Children of God
Scripture reading for June 24: Romans 8
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:12-17
Paul described those he wrote to and himself as debtors to God for the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit and salvation from sin and its penalty. The Holy Spirit now empowered them with true freedom. There was no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus concerning past sins or sins that may even now be committed. There was mercy and forgiveness available through Jesus Christ from the law of sin and it’s penalty of death and eternal separation from God. All believers are debtors to Jesus Christ, God the Father. There is nothing we can do to repay God, however, but to say “Thanks be to God!”
Paul plainly told these Roman believers about the wonderful Gift of the Holy Spirit that they had received as they repented of sin and trusted in Jesus Christ. They no longer were under bondage to their old sin nature that was bent on their death and destruction. They now were indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit Who would lead them in defeating the old nature. The Holy Spirit was producing eternal life, God’s very nature and life, in them. The Holy Spirit was a Spirit of adoption, bearing inner witness to each person that they were God’s child. In fact, the Spirit enabled each person to address God as “ABBA!” This word was an affectionate term meaning ‘Father’ or ‘Daddy.’ All believers are in the family of God and heirs of God’s gift of eternal life in abundance!
Have you ever felt that God didn’t care for you or want you in His family? How does this description of God’s provision of salvation through Jesus show His love to you? Have you felt the joy and freedom of knowing God as “Abba?”
Prayer: Abba! Father God! Thank You for Your great love demonstrated to me through the sacrifice of Your only Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the gift of forgiveness of sins and deliverance from condemnation. Thank You for adoption into Your forever family! Amen!
Thanks be to God!
Scripture reading for June 23: Romans 7
“So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.” Romans 7:21-25
Paul described for the Roman believers how he personally wrestled in his own body and soul with the sin nature that was exposed by being under the law. The law of God acted as a mirror, revealing the rebellion to God’s law within him. In his mind, Paul wanted to do right and obey God’s law. In fact, he was a zealous Pharisee who delighted in God’s law. But he found a war going on within the members of his body that wanted to do evil and break God’s law. He felt like a captive in his own body to the appetites of his flesh, defeated in fulfilling his desire to do right. He was a wretched man under bondage to his flesh. Who would be able to deliver him?
Paul answered his own question: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” It is through faith in Jesus Christ that the old sin nature in our members is defeated. God’s gift to us is Christ’s righteousness and the indwelling Holy Spirit Who leads us in triumph and applies Christ’s blood to our sins and eliminates guilt. Through the Spirit we put to death the old nature and find freedom. The Spirit reveals God’s Word and nature to us and in us as we humbly confess our sins and ask for mercy and power. The Spirit gives us understanding that we are God’s children and His love is shed abroad in our hearts! The Spirit brings the gifts and fruit that transform us into witnesses of Christ’s resurrection power.
Have you ever experienced what Paul describes as a war inside him between the desire to do good and evil present? Were you able to make the changes in yourself to defeat the evil desires from victory? Describe your “Thanks be to God” moment that helped you to victory.
Prayer: Father God, thanks be to You and Jesus Christ my Lord for the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Through Your Spirit, I am daily finding new freedom to walk in victory through humble dependence and obeying Your Word. Fill me with the Holy Spirit afresh today and use me to witness to a wretched soul. Amen.
Set free!
Scripture reading for June 20: Romans 6
“What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and , having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:15-18
Paul was ministering and teaching in the Roman culture where human slavery was part. Paul used the example of slavery to teach about the transformation of our souls from slavery to sin in our fallen state to slavery to righteousness when we repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Paul reasoned that we are slaves to the one we obey. If we are under ‘sin’ as our master, we choose to obey our appetites and partake of whatever they demand. The ‘wages’ of sin is death and eternal separation from God and His mercy. But if we repent of this slavery to sin, and choose to cast ourselves on the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, we are given grace and forgiveness of those sins. The reward of repentance and obedience to Jesus is eternal life. (Romans 6:23)
Some were saying, that since grace was freely available, those who obtained grace should be free to go on sinning so that God could offer more grace. (Romans 6:1-2) “By no means” was Paul’s reply to these who were justifying their disobedience because of grace. When we have been set free from sin, we ‘die’ to our old slave nature and we now choose to become “slaves of righteousness” and live by the power of the Spirit in obedience to God’s Word. Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed to live in righteousness!
Have you ever realized that you were in slavery to sin in some aspect of your life? What form did this slavery take? Have you been set free from the slavery to sin? How did this freedom affect your daily life and world view?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Good News of Jesus Christ and the freedom from slavery to sin found in Him. I joyfully choose to give myself fully to love and serve Jesus and obey His Spirit leading me to obedience of God’s Word. I pray daily to be used to share this message of freedom with others. Amen.
Access to Grace by faith
Scripture reading for June 19: Romans 5
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
Faith works by love. God’s love poured into those who believe through the Holy Spirit provides a powerful rejoicing of faith. This faith knows and trusts that God is able to do what He has promised. This faith sees the ultimate goal of our soul enjoying God’s glory in eternal life. Faith enables believers to rejoice in sufferings for the cause of Christ. As we rejoice in sufferings, we gain endurance and this produces a strong character of righteousness and hope. Hope is the constant expectation of good coming from God’s hand to those who walk by faith, even in their suffering. We have peace with God!
