has done that, I am free indeed. I should not put myself back into bondage to these rules and regulations that bind my faith like chains bind a prisoner to his cell. The law only shows me I am a sinner, and I that I cannot keep it, and I should experience his wrath, but faith tells me I can and I have experienced his grace.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
No Counting
DEVOTION
ROMANS
NO COUNTING
Rom 4:4-8
4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 "Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
Now I know how to count, no doubt, and have counted the times someone has either offended me, repeatedly or hurt my feelings, or did not follow through on what they promised, or did not give me proper due, when I did something great. I think I am being a little over the top here, but I get the picture. I am not always able to forget and even at times not able to forgive. I might harbor feelings for a couple of days until God intervenes with that two by four upside my head. It is not easy for me, a mere man to not remember or count those times when others do hurt my feelings, or don’t pay attention to what I say or do something else I think they should not. It is not easy to always just let it go, not to say something back, or not to get hurt feelings. And I have to admit, if I do remember those times, it is a form of counting. I know better, but I think I still count in some fashion. I am sure glad, when I read these verses I am able to see my Lord will always forgive and forget my failures, in fact, he will never bring them up to me again because he covered them, not I, but he covered them. He will not count them, or count them against me. He reconciled himself to me. How great a love that is, and knowing I still cannot be the person he wants me to be all the time. Lord help me!
ROMANS
NO COUNTING
Rom 4:4-8
4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 "Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
Now I know how to count, no doubt, and have counted the times someone has either offended me, repeatedly or hurt my feelings, or did not follow through on what they promised, or did not give me proper due, when I did something great. I think I am being a little over the top here, but I get the picture. I am not always able to forget and even at times not able to forgive. I might harbor feelings for a couple of days until God intervenes with that two by four upside my head. It is not easy for me, a mere man to not remember or count those times when others do hurt my feelings, or don’t pay attention to what I say or do something else I think they should not. It is not easy to always just let it go, not to say something back, or not to get hurt feelings. And I have to admit, if I do remember those times, it is a form of counting. I know better, but I think I still count in some fashion. I am sure glad, when I read these verses I am able to see my Lord will always forgive and forget my failures, in fact, he will never bring them up to me again because he covered them, not I, but he covered them. He will not count them, or count them against me. He reconciled himself to me. How great a love that is, and knowing I still cannot be the person he wants me to be all the time. Lord help me!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
To Believe
DEVOTION
TO BELIEVE
Rom 4:1-3
4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about — but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
NIV
To believe God has always been the question at the heart of every situation. I know I believe, and yet do I seek to achieve the desired results of my heart on my own efforts? Do I pursue goals I have set for myself on my own strength and depend on my own skills, my own capacity to think and solve the obstacles which stand in my way? Do I even contemplate the concept of excusing my self-seeking efforts as using my God giving talents? Oh, true enough, God has blessed me with a great mind, as with everyone else, some much greater than mine. True enough, he has blessed me with some physical skills, the ability of using my hands to construct whatever I set my mind to design. So why should I not accept these gifts and consider all I do as a gift from God? Simply put, then it isn’t faith, at least faith in God, no it is faith in my own self. When I consider Abraham, he believed God for something that was utterly impossible in the physical realm. Abraham believe God to do that which he was completely unable to accomplish himself, no matter how smart, no matter how creative, no matter how skilled, no matter how rich he was. That is faith! Now the question which lies before me is; have I, do I, will I believe God with that kind of faith? Of course, the first and foremost consideration is I must hear from God, but once I have heard will I truly believe, even if I cannot see how it will be done?
