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Romans 7 - Day 325 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Romans 7:14-25 Observation: Paul clearly delineates the struggle that all human beings have within themselves. Application: Although sin is a real part of our lives, for those of us who have a relationship with Jesus, we do not have to bow down to its control. As Paul notes, "sin is not our master" for Christ has conquered death and sin. Recognize the sin is there and simply repent (as often as you need to) and turn to God. Simple to understand but not so easy to do, and that's what Paul reveals in this chapter. Prayer: Lord, I trust in You and Your saving grace... Romans 6 - Day 324 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Romans 6:20-23 Commentary: Paul concludes the first half of this chapter with exhortations to refuse to allow sin to reign in us, and to offer ourselves to God instead, as instruments of His righteousness. Paul now continues by offering a rationale for following these commands. In 6:15 he asks a rhetorical question that forms the basis for the argument that follows in this section. Should we continue in sin because there is no longer any condemnation awaiting us? If the penalty of sin is removed, why not just go ahead and sin? Paul answers by addressing the issue in terms of slavery. He frames verse 16 as if the answer is obvious. When we choose to sin, our action has greater ramifications than we might realize. We are choosing to offer ourselves to sin instead of to God (6:12–13). In doing so, we choose whom we will obey—to whom we will enslave ourselves. Before Christ entered our lives, we had no choice—we were slaves to sin (17a), and that enslavement leads to death... In 6:23 Paul concludes the chapter with what has become a famous memory verse—but one I doubt is properly understood in its broader context. Paul appeals to believers not to return to their old lives, and he offers this statement as motivation to fight the urge to re-enslave ourselves to sin. In his parting shot, Paul forces us to consider what “wages” we will receive for our devotion. A life devoted to serving God leads to eternal life. This life won’t be easy, but we have the promise that being indentured to God will sanctify us and make us more like Him. The alternative is death—death is the “reward” for a life of sin. As believers, even though we have accepted God’s gift of righteousness by faith and we are delivered from the penalty of sin (6:1, 15), we still must choose where we will devote our lives. Paul challenges us to invest in a life that will pay the dividends that God intended.1 1 Runge, S. E. (2014). High Definition Commentary: Romans (p. 116). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press. Application: Late in the sixth century, Pope Gregory 1 took it upon himself to categorize "7 Deadly Sins" (pride, envy, wrath, gluttony, lust, sloth, and greed) that has enslaved humanity since the beginning. Thank God that we are no longer slaves to sin and are free in Christ. Prayer: Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you... Romans 5 - Day 323 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Observation: Step by step Paul leads us on this journey of understanding God's plan of redemption. Application: Rejoice, for we have been reconciled to God our Father. Regardless of what you are going through, remember that it is only temporary and that heaven is our reward for remaining faithful. So rejoice in the Lord, always. Again, I say rejoice. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for... Romans 4 - Day 322 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Romans 4:16-25 Observation: Paul explains how we are able to receive God's promises. Application: Some people refuse to believe in Christ because they have to "see it to believe it." Faith requires us to believe in what we can't see, and then miraculously, God opens our eyes and voila. Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. Romans 3 - Day 321 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Romans 3:20 Observation: Paul crafts a provoking argument of who Jesus is and why He came to die as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Paul explains that the purpose of the Mosaic law was to provide a standard by which human beings would be able to measure their morality. Without a moral absolute, what’s “right” becomes subjective to the individual. Application: Despite our physical or personality differences, human beings have more in common than we realize. We all need and want to be loved, have a purpose, and be at peace with ourselves and others. Sadly, we all have chosen to do things that we know we shouldn’t have done, which the Bible calls “sin.” Paul's argument is that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that’s why God gave us the bible - to teach us that everyone needs Jesus. Prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus for dying for my sins and reconciling me back to Your Father. |
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June 2022
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