This is the new world view of those who repent of trusting in man and self and begin to trust in God and His promises. Our vision expands our world from physical reality to see the King of Heaven and His glorious kingdom that has already broken into our world in Jesus Christ. Our vision gives us hope of a glorious future kingdom and the defeat of all our enemies and relief from the suffering. Our faith enlarges our heart’s capacity to love others and share the Good News of the King and His kingdom here and now available to all who will believe.
Are you currently standing in God’s amazing grace? What are some changes in your life since you have entered God’s kingdom by faith? Have you shared the gift of eternal life and peace with God with your own friends and relatives?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me peace with You and pouring Your love into my heart by the Holy Spirit. I want my family and friends to know this peace and rejoice in the hope of eternal life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today that I might love each person You place in my path with Christ’s love. Amen.
Faith counted as righteousness
Scripture reading for June 18: Romans 4
“He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in Him Who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:19-25
Paul was a Jew and a Pharisee who knew the Old Testament Scriptures and used them often to teach believers, both Jew and Gentile, concerning how to become right with God (righteousness). Paul used Abraham’s faith to believe for a son as an example for all. Abraham was not circumcised when God gave him the promise of offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven. (Genesis 15:5-6) But Abraham believed God’s promise. By faith Abraham gave glory to God and worshipped Him. Although looking at his own body and that of his wife brought a conclusion that they were past child bearing ability, Abraham chose to trust that God could bring about what He had promised. Abraham had ‘resurrection’ faith that God would resurrect his own body’s ability to procreate and that of his aged wife also. Faith brought results.
Paul used this example to encourage Jewish and Greek believers that God was still doing the same thing. God had provided that by faith in Jesus Christ the promises forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life for those that would believe would be fulfilled. Through faith it was ‘counted as righteousness’ for Abraham and the God Who never changes because He is holy will ‘count it for righteousness’ for anyone who places faith in Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life! Amen!
Have you ever tried to work for a place in God’s kingdom? Did you ever have doubts about whether you had done enough or that God was pleased with your efforts? How does receiving righteousness as a gift through simply believing God help you to have confidence?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Paul’s detailed teaching of Scripture explaining the way of faith. I hear Your promise of righteousness given or counted to me by trusting in Jesus Christ and choose to place my faith in Your Son and His ability to do what is promised. I rest in this truth and receive grace daily. Amen.
There is no distinction
Scripture reading for June 17: Romans 3
“Now we know that whatever the Law says it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it–the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, . .” Romans 3:19-24
Just as God is not partial, He shows no distinction between Jew or Gentile. The reason for this is that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God’s perfect holiness. The Jews have broken God’s law by disobedience. They had the Law and Prophets as their guide. Their sin was revealed by God’s Law, but not removed or fixed because a mirror has no power to change the reflection. The Greeks had the Law written on the tablets of their heart but they failed to obey God’s inner witness of the conscience. (Romans 2:15-16) They had blocked out their conscience and hardened their hearts. There is no distinction between the two as all have sinned and are under God’s judgment.
But God Himself provided a plan for all men, Jew or Greek, to be justified before Him. It was and is by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Whoever would come to God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice of His blood and life would be saved. This would cleanse their soul of unrighteousness and bring God’s Gift of His perfect righteousness through His Son Jesus Christ. God would give this gift without distinction to Jew and Gentile, slave or free, man or woman!
Have you ever felt that Jews or certain ‘religious’ people had an advantage over you in obtaining God’s favor? Have you faced the fact that you are a sinner who has to answer before God? Have you humbly acknowledged your sins and asked for the gift of grace and righteousness through Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Father God, I admit that I have sinned and fallen short of Your perfect holiness. I cast myself on Your Son Jesus Christ and ask for mercy and forgiveness. I receive by faith Christ Jesus as Lord of my life and my only hope of Your eternal glory. Thank You for showing no partiality or distinction. Amen.
No partiality from God!
Scripture reading for June 16: Romans 2
“For God shows no partiality. For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my Gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:11-16
In our sin-limited world view, we believe everyone is operating in some form of bias. People have different backgrounds and their upbringing, education, and experiences in life cause them to have certain biases. But when we examine God, Creator of all, we find that He is totally impartial. His knowledge is perfect about each person and situation. He is the One Just Judge, able to call perfect balls and strikes and bring justice for each person. According to Scripture, God has set a ‘Day’ when all men will be judged by God. This ‘Day’ will reveal all secrets of each person as they are judged for their actions and heart attitudes and held responsible for the Truth that had been revealed to them either through God’s Law or conscience.
