Spiritual revelation
Scripture reading for July 8: 1 Corinthians 2
“But as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him”–these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-13
The kingdom of God is revealed to man by grace through faith. God’s Word is ‘God breathed’ by the Holy Spirit into our souls and brings revelation of reality that we can not see with our physical eyes or hear with our physical ears, or even imagine in our hearts through our minds. Just as man’s spirit knows man’s thoughts, so God’s Spirit knows God’s thoughts. Carnal man cannot know or comprehend God’s thoughts through his natural mind and senses. But God reveals Himself to those who are humble and teachable. To those who confess their sin and need of grace, God gives the grace of His Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Father’s Gift to those who receive His Son, Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we can know the fullness of the things God has given to those who love Him. Through the Spirit, we can know that we are children of God. (Romans 8:15-16) Through the Spirit of God, we are convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8) Through the Spirit, we are guided into all Truth and told things to come. (John 16:13) These are but a few of the many unseen and unknown benefits God has for those who love Him. Paul told the believers that he was imparting these truths to them through the Holy Spirit and that they would interpret them by the Spirit, being now spiritual through His indwelling.
Have you ever tried to imagine what heaven will be like and what God’s throne might look like? Have you tried to grasp your significance when you view the vast cosmos with many stars? Have you invited the Holy Spirit to reveal what your eyes cannot see or ears hear or mind imagine?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the amazing Gift of Your Holy Spirit in me. Thank You for all the many benefits that are mine in Jesus Christ. I invite You to continually expand my world view to behold those things beyond my sight, hearing, and imagination. May my vision cause worship and obedience. Amen.
Wise for salvation
Scripture reading for July 7: 1 Corinthians 1
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because you are in Christ Jesus, Who became for us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”“ (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Paul had founded the church in Corinth and preached there for about a year and a half. He and his ministry team along with Pricilla and Aquila saw great numbers of Gentiles come to the Lord in this pagan city, known for its idolatry and sensuality. Consequently, this church experienced many problems that Paul would address in this letter. He began by reminding them of their original place in that culture. Not many were among those considered wise and powerful. Many were counted as nothing and possibly were slaves. Others may have been sickly or invalids, considered as the weakest of that culture. The world view prevalent in that culture valued wisdom, strength, and powerful positions and titles. It was very similar to this day and our culture.
But Paul reminded them that God specialized in choosing the weak and powerless and marginalized and giving them a place in His eternal kingdom. In fact, in Christ Jesus, they had received wisdom from God as their Father. He had declared them righteous before Him and set them apart as those marked to rule in His eternal kingdom. They may have had nothing to boast about in the culture of the world they lived in, but in God’s kingdom they could boast that they now knew the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who created all things. In fact, they were now adopted into His forever family! This knowledge unlocked wisdom for salvation and eternal riches beyond all earthly gold and silver or power and position.
As you consider you own life and how you are perceived in this culture, are you among the wise, those considered ‘valuable’, or the powerful? If you could boast about anything you have or have accomplished, what would it be? Do you have the wisdom offered through Jesus Christ for eternal life?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Son Jesus Christ. My world view has been expanded and my place in Your kingdom has been revealed. I give myself to You to be used to further Your eternal kingdom and purposes. My boast is in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! Amen!
Guard your heart!
Scripture reading for July 4: Romans 16
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Romans 16:17-20
As Paul closes his letter to the believers in Rome naming many of them personally. He appeals to them as a brother in Christ, assuring them God knows their names. Watchfulness is encouraged because of those in the church that work against the Lord Jesus to cause divisions and create obstacles. Paul’s teaching of sound doctrine and the whole counsel of God would help them identify such threats to their unity and avoid them. They must recognize that there is a spiritual war going on and Satan, their enemy, wants to steal their unity and peace. Those opposing them disguise themselves with ‘smooth talk’ and ‘flattery’ to gain control. Believers keep their focus on the Lord and obey the Word of God taught to them.
Paul encourages them that the “God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” This statement helps us understand that deliverance from the spiritual battle requires a long obedience and daily walk of faith. This means that they become wise to what is good and stay innocent of evil. God is with them and for them, but they must do the walking out of His Word, trusting Him to defend them and give them victory. It is by faith through grace that we will stand after the battle is over. Paul rejoiced over them even now for their obedient faith. God rejoices with them and us!
Does your current world view help you understand the spiritual war that is happening each day? Are you gathering with other believers to encourage each other in the need for perseverance? Have you experienced or noticed those in the Body of Christ that cause divisions or deception through flattery?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for spiritual leaders like Paul who love the Church and appeal to believers to encourage them. Give me discernment each day concerning Satan’s attacks and those used by him to cause division and distort Truth. Use me to encourage other believers to press on to victory. Amen.