TO BELIEVE
Rom 4:1-3
4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about — but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
NIV
To believe God has always been the question at the heart of every situation. I know I believe, and yet do I seek to achieve the desired results of my heart on my own efforts? Do I pursue goals I have set for myself on my own strength and depend on my own skills, my own capacity to think and solve the obstacles which stand in my way? Do I even contemplate the concept of excusing my self-seeking efforts as using my God giving talents? Oh, true enough, God has blessed me with a great mind, as with everyone else, some much greater than mine. True enough, he has blessed me with some physical skills, the ability of using my hands to construct whatever I set my mind to design. So why should I not accept these gifts and consider all I do as a gift from God? Simply put, then it isn’t faith, at least faith in God, no it is faith in my own self. When I consider Abraham, he believed God for something that was utterly impossible in the physical realm. Abraham believe God to do that which he was completely unable to accomplish himself, no matter how smart, no matter how creative, no matter how skilled, no matter how rich he was. That is faith! Now the question which lies before me is; have I, do I, will I believe God with that kind of faith? Of course, the first and foremost consideration is I must hear from God, but once I have heard will I truly believe, even if I cannot see how it will be done?
Monday, April 5, 2010
To Boast or Not to Boast
DEVOTION
ROMANS
TO BOAST OR NOT TO BOAST
Rom 3:27-31
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
NIV
Ah, the question at hand, how can I ever boast of anything? Do I boast of being a “good Christian”? Do I boast about how well I keep the faith? Do I boast about how exceptional I am at doing good works, or in fact that I do good works, even if they are not exceptional? Do I boast regarding my ability, with the Lord’s help of course, of resisting temptations? Do I boast about being able to “not sin”? Heaven help me, if I think I have anything to boast about at all. All I can say is that I have decided to trust in the fact Jesus Christ suffered on the cross for me, and because of that, because of what he has done, I am declared, by God, in right standing before him. Because I have faith in Jesus Christ and faith alone, not in anything I can do, or cannot do, but solely on Jesus. And in doing this, in this act of faith, I am in fact upholding the very law, which has condemned me.
Thank you Jesus!
ROMANS
TO BOAST OR NOT TO BOAST
Rom 3:27-31
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
NIV
Ah, the question at hand, how can I ever boast of anything? Do I boast of being a “good Christian”? Do I boast about how well I keep the faith? Do I boast about how exceptional I am at doing good works, or in fact that I do good works, even if they are not exceptional? Do I boast regarding my ability, with the Lord’s help of course, of resisting temptations? Do I boast about being able to “not sin”? Heaven help me, if I think I have anything to boast about at all. All I can say is that I have decided to trust in the fact Jesus Christ suffered on the cross for me, and because of that, because of what he has done, I am declared, by God, in right standing before him. Because I have faith in Jesus Christ and faith alone, not in anything I can do, or cannot do, but solely on Jesus. And in doing this, in this act of faith, I am in fact upholding the very law, which has condemned me.
Thank you Jesus!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
All Have, So He Did
DEVOTION
ROMANS
ALL HAVE, SO HE DID
Rom 3:21-26
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
NIV
Without question I must count myself in that small, yet so completely inclusive word, all. Yes I have failed him in the past, and as sad as it seems I cannot successfully complete all of the laws of God in the present or have much hope of doing so in the future. Of course this is not so God can show his great love for me. No, not at all, I dare say I do not fail him so he can be glorified. Should I continue to sin simply so his grace may abound? God forbid! I am totally convinced of this, yet I must also understand who I am, a man who has been declared right in God’s sight because of Jesus and what he did, not because of me and what I did, am doing or will do. I know I must yield my spirit to the Holy Spirit and he will give me the strength to overcome temptation and with his help I can live a life pleasing to God. But what does that look like? It is an image of a perfect sinless being, walking in one hundred percent obedience to God’s word? How can I do that? The self within me calls out to do otherwise. I know I have been make a new creature, the old is gone, the new in here, yet how come the old keeps haunting me? Will I ever become perfect here in this life? I like the way the New Living Translation says it:
20 For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. 21 But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight — not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. 22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
Praise God! I already have been made right in God’s sight
ROMANS
ALL HAVE, SO HE DID
Rom 3:21-26
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
NIV