Paul explained to the Romans how God will impartially judge each person. The Jews had God’s Law and were given instructions, not suggestions, about their conduct towards God and towards men. These would be judged by the Law. Gentiles, all others not Jewish, have God’s Law written on their hearts and the inner voice of God through conscience brings conviction of sin or affirmation of doing right. All people are without an excuse and God can and will judge each person based on the light that they have been given of revealed ‘Truth’. The ‘Good News’ of Jesus Christ is God’s plan to save each person from their own guilt through repentance and faith.
What areas of bias are you aware of in your own life or culture that you feel are unfair? Have you though about the total impartiality of God and one day having to give an account before Him? From Scripture, what is the only plea before God that will spare us from judgment?
Prayer: Father God, I am thankful for Your gift of forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Savior. I know that without grace, I would be found guilty of breaking Your Law and of violating my conscience. Use me to share the Truth of Your plan to help all escape judgment. Amen.
Called to belong to Jesus!
Scripture reading for June 13: Romans 1
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, Who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through Whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His Name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:1-7
The opening paragraph of Paul’s letter to the Roman church is one sentence in English! From this introductory sentence, we can gain insight into Paul’s world view and his calling and the Gospel message that he was given to preach. Paul received this calling in a personal encounter with the risen Christ while on the road to Damascus with warrants to arrest followers of Christ. He was included as an apostle through this special vision and the evident call and anointing to preach the Gospel among all nations.
Paul got to Rome through God’s providence and direction. His path was laid out for us in the last chapters of Acts. Paul received much grace as he endured several years in prison after false accusations by the Jews. He appealed to Caesar and was transported by ship during the stormy winter season. His ship wrecked, but God spared him and nearly three hundred others on the ship. Paul personally knew of God’s grace and calling and his love. He preached this grace through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Jew and Gentile, seeking those called by God to become saints–set apart for God’s will.
What aspects of Paul’s opening sentence have you personally experienced in your life? How would you describe your calling to become a saint, belonging to Jesus Christ? How would you describe Jesus Christ and the Gospel message? How does vision from God affect Paul’s world view and calling?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for personally calling each of Your children to belong to Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your great love demonstrated in the life and death of Your Son. Continue to unfold vision to me and each follower of Jesus Christ that empowers us and directs us to fulfil Your will. Amen.
Hard hearts block Good News
Scripture reading for June 12: Acts 28
“When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning to evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your father through Isaiah the Prophet: “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull and with their ears they can barely hear, because their eyes they have closed; let they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'” Acts 28:23-27 (Isaiah 6:9-10)
Paul was in Rome, having survived the long and interrupted boat trip. He was a prisoner under Roman guard, but free to visit with fellow believers and Jews. As a Jew, Paul always wanted to offer Jesus to them first. He called together the leaders of the Jews in Rome, explaining how he got there and scheduling a time to meet with them. On that day, Paul expounded to them Jesus, the kingdom of God, and the Gospel message. Some believed but others disbelieved. There was conflict with them concerning Paul and his Good News.
Paul closed the meeting with truth from the Prophet Isaiah and applying that Word to the Jews who refused to believe. They heard but didn’t hear. They saw, but refused to see. They had stopped up their ears and closed their eyes on purpose, not responding in faith but rejecting truth. Because of this, God could not heal them and set them free. Paul was now free to preach to the Gentiles in Rome. God had sent him there and provided each opportunity, although in custody and a prisoner!
Have you ever suffered with a hard heart that refused to listen to God’s Word or see God at work? Why are religious people often the hardest to reach with God’s Good News? Why do you think Paul was so direct in using Scripture to confront the Jews, knowing it would cause anger against him?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this record of Paul faithfully preaching the Good News to Jews and Gentiles. Give me wisdom and boldness to preach Your Word as led by the Holy Spirit to break through hard hearts and stopped ears. Help me to leave results up to You and pray for those not believing. Amen.
An angel’s insight!
Scripture reading for June 11: Acts 27
“Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to Whom I belong and Whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.”” Acts 27:21-26
Paul was a prisoner of Rome, being transported to Rome for trial. He was traveling by commercial ships from Caesarea to Rome. While on this journey, the ship faced some ill winds and a very stormy season approaching for travel on the Mediterranean. Paul spoke a word of warning to the captain, warning him of danger looming and the need to change plans. But why would a ship’s captain take orders from a prisoner? (Acts 27:9-11)
As they proceeded onward, a storm arose that buffeted the ship and lasted fourteen days and nights. Paul was praying and an angel of God spoke again what Paul had heard from Jesus earlier (Acts 23:11): ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Faith came to Paul and he passed this word on to all on the ship. Fresh vision brings faith and subdues fear. God is with Paul and because of Paul’s assignment and faithfulness, God will spare the captain and all 276 persons traveling on that boat! It all unfolded just as Paul had been told by God through the angel!
Has God ever spoken to you giving you insight about coming events or dangers? What effect did this heavenly word of knowledge have on Paul and those going through this storm? What was the world view of those on the boat before Paul revealed God’s plan and provision?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for timely visitations and words of knowledge. It is comforting to know that You always know right where we are and lead us through the storms of life or calm them. I offer myself as available to receive words of knowledge and to share them with those needing encouragement. Amen.