The Gospel Mission
Scripture reading for July 3: Romans 15
“In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience–by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God–so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the Gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the Gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of Him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”” Romans 15:17-21
Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle, one set apart for a mission. Paul’s mission was given to him by Jesus Christ directly, to reach Gentiles in places where no one else had gone. The means of this mission was supernatural power through the Holy Spirit. Paul preached the ‘whole Gospel of Christ’ by teaching God’s Word, preaching the Gospel, and being led by the Holy Spirit in signs and wonders. Satan’s grip on people was being broken and through the Gospel souls were saved from destruction and glory was brought to Jesus Christ.
Paul did not want to take credit for anyone else’s labor. He had an urgency from Jesus through the Holy Spirit to go where the Gospel had never been preached. He had God’s heart for the lost there who had never heard of Jesus and did not understand even that they were lost. His world view was shaped by Jesus’ calling and the Holy Spirit’s leading in his life. God was leading him and working with Him through the Holy Spirit to reap a harvest in the dark areas of the earth. Treasures of darkness brought glory to God.
Have you ever experienced God calling you to follow Him and reach the lost? How does your view of the world and God’s desire to reach everyone affect your daily activities? Do you rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to use you in preaching, signs and wonders, and reaching lost people?
Prayer: Father God, help me to have vision that gives me motivation and faith to fulfill the mission You have given all believers to go into the world with the Gospel. Teach me how to listen to the Holy Spirit and reach people who have never heard before. May all glory go to You now and forever! Amen.
Walking in love not judgment
Scripture reading for July 2: Romans 14
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” Romans 14:13-19
Paul was addressing those in the church that liked religious rules and traditions. Some believers in Jesus had come out of Judaism and still observed dietary laws. They judged Gentiles who were believers and ate anything. Others kept certain feast days in honor of God and judged those who did not. These outward traditions really did not affect their ability to follow Jesus in themselves. The bigger problem was the strife that this generated within Christ’s Body. Paul taught them not to pass judgment on one another, but to trust that God would straighten it all out on Judgment Day.
The key verse is, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Life in the kingdom doesn’t consist of rules or outward observances but rather is a matter of our heart. The King, Jesus, has given us His righteousness and now we all enjoy by grace a right standing in God’s family. Through the blood of Jesus, we have peace with God and are to have peace with our fellow believer. The kingdom is marked by the joy of the redeemed who have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and all His gifts and fruit. Because we are all on level ground at the foot of Jesus’ cross, we pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding of each other.
Have you ever experienced a judgmental attitude from someone in the church concerning your diet, make-up, or celebration of holidays honoring Christ? How did you respond towards that person? In light of Jesus’ instructions through Paul, how can you keep peace and mutually build up others?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s righteousness. Through the Spirit, remind me daily how to walk in love with other believers that may not live in complete freedom in manner of foods or drinks or outward appearance. Use me to keep peace and build up others. Amen.
Don’t resist God’s authority
Scripture reading for July 1: Romans 13
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he dos not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:1-5
We are born in sin. The underlying essence of sin is resistance and disobedience to rightful authority. Scripture makes it plain that all authority has been instituted by God. Authority is delegated by God to those He places in positions of authority. God ordains those in authority to protect the weak, innocent, and obedient members of society. He also empowers authority to restrain evil, rebellion and harm in those resisting authority. They are given power even to take life of certain law-breakers. Paul described this as being a servant of God’s wrath, avenging those involved in evil.
Resisting parents, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, or church leaders is resisting what has been established by God. Scripture directs believers to submit to those in authority. We are to honor and obey authority because we honor God. Those in authority are a protective covering supplied by God to the righteous, protecting them from wrong-doers. Paul clarified that we are subject to those in authority not only to avoid God’s wrath, but for conscience sake. God has placed a knowledge of right and wrong in us through conscience. We are to be at peace with God, our conscience, and authority.
What attitudes and actions display a resistance and disrespect of authority in our culture? Do you find that the view of all authority coming from God for your good is widely held by those around you? What are some ways that you might show honor to those God has placed over you?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my rebellion against authority. I find myself justifying breaking laws, speaking evil of those in leadership I disagree with, and even resisting You and Your Word. Thank You for Your patience with me to form new respect for Your authority and those you place over me. Help me! Amen.
Genuine love and service
Scripture reading for June 30: Romans 12
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:4-9
These last four chapters of Romans contain practical instruction for those who by faith have obtained right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul viewed the Church of Jesus as a human body with each member having different functions by God’s design and grace. Each person is different in their gifting and ability. These differences are necessary and designed by God to enable His Body, the Church, to function and fulfill His purposes. There are no gifts that are unimportant or to be looked down on. On the other hand, no gift is to cause pride or exaltation either. They are gifts given by God, not owned or earned by those having them. All are fit together by God into one Body with Jesus Christ as Head.
The bottom line is to live together with each other in genuine love and harmony. We are to serve one another and God with our giftings and giving and speaking and leadership gifts. We need each other and complement one another. We all have the choice of using our gifts or hiding them. God encourages us to use them to serve each other and Him. We must hate and resist evil and love and cling to what is good. Love in our hearts by God’s Holy Spirit empowers us with gifts and the heart to serve willingly!
