Read Romans 8
Highlights:
The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law (control) of sin and death (Rom. 8:1-17). Nothing that Satan can do can separate us from the love of God (8:31-39). Gentiles also are called the children of the Living God (9:23-26,30). Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved (10:9-10,13).
Through the convicting and illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, we are led to see how awful sin is (John 16:8-11). Only when a person recognizes that he is a sinner, unable to save himself and living in rebellion against his Creator God, will there be a godly sorrow that leads to repentance to salvation (II Cor. 7:10).
When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we receive the spiritual nature of God. This enables us to be filled with and led by the Spirit of God. Christians will sincerely desire: That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk (live) not after the flesh (in worldly ways), but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh. . . . the carnal (fleshly, earthly) mind is enmity against (hostile to) God: for it is not subject to the Law of God (Rom. 8:4-5,7). Consequently, if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (put an end to) the deeds of the body, ye shall live (8:13).
Therefore, sin must not only be confessed, but also forsaken: If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (10:9-10).
True repentance results in a change of our heart attitude which will manifest itself in our becoming involved in a local church when physically able. Many people join a church, attend worship services, give generously, or even attempt to keep the Ten Commandments, as the rich young ruler did (Matt. 19:16-22; Luke 18:18-23). Many such people assume that good works are sufficient for entrance into heaven. But, they only express a form of godliness . . . denying the power thereof (II Tim. 3:5). God is concerned first with what we are, then with what we do for Him.
The likeness of Christ will be seen in us to the degree that we yield to the indwelling Holy Spirit and allow Him to reign as Lord of our lives, controlling our thoughts, words, and deeds. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Rom. 8:14).
Thought for Today:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
Cross References:
For Rom. 8:36: See Ps. 44:22. Rom 9:7: See Gen. 21:12. Rom. 9:9: See Gen. 18:10. Rom. 9:12: See Gen. 25:23. Rom. 9:13: See Mal. 1:2-3. Rom. 9:15: See Ex. 33:19. Rom. 9:17: See Ex. 9:16. Rom. 9:25: See Hos. 2:23. Rom. 9:26: See Hos. 1:10. Rom. 9:27-28: See Is. 10:22-23. Rom. 9:29: See Is. 1:9. Rom. 9:33: See Is. 28:16. Rom. 10:5: See Lev. 18:5. Rom. 10:6-7: See Deut. 30:12-13. Rom. 10:8: See Deut. 30:14. Rom. 10:11: See Is. 49:23. Rom. 10:13: See Joel 2:32. Rom. 10:15: See Is. 52:7. Rom. 10:16: See Is. 53:1. Rom. 10:18: See Ps. 19:4. Rom. 10:19: See Deut. 32:21. Rom. 10:20: See Is. 65:1. Rom. 10:21: See Is. 65:2.
Word Studies:
9:15 compassion, grace, mercy, gentleness, loving-kindness; 10:21 gainsaying, faultfinding, contradicting, opposing.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Gloria Schmidt; and in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Officials: Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY), Sen. Richard Durbin (IL), Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA), and Rep. Tom Rooney (FL) • Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and Mandinka • Religious freedom • 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and call upon the Lord with assurance that He will answer if you pray with a godly spirit free from sin (Is. 58:9-11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:14