Without question I must count myself in that small, yet so completely inclusive word, all. Yes I have failed him in the past, and as sad as it seems I cannot successfully complete all of the laws of God in the present or have much hope of doing so in the future. Of course this is not so God can show his great love for me. No, not at all, I dare say I do not fail him so he can be glorified. Should I continue to sin simply so his grace may abound? God forbid! I am totally convinced of this, yet I must also understand who I am, a man who has been declared right in God’s sight because of Jesus and what he did, not because of me and what I did, am doing or will do. I know I must yield my spirit to the Holy Spirit and he will give me the strength to overcome temptation and with his help I can live a life pleasing to God. But what does that look like? It is an image of a perfect sinless being, walking in one hundred percent obedience to God’s word? How can I do that? The self within me calls out to do otherwise. I know I have been make a new creature, the old is gone, the new in here, yet how come the old keeps haunting me? Will I ever become perfect here in this life? I like the way the New Living Translation says it:
20 For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. 21 But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight — not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. 22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
Praise God! I already have been made right in God’s sight
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Law Shows It
DEVOTION
ROMANS
THE LAW SHOWS IT
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
NIV
It certainly seems as clear as it can be, I can do nothing to make myself declared righteous. Oh sure, I can try my best to live my life in compliance with God’s law. Yes, I can abide the best I can to all the rules and regulations of the scriptures. No doubt, I can even consider all the rules of the church I attend and yet I am only left with one simply truth about all the law. It shows me, without any question in my mind, that I am a sinner. It defines for me my complete inability to successfully accomplish all those rules and regulations, even to the point of having the sin of spiritual pride, thinking for one minute that I have no sin. The laws single most important function as said here is to show me, to make me aware of my sin. Once I have arrived and accepted this condition, I have in fact responded to the Holy Spirit who has convicted me of my sin and now I know I must repent. Having done that, now the question; am I done with sin?
ROMANS
THE LAW SHOWS IT
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
NIV
It certainly seems as clear as it can be, I can do nothing to make myself declared righteous. Oh sure, I can try my best to live my life in compliance with God’s law. Yes, I can abide the best I can to all the rules and regulations of the scriptures. No doubt, I can even consider all the rules of the church I attend and yet I am only left with one simply truth about all the law. It shows me, without any question in my mind, that I am a sinner. It defines for me my complete inability to successfully accomplish all those rules and regulations, even to the point of having the sin of spiritual pride, thinking for one minute that I have no sin. The laws single most important function as said here is to show me, to make me aware of my sin. Once I have arrived and accepted this condition, I have in fact responded to the Holy Spirit who has convicted me of my sin and now I know I must repent. Having done that, now the question; am I done with sin?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Who is Righteous?
DEVOTION
ROMANS
WHO IS RIGHTEOUS?
Rom 3:5-9
5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8 Why not say — as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say — "Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved. 9 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
NIV
Is it not that I should try my level best to please my Lord, is it not that I should do all in my power to resist the Devil so he will flee from me, is it not that I should hold myself to the standard which God desires and deserves from me, yes, I should do all that and more. I cannot willingly evade what God demands simply to show his grace. I cannot tell unbelievers by my actions that I am allowing God to be forgiving or allowing him to show how loving and kind he is to me even though I am a disobedient son. But I am left in a dilemma, I am a disobedient son, I need his forgiveness, I am charged as one under sin. Yet the good news applies to me, I am saved by faith, not by my good or bad deeds but because of what Jesus did for me. Yes! Condemned, but redeemed! I must live as such.
ROMANS
WHO IS RIGHTEOUS?
Rom 3:5-9
5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8 Why not say — as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say — "Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved. 9 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
NIV
Is it not that I should try my level best to please my Lord, is it not that I should do all in my power to resist the Devil so he will flee from me, is it not that I should hold myself to the standard which God desires and deserves from me, yes, I should do all that and more. I cannot willingly evade what God demands simply to show his grace. I cannot tell unbelievers by my actions that I am allowing God to be forgiving or allowing him to show how loving and kind he is to me even though I am a disobedient son. But I am left in a dilemma, I am a disobedient son, I need his forgiveness, I am charged as one under sin. Yet the good news applies to me, I am saved by faith, not by my good or bad deeds but because of what Jesus did for me. Yes! Condemned, but redeemed! I must live as such.
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