Have you taken time to examine what gifts God has given you to serve others? Are you envious of the gifts of others? What steps might be useful today in your life to show genuine love for others in Christ’s body, the Church?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for making each of us special and different in giftings. Forgive me when I have been jealous or envious of others abilities and gifts. Fill me with the love of the Holy Spirit and help me to use my giftings and abilities to humbly serve others with joy. You are worthy of my service! Amen.
God’s amazing mercy and wisdom!
Scripture reading for June 27: Romans 11
“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable are His ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:32-36
As we have been listening to God through the writings of Paul, we have been challenged to expand our world view to see God’s grand vision of showing mercy to all men and women, Jew or Gentile. All people are shut away from God through disobedience. The Jews have broken God’s law and covenant. The Gentiles have violated God’s laws known through conscience. Not one person has right standing before God through their own effort or works. We humbly come to God as debtors needing mercy and grace.
No religion of man or wisdom of man can add to what God has planned and accomplished in Jesus. God stands above all in wisdom. His ways are holy and just. He is merciful and mighty. He has created all things and all things belong to Him. He needs nothing but deserves all glory and honor forever and ever! His people can only fall down in worship and adoration at the free gift of salvation through Jesus the Christ. All creation owes its existence to the One Who created it all and holds it together by His powerful Word. All creation awaits the final revelation of God’s Glory in His Son as King of kings and Lord of lords!
How has God expanded your world view through hearing His Word? How have you responded to God’s revelation of His wisdom and mercy through Jesus Christ? Do you regularly worship God and gather with His redeemed people to expand your understanding of this Amazing God we know and love?
Prayer: Father God, I worship You and adore You as Creator, giver of the Good News, the Source of all wisdom and power. I have nothing to offer You, but my sincere praise, my heart as Your domain, and my feet to go into Your world and share Your Good news. To You be all glory and praise, now and forever. Amen.
Confess and believe
Scripture reading for June 26: Romans 10
“But what does it say? “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the Word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For “everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.”” Romans 10:8-13
Scripture teaches us that our words have power. What we believe in our hearts will flow out of us in the words that we speak. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) This is how we were made by God in His image. God’s Word has power of death and life as well. The ‘Word” of faith in Jesus is meant to bring eternal life. When rejected, God’s Word becomes our judge at the final judgment, producing the penalty of the second death. (the Lake of Fire)
God has chosen that by the preaching of His Gospel message, sinners would be saved when they believe. (Romans 10:14-17) He sends His people, believers, to go into all the world and preach to everyone. When we hear the Gospel message, it has power from God to produce salvation if we choose to believe in our hearts. When we truly believe God’s Word in Jesus, we will then confess with our mouths that “Jesus is Lord!” We will believe that God raised Him from the dead and that He is King and Lord of His kingdom forever. This understanding by faith produces eternal life in us. God promises that everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved! Amen!
How was the Word of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, presented to you? Do you know that you believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son, raised from the dead? Have you confessed publicly that “Jesus Christ is Lord?” Have you been baptized in water after believing? (a public confession)
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending believers to preach the Gospel message to me. I received that message in my heart and believed that Your raised Jesus from the dead. I confess again today that “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior! Send me to preach the Gospel today that all may believe and confess. Amen!
Righteousness by faith
Scripture reading for June 25: Romans 9
“What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offense; and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 9:30-33
Righteousness simply means to have right standing before God. The Gentiles have God’s law through nature and conscience. They know that they are eternal beings because God has put eternity in man’s heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) The Jews had God’s law through Moses and did not keep it. Because they had a sin nature from Adam, they fell under condemnation for breaking God’s law. Because all men and women, from Adam and Eve until today have sinned before God, no one can have righteousness through perfect obedience of God’ law as Jews or following conscience as Gentiles. Truly, all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory and perfection. We cannot stand on our own in the final judgment.
God provided sacrifices that would temporarily cover man’s sin and give them relief from condemnation by faith in God’s mercy through their obedience. The only way of obtaining righteousness for sinful man is to come to God by faith and ask for forgiveness and mercy. The Jews failed to pursue righteousness by faith and instead tried to work to keep God’s law. Their own sin natures brought failure and condemnation. But God provided the final and only Sacrifice for sins and sinners in His Son, Jesus Christ. He was born a Jew and was placed by God among the Jews. Many Jews refused to come to Him by faith and will be put to shame. But for all who receive Him, their condemnation is removed and adoption results!
Have you ever tried to be good enough to be accepted by God through religious practice or good works? Have you stumbled over the Gospel of Grace through faith in Jesus Christ or have you found adoption and forgiveness through Him? Do you have confidence for righteousness now and at the judgment?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for removing my condemnation and giving me Christ’s righteousness by faith. I have confidence through faith in Your promise of eternal life through trusting in Jesus Christ. Use me to testify to Your amazing Gift of right standing before You now and at the final judgment. Amen.