Right Standing

Paul explains in Romans 4:1-12 that Abraham receives right standing with God because he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (v. 3). Abraham could not boast before God or claim his due because it was by faith and not by works that God did amazing things through him.

The Law requires works for salvation but the grace received by accepting Christ simply requires faith on our part. Our main focus should then be to put our relationship with Jesus ahead of our religious activity. 

This way of righteousness affects our attitude toward God. For it is through faith in His Son that this great power of the Holy Spirit is received. So believe you are justified by faith in Christ my friend, count your blessings, and turn your whole life around.

The law in the Old Testament is not set aside. Instead, it is followed more clearly through the promise fulfilled in Christ. Nothing is unrealistic if you believe God can do it.

My friend in Christ, set your sights beyond what you can see. Be determined and know that Christ has paid the price, giving you an unseen power which cannot be measured or weighed but tells you the right things to do.

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This day with You Lord, we are thankful for the freedom You give us in Christ. We are freed from the debt that limits our potential. With this freedom comes the responsibility to make the right choices as we receive council from the Holy Spirit in our daily activities. Help us to use our time and resources to honor You. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Live by Faith in the Son of God

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

As pointed out in the post “Way to Righteousness”, legal obedience does not make one acceptable to God but faith in Jesus Christ does and this is God’s way of righteousness.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God but can be justified freely by grace. Not by works but by faith in Christ. As in this song Embrace the Cross by Steve Green, let us replace every doubt or fear with a deep abiding trust in Jesus. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Way to Righteousness

As explained in Romans 3:21-31, legal obedience cannot make one acceptable to God but faith in Jesus Christ does. God gave the plan in providing a way to righteousness by presenting Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood – to be received by faith (v. 25).

The conditions for a person to be justified is faith in Christ Jesus is not by works but by faith. A person’s pride or boasting is excluded because a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law (v. 28).

God’s way to righteousness is not by legal obedience but by faith in Jesus Christ. It’s all about what Christ has already done to provide the clear path to victory. So, the victory starts with one small step; one small step toward Jesus and those who step ahead will find that they can get further than they ever thought we could.

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This day with You God, we want to thrive in faith by trusting in Your way to righteousness. We confess that we are not perfect, we accept Your forgiveness, and want to walk in the light. Your forever presence through the Holy Spirit continually recreates us so we are prepared for all the challenge ahead. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Romans and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection:

Romans 3:21-31

* Since legal obedience cannot make one acceptable to God, what will? Who takes the initiative in providing a way to be justified? On what conditions is a person justified? In view of God’s way of righteousness, what happens to your pride and boasting? Why?

Romans 4:1-12

* How does Abraham receive right standing with God (See Gal. 3:6-18; 4:21-31)? Why can’t Abraham boast before God or claim his due? How does this way of righteousness affect your attitude toward God? Toward good works?

Devotionals

Click on Image to Link to Devotional Index

 

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

 

 

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Far and Wide

Why live in a future of worry, restriction, & failure. Instead, receive God’s grace and accept Christ with the promise of the Spirit with a future of unity, peace, enthusiasm, freedom, power & victory. These are some of the thoughts brought out in this poem.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

More joys than stars
on a clear night
because with grace
the future is bright.

No more negatives
that held you back;
changing your future
with a winning knack.

Forward with the Spirit
in all that you do
for Christ the Savior
makes you all new.

One thing is for sure
and creates great joy;
the Spirit of Christ
is ready to deploy.

With the Spirit inside
and the Word as your guide,
the Good News of Christ
reaches far and wide.

Poem By Mark Shields – © 09-28-2017
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